Thoughts on the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s 25th Yahrzeit

This Shabbos, we read the Torah portion of Korach in synagogues across the world. It is also “Gimel Tamuz” (the third day of the Hebrew month of Tamuz), the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s 25th yahrzeit.

As part of long-term care planning, Medicaid recipients often purchase pre-need funeral agreements prior to applying for Medicaid. This enables an applicant to spend down his or her assets without Medicaid deeming the agreement to be an asset and without the eligibility issues associated with gifting. Until January 1, 1997, pre-need funeral agreements were revocable, i.e. the Medicaid applicant could cancel the agreement and be refunded his or her money. 

Dear Alice,

 Because I’m always trying to make recipes healthier and more nutritious, I was wondering if you could help me with this: If I make cake/cookies with half oil, half applesauce, and a ¼ cup less sugar and whole wheat flour, would it be counted as a “healthier” snack, and if yes what would the portion size be?

This past week in Ramat Beit Shemesh, there was an incredible program for mothers by Shalom Task Force and Beis Tefila Yonah Avraham. The workshop, “The Dating Waze: Guiding Your Child to a Safe and Healthy Relationship,” featured a panel discussion on the shidduch process. The panel included dating and relationship coach Sheila Segal, Vivian Willig, MSW, and Shira Fruchter, MSW, all of whom are experienced Shalom Task Force education presenters for young women in gap year seminaries.