Local Jewish News

News, Info & Resources for the Cleveland Orthodox Jewish Community

New Loan Fund of the Hebrew Free Loan Association for Sleepaway Camp or Hardships

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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

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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

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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

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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

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blossomsBelow 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

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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”).

[Read more…]

Flying High at the Flying J Station

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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!

Susan’s Suggestions for the May 2018 Primary Elections

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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…]

Motzei Pesach Hours at Heinen’s 9-11pm

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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!

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Exclamation Point(1)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.

Download here >>

Shooting at Beachwood Place, One Injured

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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).

Cleveland Jewish News Article Chronicling the Rosenberg’s 40 Years of Ownership of Unger’s

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Photo Credit: Alyssa Schmidt, Cleveland Jewish News

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

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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

Jewish Federation President Stephen H. Hoffman Announces Retirement

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The Jewish Federation of Cleveland today announced that its president, Stephen H. Hoffman, intends to retire from this position on December 31, 2018. Hoffman (67) has served in this capacity since 1983. A search committee of the Board of Trustees, along with the assistance of executive search professionals, will oversee the process by which Hoffman’s successor is named.

“Steve’s impact on the Jewish community in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world cannot be overstated,” said Board Chair Gary L. Gross. “During his tenure, he elevated every single facet of our work to enable us to anticipate the ever-changing needs of our community here and abroad through his deep commitment and compassion.

“As impressive as these achievements are, I think Steve’s true legacy will be that he taught us all the true meaning of community and the endless power of tzedakah,” Gross continued. “Thanks to his superb leadership, we are blessed to move into this next chapter of our organization’s storied history with an impeccable reputation, a clear vision for the future, and the strong financial footing to support our integrated and inclusive growth plan.”

“It has been my distinct honor to have served the Jewish community in this role for close to 35 years,” said Hoffman. “My decision to retire at the end of the year comes after careful consideration. I’m proud to have played a part in strengthening the meaningful impact the Jewish Federation of Cleveland has had both here and abroad over the years. I have treasured the professional-volunteer relationship over these many decades, which I believe is the ‘secret sauce’ to Cleveland’s success as a Jewish community. I look forward to working closely with Gary and the team as we usher in this new era of leadership.”

Cleveland Heights Residents’ Water Shut Off for Failure to Schedule an Upgrade to Clear Reads

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LJN received word from two parties that some residents who failed to schedule an appointment to have their meters upgraded to Clear Reads had their water turned off today. According to both parties this action was taken without warning or notice.

From a reader:

As you may be aware, Cleveland Water is upgrading water meters and customers need to schedule an appointment to have their meters upgraded.

I got a call from a tenant earlier this evening that her water was shut-off without warning since an appointment was not scheduled (she sent a picture of the notice and we pay the water bill so it was not due to non-payment). (They may have posted a door hanger on her door but no letter was sent.)

Many people (especially elderly) may have neglected to schedule this upgrade. You may want to let the community know to spare them the agmas nefesh of having their water shut-off. ( A Friday Shut-off means no water until Monday!)

Cleveland Heights Vice-Mayor Jason Stein forwarded the following link (http://www.clevelandwater.com/cleveland-heights-clear-reads-project) where you can learn more about the program. There is no specific way to schedule the appointment online, however, so unless you’re certain you’ve been upgraded or have an appointment to be upgraded, you’re best off calling Cleveland Water to make sure you didn’t miss any notices and aren’t scheduled for a shutoff. Their number is 216.664.3130. As per comments by Water Man and D Schwab, the best number to use is 844-379-9984.

Consumer Reports Suggests Temporarily Avoiding Romaine Lettuce

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Due to an E. coli outbreak that has now affected 13 states including Ohio, Consumer Report took the unusual step of suggesting temporarily avoiding romaine lettuce. While the CDC hasn’t yet declared romaine lettuce to be the culprit in the outbreak, Consumer Reports’ suggestion is based on romaine lettuce’s implication in a similar outbreak in Canada.

Consumer Reports warning

A good overview of the story can be read at the Chicago Tribune’s website.

UH Mayor Brennan Immediately Focuses on Fire Safety; Replaces Fire Chief

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Newly installed Mayor Brennan fired University Heights’ Fire Chief Zook on his first day in office. He named Captain Perko as the interim replacement. This move was generally expected and in line with Brennan’s campaign promises to better support the city’s fire department, firefighters, and address their safety concerns as outlined in a letter

From Cleveland.com:

As chief, Perko said he intends to work on improving fire prevention and public education, and to increase firefighter training and development.

Local Jewish News is encouraged that Mayor Brennan has immediately focused on improving fire safety in the city. We look forward to similar attention to the recent escalation in criminal activity in University Heights.

MetroHealth Severance Hospital Opening January 4th; Facility to Accommodate Orthodox Community Needs

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MetroHealth will be opening a hospital at the Severance Circle facility on January 4th. With the addition of 12 beds to the facility, the hospital will be aimed at treating adults with less serious conditions that need short-term hospitalization. There will be no planned newborn deliveries.

The hospital will have a Bikur Cholim room. Further, in an effort to understand the frum community’s needs and cater care to it, MetroHealth has consulted with Rabbi Akiva Feinstein and others.

From Cleveland Jewish News (view full article):

The team at MetroHealth also said they were working to enhance the patient experience, particularly for the Orthodox community. MetroHealth consulted Rabbi Akiva Feinstein, a full-time chaplain at Montefiore in Beachwood who also works through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s chaplaincy program, for advice on better serving the needs of Jewish patients.

Related article on Cleveland.com