Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof to Tour Nationally in 2018

Bernie Mermelstein owns and works as chief executive officer of MZ Berger & Company in Long Island City, New York. A lover of the arts, Bernie Mermelstein enjoys attending musicals, particularly Fiddler on the Roof.

Based on stories by Sholem Aleichem, Fiddler on the Roof takes place in a Russian village on the eve of the Russian Revolution. A poor milkman named Tevye looks after his five daughters, who desperately want to break from the traditional life their father has chosen. The music is by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, with songs including “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”

The Broadway production, which debuted on December 20, 2015, was directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher. It ended its run on December 31, 2016. However, a national tour will launch during the fall of 2018, with dates and locations to be announced.

The AIPAC Policy Conference Draws Thousands of Pro-Israel Advocates

In over four decades as CEO of MZ Berger & Co., Bernie Mermelstein has helped grow the Long Island, New York-based business into a global entity with offices around the world. Alongside his professional pursuits, Bernie Mermelstein takes an active role in the Jewish community by supporting organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). 

Dedicated to strengthening the bond between the United States and Israel, AIPAC works with members of Congress to promote and reinforce policies that benefit the two countries. In its efforts to advance its pro-Israel agenda, the organization holds a number of events, including its annual Policy Conference. 

As the largest gathering of advocates from America’s pro-Israel community, the AIPAC Policy Conference brings together nearly 20,000 attendees for three days of educational sessions and advocacy activities. The event also gives attendees the opportunity to hear keynote presentations from some of the highest-ranking public officials in the United States and Israel. 

The next AIPAC Policy Conference will take place March 4-6, 2018, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Those planning to attend the event can currently register online. Registration pricing ranges from $499 for AIPAC Club members to $599 for non-members.

Benefits of Using the Elliptical Machine

Bernie Mermelstein, owner and chief executive officer of MZ Berger & Co., has been working in the accessory industry for about four decades. His company deals with designing, marketing, licensing, as well as distributing of timepieces to different places in the world. In his free time, Bernie Mermelstein takes interest in physical activities, such as lifting weights and exercising on the elliptical machine.

An elliptical machine is a piece of motionless gym equipment that imitates walking, running, and hill climbing. Compared to treadmills, this machine has less impact on the joints while still providing benefits to one’s overall health condition.

In addition, the elliptical machine is believed to aid in regaining mobility in the hips. In fact, doctors suggest that patients incorporate an elliptical routine into the rehabilitation regimen following an ACL surgery. Research also shows elliptical training as an effective add-on treatment for people with traumatic brain injuries or those who’ve experienced a stroke.

Using an elliptical machine works out the entire body. In fact, one type of this machine can produce more than ten levels of resistance thereby strengthening the bones and their formation. With about 20 minutes to spare at least three times a week, using the elliptical can significantly increase a person’s stamina and cardiovascular endurance.

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.

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.

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.

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.