Monday, November 21, 2016

Young Israel of Great Neck




For more than 35 years, Bernie Mermelstein has served as chief executive officer of MZ Berger & Co., which produces watches, clocks, home decoration, and jewelry, among other items. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Bernie Mermelstein donates to Young Israel of Great Neck. 

With roots going back 40 years, Young Israel of Great Neck is an orthodox congregation in Great Neck, New York, with more than 250 families. Located at 236 Middle Neck Road, Young Israel of Great Neck features a main sanctuary, and its Justin Family Center has a large Beit Midrash, a full-sized gymnasium, and several classrooms.

Rabbi Yaacov Lerner has led Young Israel of Great Neck since its founding in 1975. The congregation’s rabbinical staff also includes Rabbi Shmuel Ismach and Rabbi Eric Goldstein. Under their leadership, Young Israel of Great Neck offers numerous educational programs for adults and youth, including daily classes such as Mishna Beitza and Take Ten for Torah. 

To learn more about the congregation, visit www.yign.org.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Useful Tips for a Successful Aliyah


Bernie Mermelstein is the owner and chief executive officer of MZ Berger& Co., a maker of quality timepieces, home décor bags, and consumer electronics. A strong supporter of Jewish traditions, Bernie Mermelstein has donated to Nefesh B'Nefesh (NBN). The core mission of NBN is to revitalize Aliyah (return to Israel) and to increase the number of future Olim (new immigrants) by removing logistical and financial obstacles that prevent Jewish individuals from making a home in Israel.

For Jews returning “home,” being prepared is the key to having a successful Aliyah. Organize your paperwork beforehand. Have important documents and papers for yourself and your family members safely stored. Keep a digital copy of each readily available.

Set up a smartphone number before getting to Israel. This is important, as government and local offices in the country ask for contact information. Many carriers send SIM cards to America. Look into a local bank in the area you are moving to, and open an account. Carry cash to deposit into the account.

Set up a health care plan for you and your family. There are four national health care plans (Kupat Cholim), all of which are available at the airport. Discuss with area locals on which plan is the best for you. You can upgrade your plan later on.

Ensure you have the keys to your new house, and as soon as you arrive, confirm that the plumbing and air conditioning are functional.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

What to Do On Your Second Visit to Israel


Bernie Mermelstein is the chief executive officer and owner of MZ Berger & Co, a privately held New York City-based business with employees and offices around the world. Bernie Mermelstein enjoys traveling and has visited Israel several times.

Most first-time visitors to Israel see the major attractions, such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Dead Sea. However, there is much more to the country and plenty to see on a return visit. Here are some lesser-explored options:

1. Kishle prison excavations - Go back to Jerusalem and take a look at the newest addition to the Tower of David Museum, an indoor excavation site that showcases Jerusalem history from the First Temple Era (1000 B.C.E.) through the British Mandate period in the early 1900s.

2. Appolonia National Park - North of Herzliya Pituah, Appolonia National Park is best known as the site of a Crusader-era fortress. It is set upon a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and affords panoramic views.

3. Jisr al-Zarqa - Go off the grid and visit one of Israel’s poorest towns, which also offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. As they are rarely visited, these beaches are nearly untouched. The area also includes the Nahal Taninim Nature Reserve, full of clean coastal streams.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

What to Expect at Spin Class



Bernie Mermelstein is the CEO and owner of MZ Berger & Co, a privately held family business in Long Island City, New York. When he’s not working, Bernie Mermelstein enjoys working out and takes spinning classes three times a week.

Spinning is a form of indoor cycling that doubles as a cardio workout and is led by a certified spin instructor. Most classes run from 40 to 60 minutes and are set to fun, energetic music. Since participants can determine their own pace and control their workouts, spinning is suitable for a variety of fitness levels, and the class setting can serve to motivate participants. Additionally, the exercise is low-impact, which is of benefit to people who have joint issues or need to alternate between higher and lower impact activities.

When attending a spin class, participants should wear workout clothes that are tight enough that they don’t get caught in the pedals or wheels as well as flat-soled shoes. More frequent spinners might invest in padded shorts and cycling shoes that clip into the pedals. It is also a good idea to bring a water bottle and a sweat towel.

Monday, June 13, 2016

AIPAC's Policy Conference 2017 to Be Held in Late March


Bernie Mermelstein owns MZ Berger & Co (MZB), a family-owned timepiece and accessory maker and distributor. Aside from timepieces, Bernie Mermelstein is passionate about Israeli issues and a supporter of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIPAC is currently preparing for their annual AIPAC Policy Conference, which will be held in 2017 from March 26 through March 28.

AIPAC's 2017 Policy Conference will take place at the Washington DC Convention Center. Described as the “pro-Israel community’s preeminent annual gathering,” the Policy Conference attracts more than 16,000 attendees each year. Participants gain access to hundreds of educational events and the chance to participate in pro-Israel advocacy.

Registration for the conference is now open. For non-AIPAC members, registration costs $599. With an AIPAC membership you’ll get a $100 discount, for a discounted price of $499. If you have to cancel your registration, do so before January 6th, 2017. Cancellations after January 6th will not be refunded or applied to any future AIPAC events or conventions.

Learn more about the AIPAC Policy Conference by visiting www.policyconference.org.

Patrick Ewing's New York Knicks Career Records

Since 1977 Bernie Mermelstein has served as owner and chief executive officer of MZ Berger & Co., a global designer and distributor o...