Ms. Landesman with students for Book of the Month
Ms. Landesman with students for Book of the Month
Ms. Landesman with students for Book of the Month

By Chanita Teitz

The ongoing saga of Obamacare continues. Until this week I didn’t know anyone personally whose insurance policy was canceled. Now I know several. According to Fox News, 3 million Americans have been dropped by their insurance companies. If so many policies are canceled, the insurance companies are losing a lot of their revenue sources. Will they have to raise everyone else’s rates to compensate for the lost business?

So far, my insurance broker assured me that my insurance company is not dropping policies, but when we renew next September there will probably be some restructuring to comply with the mandates, and then I wonder what we will have to pay. Stay tuned.

Bnos Malka Believes in CHANGE. Bnos Malka introduced its book-of-the-month program with the theme “CHANGE Begins with Me.” CHANGE is an acronym: Confidence, Honesty, Acceptance, Nurturing, Gratitude, and Empathy. These six character traits are needed to effect positive changes in the world. The program coordinator, Ms. Yocheved Landesman, explained, “Each month we will be reading a book that has a lesson about one of these traits. The goal is for our students, in every grade, to envision what kind of person they would like to be in the future and to identify the steps and tools they need to take in order have a positive impact on the world. The Book of the Month unifies the school and at the same time speaks to the age and maturity of each girl.”

As an introduction to the theme, the students will be reading the Dr. Seuss’s classic Oh the Places You’ll Go. The book is about embarking on the journey of life. It talks about being prepared to go out into the world and succeed, but does warn that there will be some bumps in the road. After reading the book, each class will discuss the importance of having goals for the future. “Goals are such a crucial part of personal growth, but often fall to the wayside in our busy day-to-day lives.”

Throughout the year, the students will identify the lesson of each book and decide on an action they would like to focus on based on that lesson. Ms. Landesman concluded, “If we can instill the importance of having personal aspirations to our students as they begin their own paths, we will enable them to make the world a better place.”

Yeshiva Ohr Hachaim. Last Motzaei Shabbos was the first week of Avos U’Banim learning. This is a highly successful program run under the leadership of Rabbi Reuven Kesherim, assisted by Shloimie Pollack. (Shloimie’s able assistant is my grandson Mordechai Weiss.) Fathers and sons learn together in a relaxed atmosphere. The boys also get pizza and raffle prizes and have either sports or story time. This week they are starting at 6:15 p.m. Weekly sponsors are appreciated. For more information, e-mail avosbonim@gmail.com.

Chofetz Chaim News. Rabbinical Seminary of America/Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim’s November Ahavas Chessed Learning Calendar is dedicated l’refuah sheleimah for Chaim Yosef ben Rus. To sign up or get the calendar, e-mail mwinter@rabbinical.org.

In conjunction with the memorial for Rabbi Tropper, zt’l, at this year’s Chag Hasmicha dinner, the yeshiva would like to present the Tropper family with a collection of remembrances written by talmidei hayeshiva from all the various tekufos. Talmidim are encouraged to write something and forward it to rabbitroppermemories@gmail.com as soon as possible. Contributions will be reviewed and prepared by a family member. A few minutes from your busy week will yield, be’H, a great deal of nechamah to the family.

Women’s League of the Young Israel of Queens Valley, 141-55 77 Avenue, is hosting an art auction on Saturday night, November 9. Preview at 7:15 p.m. Auction at 8:00 p.m. Wine tasting and refreshments. Admission: $5 per person.

Pre-Chanukah POP UP boutique this Sunday evening, November 10, 5:00—9:00 p.m. at the Young Israel of Holliswood. 86-25 Francis Lewis Blvd. Vendors include Honestly Me, Arbonne, Hate by Anya, Mary Kay, Bella Couture, Petit Perfection, Kool Knots, Cake a Bite, Rena Mei Jewelry, The Finishing Touch, Coral Bleau, The Skirt Shop, Sarah’s Corner, Tamara’s Gems, Dolly’s, Fine Art Jewelry, The Finishing Touch, Kosher Innovations, Moti Judaica, Blankets by Judi, and many more! Proceeds from this event will be donated to the shul.

Join Yeshiva of Central Queens and Kehilas Ishei Yisrael for an unforgettable shopping experience, right here in Kew Gardens Hills! Over 30 vendors all in one place prepared to get you ready for Chanukah. Monday, November 11, 5:00-10:00 p.m. Yeshiva of Central Queens—Lunchroom. Chanukah is quickly approaching, come support Ishei and YCQ and get your Chanukah shopping done in one place while supporting two great organizations! For more information, please e-mail Neshei@isheiyisrael.org.

The Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills is pleased to invite the community to a Scholar-in-Residence Shabbos with Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, founder and director, NJOP-National Jewish Outreach Program, on Friday night and Shabbos Chanukah-Mevarchim, November 29-30. Friday night oneg (7:30 p.m.) “Remaining Moral in an Increasingly Immoral Environment”; Shabbos morning derashah; Seudah shelishis (following Minchah at 4:00 p.m.) “Living like a Hellenist.”

N’shei Ohr Moshe Ninth Membership “Brunch and Learn.” Sunday, November 10. 9:45 a.m. Congregation Ohr Moshe 170-16 73rd Avenue in Hillcrest. Dr. Shmuel Shields will be speaking on “Creating Nutritious and Delicious Shabbos Meals.” RSVP Beth Friedman 591-4143 or Ruchie Schechter 591-4441. Sponsor $60. Couvert $40. Proceeds to support the projects and programs of N’shei Ohr Moshe.

“Successful Interviewing.” Thursday, November 14, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. In partnership with Connect to Care at the Samuel Field Y, 58-20 Little Neck Parkway in Little Neck. RSVP to 718-224-0566 or connect-to-care@sfy.org. Don’t let an unexpected interview question or a lack of preparation catch you off-guard. This workshop will provide you with a step-by-step guide to navigating the interview process, from researching the company before you arrive to writing a standout thank-you note once you leave. Space is limited. Advance registration required. UJA-Federation of New York’s Connect to Care is a multi-agency initiative assisting families who have been adversely affected by the economic downturn and provides assistance with employment and career transition services, legal and financial consultations, supportive counseling, and Jewish spiritual care.

On Shabbos afternoon, November 9, 3:30 p.m., Cheryl Mandel, mother of Lt. Daniel Mandel, who was killed in battle while leading his IDF unit into Shechem, will speak at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills on the topic “An Israeli Story of Overcoming Adversity.” For more information, call 718-261-9723 v

Chanita Teitz is a real-estate broker at Astor Brokerage in Kew Gardens Hills, serving the entire Queens vicinity. For all your real-estate needs, call her at 718-263-4500 or e-mail chanita@astorbrokerage.com.

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