BEINEINU NEWS & NOTES
December 31, 2015
USA
Sparks Magazine---Sparks Magazine is an annual publication that features a range of articles related to special needs, such as inspirational stories, informative articles, intriguing interviews, etc. It is published through Rayim, an agency providing OPWDD services in Orange, Rockland and Kings counties. The upcoming issue will be released for the week of Shabbos Shira. If you would like to subscribe to this free-of-charge magazine, you may contact Dini Landau at 845-782-7700 ext. 403, or email
Medical Cannabis---Vireo Health, one of the five medical marijuana companies selected by New York State to provide non-smokable medical cannabis, says it will soon offer the world’s first kosher medical pot. Their products have been certified by the OU after inspectors from the Orthodox Union visited Vireo’s facilities to ensure the plant was grown and processed in keeping with kosher standards. The strictly controlled program, which will begin in early 2016, will provide non-smokable medical marijuana products to patients with certain qualifying conditions.
ISRAEL
Dental Clinic---Siach Sod in Jerusalem has opened a unique special needs dental clinic, adapted for the needs of the ultra-religious community. The clinic is located in Siach Sod’s main building on Rechov Yirmiyahu, in the Romema neighborhood. It is operated by the Public Health Association and supervised by the Social Services Department, with a team that has extensive experience offering dental treatment to people with disabilities. The clinic is currently offering its services to its graduates, and hopes to expand its services to 1000 graduates and students of Siach Sod. At a later stage it will be open to all people with special needs in Israel.
Notice For Kohanim--- According to Misaskim, Kohanim flying from Eretz Yisroel to the U.S. via El Al will need to, until further notice, ensure there are no Niftarim on the plane due to a recent incident. A Niftar arrived in the U.S. from Eretz Yisroel today packaged in a way that would make it non-permissible for a Kohen to fly according to Halacha. “Rav Yecheskel Roth Shlita Paskened, that a Kohen may not fly with El Al if there is a Niftar on the plane, as there is no way of knowing for sure if it is being wrapped the correct way for shipping,” Misaskim says. “Therefore, a Kohen must check before flying to make sure that there is no Niftar on the plane.” Rav Roth also stated that the Rabbonim in Eretz Yosroel have to deal with this, as they are the ones who will have to supervise it. “This problem is only on the flights from Eretz Yisroel to America. The flights leaving America to Eretz Yisroel are okay for a Kohen to fly, as we are constantly checking to see that it is done correctly,” Misaskim said.