By Efraim Tabak, Grafixer Studio
www.grafixer.biz
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This year the Agudath Israel of America’s Pirchei Division gathered in Cleveland, Ohio for their celebration of completing all Mishnayos by yeshivah students from across the continent. While this gathering was labeled as only for the Midwest, the dozen of cities which were represented fell beyond the geographical confines of Midwest America. As far south as Miami, Norfolk and Atlanta, to as far West as St. Louis or Denver, might technically be outside the designated area, but who counts when you are promised a blast? (The Denver delegation could not make it due to last minute weather conditions.) Bring young boys between the ages of 12 to 18 for a weekend of activities among their peers from so many cities, and you would think there is no need for any other program, they will party.

After a very spiritual Shabbos experience in the Cleveland Telshe Yeshiva’s dorms, the highlight of the Shabbaton was the Melave Malka where the actual conclusion of all six tractates were completed. There were several door prizes (electronic games, electric scooter, and several sets of Seforim), finger food of French fries, fried chicken and soda pop, and of course, live music. It had all the ingredients of an unforgettable experience. There was the program also of concluding all six volumes of the Mishnayos, and listening to some Divrei Torah from Rebbeim and from the representatives of the main office of Agudath from New York.

The evening did not disappoint anyone. The one thing you could count on was the exuberance of an overflowing crowd. Let six hundred boys gather in one room, after the rest of a Shabbos experience, and they will bring the house down. And they did their part. There were two takeaway which impressed me as an observer.

When the door prizes were displayed before the start of the program, and boys had to put their raffle tickets on each item, despite the very tempting video-game cartridge, electric chess a karaoke machine or even the electronic laser scooter, the crowd gathered around the various sets of Mishnayos, and Chumash. That impressed me.

The other incredible side event of the evening was when we all heard through the loud speaker that some cash was found on the dance floor, and the rightful owner could pick it up. While not too many people paid attention to the announcement, it deeply resonated in me. Here are some pictures to give an impression of the evening.

(Pictures below; more pictures at bit.ly/2J9Jai4, password 09032019.)

Heritage Lake Farm, LLC announces the immediate availability of its Kosher, 100% Real Maple SyrupProductunder the trademark “Mike’s Maple.” Mike’s Maple syrup received its Kosher certification by Cleveland Kosher on February 26, 2019.

“This is an important achievement for us as we seek to expand the market for our unique, locally-produced maple syrup, made by a skilled Amish sugarmaker and his family, blending traditional methods and modern technology,” said Marilyn Gardner, Co-managing Partner of the farm where production of the 2019 vintage of Mike’s Maple syrup is in full swing. “We’re the first and only Kosher maple syrup producer in Ohio and probably even west of the Hudson River,” said Mike Gardner, Marilyn’s husband and partner in the making of Mike’s Maple.

Positive Customer Impact

Kosher certification eliminates any confusion in the marketplace as to whether or not 100% real maple syrup is kosher without certification. The primary concern is that farmers using traditional methods to boil sap, typically need some type of anti-foaming agent to prevent the syrup from boiling over the finishing pan and creating a fire hazard. Mike’s Maple is produced only with a Kosher certified anti-foaming agent. Customers can enjoy our 100% Real Maple Syrup knowing that no animal or milk fat was used as an anti-foaming agent to produce Mike’s Maple syrup.

“WOW,” said Chef Dave Frank, of Chef Dave’s kosher catering, “that’s good!,” after tasting Mike’s Maple syrup.

Availability

The decision to offer a Kosher, 100% Real Maple Syrup was driven by consumer demand for local farm products and Heritage Lake Farm, LLC’s commitment to market expansion, to include the observant community. Mike’s Maple syrup is available in a variety of sizes and packaging including, 1.7 oz. (50ml), ½ Pint. (8 oz.), Pint (16 oz.), Quart (32 oz.), ½ Gallon (64 oz.), Gallon (128 oz.), 4- Gallon tubs, and 30- & 40-Gallon stainless steel drums. Mike’s (Kosher) Maple syrup can be found and/or enjoyed immediately at establishments posted on its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/heritagelakefarm/) and can also be ordered by contacting us through our website (https://www.heritagelakefarm.com/).

Founded in 2008, Heritage Lake Farm, LLCis a Geauga County supplier of local farm products, including, 100% Real Maple Syrup, native watercress and chanterelles, and premium horse hay.

With the clock change, most zmanim are an hour later.

The Klatzko Children Orchestra from New York are coming to Cleveland this Shabbat and will be live-streaming their famous weekly musical Havdalah from the home of Dr. and Mrs. Klatzko. The entire Cleveland community is invited to come over and join the celebration!

Feb 16th, 7:30pm at 3532 Blanche Rd, Cleveland Heights. Admission is free.

The Klatzko Children Orchestra has been featured in many online articles and performs all over the world. The children range in age from 9 to 21 years old. Their father, Rabbi Benzion Klatzko, is a passionate native of Cleveland. He is the founder of the world’s largest Jewish social network, Shabbat.com. Their mother, Mrs. Shani Klatzko, regularly–and nonchalantly–hosts 80 guests each Shabbat and is a legend in the New York community.  The Klatzkos are excited to introduce the children to the wonders of Cain Park sledding!

Trash pickup delayed due to extreme cold.

There will be no trash pickup in University Heights on Wednesday 1/30, or Thursday 1/31, due to the expected extreme windchill.

Wednesday’s trash will be collected on Friday, 2/1, and Thursday’s trash will be collected on Monday, 2/4. All trash pickup next week will be delayed one day.

Because of the dangerously frigid temperatures expected over the next couple of days, and in consideration of the health and safety of our collection staff, the City will not pick up trash on Wednesday (1/30/19) and Thursday (1/31/19) collection will begin later in the day. Those whose regular pickup day is Wednesday will have pickup on Thursday. Thursday pickup will still be on Thursday. No other pickup days are impacted (just Wednesday).

Package UPC 

000-16000-19610-0

Better if Used by Date

20APR2020KC

From www.generalmills.com/flour.

On January 23, 2019, General Mills announced a voluntary national recall of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour with a better if used by date of April 20, 2020. Consumers reminded that flour is not a ‘ready to eat’ ingredient.

General Mills announced a voluntary national recall, on January 23, 2019, of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour with a better if used by date of April 20, 2020.

The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product. This recall is being issued out of an abundance of care as General Mills has not received any direct consumer reports of confirmed illnesses related to this product.

This recall only affects this one date code of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour five-pound bags, shown below. All other types of Gold Medal Flour are not affected by this recall.

Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. Consumers who have had to discard products covered by this recall may contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103.

“Food safety is our top priority, and though we have not had any confirmed illnesses, we are voluntarily recalling this specific lot of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour to prevent potential illnesses,” said Jim Murphy, president of the General Mills Meals and Baking Division. “This recall does not involve any other flour products, and we are continuing to educate consumers that flour is not a ‘ready to eat’ ingredient. Anything you make with flour must be cooked or baked before eating.”

Guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to warn that consumers should refrain from consuming any raw products made with flour. Salmonella is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling products made with flour. All surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Remember

Do not eat uncooked dough or batter made with raw flour. Flour is made from wheat that is grown outdoors where bacteria are often present. Flour is typically not treated to kill bacteria during the normal milling process.

Actions you should take

1. Do not eat or taste dough or batter made with raw flour.
2. Properly cook or bake food made with flour. Bacteria (such as Salmonella) that might be found in the raw flour will be eliminated.
3. Check your pantry and throw away any products that match the recalled product listed below. If possible, save the product name, UPC (bar code) and Better if Used By Date to help our Consumer Relations team assist you with a replacement coupon. If you no longer have the flour package or have any doubts, throw away the flour.
4. If you have any questions about this recall or need a replacement coupon for any product included in this recall, complete this form or call our Consumer Relations team at 1-800-230-8103.

“Protecting Your House Of Worship” – Security Training for All Faith-Based Communities

It is no secret that faith-based communities across the country have been facing a growing threat from xenophobia, bigotry, and hatred. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Attorney’s Office, is hosting a security training session that is open to all Cleveland faith-based communities, called “Protecting Your House of Worship.”

Attendees of this two-hour training session will learn advanced prevention planning strategies, as well as best-practice security protocols and procedures that are being utilized across the country. This interactive training will incorporate situation-specific examples, such as an “active shooter” scenario. Attendees will also hear a panel discussion on current climate surrounding civil rights and hate crimes, and learn how best to work with the proper authorities on such matters.

Families, employees, and volunteers from all faiths are invited to attend the training – this includes clergy, front-office staff, board members, ushers/greeters, and teachers/tutors. There is no cost to attend. To RSVP, email cleveland@adl.org.

From Ohio JFS’ Twitter:

Because of the partial federal government shutdown, the USDA has instructed states to make February SNAP benefits available early. State of Ohio benefits will be released today, Wednesday, January 16.

This is not a bonus. Households that receive an early issuance will not receive benefits in February. Those receiving benefits are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly and make any food assistance they receive in January stretch as long as possible.

If you have questions about your case, please call your county JFS agency. Contact information can be found here: http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_Directory.stm.