We got you in. Well… kind of. Not through a secret back entrance — but the next best thing. And thanks to Jake Turx, you’re walking into the White House without ever leaving home.
Silver Spring Live! is bringing you a behind-the-scenes experience you don’t get every day — a walk inside the White House with Jake Turx, Senior White House Correspondent at Mishpacha Magazine.
Thanks to Jake, our community gets an exclusive two-part video series:
The moment Jake arrives and makes his way into the White House grounds:
Stepping into the legendary White House Press Briefing Room — where presidents’ press secretaries take questions from reporters around the world.
From security gates to the front row of American journalism, these clips put you right in the action. Whether you’ve followed national news for years or just want a peek behind the scenes, you’ll enjoy this rare view.
📹 Watch both videos below and enjoy the VIP access!
Big moments don’t just happen on TV — sometimes they land right in your WhatsApp feed. Thanks to Jake Turx, we got to bring you closer to the heart of American politics than ever before. From the first step through the gates to the click of cameras in the Press Briefing Room, you’ve just walked the same halls as the country’s top journalists. That’s the kind of access you only get when you’re part of Silver Spring Live! Stay tuned — the next big moment might be even closer to home.
— — — 📍 Silver Spring Live! Send us your local news tips, pics, and videos — we’ll share them with the community! 👉🏼 Join our WhatsApp group
🛍️ Get ready, Silver Spring! Gali’s Couture Wigs is hosting a special Sample Sale on Sunday, September 7, and it’s your chance to shop premium quality wigs—at an incredible price.
Want to walk out with a party-ready look? No problem. Cuts available on the spot by Debbie, a professional wig stylist, so you leave with a look that fits you perfectly.
🗓️ Date: Sunday, September 7 🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
It’s one of Rockville’s sweetest summer traditions—outdoor movies in the park! And this Tuesday night, families across Silver Spring and Rockville are invited to bring the kids, pack snacks, and cozy up for a magical screening of Inside Out 2.
📍 Location: Montrose Park 🗓️ Date: Tuesday, August 6 🕗 Time: 8:00 PM 🎬 Movie: Inside Out 2 💸 Cost: FREE!
Bring your blankets, chairs, and your favorite snacks. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly evening with laughter, emotions (literally—it’s Inside Out!), and fresh summer air.
August 8–16, 2025 📍 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD
The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is back in full swing this summer — and it’s everything we’ve been waiting for. From thrilling carnival rides to live music, animal exhibits, food, and family fun, there’s something for everyone.
What’s Happening at the Fair?
Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find on the fairgrounds:
🎢 Dozens of carnival rides for kids and adults alike
🐴 Animal rides, pony encounters & barnyard fun
🎪 Live shows, crafts & exhibitions across multiple tents
👶 Note: Riders must be at least 36” tall. For children under 48”, check specific ride height requirements before purchasing.
Excludes pony ride, water balls, rock wall, mechanical bull, and bumper boats.
📸 Share Your Fair Moments!
Are you planning to go? We want to experience it through your eyes! 🎥 Send us your best fair photos & videos to feature in Silver Spring Live! 👉🏼 Click to join our WhatsApp group
Mark your calendars! Maryland’s annual Tax-Free Week is back from Sunday, August 10 through Saturday, August 16, 2025 — and it’s the perfect time to shop and save.
✅ What’s Included?
From 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 10 to 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 16, shoppers in Maryland can skip the 6% state sales tax on:
👕 Clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item
🎒 The first $40 of any backpack purchase
This means items like jeans, sneakers, dresses, sweaters, belts, school uniforms, and more all qualify — as long as they’re $100 or less per item. Buy five items at $99 each? Still tax-free.
🧾 Quick Example:
A $90 pair of shoes? Tax-free
Two $60 sweaters? Both tax-free
One $120 dress? You’ll pay tax on the full amount
📚 Perfect for Back-to-School
Whether you’re prepping for fall, back-to-school, or just updating your closet, it’s a great time to shop smart and save.
When passion meets planning, industries change. This is how the Jewish trade show world was born. Let’s start from the beginning—how did this whole idea even come about?
Sure. Maybe we can spend a few minutes going back to how this all started. First of all, to introduce myself—my name is Mike Weber. I grew up in Boro Park and went to yeshiva there for a few years. I got married in Boro Park and started out working upstate in the Catskills. My first job was actually managing a bungalow colony.
It so happened that they needed some upgrades, and during my first year managing, I got involved in some construction projects. That’s really what got me into construction. While I was doing that, a friend introduced me to the National Builder Show in Vegas. It was a big group of frum people who went together.
The timing was complicated because the show was Thursday through Sunday, which meant being there over Shabbos. But we had an organized group and a full Shabbos program. This was about 23 years ago, when the internet was barely a thing. Email wasn’t common, and social media didn’t exist—so trade shows were one of the few ways to connect and share.
I remember thinking, “We need something like this for our community.” But these things take time, money, energy. A few years later, I partnered with a good friend, Mendel Lerner, who ran the Raleigh Hotel in South Fallsburg. I told him, “Mendel, we need to do something. Maybe you’ll help me out?” He said, “Sure, I’ll give you the venue and a good price on food—just make it happen.”
We scheduled it three weeks later, and boom, we were doing an expo.
Most people in the community had never even heard of a trade show. They thought it was like a camp performance—they didn’t really get the concept. So I had to explain: “You do what you do every day. You talk to people about your product or service. You see if they’re interested. You give more information. That might lead to a deal. That’s a trade show.”
Fast forward 15 years—now you have big events being done by major kehillos like Satmar, Skver, Klausenburg, and others across New York. People are much more familiar with what a trade show is. And it’s taken off in a very big way.
Today, the New York show takes place in a venue over 60,000 square feet. We get over 5,000 attendees and 300+ booths. It’s become a real movement.
That’s a major leap—from a bungalow colony to 60,000 square feet in NYC. How did it grow from Catskills-to the broader community and start reaching other communities like Washington D.C., Silver Spring & Baltimore?
At some point, I felt a sense of mission—this can’t just be for New York. Other communities need it too. The first event I did outside of New York was actually still upstate, in the Catskills, but on a small scale. Since I was already a contractor, I had connections with a lot of subs. I reached out to them, and we put together our first local expo with 30 booths. That was the first year. And it was a hit—people left on a high.
The next year we had 50 booths. The following year? Seventy. It just kept growing. Then someone came to me and said, “You need to take this to the next level. It’s time to do something for the broader community.”
Upstate was still limited—it was mostly for the bungalow colony crowd. People had just started buying second homes up there, but it wasn’t the main market. So we pivoted. We decided to bring the event to the Monsey area—Monsey, Monroe, that whole region.
It was a huge step. I still remember: one company really pushed me. They said, “I’ll sponsor. I’ll help. Just do it.” I ended up getting nothing from that company in the end, but it was their nudge that gave me the guts to put down a $25,000 deposit on a 60,000 square foot venue. That was a serious leap of faith.
That kind of risk—$25,000 upfront—that’s not small change. Did you already feel confident in the model?
I knew we had something powerful. The event had already proven itself. So we jumped in. And since then, we’ve done more. We did a big event for the tri-state area, centered around the five boroughs and surrounding parts of New York. Obviously, Brooklyn is a hub, and people were asking us, “When are you doing something for the city?” So we did it.
But I always try to emphasize: nothing starts out big. It starts with a vision, and it takes a huge amount of effort—cold calling, explaining what this is, convincing people to try something new. It was a process.
Last year, we brought the show to Baltimore for the first time. And baruch Hashem, it was a huge success. We had nearly 1,000 attendees and over 50 exhibitors. For that community, it was brand new. The concept was unfamiliar. But people were excited.
And now we’re gearing up for year two. There’s momentum.
You’ve built something incredible—what’s your message to families and professionals in Silver Spring, Potomac, Rockville, Chevy Chase, and D.C.? Why should they be there?
Because amazing things happen when people come together. I’ve seen it—guys walk in not expecting much and walk out with real opportunities! New vendors, new clients, even new direction. There’s so much talent and drive in your area, and this event brings it all into one space. If you’re even a little curious, just come. You never know who you’ll meet or what doors might open.
And you really believe one day can make that kind of impact?
I do. When people show up with an open mind and good energy, powerful things happen. One conversation, one handshake—it can shift your entire year. And that’s what this is about: real connections, real growth.
And the truth is, we’re just getting started. There’s so much more I want to share in Part Two next week. You’ll see—it’s only going up from here!
Questions: 1) What are the 5 events that happened on Shiva Asar B’Tamuz according to Chazal?
2) Which nation destroyed the first Beis Hamikdash? Which nation destroyed the second Beis hamikdash?
3) Which Beis Hamikdash stood for longer, the first or the second?
4) Who wrote Megilas Eichah?
5) When were the walls of Yerushalayim breached during the first Beis Hamikdash?
6) What are some of the reasons given by Chazal for the destruction of the first Beis Hamikdash?
7) What is the reason given by Chazal for the destruction of the second Beis Hamikdash?
8) What are the 5 tragedies that occurred on Tisha B’av according to Chazal?
9) Which 2 mitzvos are prohibited or restricted on Tisha B’av?
10) Which historical tragedies that occurred after the events of the Second Beis Hamikdash are commemorated in the Kinnos, and which Kinnos refer to them?
11) What is the significance of the 10th of Av?
Answers: 1) 1. The breaking of the Luchos 2. The discontinuing of the Korban Tamid 3. The walls ofYerushalayim were breached during the 2nd beis Hamikdash 4. Burning of a Torah scroll by Apostomus 5. An idol placed in the Sanctuary. (Mishnah Taanis 4:6)
2) a) The Babylonians, led by their ruler, Nevuchadnezzar. (Yirmiyahu 52:12-16)
b) The Romans, led by their general, Titus. (Gemara Gittin 55b-56b)
3) The 2nd Beis Hamikdash, which stood for 420 years. The first Beis Hamikdash stood for 410 years. (Yoma 9a; Eiruchin 12b)
4) Yirmiyah. He initially instructed Baruch ben Neiri to write it down the nevuah whileYirmiyah was imprisoned but that scroll was ripped up and thrown into a fire by Yehoyakim. Yirmiyah rewrote Eichah and added another perek. (Bava Basra 14a; Yirmiyah 36:1-32)
5) 9th of Tamuz. (Taanis 29b; Yirmiyah 52:6-7; See Yerushlami Taanis 4:5)
6) There are many reasons given in Chazal, here are a few: 1.Shfichas Damim, Avodah Zarah, and Gilui Arayos. (Yoma 9b) 2. Failure to properly keep Shemitah. (Shabbos 119b) 3. Because we did not rebuke each other (Shabbos 119b) 4. The desecration of Shabbos (ibid) 5. Failure to recite Birchas Hatorah. (Nedarim 81a; See Shabbos 119b for additional reasons)
7) Sinas Chinum – baseless hatred. (Yoma 9b)
8) 1. The decree that Bnei Yisrael would remain in the wilderness because of the spies’ evil report. 2. The Destruction of the First Temple 3. The Destruction of the Second Temple 4.The capture of Beitar after Bar Kochba’s revolt was put down 5. The plowing of the Temple Mount (Taanis 4:6).
9) 1. Torah learning is generally prohibited, except for sections related to mourning or the themes and events of Tisha B’Av—such as Megillas Eichah, Iyov or the Churban Gemaras. It is also permitted to learn the Gemara in Moed Katan that discuss the laws of aveilus (Shulchan Aruch OC 554:1-2).
2. Tefilin. Although most poskim require a person to wear Tefilin on Tisha B’av, the Smag (assei 3) is of the opinion that one should not put on Tefilin on Tisha B’av just as a mourner does not put on tefillin on the first day of mourning. The Shulchan Aruch (555:1) rules that we delay putting on Tefilin (and Talis) until Mincha.
10) 1. The burning of 24 wagonloads of Talmudic manuscripts in Paris (1242) is lamented in “Sha’ali Serufah Ba’ash”. 2. The Crusade massacres of 1096, where Jewish communities in Worms, Mainz, and Speyer were martyred, are mourned in “Av HaRachamim”, “Mi Yiten Roshi Mayim”, and “Zechor Bris Avraham”. 3. The Asarah Harugei Malchus (The Ten Martyrs), such as Rabbi Akiva, who were executed by the Romans, are memorialized in “Eleh Ezkerah” and “Erzai HaLevanon”. 4. The Spanish Expulsion (1492) is referenced in “Sha’alu Shlom Yerushalayim”. 5. Many communities recite kinnos for the Chmielnicki massacres which devastated Eastern Europe Jewry (1648–49). The kinah ofAish Tukad B’kirbi was authored by the Shach, who spent much of his life fleeing from the Cossacks. 6. The kinah of Balayl Zeh Yivkeiyundetails the crushing defeat and subsequent massacre that happened in Beitar 65 years after the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. 7. Some communities added kinnos relating to the atrocities of the Holocaust.
11) It was the day that most of the 1st Beis Hamikdash was burned. Although the fast was established on Tisha B’av because that is when the Beis Hamikdash was set on fire, we do not eat meat, drink wine, cut hair, bathe or launder clothes, on the 10th of Av until Chatzos. (Taanis 29a; Rama 558:1, Mishna Berurah; Sefardim keep restrictions the entire day)
The long sunny days of summer can seem like a time for relaxation and fun as school is out and work slows down. Yet mental health challenges can continue despite the warm season. People who struggle with depression or anxiety can feel even more isolated and alone when they believe that others are having a wonderful time at the pool or traveling, but that only they failed to get the life memo on how to live a carefree life and frolic with friends and family during the summer.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Depression and anxiety are distinct, but there are several overlapping symptoms. They often co- occur, regardless of which one develops first. People may also become anxious about how depression affects their life, roles, and relationships, or become depressed and hopeless about how anxiety limits them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, known as CBT, is an evidence-based treatment, meaning that extensive empirical research has proven its effectiveness. CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors in order to change the way that someone feels.
Mistakes in Thinking
Both depression and anxiety cause distorted thinking (“thought traps”) involving harsh self- judgments and hopelessness as well as unhelpful behaviors such as avoidance. Thought traps can distort how people think about themselves, others, and the future. They may believe negative thoughts about their own competence, worth, and lovability. They might see themselves as fundamentally flawed and inadequate, feeling shame or embarrassment about their perceived shortcomings. A common pattern of thought traps is the overestimation of threat or difficulty of situations coupled with an underestimation of the ability to cope with discomfort (e.g., “I couldn’t handle that if it happened”). These negative thoughts often contribute to withdrawal and avoidance of other people and activities.
Unhelpful Behavior: Short-Term vs Long-Term
Avoidance plays a key role in many mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, by maintaining a vicious cycle. The more you avoid, the more you tend to avoid. As individuals rely on avoidant coping, their world shrinks, with fewer opportunities for positive experiences and to collect evidence against negative thoughts and expectations. The short-term relief that comes from escaping or avoiding a difficult situation reinforces the belief that someone can’t handle uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or sensations. For example, they might think, “Phew, thank goodness I didn’t go to class today when I felt unprepared!” This pattern can lead to a downward spiral of more avoidance of situations and interactions, which can worsen depression and anxiety
in the long run. For example, someone may come to think, “I’ve missed so many days of class that I can’t go back now; I’d better drop the course. What’s wrong with me? I’ll never be able to graduate”.
Fighting Depression and Anxiety
Fighting depression and anxiety involves resisting urges to engage in avoidance or safety behaviors. Safety behaviors are things people do to reduce anxiety and help them feel safe, such as scrolling on their phone in a social setting to look busy so they feel less anxious that others will think they are weird standing alone. (Another vicious cycle- if you do look busy, it will prevent someone from coming over to talk with you!) Instead of avoidance, people are encouraged to tolerate discomfort and make decisions based on personal goals and values.
Related to reducing avoidance, another essential strategy for combating mood and anxiety difficulties is Behavioral Activation. There is a link between mood and activity such that when we don’t engage in activity, we tend to feel worse, whereas we get a mood boost and a sense of accomplishment from engaging in activity. People often tell me that they will resume activities when they feel better AFTER their depression or anxiety has improved. I gently ask, how will that happen? We can’t directly control our mood but we can have much more control over our behavior. Planning to first change mood and THEN change behavior keeps a person stuck waiting to feel better before they can take the steps that we know can help to decrease depression and anxiety. Behavioral activation flips the script and empowers people to FIRST change their behavior and increase activity, in spite of not wanting to do so because they feel depressed or anxious, in order to bring about the desired change in mood.
Engaging in CBT with a trained licensed professional can help modify the unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior that keep people stuck and serve to maintain avoidance, depression, and anxiety. Below are 5 tips to consider implementing on your own.
Summer strategies to combat depression and anxiety:
1) Create structure. A lack of structure during summer can make it difficult to feel motivated to get up and start the day, which can lead to spending more time in bed. This may be especially true for teens and young adults who were registered for programs in Israel this summer but had their plans canceled due to the war. Consider scheduling an activity in the morning to push yourself out of bed. Plan an activity with someone else to increase accountability and improve the chances of following through, such as taking a walk with someone or attending a shiur together. It will be harder to cancel at the last minute.
2) Take small steps to reduce avoidance and reliance on safety behaviors. Take small, manageable risks and notice what happens. If socializing after shul feels uncomfortable and you usually leave right after davening, try staying just a few extra minutes. Instead of avoiding eye contact (a safety behavior) and hoping that nobody notices you, make eye contact with one person and start a brief conversation. Even if the situation does not go as you would have liked, you may notice that, nonetheless, you were able to get through it. As you learn that you are more resilient than you think and can handle situations even when things don’t work out, you may feel emboldened to try other activities or interactions. You are not a delicate flower and you can do hard things!
3) Put down your phone and go outside. Summer offers us longer days with more opportunity to catch some sunlight and fresh air in the late afternoon/early evening, which can help boost mood and increase physical activity. Give yourself some respite from incessant political stress and war updates and leave your phone behind.
4) Medication changes. Summer can be a good time to consult with a medical professional to start or change psychiatric medication when the stakes at school or work may be lower, in the event of side effects from beginning or tapering off medication.
5) Be realistic and plan ahead for Fall. If you or a loved one experienced significant depression or anxiety before the summer but seem to be feeling better during the summer (especially true for college students who suddenly have several months of reduced academic and social demands), consider whether some of those symptoms are likely to return when stressors resume in the fall. Summer can be a good time to research licensed clinicians who provide CBT and begin therapy to address depression and anxiety when there are fewer demands on your time. Proactive steps during the summer can prepare you to face returning fall stressors with new tools in your psychological toolbox and greater confidence to effectively cope with challenges, both now and in the future. This article is provided as psychoeducational information for the community and is not intended as psychological treatment and does not constitute creation of a doctor-patient relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 9-8-8, the national behavioral health emergency number, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Dr. Selena Snow is a licensed psychologist. She is the founder and director of The Snow Psychology Group, a private practice of psychologists specializing in CBT and other evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, and trauma for ages 12+. They also conduct neuropsychological evaluations for ages 18+. Services are provided In-Person in Rockville, MD and via Telehealth in over 40 states. For more information, visit www.snowpsych.com or call the office at (240) 676-4206 x1.
If you own a home or drive a car in today’s world, insurance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. But that doesn’t mean it’s always simple to navigate. Between deductibles, liability limits, exclusions, and endorsements, many people understandably feel overwhelmed and default to “whatever we had last year.” The good news is, understanding your coverage doesn’t need to be complicated—and small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.
Let’s start with home insurance. At a minimum, your policy should insure your home at its full replacement cost—not just what you paid for it or what it costs on Zillow. Especially in today’s construction market, rebuilding after a loss can cost far more than expected. Make sure your policy accounts for this.
Pay attention to coverage for personal property as well. Many standard policies cap reimbursement for items like jewelry, silver, or certain religious articles unless you schedule them separately. If you’ve renovated your home, finished a basement, or purchased new high-value items, it’s a good idea to update your coverage so it reflects what you actually own.
Auto insurance also deserves a closer look than it often gets. Maryland and DC minimum requirements are low, and in the event of a serious accident, they may not be nearly enough. Your liability limits should realistically reflect what you’d be responsible for, G-d forbid, in the event of an accident. This is especially important if you own a home or have savings that could be at risk in a lawsuit. You should also make sure your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is adequate, which is protection for when another driver causes an accident but doesn’t have enough insurance to cover injuries.
If you or your spouse own a small business, especially one that operates from home or online, it’s important to know that most homeowners policies won’t cover business-related losses. Whether it’s product inventory, client property, or even a visitor injury during a business-related appointment, a separate policy may be needed. Fortunately, business coverage can be affordable and flexible, tailored to match your risk and industry.
Insurance may not be exciting, but it is one of the few areas where a little bit of knowledge can protect a lot. If you haven’t reviewed your policies in the last few years—or if you’re not quite sure what you’re paying for—it might be time for a fresh look.
The bottom line: your insurance should reflect your life—your home, your family, your responsibilities. And while no one enjoys thinking about worst-case scenarios, there’s a certain peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re prepared.
As someone who lives in the frum community and works with clients across Baltimore and Greater Washington, I understand the rhythms, priorities, and sensitivities that come with our lifestyle. I’m always happy to answer questions, explain options, or review your current coverage.
I’d be happy to help. Just reach out to discuss how we can tailor a policy to fit your needs.
About Judah:Judah Wealcatch is a licensed insurance broker based in Baltimore, Maryland. He works at Herman E. Wealcatch Insurance, a family-owned agency that has been serving Baltimore, the Greater Washington area, and beyond for 40 years.
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