Trash pickup delayed due to extreme cold.

There will be no trash pickup in University Heights on Wednesday 1/30, or Thursday 1/31, due to the expected extreme windchill.

Wednesday’s trash will be collected on Friday, 2/1, and Thursday’s trash will be collected on Monday, 2/4. All trash pickup next week will be delayed one day.

Because of the dangerously frigid temperatures expected over the next couple of days, and in consideration of the health and safety of our collection staff, the City will not pick up trash on Wednesday (1/30/19) and Thursday (1/31/19) collection will begin later in the day. Those whose regular pickup day is Wednesday will have pickup on Thursday. Thursday pickup will still be on Thursday. No other pickup days are impacted (just Wednesday).

Package UPC 

000-16000-19610-0

Better if Used by Date

20APR2020KC

From www.generalmills.com/flour.

On January 23, 2019, General Mills announced a voluntary national recall of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour with a better if used by date of April 20, 2020. Consumers reminded that flour is not a ‘ready to eat’ ingredient.

General Mills announced a voluntary national recall, on January 23, 2019, of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour with a better if used by date of April 20, 2020.

The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product. This recall is being issued out of an abundance of care as General Mills has not received any direct consumer reports of confirmed illnesses related to this product.

This recall only affects this one date code of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour five-pound bags, shown below. All other types of Gold Medal Flour are not affected by this recall.

Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. Consumers who have had to discard products covered by this recall may contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103.

“Food safety is our top priority, and though we have not had any confirmed illnesses, we are voluntarily recalling this specific lot of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour to prevent potential illnesses,” said Jim Murphy, president of the General Mills Meals and Baking Division. “This recall does not involve any other flour products, and we are continuing to educate consumers that flour is not a ‘ready to eat’ ingredient. Anything you make with flour must be cooked or baked before eating.”

Guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to warn that consumers should refrain from consuming any raw products made with flour. Salmonella is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling products made with flour. All surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Remember

Do not eat uncooked dough or batter made with raw flour. Flour is made from wheat that is grown outdoors where bacteria are often present. Flour is typically not treated to kill bacteria during the normal milling process.

Actions you should take

1. Do not eat or taste dough or batter made with raw flour.
2. Properly cook or bake food made with flour. Bacteria (such as Salmonella) that might be found in the raw flour will be eliminated.
3. Check your pantry and throw away any products that match the recalled product listed below. If possible, save the product name, UPC (bar code) and Better if Used By Date to help our Consumer Relations team assist you with a replacement coupon. If you no longer have the flour package or have any doubts, throw away the flour.
4. If you have any questions about this recall or need a replacement coupon for any product included in this recall, complete this form or call our Consumer Relations team at 1-800-230-8103.

“Protecting Your House Of Worship” – Security Training for All Faith-Based Communities

It is no secret that faith-based communities across the country have been facing a growing threat from xenophobia, bigotry, and hatred. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Attorney’s Office, is hosting a security training session that is open to all Cleveland faith-based communities, called “Protecting Your House of Worship.”

Attendees of this two-hour training session will learn advanced prevention planning strategies, as well as best-practice security protocols and procedures that are being utilized across the country. This interactive training will incorporate situation-specific examples, such as an “active shooter” scenario. Attendees will also hear a panel discussion on current climate surrounding civil rights and hate crimes, and learn how best to work with the proper authorities on such matters.

Families, employees, and volunteers from all faiths are invited to attend the training – this includes clergy, front-office staff, board members, ushers/greeters, and teachers/tutors. There is no cost to attend. To RSVP, email cleveland@adl.org.

From Ohio JFS’ Twitter:

Because of the partial federal government shutdown, the USDA has instructed states to make February SNAP benefits available early. State of Ohio benefits will be released today, Wednesday, January 16.

This is not a bonus. Households that receive an early issuance will not receive benefits in February. Those receiving benefits are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly and make any food assistance they receive in January stretch as long as possible.

If you have questions about your case, please call your county JFS agency. Contact information can be found here: http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_Directory.stm.

Snow expected Shabbos and Sunday. Snowfall in Pittsburgh is forecasted as up to 14″ and in northeast central Ohio up to 8″. Snowfall predictions for northeast Ohio haven’t been released yet (as of 12:40pm) but the National Weather Service says:

“This system has the potential to bring significant snow to much of the region on Saturday and Sunday” (NWS).

Temperatures are expected to drop into the teens and lower.

Young Israel of Greater Cleveland was proud to receive a grant from the Orthodox Union to create an innovative series of three events for the women of our community, combining Torah study with opportunities for social engagement.

Our second event was held on Motzei Shabbos, 1/12/19, with over eighty women of all ages in attendance. Daniella R. Botnick delivered an insightful shiur examining midrashic traditions about the central role women played in Egypt, followed by a delicious light dinner from Chef Dave’s Catering and Bar Sushi.

After eating and shmoozing, Adina Forouzon shared some of her passion and tips for getting organized, and the evening closed with a presentation from Karen Marocco on how focused breathing and mindfulness can help face life’s stresses. After a few breathing exercises, everyone left the event both relaxed and excited for the next program, im yirtzeh Hashem to be held in March!

Cleveland Heights City Council seeks applications for the open Council seat of Councilwoman Cheryl Stephens (who was elected to County Council). To be considered for appointment, please visit www.clevelandheights.com/CouncilApplication. The deadline for all applications is Tuesday, January 15th at 5:00pm.

Rabbi Chaim Ellis, LISW-S, a talmid of Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, teaches in the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland and works as a social worker at the Yeshiva Derech Hatorah. He practices as a Licensed Social Worker in private practice and provides trainings to schools and mental health agencies.

The recent tragedy that took place in Pittsburgh is shaking the core of Klal Yisroel. The fact that a tragedy of this magnitude can happen in America, a medina shel chesed, where those who died and suffered injuries only because they were Jews is shattering. We don’t ask why as we do not understand. However, a tragedy can bring up feelings, fears and uncertainties. How do we address our young who look towards us for warmth, security and love?

To ignore it may not be correct–if even possible–in today’s day and age where the news surrounds us and arrives at lightning speed.

Here are a few pointers you may consider when discussing this tragic event with your children:

• Allow your child to talk – Of course you have to know your child. Children who are more anxiety-prone may need more reassurance than others. Shlomo Hamelech says “Daageh b’lev ish yaschenah it” (Mishlei 12:25). The Gemara (Yoma 75) learns from this pasuk, that when one worries, he should talk it over with someone. Talking alone can relieve their fears and stress. Allow your children to ask questions and discuss their feelings.
• Stay calm – When talking to your children stay calm as they will mirror our reactions.
• Eisav soneh es Yaakov – Use age recommend language. Anti-Semitism is real and not new at all. This tragedy is a very clear reminder. However, baruch Hashem, we live in a medina shel chesed where outwardly most people act nice to us for the exception of some very bad people. This incident is an example of just that.
• Do something – In situations like this we all feel like we want to do something to help make a difference and help lessen the pain. Children are no different. Have them daven for the injured, write letters or draw pictures to the respective families who have suffered losses, rachmana letzlon.
• Acheinu kol Bais Yisroel – All Jews are our brothers. No matter where are brothers are “Haomdem bein bayom u’vein bayabosho…” whether they are in Eretz Yisroel or anywhere in the world, we feel and care for them like brothers. This will teach our children empathy and caring for one another; especially towards our acheinu beis yisroel.
• Where evil is found, courage is found – Our talk should focus more on the overwhelming good that takes place in a difficult time like this. Rather than focusing on motives, guns or violence let us focus on the heroism displayed by our police officers and the incredible chesed that our Jewish community displays.
• Safety – Reassure your child that you together with the community are working hard to keep their shuls or schools as safe as they can.
• Tefilla – The most important thing we can do is turn to tefillah and daven for our safety. Share with your child that tefilla is the most powerful tool that we have. In fact we have a specific tefilla that we daven so that people who have evil intentions should not harm us. This is said at the end of Shemoneh Esrei: “V’chol hachoshvim alai raah, meheirah hafer atzasam v’kalkel machshavtam — As for all those who think to do evil against me, speedily nullify their plans and disrupt their thoughts.” We ask Hashem to destroy their plans from the very beginning. In wake of this tragedy, this tefilla takes on a whole new meaning.

May we never need to have discussions like this again and may we be zoche to celebrate the ultimate simcha in the coming of Mashiach speedily on our days.

The murder of eleven people during a Shabbos service this morning in a Pittsburgh synagogue is a horrific tragedy and an outrage. Our deepest sympathies go out to the mourning families and friends of the victims who were targeted because they were Jews. We extend our deepest gratitude to the law enforcement personnel who arrived at the scene and captured the murderer. We also thank law enforcement across the country who are ramping up security measures around houses of worship.

There are simply no words of condemnation that can truly express our anguish and disgust at the perpetrator of this hate-fueled act or others like it. Any platform or group, including those on social media, that serves to stir up and metastasize bigotry and anti-Semitic hatred, needs to be called out and shut down for incitement of violence. Until all Americans confront the horror of anti-Semitism head on, our great Democracy will not have achieved its promise.

May those who were injured in today’s senseless violence have a speedy and complete recovery from their wounds.

Agudah Arba Minim TSA Travel Guidelines (PDF)

As in past years, Agudath Israel of America’s Washington Office has worked closely with agencies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help avoid potential problems for travelers carrying arba minim.

Both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have notified their respective field personnel about the upcoming Sukkos holiday and the increased level of travel by persons of the Jewish faith, many of whom will be carrying arba minim.

The notifications, which have been sent out to federal officials at airports and border crossings, emphasize the religious significance of these items and outline the rules and procedures that would help allay possible security and health issues that are of concern to the federal government. Prior to these agency steps, lack of familiarity regarding Sukkos and the arba minim had led to numerous incidents each year of inadvertent mishandling and mistreatment — including denial of entry — of these ritual objects.

The TSA Notice makes clear that the arba minim carried in airports, through security checkpoints or on aircraft, are not on the “prohibited items list” and provides instructions for travelers needing “special accommodations” in regard to checkpoint screening.  The CBP Guidance sets forth detailed information regarding the inspection process for arba minim entering the United States from foreign countries through designated American ports and points out that the agency is “committed to treating all travelers, including travelers who may be observing Sukkot, with respect and dignity at all U.S. ports of entry.”

“We are gratified by the ongoing sensitivity of these agencies to the religious concerns of our community,” said Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s vice president for federal affairs and Washington director. “They are taking meaningful and appropriate steps to accommodate our religious needs.”

He also praised Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel’s national director of state relations, for once again producing a one-page handout (see above or click here) that travelers can print out – or save to their phones – to familiarize themselves with the rules before traveling.

Bikur Cholim of Cleveland is grateful to General Manager of Motorcars Toyota, Mr. Matt Gile, and the Motorcars Group for generously offering a $200 donation in support of the organization each time their dealership is presented with a special coupon towards the purchase or lease of a Honda or Toyota.

If you already took possession of your vehicle without presenting a coupon or if you plan to purchase/lease in 2018, please call the Bikur Cholim office at 216/320-1771 or email info@bikurcholimcleveland.org.

We will be happy to send you a coupon.

Bikur Cholim of Cleveland is grateful to General Manager of Motorcars Toyota, Mr. Matt Gile, and the Motorcars Group for generously offering a $200 donation in support of the organization each time their dealership is presented with a special coupon towards the purchase or lease of a Honda or Toyota.

If you already took possession of your vehicle without presenting a coupon or if you plan to purchase/lease in 2018, please call the Bikur Cholim office at 216/320-1771 or email info@bikurcholimcleveland.org.

We will be happy to send you a coupon.

As the first year of our careers division comes to a close, we are happy to share with you our accomplishments so far!

Stats:

• 125 clients serviced
• 43 job placements
• 15 aptitude tests taken
• 15 vocational training enrollees
• 12 resumes written
• 3 startups mentored
• 2 vocational course offerings

Services We Provide:

• Resume writing
• LinkedIn profile branding
• Career counseling
• Job placement
• Vocational training
• Startup mentoring

With the expanding growth at Gesher, we have made significant changes to accommodate the growing needs of our clients. We have moved to a new and larger location that has classroom space to house our vocational training courses. Additionally, we have just launched our new and updated website, featuring all of our career division services!

Thank you to all of our partners for allowing us access to your wealth of resources and for your willingness to meet our needs and specifications. We would not be able to offer these services without you!

Thank you to our committee members for your assistance to network, guide, and advise our clients and for connecting our staff with the various companies, agencies, and recruiters.

Thank you to all those in the community who have sent us leads and tips.

We are truly grateful to everyone for all the various contributions and support you have made to make this mission a reality. May we continue to work together as a community to support each other and grow successful together.

Bikur Cholim of Cleveland is grateful to General Manager of Motorcars Toyota, Mr. Matt Gile, and the Motorcars Group for generously offering a $200 donation in support of the organization each time their dealership is presented with a special coupon towards the purchase or lease of a Honda or Toyota.

If you already took possession of your vehicle without presenting a coupon or if you plan to purchase/lease in 2018, please call the Bikur Cholim office at 216/320-1771 or email info@bikurcholimcleveland.org.

We will be happy to send you a coupon.

Bikur Cholim of Cleveland is grateful to General Manager of Motorcars Toyota, Mr. Matt Gile, and the Motorcars Group for generously offering a $200 donation in support of the organization each time their dealership is presented with a special coupon towards the purchase or lease of a Honda or Toyota.

If you already took possession of your vehicle without presenting a coupon or if you plan to purchase/lease in 2018, please call the Bikur Cholim office at 216/320-1771 or email info@bikurcholimcleveland.org.

We will be happy to send you a coupon.

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…]

From Cleveland Jewish News (https://goo.gl/vk5t1C):

“It’s not only going to be kosher, but it’s kosher with The Ritz-Carlton service,” [the hotel’s manager] said.

…

Ron said the opening of the kosher kitchen – certification is being secured from the Orthodox Union –  is part of a bigger community-based plan for the hotel.