As always with a primary, you will be asked to choose a party (or issues only) ballot and that will be how you will be registered until the next primary, but it does not determine how you must vote in any upcoming election.   This election will determine which Republican candidates will run and which Democrat candidates will run against each other in November, at which time you are free to vote for the candidate that you think is best in each office. Only the winner in November will actually take the seat, however, the demographics are such that it is often already known which party will win in November making this primary the chance to choose the best candidate within that party and therefore decide who will be seated in November. That’s why this race is so important. Remembering that the smaller the race, the bigger the impact our community commands and that in Cuyahoga County it’s been decades since a Republican won a county wide race,   I am recommending strongly that everyone take a Democrat Ballot. Here’s why.

The presidential candidates are already decided. I am not a Navi nor closely related to a Navi, but all the pundits, commentators and my insiders are saying the same thing. Barring something unforeseen, these will be our candidates and nothing we do on Tuesday the 19^th will impact this. Not even a protest vote. If the race is not Biden vs Trump, it will be for some other factor.

What about the Senate race you ask?  Is that not a reason to vote Republican? Not so fast. There is only one candidate on the Democrat side. There are three on the Republican one.  The general feeling is that any of them have the capacity to beat the incumbent Sherrod Brown and are all equally viable. Within the Republican party there is talk about who is more establishment  (LaRose, highest name recognition) and who is more on the Trump Train (Moreno, endorsed also by Jim Jordan), and who speaks to the middle (Dolan, endorsed by Portman and Gov. Dewine) but all of them have the one quality we look for – they know us and we know them and the feelings are mutually supportive.  Polls show Dolan and Moreno in that order fairly close followed by  LaRose. From a community stand point, we will do equally well with any of them.  So pulling a Republican ballot does not give us a gain.  Some of the down ballot candidates are write-in candidates, but none will win in November anyway. Not in this county.

But there IS a significant down ballot race on the Democrat side where we have a lot to lose. [Read more…]

The issues on this ballot may affect the quality of life in Ohio and involve taking a moral stand, so everyone should make the effort to vote. The local City Council is the election we can affect the most and is in need of people speaking their minds now at the ballot. Your vote is important. Please vote!

• Cleveland Heights Municipal Court: JJ Costello – Capable, Experienced, Respects our community
• Cleveland Heights City Council – Vote for 3 – Gail Larson, Jim Petras, Jeanne Gordon. The current council and leadership have not accomplished the vision set out by those in Citizens for an Elected Mayor. Council’s role to be a check and balance has been hindered. Council Members cannot get the information they require to research and propose legislation, and the government has been less – not more – transparent, less available and less responsive and generally dysfunctional. There is a widespread belief that this proposed slate, together with the remaining members of council, will be able to move the city forward in all these regards in a stronger, more positive manner. It is certainly a difficult decision not to recognize Melody Hart and Janine Boyd for their past support of our community and it is therefore with regret that we cannot endorse them. While they remain friends, we are joining those involved in advocating this slate. Jessica Chavi Cohen and I stand together on this. See her expanded statement below. Political endorsements around the city have been split, so the vote may be close. All candidates support Israel. Vote for Godon, Larson and Petras.
• School Board – CHUH – No recommendation, Candidates are unopposed and do not favor our community.
• State of Ohio Constitutional Amendment – Abortion On Demand/Reproductive Rights. – longer explanation, see below as this is far from simple. Vote NO
• State of Ohio Issue 2 – The legalization of cannabis. Vote NO – This is a referendum. As such, state legislators will be able to pass restrictions even if this passes. Both seem likely. PRO: to be able to tax and regulate its sale. CON: Other states that have legalized recreational marijuana see increases in multiple safety issues such as children getting toxic and accidental doses and traffic hazards. While some downplay the ill effects, I have a very hard time picturing our Rabbis saying “Go for it” for recreational use. Medical uses are already legal. Some like to say that marijuana really isn’t a gateway drug, but it clearly is. Those who suffer addictions and die from overdoses of fentanyl often started with marijuana. We have lost and buried too many children to drug addiction not to recognize its danger this poses and respond with a solid NO.
• Issue 5 – A tax renewal and increase for Tri-C. Generally I support renewals but not increases. This contains a small increase in a tough economy, yet, Tri-C gives our young adults the very affordable start they need to enter the economy. It benefits our own and is worthy of your support. No recommendation.

Click for the expanded edition

The issues on this ballot may affect the quality of life in Ohio and involve taking a moral stand, so everyone should make the effort to vote. The local City Council is the election we can affect the most and is in need of people speaking their minds now at the ballot. Your vote is important. Please vote!

• Cleveland Heights Municipal Court: JJ Costello – Capable, Experienced, Respects our community
• Cleveland Heights City Council – Vote for 3 – Gail Larson, Jim Petras, Jeanne Gordon. The current council and leadership have not accomplished the vision set out by those in Citizens for an Elected Mayor. Council’s role to be a check and balance has been hindered. Council Members cannot get the information they require to research and propose legislation, and the government has been less – not more – transparent, less available and less responsive and generally dysfunctional. There is a widespread belief that this proposed slate, together with the remaining members of council, will be able to move the city forward in all these regards in a stronger, more positive manner. It is certainly a difficult decision not to recognize Melody Hart and Janine Boyd for their past support of our community and it is therefore with regret that we cannot endorse them. While they remain friends, we are joining those involved in advocating this slate. Jessica Chavi Cohen and I stand together on this. See her expanded statement below. Political endorsements around the city have been split, so the vote may be close. All candidates support Israel. Vote for Godon, Larson and Petras.
• School Board – CHUH – No recommendation, Candidates are unopposed and do not favor our community.
• State of Ohio Constitutional Amendment – Abortion On Demand/Reproductive Rights. – longer explanation, see below as this is far from simple. Vote NO
• State of Ohio Issue 2 – The legalization of cannabis. Vote NO – This is a referendum. As such, state legislators will be able to pass restrictions even if this passes. Both seem likely. PRO: to be able to tax and regulate its sale. CON: Other states that have legalized recreational marijuana see increases in multiple safety issues such as children getting toxic and accidental doses and traffic hazards. While some downplay the ill effects, I have a very hard time picturing our Rabbis saying “Go for it” for recreational use. Medical uses are already legal. Some like to say that marijuana really isn’t a gateway drug, but it clearly is. Those who suffer addictions and die from overdoses of fentanyl often started with marijuana. We have lost and buried too many children to drug addiction not to recognize its danger this poses and respond with a solid NO.
• Issue 5 – A tax renewal and increase for Tri-C. Generally I support renewals but not increases. This contains a small increase in a tough economy, yet, Tri-C gives our young adults the very affordable start they need to enter the economy. It benefits our own and is worthy of your support. No recommendation.

Click for the expanded edition

The issues on this ballot may affect the quality of life in Ohio and involve taking a moral stand, so everyone should make the effort to vote. The local City Council is the election we can affect the most and is in need of people speaking their minds now at the ballot. Your vote is important. Please vote!

• Cleveland Heights Municipal Court: JJ Costello – Capable, Experienced, Respects our community
• Cleveland Heights City Council – Vote for 3 – Gail Larson, Jim Petras, Jeanne Gordon. The current council and leadership have not accomplished the vision set out by those in Citizens for an Elected Mayor. Council’s role to be a check and balance has been hindered. Council Members cannot get the information they require to research and propose legislation, and the government has been less – not more – transparent, less available and less responsive and generally dysfunctional. There is a widespread belief that this proposed slate, together with the remaining members of council, will be able to move the city forward in all these regards in a stronger, more positive manner. It is certainly a difficult decision not to recognize Melody Hart and Janine Boyd for their past support of our community and it is therefore with regret that we cannot endorse them. While they remain friends, we are joining those involved in advocating this slate. Jessica Chavi Cohen and I stand together on this. See her expanded statement below. Political endorsements around the city have been split, so the vote may be close. All candidates support Israel. Vote for Godon, Larson and Petras.
• School Board – CHUH – No recommendation, Candidates are unopposed and do not favor our community.
• State of Ohio Constitutional Amendment – Abortion On Demand/Reproductive Rights. – longer explanation, see below as this is far from simple. Vote NO
• State of Ohio Issue 2 – The legalization of cannabis. Vote NO – This is a referendum. As such, state legislators will be able to pass restrictions even if this passes. Both seem likely. PRO: to be able to tax and regulate its sale. CON: Other states that have legalized recreational marijuana see increases in multiple safety issues such as children getting toxic and accidental doses and traffic hazards. While some downplay the ill effects, I have a very hard time picturing our Rabbis saying “Go for it” for recreational use. Medical uses are already legal. Some like to say that marijuana really isn’t a gateway drug, but it clearly is. Those who suffer addictions and die from overdoses of fentanyl often started with marijuana. We have lost and buried too many children to drug addiction not to recognize its danger this poses and respond with a solid NO.
• Issue 5 – A tax renewal and increase for Tri-C. Generally I support renewals but not increases. This contains a small increase in a tough economy, yet, Tri-C gives our young adults the very affordable start they need to enter the economy. It benefits our own and is worthy of your support. No recommendation.

Click for the expanded edition

Dear Neighbor,

We are delighted to share exciting news regarding the formation of Hatzalah in Cleveland. Hatzalah, a volunteer emergency medical response service, is designed to provide rapid emergency medical care for members of our community.

Hatzalah Cleveland has the support and encouragement of local Rabbonim, medical professionals, and community leaders. Our foundation will be built on strong Rabbinic and medical leadership ensuring the highest standards of care and sensitivity.

Hatzalah Cleveland will initially operate in Beachwood, Cleveland Heights, and University Heights, with the possibility of expanding coverage to our other neighborhoods. Hatzalah Cleveland is not a substitute for the 911 emergency system. Our purpose is to offer a lifesaving bridge during the critical moments prior to the arrival of the local fire/rescue department.

Hatzalah originated in New York City and now operates in cities of all sizes worldwide. In forming Hatzalah Cleveland, we are using other Hatzalahs’ and EMS systems’ best-practices to implement a model that will rapidly respond to our community’s emergency needs. We are collaborating with fire, rescue, and police departments, local municipalities, and other healthcare organizations in our formation and operations. Hatzalah Cleveland is the only Hatzalah organization in northeast Ohio authorized by Chevra Hatzalah of New York to use the name Hatzalah.

To provide the highest level of care, volunteers will undergo training to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians, as well as receive additional medical and halachic training. This will equip them to professionally and sensitively handle emergency situations that arise in our community. Each member will have all the necessary medical and communications equipment needed to respond quickly and effectively.

For more information, please visit www.hatzalahcleveland.org. You can also email info@hatzalahcleveland.org or call 216-353-6613. (Please note this is a non-emergency number.)

Thank you for your support as we establish this important service for our community!

The following from https://agudah.org/ohio-moves-to-make-school-choice-universally-available/

Agudath Israel applauds the Ohio Senate for passing the state-operating budget bill (HB 33) and their continued support for Ohio’s students by making school choice universally available.

Rabbi Yitz Frank, executive director of Agudath Israel of Ohio, has issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s proposed changes:

“Senate President Huffman and the Ohio Senate rose to the occasion when it comes to their support of Ohio students and parents by giving them the ability and freedom to pursue the educational options that are best for their family.

These changes build on the strong efforts expanding school choice that have already been proposed by Governor DeWine and Speaker Stephens.

This budget is a home run for Ohio. And while this is a major day for the school choice movement, there is much work to be done to get this student-focused bill enacted. We encourage the House to join their colleagues in the Senate to continue this move forward and to send the Governor a strong school choice budget.”

The Senate’s proposed changes include the largest expansion of educational choice in the state’s history and one of the largest in the country.

Universal school choice eligibility for every Ohio student:

• • Students whose family’s income is at or below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) based on AGI will be eligible to receive the full scholarship amount, and students whose family’s household income is above 450% FPL will be eligible for scholarships decreased on a sliding scale.
  • Retains current scholarship programs and eligibility
  • The scholarship amounts will increase to $6,165 for K-8 and $8,407 for 9-12th grades.
  • Allows families to automatically renew their scholarship

• Increased Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship amounts by approximately 12% and raised the cap on high needs (category 6) students to $30,000
• Qualifies any student with an autism diagnosis for the Autism Scholarship
• Increases funding for auxiliary services approximately $1000 per student) and administrative cost reimbursement ($475 per student to approximately $1400 per student)
• Increases payment in lieu of transportation up to $2,500 and strengthens the rights of students to be transported to their school
• Extends the $1000 ACE scholarship for extracurricular educational activities by another year

The bill now returns to the House for a concurrence vote. The final bill must be signed by Governor DeWine by July 1.

Fruit trees are now blossoming at 3654 Shannon Rd.

All are welcome.

Naaleh Cleveland has asked Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, Director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Intervention, Trauma & Bereavement Department, to provide guidance regarding children attending levayos and shiva. If the video doesn’t load, visit https://vimeo.com/791209224.

Please share this message with anyone who can use the support.

• Breaking the News to a Child
• Twelve “Easy” Steps: Helping Young Children Cope with Loss (PDF)
• Children and Trauma (PDF)
• Crisis Guidelines for Teachers and Parents (PDF)
• How to help students cope with tragedy (PDF)

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to Chai Lifeline at crisis@chailifeline.org or 855-3-CRISIS.

https://vimeo.com/791209224

Update 1:05pm: Flights seem to be resuming.

As of noon Wednesday, every flight in the United States has been grounded. Please plan accordingly.

Causes seem to involve a problem with the Federal Aviation Authority’s computer systems.

The cause of the problem with a pilot-alerting system, which delayed thousands of flights in the United States, was unclear, but U.S. officials said they had so far found no evidence of a cyberattack.

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-faa-says-flight-personnel-alert-system-not-processing-updates-after-outage-2023-01-11/

Please make sure to plan ahead this week. Heinen’s will closed at 8pm on Wednesday and remain closed both Thursday and Friday.

Please make sure to plan ahead this week. Heinen’s will closed at 8pm on Wednesday and remain closed both Thursday and Friday.

The Walmart store in Mayfield Heights will close its doors next month, a company official confirmed with 3News on Tuesday morning. The store, which is located at 6594 Mayfield Road, will be closed to the public by Friday, May 20.

Full story at wkyc.com

Fruit trees are now blossoming at 3654 Shannon Rd.

All are welcome.

Due to staffing shortages, starting Monday, January 10th, all Heinen’s will be changing their hours. They will be open 10 A.M. – 7 P. M. every day including weekends. This change will last indefinitely.

9:00 P. M. Heavy police activity now reported in the area of Washington and South Taylor. Reports of police with assault rifles and K9 unit actively searching the area.

8:00 P. M. No longer police activity in Derech HaTorah area of South Taylor.

1/2/22 6:52 P.M. Police activity in the area of Yeshiva Derech HaTorah on Taylor Road has been reported. Police are reported to be searching the area with their weapons drawn actively looking for someone. Please avoid the area, lock your doors, and exercise extreme vigilance.

Update: The boil advisory no longer includes University Heights.

Cleveland Water has issued a water boil advisory due to a water main break. The affected area includes University Heights, South Euclid and Lyndhurst. The map currently displayed on the website does not match the areas stated in the posting.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT FLUSHING AND BOILING IT FIRST. Flush all taps used for drinking and cooking for at least 3 minutes. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for at least one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Waterborne illness may include nausea and stomach discomfort. If you experience one or more of these symptoms and they persist, contact your doctor. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly people may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

https://www.clevelandwater.com/blog/boil-advisory-issued-customers-highland-heights-richmond-heights-lyndhurst-south-euclid-euclid

Repost because once a year we can laugh at an old joke.

This weekend clocks are moved back one hour. While the official time to do this is 2am Sunday morning, you can just do it before you go to sleep; definitely before Sunday morning carpool.

Practically speaking, the change means that Sunday morning you gain one (measly) hour of sleep which you already used Motzei Shabbos staying up later. It also means that for the next four months you’ll practice subtracting an hour from the time on your car’s clock, and that darkness will fall an hour sooner but hey, we’re Cleveland, we’re used to not seeing the sun.

Joking aside, this change affects halachic zmanim. Please remember to pay attention to the new zmanim going forward.