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There are a total of 36 psalms that are introduced with the word “Mizmor.” The simple meaning of the word “mizmor” is “musical accompaniment,” but the root word zameir also means “pruning,” as in “tizmor karmecha – prune your vineyard” (Sefer Vayikra – Parshas B’Har). A tree cannot flourish if its vitality is sapped by damaged bark and diseased branches. Cutting away the undesirable portions assures the continued growth of a thriving tree. Without regular pruning, a tree will fail to produce fruit. The same concept of pruning a plant to increase growth also applies to spiritual development. Proper pruning involves identifying and ridding ourselves of undesirable traits and modes of action that sap our energy. Such inner work is difficult, but its rewards are unequaled.

The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 2,000 traditional, observant rabbis in matters of public policy, this week dismissed the CNN special report, “Rising Hate: Anti-Semitism in America” as “a deliberate whitewash of left-wing anti-Semitism.” The program featured a range of purported expert opinion but included no representatives of the very traditional communities that have borne the brunt of the current wave of anti-Jewish hatred, and failed to highlight examples of left-wing anti-Semitism.

A night at the opera was held at Congregation Machane Chodosh in Forest Hills on Monday, August 15.

Around 50 people enjoyed David Babinet singing in Italian, French, Yiddish, Hebrew, and English.    Babinet is a classically trained opera singer and a baal t’shuvah.

Learn to Create Magic

In the first week of August, our staff at Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion High School for Girls joined together for our annual faculty learning week.   Throughout the week, the team reviewed their mission and values, discussed ways in which they can improve their systems, and learned new skills to make this academic year the most magical one yet.   Mrs.  Zeryiker, the Menahelet, created an agenda for the week that covered four essential questions that the faculty would use to guide them through this year of teaching, guidance, and growth.

Rabbi Manfred Gans accomplished a lot during his lifetime, but he is most remembered for his personal qualities.

Born in 1924 in Leer, Germany, his family moved to America in August of 1933.

For 28 years, Peshie Saphirstein has been a source of smiles and warmth at HALB’s Avnet Country Day School. A resident of Kew Gardens Hills and a morah at YCQ for 21 years, Peshie is known for her devotion to both her students and campers. At Avnet, Peshie has always worked in the Tipot division with girls entering kindergarten – the same age as her YCQ students. “I love my job as a teacher, and I love that I get to work with children all year to build their confidence,” Peshie said. “This is a great age, because they are already little people who can communicate their needs. Camp is the perfect time to strengthen abilities while providing a fun experience.”