Cleveland Heights City Council seeks applications for the open Council seat of Councilwoman Cheryl Stephens (who was elected to County Council). To be considered for appointment, please visit www.clevelandheights.com/CouncilApplication. The deadline for all applications is Tuesday, January 15th at 5:00pm.
Susan’s Expanded Suggestions for the November 2018 Elections
by Susan Efroymson
No matter who you choose to vote for, candidates seeking our votes take note of our needs when we vote. One can vote by mail, at the Board of Elections, or at their polling location on Tuesday, November 6. Please consider the following:
(for any ballot items that are not listed here, there is no recommendation)
- Governor: Mike DeWine and Jon Husted (R)
- State Attorney General: Steve Dettelbach (D)
- State Auditor: Keith Faber (R)
- Secretary of State of OH: Frank LaRose(R)
- State Treasurer: Robert Sprague (R)
- U.S. Senator: Jim Renacci (R) or Sherrod Brown(D)
- Representative to U.S. Congress, District 11: Marcia Fudge (D)
- State Senator District 21: Sandra Williams (D)
- State Representative District 9: Janine Boyd (D)
- Cuyahoga County Executive: Armond Budish (D)
- Member of County Council District 10: Cheryl Stephens (D)
- Ohio Supreme Court: Craig Baldwin (R), Mary DeGenaro (R)
- Court of Appeals: Michelle Sheehan (D)
- Cuyahoga County Judges: Joseph Russo, Ashley Kilbane, William McGinty, John O’Donnell, Daniel Gaul(D) or Wanda Jones(R), Kathleen Sutula, John Sutula, Emily Hagan, Deborah Turner
- State Issue 1 – Reduce drug possession to a misdemeanor and prohibiting their sentencing to jail, prohibiting judges from sentencing most non-violent parole violators to jail, requiring reduced prison sentences for almost all criminals based on participation in rehab, and allocating funds to rehab services. Vote No
- Cuyahoga County Issue 10 – Disallows the county to discriminate regarding employment based on gender identity. Vote No
- Cuyahoga County Issue 11- Allows the auditing office to bill the departments it audits. This is merely an interdepartmental issue and should be supported. Vote Yes.
- Cuyahoga County Issue 12: Established the already in place office of Inspector General and gives it the power to subpoena in an investigation. no recommendation
Expanded Edition:
As a general perspective, in making my recommendations I am often faced with a choice between supporting principles we believe in, and practical considerations for facilitating the needs of our community. I do seek Rabbinic guidance to help balance these interests, and the recommendations above reflect that.
In that vein, I would like to note that Democrats Sherrod Brown and Marcia Fudge have supported us on issues such as funding for anti-terrorist security improvements in our schools. Richard Cordray is a centrist with a good record who has pledged support for maintaining the voucher system, along with Sandra Williams. Steve Dettelbach has ties to our community and like all those listed here, a good working relationship with our askanim. Locally, Janine Boyd and Cheryl Stephens known our neighborhoods well and have been good advocates for us. Our community needs people in office who will pick up the phone and respond when we call and we have good reason to show gratitude at the polls to people in both parties.
A word about Judge Daniel Gaul: While he has made some insensitive comments and was censured, all sources I’ve contacted say that Judge Daniel Gaul has, in his 28-year career, done a good job and is rated significantly higher than his opponent by the bar associations. He is said to be caring and comes to the right decisions. However, his comments and style have become highly public, and therefore the Plain Dealer is now narrowly recommending Wanda Jones.
State Issue 1: Support and Opposition to this largely falls along party lines; most Republican politicians opposing; most Democrats supporting. The goal is laudable: currently, people are convicted just for possessing drugs, and wind up in prison, which is itself a terrible environment. This imposes significant costs on society, and this Issue reallocates those funds to treatment. However, the mechanism of this issue is to create a constitutional amendment. This prevents lawmakers from adjusting it or changing aspects of it, no matter what happens. This is of particular concern since it lumps together several complex items, and the success of such a program has not been validated in any other state. Further, it doesn’t differentiate between types and quantities of drugs, or whether the drugs were for personal use or distribution. There are many very dangerous types of drugs, and Ohio is in the top 5 states for deaths due to drug overdose. This issue, as written, ironically may have the effect of trivializing the seriousness of the drug epidemic in Ohio. Finally, it even takes the issue out of the hands of judges to decide based on the circumstances of the case, which is why it is opposed by organizations of judges and law enforcement. Aside from the drug focus, it also enshrines sentence reduction for participation in education programs regardless of whether they are deserved or likely to be effective in a particular case, and without regard to the effects on victims. Further, it is supported by out of state interests, and law enforcement foresees a rise in assaults, robbery and most other violent crimes if this passes based on recidivism rates resulting from the violent jail environment. As important as the problem is, it is just as important that the solution be structured in a way that everyone can
rally around. Vote No, but lobby legislators to support an effective solution.
County Charter Amendments
Issue 10 – Recently, Council made it illegal for any place of public accommodation (businesses, all places where you don’t require a membership to get in including Churches) to use “gender identity” issues as a factor in hiring. That was legislation and affects all public locations. This is a Charter Amendment which is the equivalent of putting it in the county constitution. However, this amendment differs because it refers only to County Offices and how the overseeing personnel offices deal with hiring, firing and discipline among themselves, while adding gender identity neutrality into the Charter – even if this only refers to County offices and not all businesses. As for how it
works, it is just another tweak making the county work better in terms of interdepartmental affairs, but it also takes the opportunity to put that nondiscrimination wording into the charter. It’s already the law because they passed it, so no need to enshrine it more permanently. Vote No.
Issue 11 – As above, this is merely tweaking the way the government works to make it work more effectively and is like other such amendments offered after the redesign of county government where they found what doesn’t work and came to the people to correct it. It provides the Department of Internal Auditing discretion to bill departments for the cost of conducting audits. This is merely an internal county affair. Vote Yes.
Issue 12 – Again, this is merely a correction. It moves the Charter of the County of Cuyahoga to establish the Agency of Inspector General, who would be the chief ethics officer and conduct investigations into wrongdoing of any department or head and who would have powers including access to county information and subpoena power. This office already exists as an appointment. This would make it permanent at the charter level and add the subpoena power. Supporters feel it is important to have such an officer. Opponents worry about abuse of
subpoena power, but those I spoke to were less concerned, because the scope of the Inspector would be to inspect the county offices, its personnel and officers, but not the general public.
Thank You! You Helped Make Our Bnos Opening Event a Huge Success!
Points for Parents in a Time of Terrible Tragedy By Rabbi Chaim Ellis, LISW-S
Rabbi Chaim Ellis, LISW-S, a talmid of Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, teaches in the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland and works as a social worker at the Yeshiva Derech Hatorah. He practices as a Licensed Social Worker in private practice and provides trainings to schools and mental health agencies.
The recent tragedy that took place in Pittsburgh is shaking the core of Klal Yisroel. The fact that a tragedy of this magnitude can happen in America, a medina shel chesed, where those who died and suffered injuries only because they were Jews is shattering. We don’t ask why as we do not understand. However, a tragedy can bring up feelings, fears and uncertainties. How do we address our young who look towards us for warmth, security and love?
To ignore it may not be correct–if even possible–in today’s day and age where the news surrounds us and arrives at lightning speed.
Here are a few pointers you may consider when discussing this tragic event with your children:
- Allow your child to talk – Of course you have to know your child. Children who are more anxiety-prone may need more reassurance than others. Shlomo Hamelech says “Daageh b’lev ish yaschenah it” (Mishlei 12:25). The Gemara (Yoma 75) learns from this pasuk, that when one worries, he should talk it over with someone. Talking alone can relieve their fears and stress. Allow your children to ask questions and discuss their feelings.
- Stay calm – When talking to your children stay calm as they will mirror our reactions.
- Eisav soneh es Yaakov – Use age recommend language. Anti-Semitism is real and not new at all. This tragedy is a very clear reminder. However, baruch Hashem, we live in a medina shel chesed where outwardly most people act nice to us for the exception of some very bad people. This incident is an example of just that.
- Do something – In situations like this we all feel like we want to do something to help make a difference and help lessen the pain. Children are no different. Have them daven for the injured, write letters or draw pictures to the respective families who have suffered losses, rachmana letzlon.
- Acheinu kol Bais Yisroel – All Jews are our brothers. No matter where are brothers are “Haomdem bein bayom u’vein bayabosho…” whether they are in Eretz Yisroel or anywhere in the world, we feel and care for them like brothers. This will teach our children empathy and caring for one another; especially towards our acheinu beis yisroel.
- Where evil is found, courage is found – Our talk should focus more on the overwhelming good that takes place in a difficult time like this. Rather than focusing on motives, guns or violence let us focus on the heroism displayed by our police officers and the incredible chesed that our Jewish community displays.
- Safety – Reassure your child that you together with the community are working hard to keep their shuls or schools as safe as they can.
- Tefilla – The most important thing we can do is turn to tefillah and daven for our safety. Share with your child that tefilla is the most powerful tool that we have. In fact we have a specific tefilla that we daven so that people who have evil intentions should not harm us. This is said at the end of Shemoneh Esrei: “V’chol hachoshvim alai raah, meheirah hafer atzasam v’kalkel machshavtam — As for all those who think to do evil against me, speedily nullify their plans and disrupt their thoughts.” We ask Hashem to destroy their plans from the very beginning. In wake of this tragedy, this tefilla takes on a whole new meaning.
May we never need to have discussions like this again and may we be zoche to celebrate the ultimate simcha in the coming of Mashiach speedily on our days.
Susan’s Suggestions for the November 2018 Elections
by Susan Efroymson
(More expanded version to follow.)
No matter who you choose to vote for, candidates seeking our votes take note of our needs when we vote. One can vote by mail, at the Board of Elections, or at their polling location on Tuesday, November 6. Please consider the following:
(For any ballot items that are not listed here, there is no recommendation.)
Governor: Mike DeWine and Jon Husted (R)
State Attorney General: Steve Dettelbach (D)
State Auditor: Keith Faber (R)
Secretary of State of OH: Frank LaRose(R)
State Treasurer: Robert Sprague (R)
U.S. Senator: Jim Renacci (R) or Sherrod Brown(D)
Representative to U.S. Congress, District 11: Marcia Fudge (D)
State Senator District 21: Sandra Williams (D)
State Representative District 9: Janine Boyd (D)
Cuyahoga County Executive: Armond Budish (D)
Member of County Council District 10: Cheryl Stephens (D)
Ohio Supreme Court: Craig Baldwin (R), Mary DeGenaro (R)
Court of Appeals: Michelle Sheehan
Cuyahoga County Judges: Joseph Russo, Ashley Kilbane, William McGinty, John O’Donnell, Kathleen Sutula, John Sutula, Emily Hagan, Deborah Turner
State Issue 1 – Allows drug users out of prison by reclassifying drug possession as a misdemeanor. Vote No
Cuyahoga County Issue 10 – Disallows the county to discriminate regarding employment based on gender identity. Vote No
Cuyahoga County Issue 11- Allows the auditing office to bill the departments it audits. This is merely an interdepartmental issue and should be supported. Vote Yes.
Cuyahoga County Issue 12: Established the already in place office of Inspector General and gives it the power to subpoena in an investigation. Vote: no recommendation
Statement of Agudath Israel of America on Murder During a Shabbos Service in a Pittsburgh Synagogue
The murder of eleven people during a Shabbos service this morning in a Pittsburgh synagogue is a horrific tragedy and an outrage. Our deepest sympathies go out to the mourning families and friends of the victims who were targeted because they were Jews. We extend our deepest gratitude to the law enforcement personnel who arrived at the scene and captured the murderer. We also thank law enforcement across the country who are ramping up security measures around houses of worship.
There are simply no words of condemnation that can truly express our anguish and disgust at the perpetrator of this hate-fueled act or others like it. Any platform or group, including those on social media, that serves to stir up and metastasize bigotry and anti-Semitic hatred, needs to be called out and shut down for incitement of violence. Until all Americans confront the horror of anti-Semitism head on, our great Democracy will not have achieved its promise.
May those who were injured in today’s senseless violence have a speedy and complete recovery from their wounds.
Agudah Advocacy Continues to Ease Way for Arba Minim
Agudah Arba Minim TSA Travel Guidelines (PDF)
As in past years, Agudath Israel of America’s Washington Office has worked closely with agencies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help avoid potential problems for travelers carrying arba minim.
Both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have notified their respective field personnel about the upcoming Sukkos holiday and the increased level of travel by persons of the Jewish faith, many of whom will be carrying arba minim.
The notifications, which have been sent out to federal officials at airports and border crossings, emphasize the religious significance of these items and outline the rules and procedures that would help allay possible security and health issues that are of concern to the federal government. Prior to these agency steps, lack of familiarity regarding Sukkos and the arba minim had led to numerous incidents each year of inadvertent mishandling and mistreatment — including denial of entry — of these ritual objects.
The TSA Notice makes clear that the arba minim carried in airports, through security checkpoints or on aircraft, are not on the “prohibited items list” and provides instructions for travelers needing “special accommodations” in regard to checkpoint screening. The CBP Guidance sets forth detailed information regarding the inspection process for arba minim entering the United States from foreign countries through designated American ports and points out that the agency is “committed to treating all travelers, including travelers who may be observing Sukkot, with respect and dignity at all U.S. ports of entry.”
“We are gratified by the ongoing sensitivity of these agencies to the religious concerns of our community,” said Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s vice president for federal affairs and Washington director. “They are taking meaningful and appropriate steps to accommodate our religious needs.”
He also praised Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel’s national director of state relations, for once again producing a one-page handout (see above or click here) that travelers can print out – or save to their phones – to familiarize themselves with the rules before traveling.
$200 Coupon to Motorcars Will Benefit Lev Miriam Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of Cleveland is grateful to General Manager of Motorcars Toyota, Mr. Matt Gile, and the Motorcars Group for generously offering a $200 donation in support of the organization each time their dealership is presented with a special coupon towards the purchase or lease of a Honda or Toyota.
If you already took possession of your vehicle without presenting a coupon or if you plan to purchase/lease in 2018, please call the Bikur Cholim office at 216/320-1771 or email info@bikurcholimcleveland.org.
We will be happy to send you a coupon.
$200 Coupon to Motorcars Will Benefit Lev Miriam Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of Cleveland is grateful to General Manager of Motorcars Toyota, Mr. Matt Gile, and the Motorcars Group for generously offering a $200 donation in support of the organization each time their dealership is presented with a special coupon towards the purchase or lease of a Honda or Toyota.
If you already took possession of your vehicle without presenting a coupon or if you plan to purchase/lease in 2018, please call the Bikur Cholim office at 216/320-1771 or email info@bikurcholimcleveland.org.
We will be happy to send you a coupon.
43 Jobs In Our First Year!
As the first year of our careers division comes to a close, we are happy to share with you our accomplishments so far!
Stats:
- 125 clients serviced
- 43 job placements
- 15 aptitude tests taken
- 15 vocational training enrollees
- 12 resumes written
- 3 startups mentored
- 2 vocational course offerings
Services We Provide:
- Resume writing
- LinkedIn profile branding
- Career counseling
- Job placement
- Vocational training
- Startup mentoring
With the expanding growth at Gesher, we have made significant changes to accommodate the growing needs of our clients. We have moved to a new and larger location that has classroom space to house our vocational training courses. Additionally, we have just launched our new and updated website, featuring all of our career division services!
Thank you to all of our partners for allowing us access to your wealth of resources and for your willingness to meet our needs and specifications. We would not be able to offer these services without you!
Thank you to our committee members for your assistance to network, guide, and advise our clients and for connecting our staff with the various companies, agencies, and recruiters.
Thank you to all those in the community who have sent us leads and tips.
We are truly grateful to everyone for all the various contributions and support you have made to make this mission a reality. May we continue to work together as a community to support each other and grow successful together.
$200 Coupon to Motorcars Will Benefit Lev Miriam Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of Cleveland is grateful to General Manager of Motorcars Toyota, Mr. Matt Gile, and the Motorcars Group for generously offering a $200 donation in support of the organization each time their dealership is presented with a special coupon towards the purchase or lease of a Honda or Toyota.
If you already took possession of your vehicle without presenting a coupon or if you plan to purchase/lease in 2018, please call the Bikur Cholim office at 216/320-1771 or email info@bikurcholimcleveland.org.
We will be happy to send you a coupon.
$200 Coupon to Motorcars Will Benefit Lev Miriam Bikur Cholim
Bikur Cholim of Cleveland is grateful to General Manager of Motorcars Toyota, Mr. Matt Gile, and the Motorcars Group for generously offering a $200 donation in support of the organization each time their dealership is presented with a special coupon towards the purchase or lease of a Honda or Toyota.
If you already took possession of your vehicle without presenting a coupon or if you plan to purchase/lease in 2018, please call the Bikur Cholim office at 216/320-1771 or email info@bikurcholimcleveland.org.
We will be happy to send you a coupon.
New Loan Fund of the Hebrew Free Loan Association for Sleepaway Camp or Hardships
Hebrew Free Loan Association announces new loan fund, the ZaGiBe Fund designated to help with shortfalls to pay for Jewish Sleep away camp, Teen Israel trips, or Israel year programs with interest free loans. This loan fund can also be used for Jewish widows and widowers dealing with a hardship.
We do ask that the families first explore all scholarships and grants and conventional funds available to them.
Our applications are available on our website: www.interestfree.org. For more information call, 216-378-9042 or email: team@interestfree.org
New Loan Fund of the Hebrew Free Loan Association for Sleepaway Camp or Hardships
Hebrew Free Loan Association announces new loan fund, the ZaGiBe Fund designated to help with shortfalls to pay for Jewish Sleep away camp, Teen Israel trips, or Israel year programs with interest free loans. This loan fund can also be used for Jewish widows and widowers dealing with a hardship.
We do ask that the families first explore all scholarships and grants and conventional funds available to them.
Our applications are available on our website: www.interestfree.org. For more information call, 216-378-9042 or email: team@interestfree.org
Susan’s Suggestions for the May 2018 Primary Elections
by Susan Efroymson
Click here for a printable PDF of Susan’s Suggestions below including the in-depth analysis.
Click here for a one-page printable PDF summary to take with you to the polls.
Election and Voting Overview
As a primary election, you will be asked to choose a ballot based on party or “Issues only.” Only the tax and state issues are actually resolved now. Candidates who win this election will still have to compete against other parties and win in the open election in November to hold the office.
Below you will find my suggestions for the Democrat and Republican ballots, only for the contested races, unless there is strong reason to voice support for another candidate. As for which ballot to choose, there is more on that in the expanded comments.
As always, the most important thing is to show up and vote so that politicians don’t take our community for granted. We will only be valued as a constituency if show up and vote. Voter turnout in our community, although higher than average by some, still needs to improve. Whether by absentee or at the polls, please take the time to vote. The more of our votes they count, the more we count. [Read more…]
Susan’s Suggestions for the May 2018 Primary Elections
by Susan Efroymson
Click here for a printable PDF of Susan’s Suggestions below including the in-depth analysis.
Click here for a one-page printable PDF summary to take with you to the polls.
Election and Voting Overview
As a primary election, you will be asked to choose a ballot based on party or “Issues only.” Only the tax and state issues are actually resolved now. Candidates who win this election will still have to compete against other parties and win in the open election in November to hold the office.
Below you will find my suggestions for the Democrat and Republican ballots, only for the contested races, unless there is strong reason to voice support for another candidate. As for which ballot to choose, there is more on that in the expanded comments.
As always, the most important thing is to show up and vote so that politicians don’t take our community for granted. We will only be valued as a constituency if show up and vote. Voter turnout in our community, although higher than average by some, still needs to improve. Whether by absentee or at the polls, please take the time to vote. The more of our votes they count, the more we count. [Read more…]
Birkas HaIlanos in Cleveland 2018
Below appears a list of locations from last year. If you know of a new location for this year or a previous location that is no longer extant let us know by emailing info@localjewishnews.com.
AS OF 4/24, NONE ARE CONFIRMED BLOSSOMING EXCEPT GUTOW’S.
Locations
Cleveland Heights
- 3654 Shannon Rd.(Gutow) – home ‘pardes’ with cherry, apple and pear trees
- 3534 Berkeley Road (Greenberger) – apple tree on the front tree lawn
- 3504 Severn Rd. (Greenspan) – fruit tree in front with sign with bracha text
- 3582 Shannon Rd. (Goldfarb) – orchard, 2 trees (Goldfarb)
University Heights, Beachwood
- 2572 S. Green (Fleksher Home) – Pear trees by sidewalk at driveway
- 2596 S. Green – Numerous trees on front lawn
- 24920 Sittingbourne Ln. (Seltzer) – Several fruit trees planted 2 years ago (Plum, Cherry, Peach & Apple). Walk around the house on the right. The blessing is hanging by the trees. Stay close to our house, the neighbors have a dog on a long leash.
Wickliffe
- 28784 Johnson Drive (Compton) – a pear and plum tree in back yard
Overview
Rosh Chodesh Nissan marks the beginning of the season for Birkas HaIlanos – the blessing we recite upon seeing fruit trees in bloom. Since this blessing, which extols Hashem’s ongoing renewal of creation, is recited only once a year, its halachos are difficult to remember. Women, too, may recite this blessing since it is not considered a “time-related mitzvah” from which women are exempt.
The Text of the Blessing
The text of the blessing, as quoted in all of the early sources, is as follows:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁלֹּא חִסַּר בְּעוֹלָמוֹ כְּלוּם וּבָרָא בוֹ בְּרִיּוֹת טוֹבוֹת וְאִילָנוֹת טוֹבִים לֵהָנוֹת בָּהֶם בְּנֵי אָדָם
Boruch ata Hashem Elokeinu melech haolam shelo chisar baolamo klum uvara vo beriyos tovos v’ilanos tovim lehanos bahem beni adam.
In several siddurim the word davar appears instead of the word klum. But since all of the early sources indicate that the original text had the word klum, not the word davar, and the reason for the change is unsubstantiated, it is, therefore, proper to follow the early sources and recite the word klum and not the word davar.
When Is Birkas HaIlanos Recited?
The l’chatchilah, preferred time to recite this blessing is immediately upon seeing a fruit tree in bloom during the month of Nissan. Most poskim agree that the halachah mentions Nissan since generally, that is the month in which trees begin to bloom. Accordingly, in an area where they start blooming in Adar, or where they do not bloom until Iyar or Sivan, the blessing should be recited in those months. In the countries where fruit trees blossom in Tishrei or Cheshvan, the blessing should be said at that time.
If a tree bloomed in Nissan, but one did not see it until later, he may recite the blessing the first time he sees the tree as long as the fruit of the tree has not yet ripened. Once the fruit has ripened, the blessing may no longer be said.
One who saw the trees in bloom during Nissan, but forgot or neglected to recite the blessing, may recite the blessing at a later date but only until the time that the fruit of the tree has begun to grow.
The blessing is said upon seeing the actual blooming (flowering) of the tree. The growth of leaves alone is not sufficient to allow one to recite the blessing.
Some poskim hold that this blessing should not be said on Shabbos and Yom Tov, since we are concerned that it may lead to shaking or breaking a branch off the tree. All other poskim who do not mention this concern, apparently do not forbid reciting this blessing on Shabbos and Yom Tov. It is customary, though, to recite the blessing only during the week, unless the last day of Nissan falls on Shabbos.
The blessing may be said at night.
Which Trees Require Birkas HaIlanos?
Birkas HaIlanos is said only on fruit-bearing trees. If one mistakenly said the blessing on a barren tree, he need not repeat the blessing on a fruit-bearing tree.
The poskim debate whether one is allowed to say the blessing on a tree which has been grafted from two species, since the halachah does not permit such grafting. It is preferable not to make the blessing on such a tree.
Some acharonim prohibit the recitation of the blessing on an orlah tree. A tree is considered orlah for the first three years after it is planted. Many other poskim, however, permit reciting the blessing on an orlah tree.
During the year of shemittah in Eretz Yisrael, it is permitted to recite the blessing even on a tree which – in violation of the halachah – has been cultivated.
Hiddurei Mitzvah
There are several hiddurim mentioned in the poskim concerning this once-a-year mitzvah. According to the kabbalah, especially, this blessing has special significance. Among the hiddurim are:
- The blessing should be recited on two or more trees. No blessing is said on a single tree. Although the two trees do not have to be from two different species, several poskim mention that the more trees the better. Indeed, l’chatchilah the blessing should be said on trees in an orchard that is planted outside the city limits.
- The blessing should be recited in the presence of a minyan followed by Kaddish. Before the blessing is recited, V’yehi noam followed by Hallelukah hallelu Keil min ha-shamayim is said.
The blessing should be recited at the earliest possible time, which is on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, unless it falls on Shabbos or it is raining.
Please Attend Cleveland Heights’ Charter Review Commission Meeting this Thursday
by Susan Efroymson
This Thursday evening, April 19th, from 7-9:30pm the Charter Review Commission of Cleveland Heights will be holding an open community meeting at the Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd.
Civic-minded residents should attend!
Background: Cleveland Heights currently uses a City Manager to perform the executive functions of the city (actually running the city). The City Manager is not directly elected by the residents; rather, the city council hires this person. All 7 city council members are “at-large” – each is elected by all residents in the city. The mayor and vice mayor are selected by the other council members for two-year terms that are largely symbolic. The current City Manager is Tanisha Briley. In business, the equivalent would be that the shareholders (residents) vote to elect a board (council) who select and hire a CEO (City Manager) to run the company.
The advantage of using a city manager is that they have professional experience at running a city, and are dedicated to that job (city council members are part time).
At this time, the Charter Review Commission is evaluating whether this structure is still the best method for Cleveland Hts, and is considering alternatives.
Some items being considered:
- Instead of all residents selecting all council members, the city will be divided into “wards”, and each ward will elect its own member. There would be 4 wards, and there would still be 3 at-large (city-wide) members. The motivation for this is to ensure that various neighborhoods have a council member who represents their interests, which may not be the same as the rest of the city.
- A directly elected mayor with more influence (“Strong Mayor”). A strong mayor would run on a platform which gives them a mandate when elected. This helps them set the priorities and agenda for the city, representing the will of the residents. This option does not replace the City Manager; the CM still actually runs the city. Since the Mayor is not a council member, if and when they can vote on council matters is a variable. Shaker Heights is a model of Strong Mayor and City Manager (the “Hybrid Model”).
Flying High at the Flying J Station
Over 2,000 people stopped by the Flying J Station off Interstate 80 to attend Bikur Cholim of Cleveland’s Annual Pre-Pesach BBQ on the 80. Leaving their clean-for-Pesach vehicles at the station parking lot, families from east and west joined beneath the white tent awning where over 3,000 hot dogs and hamburgers were served up for their enjoyment at no charge.
“It’s hard to describe the atmosphere at the barbeque,” said Ely Schwartz who coordinated the event along with Chaim Ozer Dessler. “It’s fun, it’s festive. There’s music playing and everyone’s just so happy to be there,” he enthused.
Participants also gathered for Mincha and Maariv minyonim. Since Bikur Cholim of Cleveland began hosting its annual pre-Pesach barbeques, the Flying J location has become something of a minyan hotspot for Jews traveling between the Northeast and the Midwest. It’s right off the highway and right into the minyan.
“We appreciate Flying J for hosting this event,” said Rabbi Aryeh Leib Joseph, spokesperson for Bikur Cholim of Cleveland. “The barbeque raised over $13,000 thanks to our sponsors, our team of dedicated volunteers, and donations from the event participants,” he stated with satisfaction.
Bikur Cholim of Cleveland provides an impressive line of services for the ill and their families including, housing, visitation, meals, and transportation. The money raised from this event will help patients from all over the world who come to the Cleveland Clinic for treatment. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of Flying J,” Rabbi Joseph emphasized, and he strongly suggests that the public call Flying J’s corporate headquarters at 1-800- 562-6210 and leave a message thanking the corporation and expressing appreciation for the hospitality extended by the manager and workers at store 709 in Mill Hall, PA!
The Ritz Carlton, Cleveland Opening a Kosher Kitchen, Seeking OU Hashgacha
From Cleveland Jewish News (https://goo.gl/vk5t1C):
“It’s not only going to be kosher, but it’s kosher with The Ritz-Carlton service,” [the hotel’s manager] said.
…
Ron said the opening of the kosher kitchen – certification is being secured from the Orthodox Union – is part of a bigger community-based plan for the hotel.
Susan’s Suggestions for the May 2018 Primary Elections
by Susan Efroymson
Click here for a printable PDF of Susan’s Suggestions below including the in-depth analysis.
Click here for a one-page printable PDF summary to take with you to the polls.
Election and Voting Overview
As a primary election, you will be asked to choose a ballot based on party or “Issues only.” Only the tax and state issues are actually resolved now. Candidates who win this election will still have to compete against other parties and win in the open election in November to hold the office.
Below you will find my suggestions for the Democrat and Republican ballots, only for the contested races, unless there is strong reason to voice support for another candidate. As for which ballot to choose, there is more on that in the expanded comments.
As always, the most important thing is to show up and vote so that politicians don’t take our community for granted. We will only be valued as a constituency if show up and vote. Voter turnout in our community, although higher than average by some, still needs to improve. Whether by absentee or at the polls, please take the time to vote. The more of our votes they count, the more we count. [Read more…]
Kosher Establishments That Will Be Open Motzei Pesach
The following kosher establishments will be open Motzei Pesach:
- Bagel Shoppe
- Bar Sushi
- FishStix
- Unger’s
If you know of other establishments’ plans for Motzei Pesach, please email info@localjewishnews.com.
Motzei Pesach Hours at Heinen’s 9-11pm
Heinens at Cedar & Green will be open on Motzei Pesach from 9-11pm for the convenience of the Jewish community.
Don’t forget to refer to Cleveland Kosher’s Guidelines for purchasing chometz after Pesach and list of recommended stores.
Eruv Tavshilin!
Eruv Tavshilin!!!Eruv Tavshilin!!!Eruv Tavshilin!!!Eruv Tavshilin!!!Eruv Tavshilin!!!
Enough said. If you need a reminder, print out this handy sign and put it your fridge or even your door. It contains a reminder in bold print and a review of the basic halachos.
A Peek Inside the Miracle that is Kemach! (25+ Photos)
David Ramser Makes Siyum on His Monumental Completion of the Mishna Berura
From the article in the Cleveland Jewish News (https://goo.gl/99t41w):
After celebrating with friends and rabbis by reading the last page of the Mishna Berurah, Ramser is starting over from the beginning. Ramser said he hopes to have the book memorized one day.
Very nice photos at the Cleveland Jewish News website.
Shooting at Beachwood Place, One Injured
A lot of good photos at Cleveland Jewish News: https://goo.gl/jm7SH9.
From Cleveland.com (https://goo.gl/RwzK6B):
One person is in custody and preliminary indications show that the shooter and the victim knew each other. Police say as far as they know there is one victim.
Whether mall hours for Sunday are affected is not known.
(This photo credit David Petkiewicz on Cleveland.com, url above).
The Cleveland Gemach – Here to Serve the Jewish Community At Large
Cleveland Jewish News Article Chronicling the Rosenberg’s 40 Years of Ownership of Unger’s
Excerpted from the Cleveland Jewish News. Full article can be read at https://goo.gl/cmEbNi:
Malka Rosenberg said her husband, who died in 2016, had no plans to sell the store. And she said she hasn’t found anyone to take over the store, but she knows the kind of person she is looking for.
“Somebody who will do everything and anything,” she said. “Over here, you can’t just say I’m doing one thing, you can’t. If a customer walks in asking for something, you have to help. That’s the first thing, you have to take care of them at the register, you have to take care of their needs.”
For now, Malka Rosenberg plans to continue helping customers every way she can, whether it’s passing on savings or providing “the best selection” of kosher wine in the area.
The KYCM Men’s Event – Thank You! – Memories and Winners
CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS (list below)!
GRAND PRIZE – RABBI AND MRS. YERACHMIEL BECKER
SPLIT THE POT – MR. AND MRS. HESHY PLATSCHEK
- SARI SHEITEL – RABBI AND MRS. YOSEF WAINBRAND
- MAJESTIC MEGILLAH – RABBI AND MRS. MICHOEL WIENSCHNIEDER
- DAZZLING DIAMONDS – MR. AND MRS. DOV ZILBER
- BUGABOO – RABBI AND MRS. MEIR HIRSCHMAN
- $1,000 ARTSCROLL – DR. AND MRS. BARUCH FERTEL
- VALUE CITY FURNITURE – MR. AND MRS. JOSH BOOKMAN
- YAELI SHEITEL – MR. AND MRS. DAVID KELLER
- NATUREPEDIC MATTRESSES – RABI AND MRS. YITZCHOK KROLL
- SHOPPING SPREE – MR. AND MRS. YURIY ZELIKOVICH
- MEN’S WARDROBE – RABBI AND MRS. SHLOMO MENACHEM ARON
- CURB APPEAL – RABBI AND MRS. SHMUEL COHEN
- CASH! – RABBI AND MRS. YAAKOV SANDERS
- APPLIANCES – RABBI AND MRS. YITZ FRANK
- DELL LAPTOP – RABBI AND MRS. ELAZAR SHOYKET
- SIMCHA IN ELEGANCE – RABBI AND MRS. SENDER STOLL
- KE’ARA – RABBI AND MRS. YITZCHOK ZABLUDOWSKI
- CLEAN SWEEP – MR. AND MRS. HARRY WEISS
- GUEST ROOM ENSEMBLE – RABBI AND MRS. AVROHOM MEYSTEL
- LEGACY VILLAGE – RABBI AND MRS. MEIR MARGULIES
- L’CHAIM! – RABBI AND MRS. YOEL FLEISHER
- MEN’S MOVADO – RABBI AND MRS. YITZ FRANK
- GO GOURMIA – RABBI AND MRS. TZVI WEISS
- WALL ART – DR. AND MRS. BRIAN GASTMAN
- UPTOWN GETAWAY – DR. AND MRS. YISSACHAR JERUSALEM
- DIAMOND HALO NECKLACE – DR. AND MRS. DANIEL FLEKSHER
- GROCERY BONANZA 1 – RABBI AND MRS. FAIVEL KATZ
- GROCERY BONANZA 2 – MR. AND MRS. MAX WINTERS
- TREAT YOURSELF – MR. AND MRS. DAVID KELLER
- EISHES CHAYIL – MR. AND MRS. MAX WINTERS
- DINE OUT – RABBI AND MRS. SENDER STOLL
- GO FISH – MR. AND MRS. JASON CLAUDE
- HOME DEFENSE – RABBI AND MRS. MENACHEM TENENBAUM
- FOR THE FAMILY – MR. AND MRS. ALAN SCHABES
- MAGNA TILES – RABBI AND MRS. AVROHOM MEYSTEL
- BEST DRESSED KID – RABBI AND MRS. MORDECHAI BORCHARDT
- GAMES – MR. AND MRS. BEN CHAFETZ
- JUST LIKE CHINA – DR. AND DR. ARI MOSENKIS
- MITZVAH KINDER MEET THE SHPIELMANS – RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE SUMMERS
- PHOTO SHOOT – MR. AND MRS. MATIS FRIEDMAN
- TOYS OF THE FUTURE – DR. AND MRS. MICHOEL ROM
