The Consequences of Uncontested Elections: Chaim Rose and Avrohom Fromovitz, CPA, Award Themselves Taxpayer Funded Lifetime Health Insurance

In March 2021, Chaim Rose was elected trustee of the Village of Chestnut Ridge. Shortly thereafter, for the first time ever taxes were raised 8% in one year. About a year later Avrohom Fromovitz, CPA, was appointed a trustee as well.

Soon after, in 2023, taxes were raised by an additional 45%.

In 2020 property taxes were $12.06 per $1,000.00 of assessed value. By 2025 property taxes were levied at a rate of $23.10 per $1,000.00 of assessed value, a 91% increase in just 5 years. To put things in perspective in the entire 5-year period from 2014 to 2019 property taxes increased by just 9% (from $10.54 to $11.48 per $1,000.00 of assessed value).

While burdening homeowners with dramatically increased property taxes, Fromovitz and Rose quadrupled their salaries, raising village employee payroll costs by several hundred thousand dollars. This may not sound like much, but Chestnut Ridge is a small village with a very small tax base. Small villages generally pay very low salaries. Rose raised his salary from $6,000.00 to $50,000.00 in a few years.

In 2024 after taxes had risen 71% from 2021 the village put out a misleading letter which blamed the dramatic tax increases on the rising cost of waste management, while failing to mention the village’s ballooning payroll costs caused by Fromovitz and Rose’s self-serving raises.

In reward for their prudent management, the leaders of Chestnut Ridge wholeheartedly endorsed Rose and Fromovitz, CPA, for reelection. Their support effectively prevented any serious challenge to Fromovitz or Rose.

After consolidating power Rose and Fromovitz continue to find new ways to enrich themselves at the expense of homeowners. Last month Fromovitz and Rose voted to provide themselves with free health insurance paid for by already struggling Chestnut Ridge taxpayers, which will undoubtedly lead to further tax increases. To add insult to injury, the law awards trustees with health insurance for life after 7 years, which means that every time the village gets a new trustee who stays in office for the typical 2 terms, the village will be left with a legacy cost of a lifetime insurance policy.

To put things in perspective, Fromovitz is about 39 years old. If he takes this plan until 85 that means a bill to the taxpayers of well over one million dollars even before adjusting for inflation. For just one trustee.

“Nice work if you can get it.”

Avi Yankelewitz, Esq. The writer can be reached at avi@yankelewitzlaw.com

The Misconception of any “Schlesinger” Name’s Connection to Levite Origins

In Jewish genealogy, surnames carry rich historical and cultural significance. They reflect geographic origins, professions, or familial traditions—but not every surname ties directly to tribal lineage or religious roles. A new, unsupported claim has emerged regarding the surname Schlesinger: that it is connected to Levite lineage (Leviim). This claim lacks historical evidence and ignores the straightforward geographic origin of the name. Unlike surnames with clear ties to Levite or Kohen roles, such as Kasdan, Katz, or Levy, the name Schlesinger is firmly rooted in geographic tradition, not tribal heritage.

The Origin of Schlesinger: Geography, Not Lineage

The surname Schlesinger is a locative name derived from Schlesien, the German word for Silesia, a historical region in Central Europe (modern-day Poland, Germany, and Czechia). During the late 18th and 19th centuries, many Jewish families in German-speaking territories were required to adopt permanent surnames. Those living in or originating from Silesia often chose Schlesinger, directly referencing their regional roots.

This name is entirely geographic. Unlike surnames explicitly tied to Kohen or Levite heritage, such as Katz or Segal, Schlesinger carries no linguistic or historical markers of religious or tribal status. It is akin to other regional Jewish surnames, such as Berliner (from Berlin) or Frankfurter (from Frankfurt), which reflect geographic identity rather than spiritual lineage.

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R’ Zalman Yudkin: The Small Rabbi – A Giant Tzaddik

Reb Zalman Yudkin, zt”l, was a giant in spirit and faith, a true tzaddik whose life was a testament to the power of unwavering devotion to Hashem and Torah. For over two decades, Reb Zalman would visit Monsey biannually, spending eight weeks each year dedicated to raising funds for his beloved Yeshiva. He was graciously hosted by a local family who catered to his specific dietary needs, procuring Israeli-made products to ensure his adherence to his stringent kashrus standards. This family’s home became his base for his sacred work, reflecting the hospitality and chesed that is so valued in our communities.

Reb Zalman’s early life was marked by the harsh realities of living under Communist rule in Russia. Despite the oppressive regime’s attempts to crush all forms of religious expression, Reb Zalman stood firm in his faith. He endured multiple imprisonments and faced severe punishments for his religious activities, which included teaching Torah clandestinely and engaging in Jewish practices forbidden by the authorities. His stories of mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice) for Yiddishkeit were not merely historical accounts, but lessons in courage and faith, deeply inspiring the bochurim and yeshiva leaders who had the privilege to hear him speak.

Even in the darkest times, when forced to attend secular schools, Reb Zalman’s parents instilled in him the importance of maintaining his Jewish identity. They used ingenious methods to shield him from heretical teachings and ensured he could observe Shabbos despite the risks. His resilience was further tested in the Russian army and later in German concentration camps during WWII, where he continued to practice his faith in secret, risking severe punishment.

After the war, Reb Zalman’s challenges continued, yet he never wavered. He used every opportunity to uphold his religious duties, even under surveillance or in captivity. His life in the Soviet Union, while fraught with hardship, was also marked by moments of divine providence and kindness, as seen when he protected a foreman who had allowed him to avoid labor in a factory, or when he met his future wife, a fellow Jew who had been disconnected from her religious roots.

Upon finally settling in Israel and then America, Reb Zalman’s mission evolved but his fervor did not wane. He tirelessly traveled to raise funds for his Yeshiva in Kiryat Malachi, aiming to instill Torah and yiras shamayim in the next generation of Jewish children. His fundraising trips were not merely transactional; they were deeply personal. Reb Zalman possessed an extraordinary ability to discern the struggles of those he visited, often providing them with comfort and brachos that were tailored to their personal challenges.

His impact extended beyond the spiritual realm. Reb Zalman had a keen intuition about the financial and emotional states of the families he visited. His visits were often the catalysts for spiritual reassurance and communal support. The stories of his interactions—whether giving a bracha for parnassa, consoling a distressed individual, or simply sharing a word of encouragement—demonstrated his profound empathy and understanding of human suffering and resilience.

Reb Zalman’s legacy is a beacon of faith, resilience, and compassion. His life’s work and the stories he shared continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known him or learned of his deeds. His dedication to Torah, despite the adversities he faced, serves as a powerful example for all of us. May his memory be a blessing and continue to inspire Klal Yisrael to greater heights of avodas Hashem and maasim tovim.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

Protecting Our Digital Lives: A Torah Perspective on Data Encryption

In today’s interconnected world, safeguarding our digital privacy is crucial. Just as we protect our homes and personal lives, we must secure our online information. This is where data encryption becomes essential.

Why Encryption Matters
Steven W Schlesinger and Shlomit Yanisky-Ravid emphasize the importance of encryption for protecting sensitive information, aligning with the Torah’s teachings on privacy and dignity. Just as we guard our speech and actions to protect our reputations and relationships, we must be vigilant in the digital realm.

Steps to Protect Your Data

Use Strong Encryption: Employ robust encryption methods for all sensitive data, ensuring it remains unreadable to unauthorized users.
Update Regularly: Keep your software and encryption tools up to date to protect against the latest threats.
Secure Communication Channels: Utilize encrypted communication channels for emails and messaging to protect information in transit.
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the best practices for data security and educate your family and community.

Balancing Privacy and Security
The authors advocate for a legal right to data encryption, balancing personal privacy with government efforts to prevent crime. This balance is crucial, allowing us to protect our privacy while supporting community safety and security.

Torah Values in the Digital Age
The Torah instructs us to guard our tongues and actions, emphasizing privacy and respect. In the digital age, this means protecting our online information through encryption, thus upholding Torah principles in our digital interactions.

Conclusion
As we navigate modern technology, applying timeless values to new challenges is essential. Advocating for the right to data encryption helps protect personal information, uphold privacy, and honor the Torah’s teachings in the digital age.

For more detailed insights, you can explore the full publication by Schlesinger and Yanisky-Ravid here.

Schlesinger, Steven W, and Yanisky-Ravid, Shlomit. “The Right to Data Encryption” San Diego Law Review, vol. 59, no. 4, 2022, pp. 805-864.

What Has Happened To Lakewood?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

I vividly remember my first impression of Lakewood almost 30 years ago, when I visited family members living in the small kolel town in New Jersey. In those days the kolel families were pretty much contained to a few block radius. There was a sense of comradeship and belonging that created a wonderful “one big happy family” type feeling. Simchas were a community event. (more…)

Is Trump the LAST Republican President?

Analyzing the results of the 2020 election is frightening – it might just be so. The first thing that stands out is the huge INCREASE of votes that each nominee received. Biden brags of the highest numbers of votes in American history, and Trump pats his chest with the highest votes any republican (even Reagan’s second term) ever received.

Looking closer reveals something different than the fraud claim. To put it very simply – in this election, the “voting machine” was brought into the homes of the people, and that made all the difference.

First, let us look at some FACTS (taken from the Pew Research Center- as they examined the 2020 election):

From 1800 to 1900, America had an approximately f 80% of the eligible voters turn out to vote. From the 1900s onward, it was hovering around 60%. For example – in the two previous elections, in 2012, it was 58%, and in 2016 it was 61%. Now in this latest 2020 election, the result was almost 67%.

In 2016 Americans cast 138 million votes, and in this 2020 election cast almost 161 million votes (out of 239 million eligible voters), an astonishing INCREASE OF 23 MILLION VOTES!

In this election, 59 million people voted by mail-in ballots (from 96 million early votes). As opposed to 2016, when only 33 million voted by mail-in ballots, a good part of it the military.

Young people 18 -29 yrs. Traditionally ranked as having the lowest turnout continuously hovering at 40 – 45%; as we saw in 2016, only 44% voted – now in 2020, they voted at a 55% rate.

Attorney General William Barr was one of President Trump’s most loyalist cabinet members (he was almost his lapdog doing his bidding). When he announced he is allowing his agent to get involved in checking for fraud, it should have been obvious to everyone that a real examination of the facts would take place. Among his investigators, there must have been many who had the same desire to get Donald Trump re-elected as we have. After two weeks, they returned to Mr. Barr – sadly telling him we found nothing, no WIDE voter fraud – except some procedures not followed, or some dead people voting, missing ballots, etc., basically nothing that would anywhere near change the election results. Now what is Barr to do – he desperately wants Trump to be president; however, he has to be true to the oath he took. It should have been clear to all of us – it is over. No matter how much we longed for President Trump to win, how great he was for Israel, we still have to face reality, and with a sad heart, must accept his defeat. (not expecting this from our Charedi community prone to every conspiracy theory, Covid hoax, Metitzah b’peh anti-Semites, Measles theories, etc.).

All those that swore to an oath to be fair (including the US Supreme Court) realized – was not fraud, but a shift in voting patterns was the answer to these spikes in votes. They observed that – as we allowed people to vote from their kitchen tables, the two main groups that traditionally had the lowest voting turnout now voted in this election. What pushed the election results for Biden was the inner-city non-white voter and the restless young. Should you examine only the in-person voting, Trump wins by a landslide.

Both of these groups far outnumber their preference for Democrats over Republicans. The Young who are wide-eyed sporting wild minds think they can solve all the world’s problems until they reach their 30’s and 40’s when reality sets in. The good part about them – they are too lazy or have “prior commitments” to show up to vote. The inner-city non-white have a vested interest since they are on the receiving end of social welfare programs. However, they also can’t be bothered or can’t get the voting day straight and are traditionally no-shows at the voting booths.

What is wrong with this kitchen table election setup? Everyone has the right to vote. If you are an American citizen, never worked a day in your life, fathered many children all on the government’s dime, took every program on the books, have no vested interest in anything financial, never paid a cent in taxes – you get to vote… and it is counted! This is the cornerstone of our union, signed and sealed in Philadelphia in the 1700s.

We conservatives have to face the fact and realize that America has changed, and there are now many more Democrats than Republicans. We may notice this in the last five elections; Democrats handily won the popular vote. How Bush and Trump got elected was the electoral college, where the two biggest groups that decisively prefer Democrats do not show up to vote. However, once we bring the voting booth to their living room couches, the Republicans stand no-chance. Even as Trump very successfully motivate the Republican base, look at the results!

The Democrats planned for this as they now boast of their success. They will be pushing and trying to widen mail-in ballots in the subsequent elections, cutting off any Republican hopes in the future. Nearly every independent election expert claim mail-in voting can be made lawfully by following the rules exactly:

The voter can request absentee ballots either through an online portal or by applying for a mail-in ballot. They provide their driver’s license number and date of birth to verify their identity for online requests. If they use an application, they must sign it for verification. When an application is received, county election workers compare the signature on the application to the voter’s signature on file. If it is consistent, a ballot is mailed to them. Before submitting an absentee ballot, a voter must sign an oath on the outer envelope. County election officials receiving the absentee ballot must compare the signature to the signature on file. The signatures must be consistent. If the signature does not match, the voter is notified and can take other steps to verify identity. If the signature does match, the ballot is separated from the envelope to protect the right to “ballot secrecy” guaranteed by federal law, and the vote is counted.

What is interesting, the Republicans on election committees, for many years, have always voted for mail-in ballots. They were hoodwinked by the Democrats and were taken – hook, line, and sinker in this election. There is one problem with the above; you can easily trace someone’s signature with a lightbox, where the untrained eye cannot notice it.

Every place where mail-in ballots will benefit one group, they will now look to push this agenda. I am sure in Israel this is being noticed, where on average, only 65% vote. The Charedi community’s votes are almost 90%, as the Gedolim go “publicly” to vote before shacharis and the Rebbes even before the mikvah. In the west bank, they also have a similar voting record, as they desire to expand the settlements. Who does not vote – the Tel-Aviv yuppies with no great vested interest; they go to the Army, they work for a living, as long as the restaurants, bars, movie theaters remain open, why bother? However, bring the voting booth to them and see what happens to the others’ outsized influence.

There is one setback, which might be why our American forefather chose to establish a day of voting in person. Keep in mind the mail service was already established. Why not use the mail to vote? They might have been worried about fraud or coercion by others. That is why a curtain is closed around you as you go into the voting booth, and even your spouse cannot go in with you. This problem would be highly prevalent in our Charedi community. In the 2016 election, the Satmar Rebbe stated publicly – all must vote for Hillary Clinton. They announced in all the shuls by the heads of the community and in the name of the heilige Rebbe – everyone without exception must vote for Clinton. Huge billboards plastered Williamsburg. Imagine their shock when their district’s results came in; over 85% voted for Trump. (wish we here in Monsey we would take a notion out of the Satmar Chassidim’s playbook). Now imagine if the Satmar Rebbe declares everyone must sign and give their ballot to some Moshe Shmiel Gabbai who will deposit it into the ballot boxes for you. Also, what stops a household head from forcing everyone to vote a certain way or what stops someone from offering $10 to a drug addict or to a poor woman to give him their signed ballot to drop in the box. All these things open up a can of worms. It just might be the forefathers realized “election in person” will keep voting fair. Early “in-person” voting does make some sense, but keep mail-in ballots for the elderly, infirm, and the military.

There is an advantage to mail-in ballots. How often do we not go vote, thinking it is not important and cannot be bothered to drag out? An example of this is the Monsey Library. We pay over 3 million for a library that has been shut down for the last ten months, On an average year, the library’s vote total is meager, and a good percentage are their employees – Now, imagine we can vote from our kitchen tables, how nice we would have a much greater say in how the community spends our hard-earned money. Maybe we also can save our precious community from becoming Brooklyn.

The fight over mail-in ballots starts now! The Republicans realize their fatal mistake, and the Democrats see a great opportunity to bury any Republican presidential hopeful. As Barr said, there might have been some fraud, but not where it can turn over the election. Trump is claiming it was not fair to allow mail-in ballots or extend the time frame. However, the Republicans voted for it and now realize their blunder. Should Trump still fight this out?? Many Republicans feel – we made a mistake, and let’s move on. However, if Trump keeps fighting, even as he will eventually not win, but might stop mail-in ballots in their tracks, giving Republicans hope in the subsequent presidential election.

However, if mail-in ballots are expanded, put up a picture of President Trump and have some old fond memories.

Author: 003

THE YESHIVA EDUCATION PROPOSAL: A True Understanding

Mary Ellen Elia is the New York STATE Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York and the one proposing to implement the public school curriculum for Yeshivas. She is well respected and is responsible for the education for all New Yorkers. She has a strong background in education.

Richard Carranza is the New York City commissioner of education and a leftist radical in the mayor’s pocket. He can do what he wants to with the NY public schools, as that is the mayor’s territory. He has absolutely no say in private schools. Sure, he can try to push his agenda on private schools, but it will be shot down by the courts as we see time and time again. The courts agree, you cannot force someone in the private sector to do something that goes against their beliefs and religion. As we have seen when trying to force the Catholic Churches to offer abortions in their health plans. This is true on the federal, state and local level.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

This is article two of a three part series addressing the horrendous massacre in Pittsburgh. The first article can be found here.

This is article one of a three part series addressing the horrendous massacre in Pittsburgh.

Reb Fishele Strykover, Reb Bunim of Pshyskhe, and The Lottery

“See you later.”

Be grateful for each day, because every day is a gift.

Happy 70th Birthday, Israel!!

Myth: Eating donuts is obligatory during Chanukah.

Myth: Alexander, tutored by the great philosopher Aristotle, was an enlightened despot.

Myth: The Pharisee Jews who rebelled against the Seleucids were completely knowledgeably and observant of Jewish law (as we recognize it today.)

Myth: The Jews fought a war against the Yevanim, who are the Greeks.

Link to video of the protest

Ambassador Danny Danon at the JRC