BEINEINU NEWS & NOTES

March 27, 2014

INTERNATIONAL

Drug Recall--GlaxoSmithKline is recalling the weight loss drug Alli after receiving reports of unknown pills and tablets in the bottles. The over-the-counter drug comes in a turquoise blue capsule with a dark blue band and the text “60 Orlistat.” However, people in seven states have reported finding tablets and capsules of various shapes and colors in the bottles.Those states include New York, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.

There are also reports that the tamper-resistant seals on some bottles are not authentic. Alli comes in bottles with an inner foil barrier labeled “Sealed for Your Protection.” The company is asking pharmacies and retailers in the United States and Puerto Rico to immediately remove the drug from store shelves. Customers who have questions can call 800-671-2554.

Passover App—Chabad.org has created a free Passover app to help you prepare for Pesach. It includes key times, recipes and meal planner, shopping lists, tips, ‘ask the Rabbi’, and so much more. Available through the App Store and Google Play, or get a download link to your phone by texting ‘Passover’ to 1-601-292-6770.

Anxiety Break App—Dr. Sarah J. Kertz of Southern Illinois University, has developed  a ground breaking app to help people with chronic worry. Anxiety Break is designed to help you break the cycle of anxiety. When worries come up, schedule time to worry about it later, during your "anxiety break." Based on scientific research, this process breaks the link between triggers in your environment and the anxiety response, leading to fewer worries over time. With practice, you will learn to control your worries more effectively. To download this free app go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/anxiety-break/id689675430?mt=8

USA

Building Blocks—Building Blocks is an informative special needs magazine published quarterly. It is available as a free insert in this week’s Jewish Press, on newsstands now.

Lost & Found—There is a free new service available for lost & found items. www.lostdesk.com is a central location to list items that have been lost or found. The system works according to Halacha, with the finder mentioning a general description, and the person who lost the item giving proof that the item is theirs.

YACHAD Shabbaton—YACHAD will be holding their annual Northeast Family Retreat on May 9-11 at the Stamford Plaza Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut. It is a weekend full of learning, sharing, fun, games, and togetherness for the entire family. Come enjoy networking, workshops, and an enjoyable      weekend. Mention ‘Beineinu’ to get a discount. Call Rabbi Eli Hagler at 212-613-8285.

Autism Research Study--Participants needed for Research Study on Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Higher Education:  Managing Challenges & Utilizing Supports. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, have a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder and be a current or recent (within past 3 years) college student.  All identifying information will be changed to protect participant’s privacy.  Subjects will receive a $20 gift card upon completion of interview.  If you are interested in participating, please contact Lauren Poleyeff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (201) 216-8728. 

ISRAEL

Vocational Training--The Fuerstein Institute in Jerusalem operates a program training youth with developmental disabilities for the job of offering emotional and cognitive support to the elderlyin the community and in nursing homes.  The program operates 5 days a week, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, for two years, at the Feuerstein Institute and includes theoretical studies, professional and vocational training.  It is geared for male and female youth who are motivated to learn and have a strong desire to develop and to act with and for other people.

The program is recognized by Misrad HaRevacha (Ministry of Social Affairs) as a training framework. Students are members of the National Student Association and carry the association cards. For more information and to register contact the Feuerstein Institute: 052-286-9186, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Research Questionnaire—Tamar Taub is researching “Quality of Life Among Families Raising a Child With a Developmental Disorder, in Relation to Religious and Spiritual Resources”. The purpose of the research is to test the relationship between familial quality of life among families raising a child with a disability, and the resources and services given to them: Family, social and community support and support from government offices' services, as well as the place of religion and/or spirituality as a contributor to the family's quality of life. The goal is to bring to a significant change in the shaping of policies and the services and support given to families For more information contact Tamar at 054-811-0548. Click here for an anonymous questionnaire, which should take about 15-20 minutes to complete

Effie Notices—A few notices for individuals with high functioning Autism or Asperger’s from Effie:

  • MAX program for mainstreaming children and teens on the autism spectrum in the BIG IDEA Summer camp (Hebrew). Click here for more info

            To watch informative video click here

  • "CHIBURIM" is a special preparatory course for the IDF geared for teens on the autism spectrum (high functioning) and Asperger, and who have been approved for volunteering by the IDF.  The program is sponsored by Effie Asperger Israel and in conjunction with Misrad HaRevacha. For more information and to register click here.

  • The KEFIR Prorgram – BA in "System Analysis" for graduates with Aspegers, at Ono Academy. Click here for more information.

  • Effie has contacted the Unistream organization, which trains youth from the peripheries for social leadership.  They have expressed their willingness to integrate boys or girls with Aspergers into their project with appropriate support.  Those interested in joining the program can email or phone the organization's offices