Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Impoverished Israeli man in Bnei Brak wins lottery of more than $140,000

It was apparently the first time that the winner, who goes by the name “Ashkenazi Siman Tov,” reportedly purchased a lottery ticket.

Rabbi Akiva Street in the Israeli city of Bnei Brak on Dec. 3, 2010. Credit: Yiftah/Wikimedia Commons.
Rabbi Akiva Street in the Israeli city of Bnei Brak on Dec. 3, 2010. Credit: Yiftah/Wikimedia Commons.

An impoverished man in the Israeli haredi neighborhood of Bnei Brak purchased a $15 scratch-off lottery ticket, winning more $140,000.

It was apparently the first time that the winner, who goes by the name “Ashkenazi Siman Tov,” reportedly purchased a lottery ticket. Siman tov is Hebrew for a “good sign” and is usually used in the context of the term “mazel tov,” which can mean “good luck.”

Israeli media described Siman Tov as a “beggar” after his business went bankrupt, leading to his financial struggles.

He publicly expressed appreciation toward G-d and pledged the store owner a great tip.

“The legal system has sent a clear message. Illegal activity that compromises public safety is allowed in the Bay Area,” Tali Klima of Bay Area Jewish Coalition told JNS.
The sides discussed a U.S.-supervised communication mechanism involving Ankara that would prevent escalation in Syrian territory.
IDF troops seized the suspect in the area of the attack on Sunday afternoon.
“We are, as always, troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute,” the film production company said as the feud went viral.