Xavier's Cigar Lounge: The Perfect Place for Relaxation & Socializing By David L. Snelling March 24, 2022 Share Xavier's Cigar Lounge in Hallandale Beach might be the place for people to relax while puffing on a variety of cigars and watching sporting events, but owner Harris Safra gave it a unique moniker: Husband Day Care Center. A sign outside the lounge gives women a clue on how to get rid of their husbands for a few hours or more, depending on how much fun they are having without them. The sign reads: "Need Time To Yourself?" "Need Time To Go Relax?" "Want To Go Shopping?" "Leave your husband with us!" "We'll look after him for you!" "You'll only pay for his cigar!" Safra created the sign to show he has a sense of humor which reflects the ambiance of the lounge seven days a week. A lot of people get a big kick out of the sign and visit the lounge to see what the buzz is all about. They like it so much that they end up staying for hours and come back as regular customers. Safra, who opened the business seven years ago, said the lounge is more like a social club for men and women, where people also play dominoes. He said the business even attracts snowbirds from Canada, who visit South Florida each year. Safra said the lounge averages about 150 customers a day. "We build friendliness and the best services for a cigar lounge in South Florida," Safra said. "We always introduce people to each other so they won't feel left out." Xavier Cigar Lounge, located at 800 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, is 1,000 square feet inside the facility and 2,000 square feet of covered patio overlooking the courtyard. The lounge has six large flat screen TV's showing all sporting events and people can relax on comfortable lounge chairs while enjoying the peaceful environment. Safra said the lounge also plays music. Safra said people can choose from over 500 different brands of cigars, including: Padron, Arturo Fuente and Perdomo. When thirsty, they can sip on some wine or drink beer and soft drinks, or if they prefer brewed from roasted beans, gourmet coffee, espresso and cappuccino are also available. "People come here to relax and chill," he said. "We are well known in the U.S. People come from all over the world to visit the lounge." The lounge also delivers. Safra said his business delivers cigars to homes and businesses and during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, delivery service increased. The lounge also has curbside pick-up during the Pandemic. "We deliver cigars to homes," he said. "We had been delivering cigars before the Pandemic, but it grew during the Pandemic." People can also find romance at the lounge. Safra did. He said he met his wife, Isabella Safra, who was a customer and three months later they tied the knot. They have been married for seven years. "I knew she was the one," he said. "I knew she was the love of my life." After starting a brand marketing business, Safra said he was seeking to start another venture. He met a gentleman and the two shared their ideas on starting a new business. They decided to try their hands at the cigar lounge. He said they bought out a family business and since then sales for the cigar lounge have increased each year. "They have tripled in the last year," Safra said. "We've been doing very well." Safra said his partner is no longer with the business as he bought him out. Safra is 63 years-old, but he sounds like a business savvy 20-year-old. Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, Safra moved to Aventura with his parents when he was 15 years-old. He graduated from Miami Norland High School, where he played soccer. Safra earned a Degree in Hospitality Manage-ment from Florida International University. He said he entered the Restaurant Industry following his college graduation but eventually set his sights on entrepreneurship. Safra started a Brand Marketing Company designing ad campaigns for different companies and specializing in promotions of products including creating companies' T-shirts and their logos. He has owned the business for the past 25 years. "We make custom T-shirts with companies' names, logos and create products for them," he said. "I decided the restaurant business consumed too much time for me and started my own business." Entrepreneurship is not the only passion for Safra. He loves to give back to the community by hosting a Charity Golf Tournament each year to benefit people with Autism and raise awareness which is dedicated to his stepson who suffers from Autism. He named the event the Xavier's LDA Golf Charity Event after a dear friend and customer, Les De Asis, who died in 2020. The third annual event took place on March 21st at the Hollywood Golf Resort. "We traveled a lot together," Safra said. "I chose a charity that would keep his name going. My wife's son has Autism and a lot of people with Autism are out there suffering from it as well." Safra said North Miami Beach Police Officers are among the participants and event sponsors include: Akam Properties in Hollywood and E.P. Carrillo Cigar in Miami. He hopes that the Charity Golf Event will draw local celebrities like the NFL Players and the Miami Hurricanes Athletes someday. "Some ‘Canes players may be there, but they haven't committed," Safra said. Xavier's Cigar Lounge 800 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Suite#: 11 Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 (754) 208-2719 http://xavierscigars.com/ < Previous News Next News >

ZOA Issues Qualified Support For Trump Gaza Plan, With Concerns By ZOA.org Oct 23, 2025 Zionist Organization Of America (ZOA) National President Morton A. Klein Released The Following Statement: The Zionist Organization of America issues qualified support for President Trump’s Gaza plan, with concerns. ZOA is thrilled at the prospect that – at the outset of the plan – all the remaining innocent Jewish hostages will be freed from the blood-soaked hands of the evil Arab-Islamic Hamas monsters, who committed unspeakable atrocities, and whose Charter calls for the murder of every Jew and Israel’s destruction. ZOA is grateful that the war against Arab/Islamic Hamas and their supporters will have achieved its primary goals and therefore may come to a successful end. ZOA strongly thanks President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu for their unceasing efforts to help release our brothers from captivity. And we profoundly thank President Trump for supporting any and all of Israel’s actions if Hamas rejects this plan, or if the Palestinian Arabs and the Palestinian Authority do not fulfill their obligations of reformation and deradicalization required under this plan. As we entered Yom Kippur, we were also hopeful that the plan will enhance Jewish unity and help usher in a year that sees better days for all of Israel and the Jewish people. We are greatly concerned that the deal includes releasing 1,950 Arab/Islamist terrorists, including 250 who were convicted for murdering Jews, and similar capital crimes. In the past, many of these released Arab terrorists went back to murdering Jews. Forty of them became leaders of Hamas. It also increases and inspires the likelihood of more kidnappings of Jews. We are also concerned about hostile-to-Israel Tony Blair having an important oversight role, and the prospect that untrustworthy non-neutral Palestinian Arabs could aid in running Gaza. So-called Palestinian technocrats have historically and invariably been terrorists. We are upset that Hamas leaders will not be held accountable for their Nazi-like barbarism and atrocities and will be given the right to remain in Gaza. We very much appreciate the plan’s statement that Gaza will be deradicalized. However, it is unclear to us if this will include the strenuous, drastic, long-term programs and efforts needed to re-educate an entire population brought up from infancy to hate and aspire to murder Jews and Christians. If such serious efforts will indeed be made, that would be a historic game-changer, and could bring real peace. At a minimum, deradicalization must also include the Palestinian Authority ending pay-to-slay; and all Palestinian Arab regimes changing their antisemitic, Israel-bashing textbooks and daily indoctrination of antisemitic and anti-Israel hatred; removing the names of Jew-killers from schools, streets, sports teams and children’s camps; removing Imams and media that preach hatred and violence against Jews; publicly accepting Israel as a Jewish state; deleting the Fatah and Hamas charters’ demands to murder Jews and destroy Israel; changing emblems, such as the Fatah (PA ruling party)’s emblem, showing all of Israel as Palestine with a rifle and Arafat, and the Palestinian Authority logo showing all of Israel as Palestine; sincerely accepting the Jewish state; and placing Israel on all their maps. We are concerned that mere interfaith dialogue and improving the economic situation of Gazan Arabs will not change the Gazan population’s Islam-inspired commitment to hate and kill Jews and destroy the Jewish state. This has been a religious/Koranic war against Israel’s very existence. It has not been about economics or a state. It is about destroying Israel and murdering Jews. Improving Palestinian Arabs’ material lives doesn’t impact their Islamist hatred of and violence against Jews. The Palestinian Arabs’ refusal to give up their overriding Islamic goal of destroying Israel is why the Palestinian Arabs rejected numerous offers of a “side-by-side” state accompanied with billions of dollars in aid. Remember, the Arabs rejected the British Peel Commission’s two-state offer in 1937, the UN’s non-binding partition recommendation in 1947, and numerous other rejected offers for a state, and instead went to war to annihilate the Jewish state. The economic improvements offered here unfortunately also reward terror. We believe that the provision limiting Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza (e.g., “save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat”) needs to be broadly interpreted to make the perimeter of Israeli control permanent. Israel needs to retain and control a significant buffer zone in Gaza to assure Israel’s safety, and to make it safe for Israelis to rebuild the communities in southern Israel that Hamas and Gazan civilians destroyed on October 7th. It must also be made clear that Israel must continue to control the Philadelphi border with Egypt so that no weapons can enter Gaza via Egypt. We must never forget that Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 was a disaster that resulted in over 30,000 rockets launched at Israel, repeated wars, and brutal terror attacks. We also want to make sure that the clause about non-interference with aid is not (mis)interpreted so broadly as to prevent Israel from inspecting trucks delivering aid into Gaza. Israeli inspections for weapons are essential for Israel’s security and should not be deemed to be interference. Current Israeli inspections have not interfered with aid deliveries. Indeed, as of this past Sunday (Sept. 28, 2025), Israel has facilitated 2,097,488 tons of aid on 107,828 trucks and 13,209 pallets into Gaza. We are also concerned about the statement giving UN agencies aid distribution roles – and hope that this provision is not used to revitalize UNRWA – the Hamas-infested UN organization that participated in October 7th, hid weapons and communications centers for Hamas, and teaches unmitigated hatred for Jews and Israel in its schools. We also hope that the aid provisions are not interpreted to bar the U.S.-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) from its work: As of Monday, September 19th, 2025, the GHF has distributed 176 million meals in Gaza. We are very relieved that the plan does not include an agreement to a Palestinian terror state. But we are somewhat uneasy about even the mention of a state in the vague provision: “While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.” As ZOA has explained repeatedly, a Palestinian state would be a terror enclave and a mortal danger to Israel, and is overwhelmingly opposed by the Israeli people, officials, and the Knesset. “Reforming” the efficiency of the bloodthirsty Palestinian Authority will not justify taking away lands guaranteed to Israel under international law to form a Palestinian state. The aspiration of the Palestinian Arabs is not a state; it is Israel’s destruction, as their charter, their repeated rejection of side-by-side offers, their speeches and sermons, and textbooks and media all confirm. ZOA is also unconvinced that Hamas and the Palestinian regime will fulfill their obligations under the plan. Can we trust Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and others to do what’s promised and what’s right? Nevertheless, given the present international and Mideast circumstances and the frightening surge of Jew-hatred and Israel-hatred everywhere, we believe it is now best to move forward and give the Palestinian Arabs yet another chance for peace. And if the plan is properly interpreted, properly carried out and properly monitored, and truly fulfilled, it has the potential to dramatically change the landscape and increase the safety and security of Israel and its people, and improve the lives of Jews, Arabs, Muslims, and Christians in the Middle East. Previous Next

A Jewish Perspective On Burial And Cremation By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil
 Jan 15, 2026 I Write These Words After Far Too Many Tears Shed Together With Bereaved Families—Families Placed In Painful And Often Avoidable Situations Simply Because The Right Conversations Did Not Happen Earlier. My Hope Is That This Article Helps Open Those Conversations With Clarity, Compassion, And Care. When families face end-of-life decisions, they are often doing so in moments filled with emotion, love, and uncertainty. Judaism approaches these moments with deep sensitivity, offering guidance not to judge or criticize, but to bring dignity, comfort, and peace—to the soul of the departed and to those left behind. Jewish tradition teaches that the human body is a precious gift from G‑d. Throughout life, it enables a person to perform mitzvot, express kindness, and bring light into the world. For this reason, Judaism asks that the body be treated with profound respect even after life has ended. Burial is understood as a final act of care—gently returning the body to the earth from which it was formed. It is important to say clearly: this article is not a judgment of past decisions. Rather, it is a loving wake‑up call for those who may be unsure, undecided, or simply unaware of the significance of proper Jewish burial. Unfortunately, cremation is becoming increasingly common. My intention here is to shed light on this sensitive topic and to offer a Jewish perspective that can help guide thoughtful, informed decisions. Cremation, which involves the active destruction of the body, stands in contrast to the tenderness and guardianship that Judaism encourages at life’s end. The Torah speaks of burial not as a technical requirement, but as an act of chesed shel emet—a “true kindness.” It is kindness because it is done for someone who can never repay it. Through burial, family and community come together to honor a life lived and to escort the soul forward with dignity, reverence, and love. This sacred process—often including tahara (ritual purification), prayer, and a simple burial—has brought comfort to Jewish families for thousands of years. It provides continuity and quiet meaning at a time when so much can feel overwhelming. Judaism teaches that death is not an end, but a transition. The soul lives on, and one of our core beliefs is Techiyat HaMeitim, the resurrection of the dead. Choosing burial gently affirms this faith and expresses hope in the enduring bond between body and soul. While G‑d’s compassion is limitless, Jewish tradition views cremation as inconsistent with this belief, as it symbolizes finality rather than continuity. For many Jewish families, cremation also carries deep emotional weight because of our collective history. The forced cremation of millions of Jews during the Holocaust left an indelible imprint on the Jewish soul. Even generations later, this memory can make cremation especially painful, evoking times when Jewish dignity was brutally stripped away. Jewish teachings explain that the soul remains connected to the body after death. Burial allows for a gentle, natural separation—bringing peace to the soul and comfort to the living. The familiar rhythms of Jewish mourning—burial, shivah, prayer, and remembrance—help families begin the healing process with structure, support, and community. Even for Jews who lived largely secular lives, choosing a Jewish burial can be a powerful final connection—to family, to heritage, and to timeless values. It is a quiet but profound way of saying: I belong. I am part of this story. Judaism’s preference for burial is not meant to pressure or condemn, but to guide families toward a choice rooted in dignity, compassion, and faith. In moments of loss, Jewish tradition seeks to wrap families in care, reminding us that even in goodbye, there can be meaning, holiness, and peace. If you are navigating these decisions, please know that you are not alone. Rabbis and community leaders are here to listen, to support, and to help you find a path that feels both loving and true. I encourage you to reach out to your local Chabad or Chevra Kadisha—they will guide you through these challenging decisions with sensitivity and respect. We have lots of information gathered at: www.ChabadChayil.org/LifeToLife - And have a list of affordable burial options available in South Florida at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Cemetery . If there is anything we can ever help with, please don't hesitate to give us a call at: (305) 770-1919. As Rabbis, we are privileged to share in the most meaningful moments of a family’s life. We rejoice with parents at baby namings and circumcisions, welcome children into preschool, laugh with them at Hebrew School, prepare them for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, support them through teen years and young adulthood, counsel couples before marriage, celebrate life’s milestones—and we cry together when loved ones pass on. May we experience less crying and more celebrating. And may we merit the time when G‑d will remove death and sadness from the world entirely. May it happen speedily in our days. More about that at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Moshiach . About The Author: Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org . You can also support the community with your partnership at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Partner . Previous Next

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Annual Tree Lighting & Outdoor Movie Night: The Grinch - Kick Off the Holiday Season in Downtown Hollywood This Friday City of Hollywood November 21, 2024 Share The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to ring in the festivities than by celebrating with your loved ones at the Annual Tree Lighting in Downtown Hollywood this Friday, November 22nd. Hosted at the ArtsPark at Young Circle, this beloved event promises to bring holiday cheer, joy, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Whether you're looking to enjoy the sights, sounds, or traditions of the season, this evening has something for everyone. The evening’s festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. when visitors arrive to explore the ArtsPark and its unique offerings. The Visual Arts Pavilion will be the place to be for art lovers. Guests can witness live glass-blowing demonstrations by local artisans, providing an up-close look at the creation of stunning works of art from molten glass. It’s an opportunity to appreciate craftsmanship and creativity as it unfolds before your eyes. The pavilion will also feature art exhibits, making it a perfect stop for anyone looking to experience some culture before the big tree lighting. The towering holiday tree at ArtsPark will be transformed into a glowing centerpiece at 7:00 p.m., sparkling with thousands of twinkling lights for the Annual Tree Lighting. The celebration will be accompanied by festive holiday music, creating a joyful atmosphere as the lights glow bright against the night sky. The best part? The holiday magic doesn’t stop there. This year, Santa Claus himself will be making a special appearance to share in the festivities. With his signature red suit and a bag full of cheer, Santa will be on hand to spread holiday joy and even take photos with little ones. It’s a picture-perfect moment for families to capture memories of this special occasion. As always, this annual event is completely free and open to the public, making it an accessible way for everyone to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season. Outdoor Movie Night: “The Grinch” After the tree has been lit and the festivities are in full swing, there’s no better way to continue the celebration than with an outdoor movie. At 8:00 p.m., grab your blankets and head to the lawn for a screening of the holiday classic The Grinch (PG). This timeless animated feature, which tells the story of the grumpy Grinch and his journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas, is the perfect movie to keep the holiday spirit alive. Whether you’re attending with friends, family, or a date, it’s a heartwarming experience under the stars. The movie will be shown on the Amphitheater stage, offering a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Be sure to bring your coziest blankets, some snacks, and your holiday cheer as you settle in for an unforgettable night. As much as the holidays are a time to indulge and celebrate, they are also an opportunity to give back to the community and the environment. ArtsPark is committed to maintaining a sustainable, eco-friendly atmosphere, so event-goers are reminded that single-use plastics and Styrofoam containers—such as plastic bags, bottles, and food containers—are not allowed at the event. By following these guidelines, we can all contribute to keeping the park clean, beautiful, and enjoyable for future generations of holiday revelers. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, picnic baskets, and other eco-friendly alternatives to ensure that the holiday fun doesn’t come at the cost of the environment. The organizers are doing their part by maintaining the park’s cleanliness, but they can’t do it without the help of the community. Let’s all work together to make this holiday season both joyful and sustainable. Event Details: Date: Friday, November 22, 2024 Time: Tree Lighting at 7:00 p.m. | The Grinch movie at 8:00 p.m. Location: ArtsPark at Young Circle, Downtown Hollywood Admission: Free Parking: Free parking is available at nearby public lots. For more information about the event, including parking details or any specific inquiries, visitors can contact the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts at 954-921-3500. < Previous News Next News >

2023 Home Rule Hero Award: Commissioner Jeniffer Viscarra & Commissioner Fabiola Stuyvesant Recognized For Advocacy Efforts www.sibfl.net May 24, 2023 Share The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized City of Sunny Isles Beach Commissioners Jeniffer Viscarra & Commissioner Fabiola Stuyvesant with a 2023 Home Rule Hero Award for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2023 Legislative Session. Viscarra & Stuyvesant worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s Legislative Agenda. “The League and its Legislative Team appreciate the individual advocacy efforts undertaken by municipal officials throughout the state,” said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “Home Rule Heroes are some of our biggest advocates for protecting local decision-making. They are League Members who stand out for their high level of participation, knowledge, and effectiveness. This year’s Home Rule Heroes continuously advocated for their communities throughout the 2023 Legislative Session.” Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award Recipients are local Government Officials, both elected and non-elected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue. Viscarra says “I am so grateful for this unexpected recognition, and I hope that through education and guidance, our local and state residents become more civically engaged (dare I say empowered) and thoughtful voters.” In addition to serving on the Florida League of Cities Advocacy Committee, Viscarra has been an advocate for engaging and educating Sunny Isles Beach residents throughout her tenure. Through her Residents’ Academy Program Initiative, she has worked to educate the electorate on the workings of Municipal Government, encouraging students to get involved in the State Legislature as it relates to Home Rule Issues and how those decisions impact our Local Government. Stuyvesant says, “It is a great honor to be recognized by the League, and I look forward to furthering our legislative priorities. When it comes to municipal home rule there is no substitute for victory.” Stuyvesant traveled to Washington DC as part of the FLC Federal Action Strike Team (FAST) and for the Congressional City Conference, ensuring local voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Throughout her tenure as a City of Sunny Isles Beach Commissioner, Stuyvesant has continued to advocate for our residents of all ages, addressing overcrowding at our local K-8 school and appealing to the State of Florida to include Sunny Isles Beach as part of the State Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force. Viscarra’s advocacy of Home Rule Issues does not stop at the Commission Dais or in her Resident’s Academy Classroom. She has designed and developed her own community newsletter entitled “SIB AJENDA,” a purposeful misspelling of agenda as a nod to the author. In this publication, she shares objective insight on both Local and Statewide Issues that are important to our constituents. When action needs to be taken, she encourages readers to write to their State Legislators and provides contacts and sample letters. As a Liaison for the Charter Review Commission, she guided Committee Members through the process of updating the City’s Constitution. This integral role educated residents on the authority within the purview of the city and how it properly functions as a governmental body. Throughout Viscarra’s tenure as a City of Sunny Isles Beach Commissioner, and as a resident and voter in the State of Florida, she has truly earned her Home Rule Hero Award for 2023, dedicating professional and personal time to not only advocate but also educate our public on the importance of Home Rule Issues. As she has said in her “SIB AJENDA,” she hopes her education translates into action. She is definitely doing her part, and then some. < Previous News Next News >

The Necessity Of Golden Dome Missile Defense System Jewish Connection News Jun 4, 2025 Calling The Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield An “Insurance Policy” To Protect The United States From An Enemy Attack, William R. Forstchen, Ph.D., Is Advocating For Widespread National Support To Move The Project From Concept To Reality. “Israel has an effective tactical defense system known as the Iron Dome, which shoots down missiles in the final seconds before impact,” Forstchen explained. “A Golden Dome, by comparison, is a strategic defense system that would neutralize ballistic missiles in space before they get near the U.S. It’s a no-brainer to me. We need a strategic defense system.” Forstchen has provided guidance to federal, state and local governments, as well as private organizations, on the potential widespread impact of an EMP event. A sought-after speaker, Forstchen has shared his expertise at conferences across the United States, educating audiences on the critical need for preparedness. Citing the country’s already vulnerable energy grid, Forstchen said an EMP attack would wipe out power and set off a cascade of deadly events. The first necessity people would lose is water, followed by food supply and medication. Then, disease would set in. Long-term survival, he added, would depend on being in the right place at the right time with the right food supply. “I believe the threat of America being hit by an EMP weapon is the single greatest danger to our survival,” Forstchen said. “Electricity is the fundamental building block of our society. Everything is predicated on electrification.” An EMP causes widespread cataclysmic damage to power grids due to what’s called the Compton effect, he explained. “An electromagnetic pulse is the byproduct of detonating a nuclear weapon. When a nuclear weapon is detonated 200 to 250 miles above the earth, the gamma ray bursts when it hits the upper atmosphere sets off the Compton effect. In essence, a giant electrostatic discharge hits the earth’s surface and wipes out electronic devices as well as entire power grids, leaving affected areas in the dark,” he said. Forstchen has written extensively about the devastating impact of EMP strikes, beginning with his New York Times bestseller, One Second After, which offers a realistic look at a weapon and its awesome power to destroy the entire United States, literally within one second. One Second After spawned three sequels, each of which is a fictional exploration rooted in the cold, solid facts of how an EMP strike above U.S. soil would impact society. One Second After is being adapted into an MPI Original Film (Motherland, Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game) in association with Startling Inc. (Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon). The feature film is penned by legendary sci-fi screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski (Changeling, Sense8, Jeremiah, Babylon 5), with Forstchen serving as an executive producer. About William R. Forstchen William R. Forstchen is a New York Times bestselling author and a Professor of History at Montreat College, in Montreat, North Carolina. He holds a Doctoral Degree from Purdue University with a specialization in military history and technology. He is the author of more than 50 books. A noted expert historian and public speaker, he has been interviewed on FOX News, C-SPAN and many others on topics ranging from history to technology and cultural issues, to space technology development, to security threats. For more information, please visit: https://www.onesecondafter.com/ Previous Next

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Is It A Lemon? Is It A Lime? Try...An Etrog Thu Oct 03 2024 18:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Have It Sweet Like Honey, Honey! May You & Your Families Be Blessed With A Happy & Healthy, Good & Sweet New Year By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil September 14, 2023 Share “Shana Tova Umetuka” - “May you have a good and sweet year” is what we typically wish each other in the month leading up to the Jewish New Year, and I bet you’ve always wondered why we give a double wish, that the year should be both good and sweet. If it's good, isn't it sweet? It's got to be more than just poetic. The Talmud teaches us that everything that happens in the world is for the good. And although many times it seems far from good, you should know that ultimately it somehow is for the good. We therefore wish each other, that not just should you have a good year, but also a sweet one. A year that is not just ultimately for the good, but rather one where the good is obvious to all. A year that is deliciously sweet! Many give each other Teiglach, Honey Cookies or Honey Cake - known as Lekach. In fact the Chassidic custom is to specifically ask someone (usually the Rabbi, but not necessarily) for a piece of or a Shtickle Lekach. We hope and pray that if there's anything that we must ask or beg anyone for in the coming year, we should fulfill it with that ask. It is also the custom of eating sweet foods on Rosh Hashanah itself, especially an apple dipped in Honey with a special prayer that G-d grant us a good & sweet year. The Challah is dipped in Honey. A special dish known as Tzimmes is a European Carrot concoction cooked in Honey. As well as many other foods we eat with honey. My mother z'ls delicious Tzimmes included Chuck Fleisch and Marrow Bones and was one of the most delicious dishes ever. Ah, good memories! Of course by now you surely know that the theme of Honey throughout this season symbolizes the sweet year we all yearn for. But why specifically Honey? Why not Sugar, Splenda or any other Sweetener? For starters, Israel was blessed to be a land flowing with Milk and Honey! Eating Honey, wherever we may be, reminds us of our ancient homeland and our deep connection to Israel. Have you ever seen an expiration date on Honey? Honey can last for a really long time! A quick Google search will tell you that Honey can last for centuries, but perhaps it can even last longer than that! Many times there are people that get blessings. They win the lottery or stumble across a treasure. But the blessings unfortunately don't always last and all their money can disappear as fast as it appeared or even worse, break families and friends apart. On Rosh Hashanah we pray that we not only get a blessed year, but that the blessing lasts. Furthermore, honey can be used as a preservative. When Adam and Eve, whose birthdays we celebrate on Rosh Hashanah, were created, they were commanded to work the earth and to guard it. To protect it and all that it contains. To preserve the world and constantly make it a better place. I wish each and every one of you a Shana Tova Umetuka! May you and your families be blessed with a Happy & Healthy, Good & Sweet New Year! May you be showered with blessings and may they last for a very long time! May you always be there for others! May you be a preservative for this beautiful world and help bring it to the perfection G-d has intended for it! May this year be your best year ever! This year we will celebrate Rosh Hashanah beginning Friday evening, September 15th at sundown, and concluding Sunday evening, September 17th at nightfall. To learn more about Rosh Hashanah and the many customs associated with it visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/High-Holidays - You can also pick up a free holiday guide at Chabad Chayil's office or call us and we will be happy to email or mail it to you free of charge. I encourage you to attend your local Chabad or Synagogue to enjoy Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and all the high holidays to their fullest. Of course you can always join us at The Family Shul for services or holiday dinner, but you would need to RSVP in advance at: (305) 770-1919. Or: www.TheFamilyShul.com - The community dinner will of course include Apples Dipped in Honey, Traditional Round Challah, Gefilteh Fish, my mothers Tzimmes Recipe, Kugel and all the delicious holiday foods! The Author Rabbi Kievman is the ambassador of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. He's founder of CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools, Gan Chabad Preschool, Rabbi at The Family Shul & together with his wife directs Chabad Chayil. He can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org . < Previous News Next News >

Experience History And Culture During L'Chaim: A Toast To The Jewish Legacy Of Broadway Feb 18, 2025 In an enchanting celebration of music, history and heritage, the City of Aventura presents L'Chaim: A Toast to the Jewish Legacy of Broadway on Thursday, February 20th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. A musical journey from the stages of New York's lower east side to the bright lights of Broadway, L’Chaim: A Toast to the Jewish Legacy of Broadway is a musical journey that pays tribute to the Jewish legacy of musical theater by exploring and celebrating the unique role of Jewish composers and lyricists from Irving Berlin to the Gershwins, from Stephen Schwartz to Stephen Sondheim, and Kander & Ebb and Bock & Harnick. In the production, four Jewish performers accompanied by a live band deliver iconic songs and share the historical stories that go with them. This unforgettable performance takes audiences on a musical journey from the humble stages of New York's Lower East Side to the dazzling lights of Broadway, highlighting the profound influence of Jewish composers and lyricists who shaped the world of musical theater. Audiences will experience the timeless melodies and beloved lyrics that have defined Broadway, while discovering the cultural and historical significance of the Jewish legacy in the arts. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. Parking Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School. Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. We accept major credit cards or mobile payment apps including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, in the circular drive. There is a convenient drop-off area in front of the building. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter . For more information, visit: www.aventuracenter.org Previous Next

Finding A Way Forward Together: Hallandale Beach Is Working On Multiple Fronts To Better The Community By Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper January 25, 2024 Share Many of us watch our local news and shudder to think about the Gun Violence in our communities and the tragic loss of life. Years ago, these reports came typically out of big cities, but now small and large cities alike have had shootings. We all collectively are working to stem the rise in Violent Crimes. Hallandale Beach has had its share of senseless shootings. The majority have a nexus to gangs that are in the South Florida area. After the COVID-19 Pandemic, we began to see a resurgence of gang conflicts in our City. These are gangs with young adults ages 14 to their late twenties Pompano, Dania Beach, Hollywood, West Park, Pembroke Park and Hallandale Beach all have had rivalries typically stem from High School. One may think of West Side Story but with the prevalence of guns in these fights rather than fist or knives are resulting in shootings. Not all of these crimes make the news. The last shooting that took place was not. A 16-year-old was targeted and shot while on his bike. Four other teens in a car shot at him. He jumped off his bike and they pursued him. He was struck on his foot. Due to our Commissions’ commitment to Public Safety and Investments in Technology that picks up shots fired; Police were on site within minutes. They are conducting a full investigation. This fall we had another tragic shooting and that was the final straw for me. A student at Hallandale High, Marcus Impert was coming home from his first high school football game. His mother debated allowing him to attend. He was on his way home as a passenger when he was shot and killed. The driver who was the intended target was uninjured. Once again, there were no witnesses to come forward. This could be due to fear or simply not wanting a friend, brother, cousin to get in trouble. There are ways through Crime Stoppers which are anonymous to report information. We also have our own City Tip Line at: (954) 457-1404. The Chief and our Department took to the street and went door to door. Their goal was twofold. One to reassure our residents they are working hard and care. The other to give out information on Marcus Impert and Crime Stoppers. The neighborhood was receptive. This case and others are active cases. Our department continues to work on them, and they remain open. Our Police can only do so much. They need evidence to solve crimes. Witnesses are an important part of solving crimes but with or without them it takes a long time to work through the criminal justice system. I would like to say it is not Law and Order, solved in one hour. We all need to work together and try to prevent crime. This takes parents, neighbors, schools, churches and Police working side by side. I was both heartbroken and frustrated. I decided that we need to do more to unite. These young adults go to our schools. There needs to be more understanding and accountability from all parties. I asked to hold a meeting with the Principals, Chiefs of Police and Mayors from our zone. We held our first Task Force Meetings. Sadly, due to the death of Principal Campbell from Gulfstream K-8 we have not met. We will meet as soon as the new principal is appointed. This does not mean we have been sitting back. Principal Campbell talked very wisely at the first meeting. He talked about going back to the old school ways. Children were still not healed from the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The families still were not all back to level footing. His suggestion was to come together as a community with our old Crime Watch Block Parties. I took his message to heart. My goal was simply to get resources and information out to our community as a whole. Not just kids, but for all ages. I was blessed around the same time to be approached by two wonderful individuals that had lost their sons. “Big Ike” of Project Love and Andrea McDonald of “Advise Athletes.” Andrea wanted to do a field day in honor of her Son Alex “Budda” Collins the NFL Football Player. Budda started football in our PAL Program. Alex lost his life when he was struck by a car on his motorcycle. Big Ike, who lost his son 10 years ago, has always done outreach. His first play was about AIDS and changing fear to love. His new project is a play with the goal of uniting the community and Changing fear of Police to collaborating with Pastors, Police and the community. We have partnered with our Police Activities League to create a “Community Field Fun Day and Resource Fair.” Our presenting Sponsor is Memorial Hospitals “One City At A Time” Initiative. The event is FREE of charge. There will be athletic competitions Football, Basketball, Track, Tennis and Pickleball Lessons, a Memorial Service for all that have lost loved ones from Violence and the COVID-19 Pandemic. Guest speakers during the day. There will be a Tailgate Hot Dog Lunch and other entertainment. In addition, there will be a Health and Community Partner Resources Fair that includes a FREE Tree Giveaway, Our Human Services Department will be on hand to share information on our After School Tutorial Programs and Senior Programs, The Supervisor Of Elections will be on hand to help with your Registrations, the Property Appraiser will be on hand to help with Homestead Information and the Tax Deferment Program, Whether you are a child or senior there will be something for everyone and much more. To everyone that visits the Resource Fair and fills their passport, they can enter to win a TV Show Ticket and Other Prizes. As always please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place! I am available at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or: joycooper@aol.com . At my office: (954) 457-1318. Or on my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at Mayor Joy Cooper. < Previous News Next News >