Diminishing Pre-Pesach stress begins with knowledge of this basic principle: The Halochos of eating Chometz are very stringent, but the Halochos of OWNING chometz are much less so. Below are Torah scholars’ directives regarding owning chometz and cleaning for Pesach. (Notes in parenthesis and brackets are explanatory comments. Also, italics and bold are added for emphasis.) RAV CHAIM PINCHOS SCHEINBERG Zatzal, Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ohr in Yerushalayim, taught the following: If, during the year, chometz is not brought into a place, that place does not have to be cleaned out or checked for chometz The general obligation to check for & get rid of crumbs does not apply if the crumbs are less than the size of a k’zayis [an olive] and are dirty or spoiled enough to deter a person from eating them. (A kzayis is around 1/2 – 1 ounce.) The cleaning product (regular household cleanser) must spoil the crumbs (only) slightly, to the extent that people would refrain from eating them. Rabbi Barclay and Rabbi Jaeger, authors of the Guideline Halacha Series, write that there are two mitzvos connected to the possession of chometz: Not to see chometz or find it in one’s possessions (Lo Yeraeh and Lo Yemotzei) To dispose of it. (Tashbisu) According to Torah law, it is enough to either get rid of the chometz, or to declare it null and void. Our sages required both for three reasons: Our declaration should be sincere. We shouldn’t accidentally eat chometz (that’s lying around) In order that overlooked chometz be included. “If the chometz is dirty, then only a piece that is the size of a k’zayis (or larger) must be removed.” “If the chometz is edible, then even a smaller [than a k’zayis] piece that one may be tempted to eat must be removed.” “Therefore, when cleaning for Pesach one must remove small pieces of edible chometz and large pieces of inedible chometz.” Books: Rabbi Barclay and Rabbi Jaeger also write that there is no need to check books, except for books that will be brought to the table. Those books should be either new or well cleaned. Bentchers used the whole year should not be used on Pesach; they should be put away with the chometz because they often contain crumbs and are difficult to clean. (Nowhere is it mentioned that the chometz crumbs have to be removed or that the bentchers and zemiros books have to be sold, even though chometz crumbs remain in them. The only rule is that they should be put away so that they are not accidentally brought to the table on Pesach.) Toys that will be used on Pesach should be cleaned with soapy water and checked. Other toys should be put away. Special toys for Pesach are recommended. Clothing that won’t be worn on Pesach needs only a quick check. “Since they are not going to be worn, there is no concern that one may eat any crumbs that are there. Small crumbs do not have to be removed since there is no prohibition to own them during Pesach.” Light switches and door handles should be cleaned when necessary (After we touch them, we may touch Pesach food, and the laws forbidding eating chometz are most stringent, as mentioned. Pens, pencils, combs, and hair brushes which might

It is worth knowing that hangovers can be avoided. With a little knowledge and care, you can still get drunk to the point of “ad delo yada” without suffering from it afterwards. The following directions can prevent or reduce the unpleasant side effects of drinking. They are based on reliable medical sources, and have been proven in practice. If you don’t feel well, do not drink. Alcohol interferes with the immune system, and drinking can inhibit the body from healing itself properly. Before drinking: 1. Eat a lot. Fatty foods (or foods mixed with olive oil), fried foods and starchy foods (made of flour, potatoes, rice, etc.) are especially good. 2. Eat burnt toast. The carbon in it aids greatly in the digestion of alcohol. 3. Drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages, especially those containing vitamins. Taking a multi-vitamin is also a good idea. Though eating may slow the effect of the alcohol, it will not prevent intoxication. Drinking and eating will prevent dehydration, and help the body absorb the alcohol properly, preventing feelings of nausea. While drinking: 1. Cheap alcoholic drinks are harder on the body, so don’t drink junk. Light-colored drinks and those with no sugar added are also better for you. 2. Stick to one type of drink. Only drink beverages derived from the same source of alcohol (e.g. grape, grain or other fruits). Definitely do not drink wine after beer. 3. Don’t drink too much too fast. You should wait at least half an hour between drinks. (One drink = one glass of wine or one shot of whisky). Waiting will not prevent your intoxication. 4. Accompany your alcoholic drinking with more food and non-alcoholic beverages (burnt toast is particularly helpful). It is best to drink at least one light beverage with every alcoholic drink you have. 5. Don’t drink carbonated beverages. They complicate the absorption of the alcohol. 6. It is advisable to avoid caffeinated beverages like cola, coffee, or tea. If you start feeling nauseous, stop drinking alcohol, drink lots of water, and eat starchy foods. The food will absorb the toxins of the alcohol-not eating is a big mistake. After drinking: It is important to help the body continue to digest the alcohol within it, and to replenish its store of vitamins. Therefore you should continue drinking water and other beverages containing salt, sugar, and vitamins (especially vitamin C and potassium). You may also want to take a multi-vitamin. If you don’t feel well the next morning, have eggs (cooked are better than fried) with burnt toast and a banana. These foods contain the nutrition that the body needs to rehabilitate itself. You can also aid the process by drinking water and resting up well. A freilichen Purim.

With the Purim season starting in earnest, children and adults alike are gearing up to deliver mishloach monos, attend mesibos and seudos, visit family, Rabbeim and teachers and all the excitement that goes with it. Purim, besides for holding the status as the most freilich day in the Jewish calendar, can also be the most dangerous day of the year.  Increased traffic, uninhibited behavior, and hectic scheduling combine to place a tremendous amount of stress on a town such as Lakewood with a very large frum population. LCSW and Hatzolah would like to highlight some of the most common Purim related problems and offer solutions and suggestions to help keep adults, teens and children safe. Theft Shuls, organizations and individuals should be extra vigilant about possible theft of funds from pushkas or homes. Unscrupulous individuals are very aware of the large amounts of money circulating on Purim and in the past there have been many instances of large thefts on Purim.  LCSW is urging extra caution in this area in shuls, yeshivas and homes: Tips to avoid theft: Keep tzedakah money hidden or locked away until needed Make sure Pushkas are left in a secure location Ensure that homes are locked when leaving for even a short period on Purim Report strange  or unusual behavior immediately to proper authorities Pedestrian Safety On Purim the whole community is out and about delivering Misholoach Manos and visiting friends and family, all within a span of a few hours. The increased number of pedestrians, many of them children, and traffic can be chaotic and even dangerous at some junctions. Please note, crossing guards risk life and limb to help ease the congestion and increase road safety on Purim.  Please give the guards the respect they deserve and follow their instructions for your own sake and to ensure the safety of your fellow Lakewooders. Tips for pedestrians: Only cross at corners Make sure to be visible to traffic by wearing a reflector etc. Walk in groups Don’t text while walking Walk on sidewalks when possible, not in streets Driving Safety Thousands of vehicles will be on the road on Purim all trying to accomplish the same thing in a short window of time; creating a real-life nightmare. It is imperative to avoid the temptation to rush as urgent as the errand or task at hand may be.  Please be extra careful, allowing pedestrians to cross and watching out for wild drivers.  Please remember to leave more time than usual to get from point A to Point B, due to definite high volume of Purim traffic.  In addition it is imperative to follow all crossing guard instructions for the safety of the whole town. Tips for drivers: Consider using a  delivery service to distribute your Mishloach Manos. Do not send young and inexperienced drivers out on Purim! This is not the day for them to test their skills. Team up! Travel  with a responsible child or adult to make deliveries on a block and circle rather than double park. Plan a route      using a street map of Lakewood to avoid unnecessary traveling and use alternate routes to major arteries, (New Hampshire or Hope Chapel instead      of Route 9, etc.). Consider davening k’vasikin and doing deliveries early. Underage drinking Underage drinking and excessive drinking by adults are the cause of numerous

It is worth knowing that hangovers can be avoided. With a little knowledge and care, you can still get drunk to the point of “ad delo yada” without suffering from it afterwards. The following directions can prevent or reduce the unpleasant side effects of drinking. They are based on reliable medical sources, and have been proven in practice. If you don’t feel well, do not drink. Alcohol interferes with the immune system, and drinking can inhibit the body from healing itself properly. Before drinking: 1. Eat a lot. Fatty foods (or foods mixed with olive oil), fried foods and starchy foods (made of flour, potatoes, rice, etc.) are especially good. 2. Eat burnt toast. The carbon in it aids greatly in the digestion of alcohol. 3. Drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages, especially those containing vitamins. Taking a multi-vitamin is also a good idea. Though eating may slow the effect of the alcohol, it will not prevent intoxication. Drinking and eating will prevent dehydration, and help the body absorb the alcohol properly, preventing feelings of nausea. While drinking: 1. Cheap alcoholic drinks are harder on the body, so don’t drink junk. Light-colored drinks and those with no sugar added are also better for you. 2. Stick to one type of drink. Only drink beverages derived from the same source of alcohol (e.g. grape, grain or other fruits). Definitely do not drink wine after beer. 3. Don’t drink too much too fast. You should wait at least half an hour between drinks. (One drink = one glass of wine or one shot of whisky). Waiting will not prevent your intoxication. 4. Accompany your alcoholic drinking with more food and non-alcoholic beverages (burnt toast is particularly helpful). It is best to drink at least one light beverage with every alcoholic drink you have. 5. Don’t drink carbonated beverages. They complicate the absorption of the alcohol. 6. It is advisable to avoid caffeinated beverages like cola, coffee, or tea. If you start feeling nauseous, stop drinking alcohol, drink lots of water, and eat starchy foods. The food will absorb the toxins of the alcohol-not eating is a big mistake. After drinking: It is important to help the body continue to digest the alcohol within it, and to replenish its store of vitamins. Therefore you should continue drinking water and other beverages containing salt, sugar, and vitamins (especially vitamin C and potassium). You may also want to take a multi-vitamin. If you don’t feel well the next morning, have eggs (cooked are better than fried) with burnt toast and a banana. These foods contain the nutrition that the body needs to rehabilitate itself. You can also aid the process by drinking water and resting up well. A freilichen Purim.

[COMMUNICATED CONTENT] Last night, more than one thousand participants enjoyed a memorable dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in New Jersey. All of them came to show support and join the evening on behalf of Cheder Ateres Tzvi. Chashuva Rabbanim, parents, friends and family members expressed their amazement at the Cheder and the wonder at the dedication they invest in the chinuch of their dearest assets; the kinderlach. The elegant seating arrangement and classy décor cast a soft ambience over the audience. Soft notes of music wafted over the guests and heartfelt melodies melted the hearts of all. Freilich Orchestra and Shira Choir harmonized beautifully throughout the event, led by the king in Jewish music; Mordechai ben David and his son Yeedle. With their inimitable style, father and son enhanced the memorable events and created a live Kumzitz during the event. But of course, the real stars of the evening were the ‘Yaldei Ateres Tzvi;, the choir by our own dear children coordinated by two talented of our talented Rebbeim: R’ Eliezer Hersh Rosenfeld and R’ Velvel Schmeltzer. The pure voices rose magically and the beautiful stanzas about the Cheder filled the ballroom accompanied by heartfelt solos. The more they sang, the more the audience wanted to hear. A unique and historic memorabilia journal was distributed to all parents and grandparents. In this day and age, such a personal memorandum is rare and almost unprecedented. All were touched and astounded by the personal message and inspiring design. Each child has a page in the journal with a message from his Rebbe, teacher, family and friends accompanied with a professional portrait and pictures of the Cheder. Three worthy individuals were honored at the event. Rabbi Motty Orenstein, Rabbi Berry Cohen, and Rabbi Chaim Shia Rosenberg are three tzaddikim that have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their very selves for this worthy institution. As the Nasi of the Mosdos, The Rav of Forshay R’ Chaim Leibish Rottenberg, personally awarded the honorees. Rabbi Greenfeld shlit”a, menahel of Talmud Torah Adas Yisroel in Melbourne, Australia, served as the guest of honor at the event in honor of his son, R’ Yoel Greenfeld our dear and Chashuva Menahel. He had many personal anecdotes and feelings that he’d heard from children learning in Ateres Tzvi. “I thank my Rebbe for teaching me how to learn a shtickel gemara on my own,” or, “I feel as if the Cheder is my home,” and many more. “If you listen to what the children say about the Cheder, you understand everything,” he finished poignantly. Rabbi Dovid Ashear, bestselling author and renowned Maggid of Emunah Daily, warmed the hearts of all, and he, too, regaled the audience with personal regards he’d heard about the Cheder and its warmth. The climax of the event was an audio visual presentation entitled, ‘ A Day at Ateres Tzvi’, many tears flowed as the parents were truly overcome with emotion observing the growth their children experience in a single day. Spiritually and emotionally elevated, all left the event overwhelmed with appreciation for the selfless administrators and askanim Mordechai Aron Goldstein, Yossi Brach, Hershy Hirsch and Shimmy Galandauer, who have taken the responsibility of the Mosdos on their shoulders. All were grateful to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for providing them with such a Mosdos for their children.

It is worth knowing that hangovers can be avoided. With a little knowledge and care, you can still get drunk to the point of “ad delo yada” without suffering from it afterwards. The following directions can prevent or reduce the unpleasant side effects of drinking. They are based on reliable medical sources, and have been proven in practice. If you don’t feel well, do not drink. Alcohol interferes with the immune system, and drinking can inhibit the body from healing itself properly. Before drinking: 1. Eat a lot. Fatty foods (or foods mixed with olive oil), fried foods and starchy foods (made of flour, potatoes, rice, etc.) are especially good. 2. Eat burnt toast. The carbon in it aids greatly in the digestion of alcohol. 3. Drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages, especially those containing vitamins. Taking a multi-vitamin is also a good idea. Though eating may slow the effect of the alcohol, it will not prevent intoxication. Drinking and eating will prevent dehydration, and help the body absorb the alcohol properly, preventing feelings of nausea. While drinking: 1. Cheap alcoholic drinks are harder on the body, so don’t drink junk. Light-colored drinks and those with no sugar added are also better for you. 2. Stick to one type of drink. Only drink beverages derived from the same source of alcohol (e.g. grape, grain or other fruits). Definitely do not drink wine after beer. 3. Don’t drink too much too fast. You should wait at least half an hour between drinks. (One drink = one glass of wine or one shot of whisky). Waiting will not prevent your intoxication. 4. Accompany your alcoholic drinking with more food and non-alcoholic beverages (burnt toast is particularly helpful). It is best to drink at least one light beverage with every alcoholic drink you have. 5. Don’t drink carbonated beverages. They complicate the absorption of the alcohol. 6. It is advisable to avoid caffeinated beverages like cola, coffee, or tea. If you start feeling nauseous, stop drinking alcohol, drink lots of water, and eat starchy foods. The food will absorb the toxins of the alcohol-not eating is a big mistake. After drinking: It is important to help the body continue to digest the alcohol within it, and to replenish its store of vitamins. Therefore you should continue drinking water and other beverages containing salt, sugar, and vitamins (especially vitamin C and potassium). You may also want to take a multi-vitamin. If you don’t feel well the next morning, have eggs (cooked are better than fried) with burnt toast and a banana. These foods contain the nutrition that the body needs to rehabilitate itself. You can also aid the process by drinking water and resting up well. A freilichen Purim.

With the Purim season starting in earnest, children and adults alike are gearing up to deliver mishloach monos, attend mesibos and seudos, visit family, Rabbeim and teachers and all the excitement that goes with it. Purim, besides for holding the status as the most freilich day in the Jewish calendar, can also be the most dangerous day of the year.  Increased traffic, uninhibited behavior, and hectic scheduling combine to place a tremendous amount of stress on a town such as Lakewood with a very large frum population. LCSW and Hatzolah would like to highlight some of the most common Purim related problems and offer solutions and suggestions to help keep adults, teens and children safe. Theft Shuls, organizations and individuals should be extra vigilant about possible theft of funds from pushkas or homes. Unscrupulous individuals are very aware of the large amounts of money circulating on Purim and in the past there have been many instances of large thefts on Purim.  LCSW is urging extra caution in this area in shuls, yeshivas and homes: Tips to avoid theft: Keep tzedakah money hidden or locked away until needed Make sure Pushkas are left in a secure location Ensure that homes are locked when leaving for even a short period on Purim Report strange  or unusual behavior immediately to proper authorities Pedestrian Safety On Purim the whole community is out and about delivering Misholoach Manos and visiting friends and family, all within a span of a few hours. The increased number of pedestrians, many of them children, and traffic can be chaotic and even dangerous at some junctions. Please note, crossing guards risk life and limb to help ease the congestion and increase road safety on Purim.  Please give the guards the respect they deserve and follow their instructions for your own sake and to ensure the safety of your fellow Lakewooders. Tips for pedestrians: Only cross at corners Make sure to be visible to traffic by wearing a reflector etc. Walk in groups Don’t text while walking Walk on sidewalks when possible, not in streets Driving Safety Thousands of vehicles will be on the road on Purim all trying to accomplish the same thing in a short window of time; creating a real-life nightmare. It is imperative to avoid the temptation to rush as urgent as the errand or task at hand may be.  Please be extra careful, allowing pedestrians to cross and watching out for wild drivers.  Please remember to leave more time than usual to get from point A to Point B, due to definite high volume of Purim traffic.  In addition it is imperative to follow all crossing guard instructions for the safety of the whole town. Tips for drivers: Consider using a  delivery service to distribute your Mishloach Manos. Do not send young and inexperienced drivers out on Purim! This is not the day for them to test their skills. Team up! Travel  with a responsible child or adult to make deliveries on a block and circle rather than double park. Plan a route      using a street map of Lakewood to avoid unnecessary traveling and use alternate routes to major arteries, (New Hampshire or Hope Chapel instead      of Route 9, etc.). Consider davening k’vasikin and doing deliveries early. Underage drinking Underage drinking and excessive drinking by adults are the cause of numerous

Last week, Assemblyman Hikind’s office received a call from a constituent regarding a family member who had traveled from Montreal to Boro Park via bus and was in great distress. He said that when his bus made a scheduled stop in Suffern, NY, at Wal-Mart on Rt. 59, a passenger had gotten off and proceeded to unload his own luggage from beneath the bus… but in so doing so he also apparently removed a suitcase that belonged to our constituent’s relative, who wasn’t the wiser until his bus pulled into Boro Park at 5 am when he noted that his luggage was gone. Wal-Mart was called and a manager confirmed that a suitcase was indeed left outside their store, but the manager reported that he’d thrown “the empty” luggage into a compactor. What was missing was a shtreimel, tallis, t’fillin as well as gifts and other personal articles. The manager said that the compactor could not be opened. Assemblyman Hikind’s office wasted no time in contacting Rabbi Berish Freilich who, in turn, contacted the Ramapo Chief of Police. Permission was granted to open the compactor and while the gifts and other personal items were missing, the valuable shtreimel, tallis and t’fillin were recovered, B”H. “I want to personally thank Rabbi Freilich for his quick assistance, as well as the Ramapo Police Department and the Chaverim, who were all instrumental in helping recover these valuable missing items,” said Assemblyman Hikind. (Studio B – YWN)

Hundreds of children and their families boarded the luxurious Atlantis  ship, for Misameach’s one-of-a-kind annual cruise, held this Sunday. The cruise, which eagerly anticipated by every Misameach child for months, brought together families united by the common bond of illness for an afternoon of inspiration, entertainment and relaxation. The event featured noted figures on the Jewish music scene Mordechai ben David, Yidel Werdyger and Yoni Zeigelbaum, accompanied by the Freilich band. The team kept the audience on their feet, singing, dancing and clapping, with unwavering ruach. With the live music holding court on the first floor, the second floor was dedicated to the young children, with projects, goodies and more to keep the children entertained. A hot lunch buffet was served to all attendees and gift bags were distributed as a souvenir of this memorable experience. The greatest souvenir, though, is inevitably the memories and the smiles that the attendees will carry with them, for a very long time to come.

With the Purim season starting in earnest, children and adults alike are gearing up to deliver mishloach monos, attend mesibos and seudos, visit family, Rabbeim and teachers and all the excitement that goes with it. Purim, besides for holding the status as the most freilich day in the Jewish calendar, can also be the most dangerous day of the year.  Increased traffic, uninhibited behavior, and hectic scheduling combine to place a tremendous amount of stress on a town such as Lakewood with a very large frum population. LCSW and Hatzolah would like to highlight some of the most common Purim related problems and offer solutions and suggestions to help keep adults, teens and children safe. Theft Shuls, organizations and individuals should be extra vigilant about possible theft of funds from pushkas or homes. Unscrupulous individuals are very aware of the large amounts of money circulating on Purim and in the past there have been many instances of large thefts on Purim.  LCSW is urging extra caution in this area in shuls, yeshivas and homes: Tips to avoid theft: Keep tzedakah money hidden or locked away until needed Make sure Pushkas are left in a secure location Ensure that homes are locked when leaving for even a short period on Purim Report strange  or unusual behavior immediately to proper authorities Pedestrian Safety On Purim the whole community is out and about delivering Misholoach Manos and visiting friends and family, all within a span of a few hours. The increased number of pedestrians, many of them children, and traffic can be chaotic and even dangerous at some junctions. Please note, crossing guards risk life and limb to help ease the congestion and increase road safety on Purim.  Please give the guards the respect they deserve and follow their instructions for your own sake and to ensure the safety of your fellow Lakewooders. Tips for pedestrians: Only cross at corners Make sure to be visible to traffic by wearing a reflector etc. Walk in groups Don’t text while walking Walk on sidewalks when possible, not in streets Driving Safety Thousands of vehicles will be on the road on Purim all trying to accomplish the same thing in a short window of time; creating a real-life nightmare. It is imperative to avoid the temptation to rush as urgent as the errand or task at hand may be.  Please be extra careful, allowing pedestrians to cross and watching out for wild drivers.  Please remember to leave more time than usual to get from point A to Point B, due to definite high volume of Purim traffic.  In addition it is imperative to follow all crossing guard instructions for the safety of the whole town. Tips for drivers: Consider using a  delivery service to distribute your Mishloach Manos. Do not send young and inexperienced drivers out on Purim! This is not the day for them to test their skills. Team up! Travel  with a responsible child or adult to make deliveries on a block and circle rather than double park. Plan a route      using a street map of Lakewood to avoid unnecessary traveling and use alternate routes to major arteries, (New Hampshire or Hope Chapel instead      of Route 9, etc.). Consider davening k’vasikin and doing deliveries early. Underage drinking Underage drinking and excessive drinking by adults are the cause of numerous

The community is the heart and soul of a civilized society. In their concern for the quality of life, the world Jewish community, have been reviving its value and finding that their personal needs and the community’s are one and the same. For the past year and half the name of Refael Elisha Meir ben Devora has become synonymous with words of purity, tehillim and mitzvoth ranging from zniyut and prevention of speaking rechilus and all forms of lashon hara to cutting one’s wig in honor of this and all of the beloved sick children of Am Yisrael. Several months ago the Jewish Community stepped up to the plate and joined together to appeal to Congress by way of a petition that necessitated an incredible 100,000 signatures to authorize the FDA to grant a compassionate use exemption to Refael Elisha Cohen for Antineoplaston therapy. Bnei Yisrael managed not 100, 000 signatures but overrided within two and a half weeks to a whopping 102,215 signatures! The amazing part is that there already existed a number of petitions that have been trying to amass less than 100,000 for their own petitions and who are, after months and some well over a year to amass the signatures needed and who have yet to reach their goals. Baruch Hashem it is noteworthy to mention that congress has finally given permission for use of antineoplastic therapy for compassionate use care consumption albeit still a long and arduous bureaucratic process. At this gathering, Congress even bothered to mention that the Brooklyn community in particular had been particularly insistent on going full swing on the matter even calling in the Whitehouse hotline to press the matter. This is a shining example of what the world Jewish community is all about. Moreover, the chances are that anything you do for your community eventually will generate its reward in one way or another. At the very least, it is an investment in having a blissful place to live. But perhaps even more we would not be able to live without those individuals who unfailingly give more than they receive – those precious individuals who relentlessly organize events, who take the initiative and the responsibility, and who urge on the rest to greater things. This readiness to serve and share is the badge of a civilized person. Rabbi and Mrs. Cohen are surrounded by such people. Baruch Hashem a group of women from Brooklyn saw Refael Elisha and his family and transferred them from Houston, Texas where they had been residing to settle them in Flatbush, Brooklyn. While in Houston the family was cared for by the Jewish Community who helped and supported the Cohen family for over a year and a half, the school with the girls tuition, meals from the entire Houston community on a daily basis, grocery shopping, fundraising non stop, tehillim gatherings and so much more. In Brooklyn the mitzvoth continued for this special neshama who has been receiving special care that he simply could not receive elsewhere. In fact, this special group of individuals worked endlessly day and night to acquire material needs from everything from clothing, housing and utilities, to covering tuition and offering emotional support such as bonding with Refael Elisha, his siblings and parents. The priority was, and continues to be, to

It is worth knowing that hangovers can be avoided. With a little knowledge and care, you can still get drunk to the point of “ad delo yada” without suffering from it afterwards. The following directions can prevent or reduce the unpleasant side effects of drinking. They are based on reliable medical sources, and have been proven in practice. If you don’t feel well, do not drink. Alcohol interferes with the immune system, and drinking can inhibit the body from healing itself properly. Before drinking: 1. Eat a lot. Fatty foods (or foods mixed with olive oil), fried foods and starchy foods (made of flour, potatoes, rice, etc.) are especially good. 2. Eat burnt toast. The carbon in it aids greatly in the digestion of alcohol. 3. Drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages, especially those containing vitamins. Taking a multi-vitamin is also a good idea. Though eating may slow the effect of the alcohol, it will not prevent intoxication. Drinking and eating will prevent dehydration, and help the body absorb the alcohol properly, preventing feelings of nausea. While drinking: 1. Cheap alcoholic drinks are harder on the body, so don’t drink junk. Light-colored drinks and those with no sugar added are also better for you. 2. Stick to one type of drink. Only drink beverages derived from the same source of alcohol (e.g. grape, grain or other fruits). Definitely do not drink wine after beer. 3. Don’t drink too much too fast. You should wait at least half an hour between drinks. (One drink = one glass of wine or one shot of whisky). Waiting will not prevent your intoxication. 4. Accompany your alcoholic drinking with more food and non-alcoholic beverages (burnt toast is particularly helpful). It is best to drink at least one light beverage with every alcoholic drink you have. 5. Don’t drink carbonated beverages. They complicate the absorption of the alcohol. 6. It is advisable to avoid caffeinated beverages like cola, coffee, or tea. If you start feeling nauseous, stop drinking alcohol, drink lots of water, and eat starchy foods. The food will absorb the toxins of the alcohol-not eating is a big mistake. After drinking: It is important to help the body continue to digest the alcohol within it, and to replenish its store of vitamins. Therefore you should continue drinking water and other beverages containing salt, sugar, and vitamins (especially vitamin C and potassium). You may also want to take a multi-vitamin. If you don’t feel well the next morning, have eggs (cooked are better than fried) with burnt toast and a banana. These foods contain the nutrition that the body needs to rehabilitate itself. You can also aid the process by drinking water and resting up well. A freilichen Purim.

[COMMUNICATED CONTENT] Purim is obviously a special time of year.  We read the megillah, dress in costume and remember the incredible miracles that took place for Esther, Mordechai and the Jewish people who yet again survived despite attempts to be annihilated.  Cause for celebration if there ever was one.  Minhag says we even drink a shtickle… enough to even confuse Haman and Mordechai. I remember as a kid how excited I was to tear through all the shaloch manos that were delivered to the house.  Seemingly endless sweets and treats.  But among my favorite items were all the “mini’s”.  Mini cakes, mini cookies, mini chocolate bars…and of course mini bottles of something to make a borei’ pri’ hagafen on. At the time I of course loved getting the mini bottle of Kedem grape juice.  I used to always argue with my siblings over who got to drink it straight from the bottle.  And as was usually the case, more shaloch manos baskets came with more mini bottles so we could all have at least one to drink straight from the bottle. As I mature (a debatable fact) I still like drinking from the bottle, but now I prefer a nice wine, liquour or schnapps of sorts to my childhood favorite grape juice.  While the “half bottles” or “fifth’s” can be difficult to find throughout the year, they are more plentiful around Purim time. Beginning with the classics, one can’t go wrong with the Kedem brand.  If you are preparing shaloch manos for your shul or you prefer to make your own but send to the entire community, a good old Kedem Concord, Cream Red or White, or even the Kedem Champagne in the little super-mini 187 (quarter bottle) are all perfect options. Another classic is the Bartenura Blue bottle.  Difficult to find in the special half bottle size during the year, these are plentiful in the Purim season.  And while some of us don’t like to admit it in public, who doesn’t love the good old blue bottle?! Speaking of “classic”, a new addition to the mini collection are the “Classic” Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot-Argamon from Israel’s famous Barkan Winery.  Always nice to have and familiar dry wine appear in your shaloch manos basket. Some exciting liquours that are available in smaller sizes are the flavored vodkas from Zachlawi or the creamy delicious liquours from Walders.  Whether you get the Walders mini gift pack (a vodka-vanilla & coffee-scotch included) or the Vodka hazelnut cappuccino and vodka mocha cappuccino from Zachlawi, these will help you on your way to confusing haman and Mordechai. Last but certainly not least, Tomintoul Single Malt Scotch has a tini-mini as does Legend of Kremlin Vodka.  And if your spirit of choice is something a little sweet, the French made Fig brandy Boukha also has a mini option. So this Purim bring the little kid in you out and drink it from the bottle…but make it a mini! Freilichin Purim!

TOMORROW is your first of eight chances to win a trip to Israel!  Enter Oorah’s Auction before 11/28 (hint, that’s tomorrow, the first day of Chanukah) and you could win eight flights to Israel. That’s one ticket per day of Chanukah. Enter RIGHT NOW so that you don’t miss this incredible opportunity! There will be eight lucky winners chosen this Chanukah. Eight lucky winners heading to Eretz Yisrael for the trip of their lifetimes. Enter TODAY and you could be one of those eight lucky winners. But the longer you wait, the fewer chances you have. You can still enter on Chanukah for a shot at the remaining tickets but you must enter by noon tomorrow to get all eight chances. Don’t miss it: enter the Oorah Auction NOW! Besides your early bird bonus entry into the Eight Nights, Eight Flights raffle, your donation enters you into the Oorah Auction, the original and still the best Auction out there. You can choose from so many awesome $5 prizes, free gifts and more! The Auction will continue, but pretty soon, it’ll be too late to win those tickets to Israel. Enter the Auction NOW to get into the bonus Eight Nights, Eight Flights raffle. A freilichen Chanukah!