Baltimore Jewish Home 11-13-14 by Moshe Rubin

Around the Community

CHAI’s Weinberg House in Pikesville Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

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‫ ד׳ כסלו‬- ‫כ׳ חשון‬

PAGE 8

Levindale Auxiliary Member Champagne Brunch is the Toast of the Town! PAGE 10

Talmudical Academy Gets a Special Visit From an Astronaut

PAGE 6

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CONTENTS

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

COMMUNITY

Around the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

JEWISH THOUGHT Are Squirrels Nuts?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Rabbi Berel Wein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 A Parsha Thought. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Rabbi Berel Wein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT Rhyme Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Notable Quotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Centerfold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

COVER STORY Believers in the Police. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Balfour Declaration and the Reaction of Rav Kook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

LIFESTYLES Forgotten Heroes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 The Flu Vaccine – To Give or Not To Give. . . . . . . . . 42 Who Really Owns YOUR Credit Card Miles & Points, Continued…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 In the Kitchen: Ain’t Nothing but a Hot Dog. . . . . 52 Kosherology: Thanksgiving Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NEWS Global News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 National News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 That’s Odd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

ISRAEL

Dear Readers, I was reminded last week that voting is our privilege. It used to be highly coveted. Now, it tends to weigh us down with a general apathy. Most electoral voters of my age don’t think twice before passing on the opportunity to have their voice heard. This is a far cry from the years when people would take their young children to the polls so they could be inspired by democracy in action. I’m told that after an election the candidates, both current and future, look at the list of who voted. While they can’t see who the person voted for they can see how many people with a Jewish sounding surname voted and they can design future campaigns accordingly. The Jewish community in Baltimore deserves a stronger voice and it would definitely help if a majority of us took the time to place our vote! Sounds like crying over spilled milk because this election has passed, but there’s always the next election, including state and local ones which are equally important. More than this, a community which is politically active can expect and create public opinion when they need something in return. We have a moral obligation to have our voice heard in our business networking and community alliances. On the subject of the importance of having our voice heard, the Agudah Yisroel of America is having their 92nd National Convention this weekend at the Hilton Woodcliff Lake in New Jersey. I have never been to any Agudah conventions in the past but plan on attending this year’s Lefkowitz Leadership Initiative which will take place on Thursday night, November 13th. I have always been interested in attending and hope it will give me a glimpse into the world of the Agudah as well as the challenges facing Orthodox Jewish Communities across the nation. I will keep our readers up to date in the issues to follow. In addition, I want to welcome the members of the Dallas Area Torah Association (DATA) as well as the members of the Dallas community who have come to Baltimore this weekend for a “Chizuk Shabbos”. Welcome!

Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

May we all have a restful and enjoyable Shabbos,

My Israel Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Yaakov

The Baltimore Jewish Home is an independent bi-weekly newspaper. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Baltimore Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The BJH contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

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Harav Meir Tzvi Bergman Harav Shraga Feivel Cohen Harav Aharon Feldman Harav Shmuel Kamenetzky

Honorary Chairmen

Rabbi Avrohom Fruchthandler Mr. Rubin Schron

Campaign Committee

Dr. Michael Elman Howard Tzvi Friedman Daniel Ely Rabbi Aaron Gibber Orin Hirschman Jan Loeb Yehuda Neuberger Eli Schlossberg Ronald Wilheim Jerry Wolasky

Event Committee

Journal Committee

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Dr. Menachem Cooper Shmuel Hyatt Steve Graber Dr. Yosef Newman David Novice Tzvi Preiser Rabbi Josh Pruzansky Naftali Weg

Tribute Committee

Dr. Paul Schuster Rabbi Hillel Tendler Mordechai Hackerman Dr. Elie Krakowski Rabbi Yehuda Lefkovitz Boruch Levine Dr. Mark Miller Shmuel Sperling Rabbi George Strum

HISTORIC

Rav Zvi Dov Slanger Rosh HaYeshiva

Alumni Committee

Avrumi Friedman Rabbi Avi Schnall Yakov Eisemann Yehuda Mayer Naiman Dovid Newmark Nesanel Perle Shalom Rosenberg Moshe Rothstein

National Committee

Mordechai Berger, FL Dr. Markus Goldschmeidt, TX Ari Cohen, IL Bernardo Coiffman, FL Rabbi Dovi Kutoff, OH Dr. Isaac Perle, MA Yechezkel Rafezadeh, CA Rabbi Sheldon Rosenberg, TX Ephraim Weber, NY

International Committee

Andre Hartman, Belgium Philip Wojdyslawski, Brazil Rabbi Avraham Abitbol, Canada Aron Hallack, Brazil Joseph Hallack, Brazil Shmuel Kinderman, Australia Yaakov Stern, Brazil Zev Stern, Brazil Rabbi Moshe White, Canada

Beth Tfiloh, Baltimore, MD 3300 Old Court Road

TRIBUTE PRESENTATION to the Government of Switzerland with the participation of Senator Ben Cardin and Mr. David Best, Consular, Embassy of Switzerland

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Community

Talmudical Academy Gets a special visit from an Astronaut! On Monday, November 3, 2014, Dr. Don Thomas, a former NASA astronaut, came to speak to the 5th grade boys. Dr. Thomas told the story of how he decided that he wanted to become an astronaut when he was just a young child. He tried to do his best in every subject in school in order to achieve his goal. He applied to NASA three times and was rejected each time. Finally, after his fourth try and almost 4 decades of perseverance, his dream was fulfilled – he was selected to be an astronaut! Dr. Thomas stressed to the boys how important it is to pur-

sue their passion, to work very hard, and to never give up. Dr. Thomas went on four space shuttle missions, during which he performed scientific experiments on plants, animals, and on other astronauts. As he orbited the earth, he viewed sixteen sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours. The kids were riveted to their seats and asked plenty of intelligent questions. A special Thank You goes to Mrs. Sacks for arranging this visit.

STAR-K Takes Kashrus Training Program on the Road to Beth Medrash Govoha Yungerleit By Margie Pensak

On October 21-23, STAR-K Kashrus Administrators traveled to Lakewood, New Jersey, to present their Kashrus Training Program to twenty-five Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG) Kollel fellows who are participants in the Ner Le’Elef program. STAR-K Rabbinic Administrator HaRav Moshe Heinemann, STAR-K Institute of Halacha Rav Mordechai Frankel, and STAR-K Kashrus Administrator-New York/New Jersey Rav Shmuel Heinemann joined STAR-K Kashrus Administrators Rabbi Eliyahu Shuman, Rabbi Mayer Kurcfeld, Rabbi Dovid Heber, Rabbi Avrohom Mushell, Rabbi Zvi Goldberg, Rabbi Zvi Holland, Rabbi Moshe Schuchman and Rabbi Sholom Tendler, in covering topics ranging from the kashrus of medicines, alcoholic beverages, milk/cholov Yisroel, meat, and fish to foodservice challenges, commercial and residential kashering and industrial kashrus. Practicums included: vegetable checking/insect recognition; nikkur; koshering; and,

chicken shaylos. Kosher accountability, answering consumer shaylos properly, overseeing plants overseas, and agency administrative issues were also discussed. Tours of a catering facility and a mikvah rounded out the seminar experience. Since 2005, the Ner Le’Elef Training Program, a division of Torah Links, has helped capable Beth Medrash Govoha yungerleit fill crucial communal roles – rabbanim, kollel yungerleit, educators, kiruv professionals and

institutional administrators- -across North America and beyond. Its twoyear course covers general hashkafa, da ma shetashiv, Jewish history and pertinent halacha topics, such as eruvin, mikvaos and taharas hamishpacha. Lectures also focus on various leadership skills, such as teaching, public speaking, fund-raising and marketing techniques. “It was fascinating to hear shiurim from the rabbonim of the STAR-K,” noted BMG Kollel fellow/Ner Le’Elef

participant Yaakov Lyons. “They showed us how the sugyas in yoreh deah combine with technology and science in the world of Kashrus.” BMG Kollel fellow/Ner Le’Elef participant, Moishe Botnick, concurred. “It was great to hear about the practical application of hilchos kashrus in a commercial setting and to get hands on experience in bug checking and nikkur. I was impressed with the halachic knowledge of all the star-k speakers in addition to their expertise in the practical issues relevant to hashgacha.” “It’s a pleasure working with Rabbi Holland,” said Rabbi Moishe Katz, director of Ner Le’Elef Lakewood. “The Kashrus seminar is one of the highlights of our program.” “STAR-K has always been dedicated to our various training programs in the world of Kashrus,” remarked STAR-K President Avrom Pollak. “It is something that makes us very proud and we are committed to continuing it.”

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CHAI’s Weinberg House in Pikesville Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary (Photo Credit- Rachel Moses)

More than 80 senior residents and 50 community leaders and representatives partied like it was 1994, November 5, at CHAI’s Weinberg House on Old Court Road in Pikesville. It was standing room only at Mocktails & Memories, the Weinberg House 20th anniversary party. The anniversary of Weinberg House is a celebration of more than just the one building; it’s a celebration of the beginning. The beginning of CHAI: Compre-

(410)-559-0000

hensive Housing Assistance, Inc.’s work to create quality affordable apartments for Baltimore’s cherished seniors. Weinberg House is the first of 15 Weinberg Senior Living facilities, with CHAI’s newest Weinberg Senior Living building, Weinberg Manor South, opening this winter. CHAI is an agency of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.

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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

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Levindale Auxiliary Member Champagne Brunch is the Toast of the Town! By Margie Pensak

[Photo Credit: Esky Cook eskycook@gmail.com]

Baltimore jewishlife.com/Jeff cohen

The bubbly was pouring on November 2nd in honor of the many valued Levindale Auxiliary members in the pumpkin orange autumn ambience of Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital’s Schwaber Multi-Purpose Room. What amazes me most about the Auxiliary, which has been in existence since 1899, is the camaraderie, sense of fun, and selfless purpose shared among the members of all ages, stages and genders. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the most senior members of the Auxilia-

Betsy Narrow, is the youngest Auxiliary board member. “I grew up with Levindale and I grew up with the Auxiliary, because of my mom. Levindale is my second home. It’s been a part of my life from the time I was very young. Every year I would sing songs for Chanukah at the menorah lighting, and on Succot I got to help out with the carnival. My mom is one of the most involved people I know. She and my grandmother, Lillian Narrow, who is a resident of Levindale, are my role

“At the time, my grandfather, who had Alzheimer’s, was a resident here. My fiancée, Harvey, and I are a team. We started out giving flowers to a lot of the residents. Now, through the Jewish Volunteer Connection, I get the residents involved in activities like charades. The nurses tell me that the residents get so involved in these kind of activities, and that’s what I love. Because I enjoy my life so much, I enjoy seeing their happiness--their smiling, their laughing. I know everyone here. The recognition we give these residents

brunch, who sat at my table. “I’ve been a member of the Levindale Auxiliary all my life,” shared the Councilwoman. “I inherited it from my mother. Today is such a blessing for our Jewish community and the community as a whole for the excellent facility Levindale has come to be. Everyone in our community should realize we should support it for what it represents as a meaningful contribution to meet the needs of a very important needy population in Baltimore City-Jewish and non-Jewish, alike. If you go

ry, 85-year-old Sylvia Karlin. Sylvia has been an Auxiliary member for 30 years or more. “Years ago, “I ‘adopted’ a Levindale resident for eight or nine years, until she passed away,” recalls Sylvia, a Pickwick apartment resident who proudly told me she still does her own cooking and cleaning. “I talked to her, helped feed her, made her feel good, and helped others around her who had trouble feeding themselves, too. I also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 23 years, and would come to volunteer at Levindale, after that, in the afternoon. You have to do things for people. You can’t be independent and not think about others. I enjoy the Auxiliary because people are friendly, especially the officers. I also like what they do. My husband passed away 1-½ years ago, and people say to me, ‘What do you do with yourself?’ I tell them, ‘There is plenty to do!’” Sitting next to Sylvia was fellow octogenarian and Auxiliary member, Martha Bromberger, who also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for about 20 years. “I think the Auxiliary does a good job,” shared Martha, who said that it is one of the many important causes that she has chosen to support. “I’m impressed with Levindale and what they have done.” I also had the pleasure of meeting two of the youngest members of the Levindale Auxiliary. 23-year-old Julia Narrow, daughter of Past Auxiliary President

models. I’ve gone from the side of being a volunteer to the side of organizing and

is the best therapy we can give them. The Auxiliary is a family and we are a family for the residents because we love them. We celebrate their birthdays and everything. If I can put a smile on a resident’s face or get them to laugh, once a week when I come, I know I’m doing something.” During the plentiful brunch buffet, Marlee’s future mother-in-law, Eve Vogelstein, entertained the audience with her gardening and flower arranging expertise. She donated her gorgeous pumpkin vase arrangement to Household Two, in Levindale. Members also were treated to a mini-shuk, where vendors sold jewelry, bags, scarves, handcrafted items, and more. These generous vendors---The Shook by Marlee, By Jules with Love,

through the building, you can see how it meets these needs. I’m always impressed when I come to an event of the Auxiliary and notice the beautiful Jewish women that are committed to this very meaningful cause.” “Today’s brunch was all about honoring our wonderful members, and about spreading the word about all of the important work that the auxiliary does,” summed up Levindale Auxiliary President Esther Jacobson. “For me, it’s all about fulfilling our mission statement--to brighten and enhance the lives of our residents.” Since its inception, the Auxiliary has played a key role in helping to fund essential activities and services that engage and stimulate residents. These include everything from celebrations in conjunction with Jewish holidays, intergenerational activities and snowball socials to bartending at the Meyerberg Café. It has also, over the years, provided funds for bedside dental equipment, Eden Alternative programs, Wii games, large print prayer books and library books, trips to theaters and restaurants, in-house musical entertainment and more. Levindale President Barry Eisenberg concluded, “We are very fortunate and blessed to have the Auxiliary here at Levindale. They do wonderful things for our residents. That’s why I am here to support them.”

finding the volunteers.” Marlee Greenberg, 26, fiancée of Past Auxiliary President Eve Vogelstein’s son, Harvey Vogelstein, told me she volunteers for Levindale “religiously”. In fact, she is the president of the Jewish Volunteer Connection for the Levindale Auxiliary, in addition to being a Levindale Auxiliary board member. Despite working in a salon, being a DJ and entertainer for Limelight Entertainment, working as a soccer coach at Beth Tfiloh, in addition to being a yoga instructor, Marlee still finds the time to volunteer for the Levindale Auxiliary, besides volunteering for the JCC, Johns Hopkins, and Washington Square Park in New York. “It is very rewarding for me to be here, because when I was 10 years old, singing in the Beth El choir, I got started volunteering in Levindale,” reminisces Marlee.

Thirty-one, and Silpada--will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the Auxiliary. The program concluded with a raffle drawing for many prizes. I enjoyed catching up with Councilwoman Rochelle “Rikki” Spector at the

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Amazing Sportsnight at Rockville Sportsplex! Greater Washington NCSY had one of the most incredible nights at the Rockville Sportsplex this past weekend. Teens had a blast playing their favorite sports with their friends and meeting tons of new kids too. From basketball and soccer, to volleyball and dodgeball, there was something for everyone. With fun, food, and friends, who wouldn’t have enjoyed?

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Mr. Elliot J. Sharaby making a Siyum on Mesechtas Brachos in Rabbi Yissocher Frands Shiur room on Wednesday November 12th. Photo Credit:Eli Hochberg

JUMP Conference 2014 in NY! 7 teens from Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy traveled to New York to learn about leadership, at the JUMP conference. JUMP is a com-

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JSU Builds Gingerbread Succahs! Over 50 public school teens got in the holiday spirit by building gingerbread Succahs, complete with sour

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Celebrate a birthday by giving a donation in the amount of your age, and you’ll brighten the lives of those in need.  Your birthday  Your spouse’s birthday  Your child’s birthday  Your parent’s birthday  Your child’s teacher’s birthday  Your long-lost aunt’s birthday

If you are donating in honor of someone else’s birthday, we will send them a mitzvah card acknowledging your birthday wishes

Add $20 and we will purchase a birthday cake for a child in need!

As a z’chus for sharing with those in need, may you live to 120! 2723 Woodcourt Avenue • Baltimore MD 21209 • 410-764-6020 • 410-358-4464 birthday@ahavasyisrael.org www.ahavasyisrael.org

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Around the Fire Prevention Month at Ohr Chadash Academy October is Fire Prevention Month, and what better way to learn about fire safety than from a real-life firefighter? Firefighter Jonathan works as a fire-fighter and EMT with the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company. He came ready to educate the students about safe habits and procedures that can save a life in case of an emergency. The students got to take a look at

some of his EMT equipment and learn the reasons behind each piece of clothing he wears when he’s fighting a fire. Firefighter Jonathan also stressed the importance of each child know-ing his/ her address and phone number and having a designated meeting place if your family needs to evacuate the house in a hurry. Thank you Firefighter Jonathan for your wonderful presentation!

Community Fire Department visits TA 2nd Grade The second graders were fortunate to receive a visit from lieutenants and captains from Pikesville Fire Station 2. The boys learned about the equipment and trucks and they also saw firefighter

Joe in his full gear. The firefighters were so impressed at how much the boys knew about fire safety and the great questions that they asked.

Hapoel Soccer - Weeks Five and Six Hapoel Baltimore Soccer played Games 5 and 6 of the fall soccer season. Girls In Week Five, the GK123 (Girl’s Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade) League had a game between Hapoel Columbia and Hapoel Orange which ended with Orange winning 4-3. Hapoel Orange’s four goals came from Shayna Gittal Baden (two) and Esther Baden (two). Hapoel Columbia’s three goals came from Faigy Lefkowitz. In Week Five, the G4567 (Girl’s 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Grade) League had a game between Hapoel Purple and Hapoel Red with Purple winning 4-1. Hapoel Purple’s goals were scored by Shaindy Goldstein, Hinda Leah Fei-

genbaum (two) and Shulamis Seidel. Ayelet Friedman, Leora Goodman and Shaindy Goldstein (two) had assists. Hapoel Red’s lone goals were scored by Shoshana Samet and were assisted by Liala Ram. In Week Six, the GK123 (Girl’s Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade) League had a game between Hapoel Blue and Hapoel Orange which ended with Orange winning 2-1. Hapoel Orange’s two goals came from Esther Baden and Miriam Schwartz. Hapoel Blue’s goal came from Miriam Liebman. . In Week Six, the G4567 (Girl’s 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Grade) League had a game between Hapoel Purple and Hapoel Columbia with Columbia win-

ning 1-0. Hapoel Columbia’s goal was scored by Shoshana Samet and assisted by Daniella Rose. Boys In Week Five, the BK12 (Boy’s Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade) League had a game between Hapoel Kelly and Hapoel Blue with Hapoel Kelly winning 6-0. Goals were scored by Eli Lazewnik, Moishy Kaplowitz (two), Yossi Friedman, Aryeh Leib Feder, Eliyahu Glazer and Tuvia Fleminger. In Week Five, the B3456 (Boy’s 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Grade) League had a game between Hapoel Purple and Hapoel Red. Hapoel Purple won 6-2 with goals from Yishai Eagle (two), Mendel Berman, Yaakov Neuman (two) and

Shmuel Prero. Mendel Berman also had three assists. Hapoel Red’s two goals were both from Yoseph Seinfeld. In Week Six, the BK12 (Boy’s Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade) League had a game between Hapoel Green and Hapoel Blue with Hapoel Green winning 2-1. Green’s goals were scored by Avinoam Buck (two) while Blue’s goal was scored by Gedalya Blau. In Week Six, the B3456 (Boy’s 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Grade) League had a game between Hapoel Purple and Hapoel Orange which proved to be a goal-fest. Hapoel Orange won 7-4 with goals from Yishai Eagle (five), Yoseph Seinfeld and Noam Klein. Hapoel Purple’s four goals were all from Mendel Berman

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Message of Gedolei Yisrael: Learn Mishnah Berurah Every Day! By Chaim Gold

In just four months, the Dirshu Daf HaYomi B’Halacha program and all of Klal Yisrael will be celebrating a Yom Tov - the Yom Tov marking the siyum on the Machzor Rishon, the first seven year cycle of Dirshu’s popular Daf HaYomi B’Halacha daily Mishnah Berurah program! Recently, the leading members of Dirshu’s hanhala led by its Nasi, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, visited the homes of a number of senior Gedolei Yisrael. The hanhala members were astounded by the response of the Gedolim to the news of the upcoming siyum of the entire Mish-

hanhala of Dirshu came to visit Rav Shteinman and he commented then, “When Rav Meir Shapiro established the concept of learning a “Daf Yomi”, many skeptics said, ‘How will everyone be able to learn the difficult masechtos such as seder Kodshim that cover areas of Torah that are not relevant in our times - masechtos which in the past only the greatest talmidei chachomim learned? Today however,” explained Rav Shteinman, “everyone knows how mistaken those skeptics turned out to be! Today we realize that because of Daf Yomi, all Jews have the opportunity to be-

he would have Olam Habah. Here, however, Chazal PROMISE that if one learns halacha daily one WILL have Olam Habah. Do we have any idea of the greatness of learning halacha?!!! “The zechuyos that Rav Hofstedter and Dirshu have are tremendous! Their zechuyos are so great it is unfathomable!” The Vizhnitzer Rebbe Shlita: The Uniqueness of Daily Halacha In light of the above remarks, the words of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, HaGaon HaRav Yisrael Hager, shlita, especially resonate. When the

nah Berurah with the completion of Dirshu’s first machzor. An Eye-Opening, Chizuk Filled Experience! Standing in the humble abode of HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, or sitting at the simple table of HaGaon HaRav Dovid Soloveichik, shlita, and hearing their enthusiastic words was an eye-opening experience. It was an experience that filled the hanhala of Dirshu with great chizuk and drive to be mizakeh Klal Yisrael with as many Daf HaYomi B’Halacha learners as possible. When Dirshu’s hanhala apprised Rav Shteinman of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha’s great success and the fact that they are mere months away from the siyum on the entire Mishnah Berurah, Rav Shteinman strengthened them in their resolve. Rav Shteinman explained that being able to enrich Klal Yisrael in such a way requires tremendous siyatta diShmaya. Rav Shteinman continued, “A person must strengthen himself in learning halacha every day because the yetzer hara comes every day. Countless times each day, the yetzer hara tries to pull a person away from Hashem and the only antidote is to strengthen limud haTorah and limud halacha!” Indeed, a couple of years ago, the

come Shas Yidden. Similarly, with Daf HaYomi B’Halachah, people think that Chelek Daled is only for rabbonim and poskim. That is not true!” exclaimed Rav Shteinman, “Everyone will soon see how relevant Chelek Daled is to them every Shabbos!” HaGaon HaRav Dovid Soloveichik, Shlita: “Chazal PROMISE Olam Habah!” It wasn’t only the venerated nonagenarian, senior Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Shteinman who encouraged Klal Yisrael to undertake the learning of daily halacha. Perhaps the most weighty statement yet, a statement encouraging all Jews wherever they may be, to bring daily halacha learning into their lives was made by another senior venerated gadol, HaGaon HaRav Meshulem Dovid Soloveichik, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Brisk and son of the Brisker Rov, Rav Yitzchok Zev Soloveichik, zt”l. Rav Dovid said, “What is there for me to add about the importance of learning daily halacha? Chazal teach us, “He who learns halacha every day is assured that he is a ben Olam Habah. In the Gemara we find tannaim worried over whether they would get into Olam Habah. Avrohom Avinu wondered if he would have Olam Habah. Moshe Rabbeinu assured Yehoshua that

Dirshu delegation met with the Rebbe and told him about the program in which thousands are participating and which will make its first siyum later this year, Rav Hager highlighted the importance of learning halacha daily. “Chazal teach us that he who learns halacha every day is assured Olam Habah,” said the Rebbe, “This program gives every person the framework and ability to make a halacha seder each day and thereby merit Olam Habah. It is a tremendous zechus,” exclaimed the Rebbe. HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Scheiner, Shlita: “There Is Nothing More Important Than Learning A Page Of Mishnah Berurah Every Day.” HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Scheiner, shlita, venerated Rosh Yeshiva of Kamenitz, has been a longtime admirer and supporter of Dirshu. When Rav Dovid Hofstedter pointed out to Rav Scheiner how, with the investment of approximately half to one hour each day, to learning Daf HaYomi B’Halacha, a person can save himself from transgressing thousands of issurim. If we combine the aggregate number of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha members we realize that the program has prevented hundreds of thousands of transgressions of issurei d’Oraisah and d’Rabanan, it has saved

thousands of people from issurei kareis, from malkos and so many other punishments….” Rav Scheiner responded, “There is nothing more important than learning a page of Mishnah Berurah every day.” Rav Scheiner added that, “There is no Mishnah Berurah better than the Dirshu Mishnah Berurah….. The Optimum Way to Encourage Learning Halacha… Joining Such a Program When Rav Scheiner was asked how we can inculcate a desire to learn Mishnah Berurah in talmidim he replied,

Meeting with the Vizhnitzer Rebbe to discuss plans for the Siyum of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha

“There is no better way to increase one’s desire to learn than by learning and joining. “There is no learner of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha who can say, “I didn’t need to do this! Mishnah Berurah is something that virtually everyone needs to learn and wants to learn. There is no sefer as pleasant as the Mishnah Berurah…” The First Step to Performing Mitzvos is Learning Halacha The concluding words of Rav Dovid Soloveichik succinctly encapsulate the pivotal importance of joining the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha now, while the program is engaged in Chelek Vav, the last chelek of the Mishnah Berurah. “What do we say every day in the tefillah of Ahava Rabbah? First we beg Hashem to enable us to “understand and elucidate” Torah. Then we ask Him to enable us to “listen, learn, teach, safeguard… and [lastly] “perform” the mitzvah. First a person must learn the Torah and try to understand it and its underlying foundations. In that way he will be able to progress into learning practical Halacha, and actually rendering Halachic rulings. “You have a great zechus! Hashem has given you a great zechus!!”

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through the Torah Umesorah Aniyim Fund, under the guidance of HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky. This year marks the 12th annual worldwide event for the Yarzeit of Rachel Imeinu, which since its inception, Baruch Hashem, has raised , with matching funds, over a million dollars and a quarter dollars for Aniyei Eretz Yisrael—the impoverished of Eretz Yisrael. The shiurim have been shown numerous communities worldwide. Participating communities this year include: USA: Atlanta, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bala Cynwyd, Boca Raton, Boro Park, Bronx, Brooklyn, Calabasas, Cherry Hill, Chicago, Cleveland Heights, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Deal-Elberon, Denver, Detroit, Dunwoody,East Brunswick, East Windsor, Elberon, Elizabeth, Englewood, Forest Hills, Five Towns, Fair Lawn, Flatbush, Golden Beach, Great Neck, Greenwood Village, Huntington, Indianapolis, Irvine, Kensington, Kew Gardens Hills, Highland Park, Lakewood, La Jolla, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Manalapan, Miami, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Monsey, New Haven, New Rochelle, Northport, Norfolk, North Miami Beach, Oceanside, Orlando, Passaic,

BNAI JACOB SHAAREI ZION at 8:30 PM this Motzei Shabbos, Nov. 15. “IN A TIME OF OPEN MIRACLES: What Can We Do?” a video with AMAZING STORIES OF MIRACLES from OPERATION PROTECTIVE EDGE this past summer in Eretz Yisrael -- features a 15 min iof footage of tunnels, capture of terrorista,car bombs, iron dome etc, remarks by HaRav Shmuel Kaminetsky, shlita, followed by shiurim by Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller and Rebbetzin Tehila Jaeger and message from Rav Yitzhok Dovid Grossman of Migdal Ohr. This worldwide event is for women and girls only.Suggested admission: $10 women, $7 students.

Paramus, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Paramus, Portland, Pleasant Hills – Oakland, Pueblo, Riverdale, Rochester, Scranton, Seattle, Sharon, Silver Spring, St. Louis, Staten Island, South Bend, Teaneck,Tarzana, Twin Rivers, Valley Village, Washington Hts, Waterbury, West Orange, Worcester, and Wickliffe. INTERNATIONAL: Antwerp, Berlin, Chile, Gateshead, Gibraltar, Golders Green, Hamilton, Johannesberg, Manchester, Melbourne, Moscow, London, Montreal, Panama, South Africa, Strasbourg, Stamford Hill, Sydney, Thornhill, Toronto , Zurich and numerous locations in Eretz Yisrael ! High schools and seminaries will be participating as well. If a video showing cannot be arranged for that date, it can be shown afterwards because its message is timeless. It is ideal for melava malkas, teas, tehillim

groups, PTA events etc. All English speaking communities are urged to support this very important effort and organize a gathering of the women in their community on the yarzeit of Rachel Imenu- or in the ensuing weeks. For more information, contact the organizers below. High schools can order the video as well. Formore information, contact KEYtfilla@gmail.com , or fax 201837-7444 or call 410-358-2573. The video is timeless and can be shown any time, for melva malka or any other gathering, and can be ordered by individuals fee to obtain the presentation is $30 USD which will cover postage, handling, copying and production. Special charges for rushed shipping or shipping outside the USA apply. Schools may order it for $25.

Peregrine Tudor News Peregrine’s Landing at Tudor Heights Assisted Living & Memory Care community, 7218 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, will hold a special event on Saturday “Motzei Shabbat”, Dec 6th at 7 pm to recognize and honor the vital and selfless work of its family of “volunteer caregivers”. The event is free and open to the public with RSVP. The event will be hosted by Executive Director, Sherri Zaslow, who praised the important work of the vol-

unteers. “Volunteering is about giving, contributing, and helping others,” she

exclaims. “We are blessed at our community to be surrounded by compassionate

neighbors, young and old alike, who truly care and wish to help in any way they can. They teach, they comfort, they befriend, they support, they lend an understanding ear. They are an invaluable resource that helps to connect our community to the community at large and for that we are eternally grateful.” Those to be honored include: Rabbi Moshe Goldstein, Rabbi Lionel Chiswell, The Rabbi Shimmy Steinberg Family, Mr. Chaim Burke, Mr.

Sol Mogilensky, Mrs. Leah Fischer, Mrs. Sylvia Hirsh, Ms. Gershona Marcus, Mr. Jerome McCardell, Mrs. Karen Schwartzman, the Nabozny Family, the Elgamil Family, and “Kaytee Bell”. For RSVP or further information, please contact Sherille Otto at 1-410318-8000 or sotto@peregrinetudor. com.

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Baltimore will be hosting a very inspiring video presentation – with all new material -- entitled “ In a Time of Open Miracles – What Can We Do?” as part of a worldwide effort for the occasion of the Yarzeit of Rachel Imeinu 5775. The Baltimore showing will be at B’nai Jacob Shaarei Zion at 8:30 pm this Motzei Shabbos, Nov. 15. The video begins with 15 minutes of fascinating footage of miracles from this summer’s Operation Protective Edge: the tunnels, the iron dome interceptions, the car bombs averted and capture of terrorists. It then goes on to explore what our response should be to these miracles, incorporating insights from the example of Rachel Imeinu. The video presentation features a short message from HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, followed by two shiurim: one by Rebbitzen Tehila Jaeger and the other by Rebbitzen Tziporah Heller. Rabbi Yitzhok Grossman of Migdal Ohr tells an inspiring story about what it was like to return to Kever Rachel in 1967, after two decades of being barred access. The video presentation will also serve as a fundraiser for Aniyei Eretz Yisrael (the poor and needy of Eretz Yisrael) with funds raised distributed

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

12th Annual Worldwide Event for Yarzeit of Rachel Imeinu— Featuring Amazing Footage of Miracles from Operation Protective Edge

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

The Week GLOBAL

ISIS Leader Hit in Airstrike

Some of the airstrikes targeting ISIS have hit their mark. This week it was discovered that Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been wounded in an airstrike. The official who first leaked the news did not give his name or governmental position. However, shortly after the news story broke, a senior Iraqi military officer said he learned in operational meetings that al-Baghdadi had been wounded. Neither of the officials knew the extent of al-Baghdadi’s apparent injuries. A Twitter account associated with the Islamic State wished Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi a “speedy recovery.” The Twitter account belongs to a spokesperson for the Islamic State. Al-Baghdadi is thought to control the Islamic State terror group, a former al-Qaeda offshoot that captured wide swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria over the last year and declared itself a caliphate, ruled by Baghdadi as a supreme religious and political leader. The Pentagon has said that Iraqi authorities are seeking to determine if the group’s chief had been killed. A senior Iraqi intelligence official said earlier there was no “accurate information” on whether Baghdadi was dead but that authorities were investigating. “The information is from unofficial sources and was not confirmed until now, and we are working on that,” he announced. The death of the elusive IS leader would be a major victory for the US-led coalition, although it seems that the ISIS leader had only been wounded in the attack. The strikes were a further sign of “the pressure we continue to place

on the terrorist network,” spokesman Patrick Ryder said. The aim was to squeeze the group and ensure it had “increasingly limited freedom to maneuver, communicate and command.” The US-led coalition against the Islamic State, which is made up of more than 30 countries from four continents, has been attacking Islamic State positions in Iraq and Syria since August.

N. Korea Releases 2 American Captives

Another two Americans were released by North Korea last week and headed back to the U.S. soil on Sunday. Matthew Miller and Kenneth Bae returned back to the West Coast with James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence. Clapper was the highest-ranking American to visit Pyongyang in more than a decade. “It’s a wonderful day for them and their families,” President Barack Obama exulted at the White House. “Obviously we are very grateful for their safe return. And I appreciate Director Clapper doing a great job on what was obviously a challenging mission.” Initially, the U.S. did not offer details regarding the deal, including whether or not Clapper had personally met with Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un or other senior North Korean officials. Analysts who study North Korea said the decision to free Bae and Miller from long prison terms probably was an effort by the Hermit Kingdom to ease international pressure in connection with its human rights record. A recent United Nations report docu-

In News mented torture, executions and forced labor in the North’s network of prison camps, accusing the government of “widespread, systematic and gross” human rights violations. Government officials in North Korea are nervous that Kim could potentially face a criminal investigation and be tried in the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Sue Mi Terry, a former senior intelligence analyst now at Columbia University, said, “The North Koreans seem to be obsessed over the human rights issue. This human rights thing is showing itself to be an unexpected leverage for the U.S.” Secretary of State John Kerry related, “We’re pleased that this humanitarian gesture has taken place. Their release has been our focus every single day and we’ve been working all the angles available to bring them home.” Bae, a Korean-American missionary, was serving a 15-year sentence for alleged anti-government activities. He was detained in 2012 while leading a tour group to a North Korean economic zone. Miller was serving a six year jail term on charges of espionage after he allegedly ripped up his tourist visa at Pyongyang’s airport in April and demanded asylum. Miller was accused of purposely wanting to experience prison life so that he could investigate North Korea’s human rights situation. After his release, Bae’s sister, Terri Chung, who had long campaigned for his release, related that it was “hard to believe this day is finally here.” She added that although her brother is gratified to finally be home, his “heart aches for the people of North Korea.” “We know that there are many people in North Korea locked up like Kenneth was, and they remain apart from their families tonight,” she told reporters. “Please do not forget them,” she implored. She added, “First and foremost we thank G-d,” she said. “Kenneth has been in G-d’s care all this time, and we are thankful that He brought him home.” Last month, North Korea released Jeffrey Fowle, who was held for nearly six months. Bae and Miller were the final two Americans held by North Korea.

U.S. Targets Bomb Maker

American airstrikes on Wednesday, November 5 in Syria targeted a cell of al Qaeda militants. According to U.S. officials, it is possible that one of the hits may have killed a top bomb maker, French militant and former intelligence operative David Drugeon. Officials were not authorized to discuss the issue publicly so they spoke on condition of anonymity but the officials confirmed that the strikes hit their intended targets near Sarmada, in the country’s northwest. General Lloyd Austin, the Central Command commander in charge of U.S. military operations throughout the Middle East, said separately at a Washington forum that he would not discuss results of the strikes until they became clearer. However he suggested that Drugeon may have been hit, or at least targeted, in the strike. “He is clearly one of the leadership elements and one of the most dangerous elements in that organization,” Austin said. “And so any time we can take their leadership out, it’s a good thing.” Drudgeon spent three years fighting in Afghanistan and Pakistan before coming to Syria in late 2012 or early 2014, U.S. officials have said. He is a, Islamic convert and believed to be about 25-years-old. His father, Patrice Drugeon, has said that the bomb maker wanted to die a martyr. He quoted a letter written by his son in 2010 in his last communication with him. “We’ll see each other again in the afterlife and I will die a martyr,” David Drudgeon wrote. His father related that he was a football fan in his early years and then

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME NOVEMBER 13, 2014

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

The Week later drew close to ultraconservative Salafist Muslims, converted to Islam when he was 13, started learning Arabic and studying the Koran. Eventually, he went to Egypt to study in religious schools there. “I saw him convert, but he was moderate,” his father said. “He received a European education, with parents who are Christians, and...he strayed.” “I’d tell parents to really pay attention to their children, to listen to them, to talk to them, to convince them not to join the jihadists because learning about your son’s death on the Internet is very hard, and I would not wish it upon anybody,” he added.

Obama Asks Iran to Join Forces

It has been reported that President Barack Obama sent a top secret letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei offering to unite together to fight the Islamic State terror group. According to an unnamed source familiar with the negotiations, the letter, reported on Thursday by the Wall Street Journal, was sent without informing Israel or other Middle Eastern allies, a move that can potentially isolate the White House. In the memorandum, Obama talks of a united dedication in working to defeat the Islamic State group. However, he emphasized that the U.S. will only join forces once Tehran and six world powers came to a final agreement on reducing the country’s nuclear program. Refusing to deny or confirm the report, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, “I’m not in a position to discuss private correspondence between the president and any world

leader.” Earnest did reveal that the nuclear talks, being led by a group of powers known as the P5+1, did lead to discussion between Iran and the U.S. about the Islamic State threat. The talks are set to expire on November 24. Israel has raised fears that a possible deal could leave Iran with the ability to create a nuclear weapon. Last month, Khamenei claimed he had rejected a private approach from the United States suggesting cooperation on the battlefield. At the time U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that there was a role for Iran in the battle against the Islamic State. Many Republican leaders have criticized the administration’s desire to ease sanctions on Iran while the nuclear talks are ongoing or to accept any agreement that would allow Tehran to continue generating nuclear power. The upcoming deadline, therefore, could represent the last chance the White House will get at reaching a comprehensive agreement that would prevent Iran from being able to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear program is only meant for civilian programs and not for a nuclear weapons program.

World’s Most Expensive Homes

In News London’s luxury neighborhood Kensington is the most expensive property in the world, according to CompareCamp.com. It is currently owned by Olena Pinchuk, an AIDS philanthropist and the daughter of a former Ukrainian president. She purchased the estate in 2008 for over $127 million. At the time, Pinchuk’s husband, Viktor, said they didn’t purchase the home to own the most expensive house but to invest in real estate. The value of the home has rocketed; the former Victorian prep-school has a current worth of $1.58 billion—that’s more than Buckingham Palace, which is regarded as the world’s second most expensive home with 755 rooms and home to the queen of England. Antilia, the world’s third most expense home, is located in Mumbai, India, and worth $1 billion. Antilia is a 27-storey home belonging to Indian business magnate Mukesh Ambani; it requires 600 staff just to maintain. Villa Leopolda in France is worth $750 million and was originally built for one of the wives of the Belgian king. It is currently owned by Lily Safra, a Brazilian philanthropist and widow of banker Edmond Safra. The fifth most expensive home in the world is located in Four Fairfield Pond in Sagaponack, New York, and belongs to Jewish American investor Ira Rennert. Rennert’s home is valued at $248.5 million, the 63-acre property has 29 bedroom, a bowling alley, three pools, 39 bathrooms, and its own power plant.

S. Korea Ferry Captain Sentenced to 36 Years

Villa La Fiorentina of London overlooks the French Riviera. With 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool, sauna, gym, and a movie theater, it makes the ideal home for entertaining for anyone who has about $525 million to squander. But if this luxurious abode sells for the asking price, it still wouldn’t be the world’s most expensive home. 17 Upper Phillimore Gardens in

On Tuesday, the captain of the South Korean ferry that capsized and killed 304 passengers in April was jailed for 36 years after he was found guilty of negligence but acquitted of homicide. Had the captain been found guilty of homicide, he would have

been eligible for the death sentence. The court convicted the ship’s chief engineer of homicide for not aiding two injured fellow crew members, making him the only one of four facing homicide charges to be found guilty on that count, and sentenced him to 30 years in prison. The remaining 13 surviving crew members of the ferry Sewol were found guilty of various charges, including negligence, and handed down prison terms ranging from five to 20 years. The crowd in the courtroom reacted with anger and disbelief when the sentences were handed down. “Judge, this is not right,” a woman screamed in anguish as some of the other family members broke down in tears. “Is this how little the lives of our children were worth?” another cried. “The death sentence is not enough for the crew.” A prosecutor involved in the case said his team would appeal against the decision on all 15 crew members, calling the rulings “disappointing,” particularly the not guilty verdict against three senior officers including the captain on homicide charges. Only 172 of the ferry’s 476 passengers and crew were rescued in the ferry disaster. Of the 304 confirmed dead or still listed as missing, 250 were school children. The government announced earlier on Tuesday it was halting the search for the nine still missing as conditions at the wreck have become too dangerous. The man considered the head of the business empire that owned the ferry company was found dead in June, amid the country’s largest manhunt to capture him to try to hold him accountable for mismanagement that many feel led to the ferry disaster.

Assassination Attempt Against Queen Elizabeth Foiled Fortunately for Queen Elizabeth II of England, she has excellent security officials protecting her life. British police foiled a plot last week that

The Week

Putin’s Got the Power Power isn’t always pretty. For the second year in a row, Forbes has

ly 8,484 nuclear warheads in a move that many analysts speculate as a clear challenge to NATO member states. He has consistently taunted the United States and Western powers. Even so, the business bi-weekly painted Russia under Putin’s rule in less than flattering terms, saying the country “looks more and more like an energy-rich, nuclear-tipped rogue state with an undisputed, unpredictable and unaccountable head unconstrained by

world opinion in pursuit of its goals.” U.S. President Obama came in second on Forbes’ list of the world’s 72 most powerful people. The magazine related that the American leader “has the power but has been too cautious to fully exercise it” in regards to ISIS and the Ebola outbreak. Chinese leader Xi Jinping rounded out the top three on the list; Pope Francis came in at number four. Away from the world of politics,

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Officials made Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister David Cameron aware of the potential threat, although Her Royal Highness still attended the weekend’s festivities. This is not the first time the Queen’s life has been threatened. The Lithgow Plot was an assassination attempt on the Queen and her husband, Philip, who were on a royal tour in Australia. The couple were traveling from Sydney to Orange in 1970 when their train struck a large wooden log that was allegedly placed on the tracks in hopes of causing the train to derail as it came barreling full speed down the track. By way of a miracle, the train was traveling at an unusually slow speed, averting any crisis or fatalities. Queen Elizabeth II inherited the crown at 25 and has reigned for over five decades. Prince Charles, her oldest son, is next in line to the throne, but is expected to pass the honor to his son, William, and his wife, the Duke of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.

named Russian President Vladimir Putin the World’s Most Powerful Person. The Russian leader took the lead based on “an evaluation of hard power”—annexing the Crimean peninsula, engineering the war in Ukraine, and signing off on the world’s largest construction project, a $70 billion gas pipeline deal with China. And he’s not shy about flaunting off his strength. Putin has made casual references to Russia’s approximate-

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was intended to kill the Queen. Four Islamic terrorists had plans to stab the Queen last Friday as the country celebrated 96 years since the end of World War I. This has become an annual British event and the Royal Highness was scheduled for several public appearances. The four terrorists, ranging in age from 19 to 27, planned to kill the 88-year-old monarch with a knife until the plot was uncovered by officials. Luckily, officials were able to conduct multiple raids in West London and Buckinghamshire and thwart their plan.

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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

The Week 39 CEOs whose firms controlled $3.6 billion in annual revenues also made the list. Money does buy power; 29 billionaires, whose cumulative net value exceeds $790 billion, counted themselves among the world’s most power figures. For 2014, the most powerful people in business are Google’s Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who together took the ninth spot. 12 newcomers graced the list this year, including Narendra Modi, the new Indian prime minister; Alibiba founder and China’s richest man, Jack Ma; and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed caliph of the bloodthirsty Islamic State. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, 30, was the youngest person on the list. Only two women—German leader Angela Merkel (number 5) and Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen (number 6)—made the list.

ISRAEL SodaStream Factory Moving

ly commercial” reasons and is not connected to pressure from Palestinian activists who had boycotted the company because of its location. Hurwitz said the new location received a $20 million grant from the Israeli government. The new place “will become our flagship manufacturing site and is expected to deliver operational excellence and result in savings of 2 percent across our entire cost base,” she said. Palestinian activists previously launched a campaign boycotting the company because of the factory in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, which was captured by Israel in 1967 from Jordan during the Six-Day War. SodaStream employs hundreds of Palestinians and gives them equal benefits as Israeli workers. Most of them live in nearby West Bank towns. For Palestinian workers from Ramallah, the new facility will be 107 kilometers (66 miles) away. For those from Hebron, it will be 48 kilometers (29 miles) away. Despite the negative response from “pro-Palestinian” groups, the company is still striving to employ both Israelis and Palestinians. “We are offering all employees the opportunity to join us in Lehavim, and specifically, we are working with the Israeli government to secure work permits for our Palestinian employees,” SodaStream CEO Daniel Birnbaum said.

ICC Won’t Prosecute Israel for Flotilla Raid Your favorite Israeli home sodamaking machine factory will soon have a new address. A spokesperson for SodaStream International Ltd. has announced that a controversially placed factory will relocate next year. The company has recently been heavily criticized for being in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. Nirit Hurwitz, a SodaStream representative, said that the facility will move in 2015 to Lehavim in Israel’s southern Negev region. She said the decision to move is for “pure-

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has decided that it will not launch a prosecution over Israel’s raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010. Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that there would be no investigation leading to a potential prosecution be-

In News cause the alleged crimes were not of “sufficient gravity.” The ICC, which was set up in 2002, tries persons accused of the “most serious crimes of international concern,” namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. At a press conference in Istanbul, attorneys representing the families of those who attacked IDF soldiers as the propelled onto the boat condemned the decision as “politically-motivated.” They vowed to appeal it with “all legal avenues” open to them. Israel acknowledged the decision while expressing regret that the court’s time had been wasted looking into what it called a “politically-motivated” complaint. “Israel believes that it was pointless to initiate a preliminary inquiry in the first place,” a foreign ministry statement said, adding that the court was established to “combat the world’s worst atrocities.” The statement also noted that the incident had already been “thoroughly examined in detail” by both an Israeli committee and one established by the UN. It said that both of these probes “determined that the IDF soldiers were forced to respond with force to protect their lives from lethal, preplanned and organized violence.” Israel imposed its blockade on Gaza in 2006 after the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit. The blockade was then strengthened in 2007, when the Islamist Hamas movement took control of Gaza, then eased somewhat following an international outcry over the flotilla incident. After the incident, Ankara expelled the Israeli ambassador there, demanded a formal apology and compensation, and an end to the blockade on the Gaza Strip. An Israeli probe found that the raid did not violate international law, a conclusion that Turkey claimed lacked credibility. Israel and Turkey, encouraged by the United States, had until this year been negotiating a compensation deal to normalize their relations. However, this was put off indefinitely when Turkey strongly condemned Israel’s Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip.

Israel-Jordan Tensions Rising Recently, King Abdullah II has canceled what was meant to be the 20-year anniversary ceremony solidifying the Israel-Jordan peace treaty. The cancellation is a further signal of Jordanian anger with Israel over the friction at Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. Jordan has already recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv, and officials have warned it may reassess the peace treaty amid violence and tension surrounding the status of the Mount. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and King Abdullah spoke by telephone this week and agreed on the imperative to calm tensions. Netanyahu also assured the king of Jordan, who is responsible for the Waqf Muslim trust that administers the site, that he has no intention of changing the status quo there to allow Jewish prayer, as some are demanding.

Nonetheless, Abdullah ordered two of his ministers and 40 other Jordanian officials not to attend the 20th anniversary ceremony, scheduled in the Jordan Valley area between the two countries. This move forced the official postponement of the ceremony, which may well be cancelled altogether. “Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to preserve the status quo on the Temple Mount as well as Jordan’s special status at the site,” a statement from the prime minister’s office said. Both leaders “called for an immediate end to the violence and incitement.” The Waqf, a Jordanian organization, manages the Temple Mount Mosque. Jordan has responsibility for managing

The Week

Cartoons Used to Incite Palestinian Violence

hu has called for calm and restraint and pledged not to change the status quo at the site. The compound was closed to all visitors on Thursday last week following the attempted murder

Wednesday of right-wing activist Yehuda Glick, who campaigns for Jewish prayer at the site, by a Palestinian from the Jerusalem neighborhood of Abu Tor.

Abbas called the closure “a declaration of war.” Just days before the attempted assassination, Abbas submitted a request for an emergency meeting in the UN Security Coun-

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the mosque compound and other holy sites in the eastern part of the city. Its status as custodian is enshrined in its 1994 peace treaty with Israel.

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After the heinous car attacks on Israeli civilians the past couple of weeks, the Fatah movement, headed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has shown more of its true colors. The group has published several cartoons on its Facebook page encouraging Palestinians to carry out such car attacks for the sake of the sanctity of the Temple Mount. In the past two weeks alone, four Israelis have been killed and dozens inYarzeit Rachel Imei jured in such attacks. nu Video 5775 One of the despicable cartoons, W it h A mazing Footage of labeled the “Run Over Organization,” Miracles fr o or “Da’es” in Arabic (a play on words m Operation Prote ctive Edge: on the Arabic acronym for the Islamic Tunnels, Iron Dome, Ca pt ur e of Te rrorists and more State terrorist group, “Da’esh”), calls on adherents to “hit the gas at 199 TAKING PLACE LOCALLY ON km/h for al-Aqsa,” the mosque on Baltimore TAKING PLACE LOCALLY ON TOTAL Temple Mount. Another post encourVIDEO TIME Motzei Shabbos Nov 15 DATE: APPROX TOTAL 1 HOUR ages Palestinians to “Run over, friend, VIDEO TIME DATE: Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion APPROX 1 HOUR TIME: run over the foreign settler.” Another 8:30 pm TIME: TAKINGPLACE PLACELOCALLY LOCALLYON ON TAKING animated image shows three Jews, in PLACE: Admission: $10 event: women, $7 students Please make a difference by sponsoring this Please make a difference by sponsoring this event: TOTAL black and with a Star of David on theirPlease make a difference TOTAL VIDEO TIME PLACE: $18, $36, $50, $100, $360, $500, $1000 DATE: For more info call: 410 358 2573 $18, $36, $50, $100, $360, $500, $1000 by sponsoring this event: VIDEO TIME DATE: APPROX APPROX 1 HOUR All proceeds will go to Aniyei Eretz Yisrael hats, running for cover as a car bear-$18, $36, $50, $100, 1 HOUR All proceeds will $500, go to Aniyei Eretz Yisrael $360, $1000 CONTACT INFO: (the impoverished Yisrael) TIME: impoverished and needy of Eretz Yisrael)and needy of Eretz ing the colors of the Palestinian flagAll proceeds will go(the to Aniyei Eretz Yisrael TIME: Spring Please makes checks payable toSilver T orah Umesorah Aniyim Fund Please makes checks payable to Torah Umesorah Aniyim Fund CONTACT INFO: (the impoverished and needy of Eretz Yisrael) tries to slam into them. Distribution funds under theShlita guidance of HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita Distribution of under theof guidance of HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, PLACE: Motzei Shabbos Nov 15 Please makes checks payable tofunds Torah Umesorah Aniyim Fund PLACE: SUGGESTED MIN. DONATION: Please make a difference by sponsoring this program was coordinated the Please make a difference by sponsoring thisevent: event: HaRav Shmuelwith ThisThis program was coordinated the encouragement Kamenetsky, Shlitaencouragement of HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita Tensions have been rising at andDistribution of funds under the guidance of HaRavwith Shmuel Kamenetsky, of Shlita ALL PROCEEDS FOR ANIYEI ERETZ YISRAEL— $18, $36, $50, $100, $360, $500, $1000 Southeast Hebrew Congregation SUGGESTED MIN. DONATION: $18, $36, $100,‫ע”ה‬of$360, $500, $1000 L’ilui nishmas Ruchama ‫ע”ה‬ bas HaRav HaLevy Jaeger, Shlita with the $50, encouragement HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita TORAHNaftali UMESORAH ANIYIM FUND L’ilui nishmas Ruchama bas HaRav Naftali HaLevy Jaeger, Shlita around the Temple Mount in recentThis program was coordinated ALL PROCEEDS FOR ANIYEI ERETZ YISRAEL— All proceeds will go to Aniyei Eretz Yisrael All proceeds will go to Aniyei Eretz Yisrael 10900 Lockwood Drive TORAH UMESORAH ANIYIM FUND CONTACT INFO: L’ilui nishmas Ruchama ‫ע”ה‬ bas HaRav Naftali HaLevy Jaeger, Shlita (the impoverished and needy of Eretz Yisrael) months, with Palestinians frequently CONTACT INFO: (the impoverished and needy of Eretz Yisrael) 8:00 pm Tehillim Please makes checks payable toto Torah Umesorah Fund For more information call: 201-837-0354 or 410Please makes checks payable Torah Umesorah Aniyim Fund For more information call: Aniyim 201-837-0354 or 410-358-2573 or e-mail KEYtfilla@gmail.com clashing with police in protest against Distribution of funds under thethe guidance ofof HaRav Shlita Distribution of funds under guidance HaRavShmuel ShmuelKamenetsky, Kamenetsky, Shlita 8:30 pm Video SUGGESTED MIN.DONATION: DONATION: For more information call: 201-837-0354 or 410-358-2573 or e-mail KEYtfilla@gmail.com SUGGESTED MIN. Jewish visitors to the compound. IsThis This program waswas coordinated withwith thethe encouragement program coordinated encouragementofofHaRav HaRavShmuel ShmuelKamenetsky, Kamenetsky, Shlita Shlita ALLPROCEEDS PROCEEDSFOR FORANIYEI ANIYEIERETZ ERETZ YISRAEL— ALL YISRAEL— Admission: $10 rael has barred Jews from praying TORAHUMESORAH UMESORAHANIYIM ANIYIMFUND FUND L’iluiL’ilui nishmas Ruchama ‫ע”הע”ה‬ bas HaRav Naftali TORAH nishmas Ruchama bas HaRav NaftaliHaLevy HaLevyJaeger, Jaeger,Shlita Shlita Sorah Rivkah Goodman: 301 681 6347 on Temple Mount since it captured the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967. ForFor more information ore-mail e-mailKEYtfilla@gmail.com KEYtfilla@gmail.com more informationcall: call:201-837-0354 201-837-0354 or or 410-358-2573 410-358-2573 or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanya-

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cil about the situation on the Temple Mount. He had earlier joined Hamas in calling for Palestinians to defend the site.

Adelson’s and Saban’s Advice for Israel

The Israeli American Council gathered last week in Washington, D.C.

Hitting your target isn’t always this easy.

The assembly marked the first-ever national gathering of Israelis living in America. The highlight of the convention was a debate between billionaires Sheldon Adelson and Haim Saban. Organizers said that the event sold out weeks in advance, noting that the entire Israeli-American community is currently estimated at over 600,000. The two billionaires discussed ways to fight the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement and joked about buying the New York Times to influence its coverage of Israel, which is largely unfavorable. “The Palestinians are an invented people,” Adelson said, adding, “The purpose of the existence of Palestinians is to destroy Israel.” “So Israel won’t be a democratic state, so what?” shrugged Adelson, rejecting the feasibility of a two-state

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solution in response to a comment made by Saban on “securing the future of a democratic Israel.” He added that he thinks the country should build a “big wall” around itself, saying, “I would put up a big wall around my property.” In a move that surprised even veteran Washington observers, Saban, who was once the largest private contributor to the Democrat party, delivered a militant message on Iran. Saban said U.S. President Barack Obama made a mistake in helping to strike an interim agreement with Iran to roll back some sanctions in exchange for the rollback of some nuclear activity. “Take military action, but only after all options have been exhausted. A stick and a carrot, yes — but we’ve shown too many carrots and a small stick,” Saban said during the debate. Saban said the United States should explore “all options,” including tougher economic sanctions, and do more to make Iran understand “we mean business” if they don’t agree to a nuclear pact. A point the two could criticize together was the Obama administration’s negotiating stance toward Iran. “I wouldn’t just talk, I would take action,” Adelson emphasized. “Not taking action is too costly.” Speaking two days after former presidential candidate Mitt Romney slammed the Obama administration’s “naïve” attitude toward Iran, Adelson stressed that the concern regarding Iran and its nuclear threat transcended partisanship. “Everyone in this room — whether you’re a Republican, a Democrat or Independent – when it comes to Israel, we’re on the same side,” Adelson said.

A Day of Terror in Israel Monday was a tragic day in Israel. In two separate terror attacks, three people were injured and one was killed. On Monday afternoon, an Arab terrorist attempted to ram his minivan

into a bus stop in the West Bank settlement of Alon Shvut, knocking over one bystander. The driver then exited his vehicle and began stabbing the victim. 26-year-old Dalia Lemkus from Tekoa was stabbed in the neck and was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene. It has been reported that she was stabbed eight years ago, in February 2006, at the Gush Etzion Junction. A 26-year-old male was wounded and a man in his 50s was injured after stopping his car and wrestling with the stabber.

Alon Shvut is located several miles from the site where soldiers were run over by a van driven by a Palestinian last week. It is also close to the hitchhiking station where Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaer, and Eyal Yifrah hy”d were kidnapped and murdered in June. The terrorist, Maher Hamdi al-Hashalmoun from Hebron, was shot by an on-duty security guard at the scene. Initially it was reported that the stabber was killed but later on Magen David Adom confirmed that he was alive but in serious condition. Hashalmoun, affiliated with Islamic Jihad, spent four and a half years in Israeli custody for throwing Molotov cocktails. He was released five years ago. Earlier Monday, a soldier was stabbed in Tel Aviv by a Palestinian. The terrorist was apprehended by police before he could harm any others and was hospitalized with minor injuries. Following the day of terror, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called an emergency security meeting.

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Civil War Hero Receives Highest Honor Last week, President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to First Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing, a Union Army officer, who was killed on July 3, 1863 during the three-day Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. The fight often is described as a turning point of the Civil War. A distant cousin, Helen Loring Ensign, of Palm Desert, California, accepted the famed medal, which is the nation’s highest honor for battlefield valor.

“This medal is a reminder that, no matter how long it takes, it’s never too late to do the right thing,” Obama told about 60 descendants and supporters of the 22-year-old Wisconsin native during a brief ceremony at the White House. Cushing commanded about 110 men and six cannons, defending the Union position on Cemetery Ridge against Pickett’s Charge, a major Confederate thrust that was repelled by Union forces. On the final day of battle, Cushing’s small force stood its ground under severe artillery bombardment and an assault by nearly 13,000 advancing Confederate infantrymen. Wounded in the stomach and right shoulder, Cushing refused to move to the rear and insisted on ordering his guns to the frontlines. Obama quoted Cushing as

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telling a fellow soldier who had urged him to go to the rear that he would “fight it out, or die in the attempt.” Obama also paid tribute to the thousands of unknown young soldiers “who saved our union” and solemnly observed “that I might not be standing here today, as president, had it not been for the ultimate sacrifices of those courageous Americans.”

The presentation to Cushing was all the more extraordinary because recommendations for a Medal of Honor normally must be made within two years of an act of heroism and the medal presented within three. As such, Congress had to grant an exemption for Cushing’s honor. “Sometimes even the most extraordinary stories can get lost in the passage of time,” Obama pointed out. He acknowledged efforts by Cushing’s supporters, including members of Congress, who pushed for the posthumous honor. Included in that group is Margaret Zerwekh, a historian from Cushing’s birthplace of Delafield. Obama said she spent more than 25 years researching and writing letters on Cushing’s behalf.

Obama Nominates New AG

President Obama has nominated New York federal prosecutor Loretta Lynch to be the country’s next attor-

ney general. The president called her the most qualified public servant for the job. Despite his recommendation, Lynch will still face a difficult confirmation process in Congress. Republicans have already told the White House that pushing any nominee through Congress while Democrats still have control of the Senate will be difficult and politically damaging. Republicans want to oversee Lynch’s confirmation in the next Congress, after taking control on Election Day. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who will become the majority leader in the next session, issued a statement on Friday night urging the Senate to wait until January to vote on the nomination. “Ms. Lynch will receive fair consideration by the Senate,” he said. “And her nomination should be considered in the new Congress through regular order.”

If confirmed, Lynch will become the first African-American woman in the job, succeeding Eric Holder, who was the first African-American head of the Justice Department. “I couldn’t be more proud to nominate Loretta Lynch as our next attorney general,” Obama said during a brief White House ceremony. “I can think of no better public servant to be the next attorney general.” The president cited Lynch’s successful efforts as U.S. attorney for eastern New York in prosecuting terrorists, mobsters, and public officials. Lynch, 55, is a Harvard Law School graduate and popular prosecutor who is currently serving her second stint as the U.S. attorney for eastern New York, which covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island.

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History was made last week when the youngest woman ever to be elected to U.S. Congress won New York’s 21st district. Elise Stefanik, a former White House aide to President George W. Bush, beat out her Democrat rival, film producer Aaron Woolf. “I am honored and humbled to be the youngest woman ever elected to the United States Congress and to add an additional crack to the glass ceiling to future generations of women here tonight,” Stefanik proclaimed. The last record for youngest Congresswoman was set before Stefanik was born. Brooklyn native Elizabeth Holtzman won a seat in the House in 1972 when she was just 31-years-old and took her seat in 1973. Stefanik is seen as a rising star in the Republican Party. She currently works for her

controversial healthcare reform law that has polarized the parties. Women occupy just 20 percent of the seats in the current U.S. Senate and 18 percent in the House of Representatives, one of the lowest male-to-female rates in government in the developed world.

Osama bin Laden Killer Identified For almost five years, the world has not known who actually shot and killed Osama bin Laden. But that changed last week. Twenty-three

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

NY Congresswoman Makes History

family’s business, a distributor of plywood with more than 1,000 customers. Born and raised in upstate New York, Stefanik was privately educated in Albany before going to Harvard, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. The Republican politician has campaigned to repeal Obamacare, the

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“No one gets to this place – this room, this podium, this moment – by themselves,” Lynch said on Saturday in thanking the president, Holder, her New York colleagues, family and others. “I will wake up every morning with the protection of the American people my first thought,” said Lynch. Although the nomination needs to be approved, Holder expressed confidence in Lynch that she will be confirmed. “Loretta Lynch is an extraordinarily talented attorney, a dedicated public servant, and a leader of considerable experience and consummate skill,” the outgoing attorney general said. “I am certain that she will be an outstanding attorney general, and I am delighted to join President Obama in congratulating her on this prestigious appointment.”

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The Week

members of SEAL Team 6 and an interpreter participated in the historic Operation Neptune Spear just after midnight on May 2, 2011; the one who actually killed the terrorist mastermind was Rob O’Neill. O’Neill, a 38-year-old from Butte, Montana, is expected to reveal himself as the shooter in a Fox News special, “The Man Who Killed Osama bin Laden,” later this month. But O’Neill’s father confirmed his son, who retired from the Navy in 2012, was the SEAL who fatally shot the al Qaeda leader — and supports his decision to go public. “I support him in everything he is doing,” Tom O’Neill told reporters. “People are asking if we are worried that ISIS will come and get us because Rob is going public. ... I say I’ll paint a big target on my front door and say come and get us.”

ly stopped. I asked if there was some transition from my Tricare to Blue Cross Blue Shield. They said no. You’re out of the service, your coverage is over. Thanks for your 16 years.” “What are you supposed to do when you come out of the military after such service?” Tom O’Neill asked rhetorically. “Become a greeter at Wal-Mart?” O’Neill is not viewed in a positive light by his former bosses for disclosing the information about the raid. In a letter sent to his troops last month, Rear Admiral Brian Losey, head of Naval Special Warfare Command, denounced those who have broken the elite force’s tradition of secrecy by revealing details of secret missions. “A critical tenet of our ethos is ‘I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions,’” Losey wrote. “We do not abide willful or selfish disregard for our core values in return for public notoriety and financial gain, which only diminishes otherwise honorable service, courage and sacrifice.”

The Most Popular Social Security Number in the Nation Four others were also killed in that night’s raid, including one of bin Laden’s sons, bin Laden’s two bodyguards and the wife of one of the bodyguards. According to reports, O’Neill shot bin Laden three times in the forehead. In an interview given last year, the former SEAL said that he feels largely abandoned by the U.S. government since leaving the military. Despite killing the world’s most wanted terrorist, he said, he was not given a pension, health care or protection for himself or his family. “[SEAL command] told me they could get me a job driving a beer truck in Milwaukee,” he recalled. “My health care for me and my fami-

Whose Social Security number do you have in your wallet? Believe it or not, it may belong to Hilda Schrader Whitcher, whose Social Security number has been showing up everywhere—and it’s not like anyone stole it. In 1938, before identity theft became prevalent, a wallet manufacturer wanted to show consumers how well

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their Social Security cards could fit into their wallets, so they put a fake card into the wallets they sold. But even though the cards were fake, the number on the card wasn’t. Douglas Patterson, vice president and treasurer of the E.H. Ferree Co., ever the wonderful boss, thought it would be “clever” to use his secretary’s Social Security number on the cards. The secretary, Hilda Schrader Whitcher, eventually had to be issued a new number, because so many people thought the number in their wallets belonged to them. It turns out that thousands of people assumed that the numbers 078-051120 was their Social Security number—even though the display cards were half the size of actual cards, printed in all red and said “specimen” on them. In 1943, a whopping 5,755 people used Whitcher’s number—and it was used as late as 1977. Overall, more than 40,000 used the number, as the wallets were mass-produced and sold in department stores across the country. Life was different back then. Whitcher didn’t run into too much trouble because of her Social Security number snafu, even though the FBI did show up on her doorstep at one point. “They started using the number. They thought it was their own. I can’t understand how people can be so stupid. I can’t understand that,” Whitcher once related. Sometimes we are also shocked by people’s brilliance.

FBI: Violent Crimes Fell by 4.4 Percent Last Year On Monday, the FBI reported that violent crimes in the United States decreased by 4.4 percent last year. Despite the promising news, the agency warned that “much more work” is

needed to reduce murders, assaults against women and armed robberies. Nearly 1.2 million violent crimes were committed across the country last year, including an estimated 14,196 murders, mostly by guns, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in its annual “Crime in the United States” report. By comparison, the murder rate in 2012 was 14,827.

More than 11 million people were arrested in 2013, mostly for drug-related offenses, larceny-theft and driving under the influence, the report said. There were about 1.2 million fewer arrests last year compared to 2012. Firearms were used in 69 percent of all murders and 40 percent of robberies in the country, where 44 states allow citizens to carry guns. “This is a remarkable achievement that builds upon the significant gains we’ve seen – in reducing rates of both crime and incarceration – since President Obama took office,” US Attorney General Eric Holder lauded. “At the same time, we recognize we have much more work to do in order to ensure that every community, in every city in America, can share in the safer and brighter future we are building.”

Another Blow for Arizona Immigration Laws

Arizona’s 2005 immigrant smuggling law was struck down in a ruling this week. Due to the lack of federal enforcement protecting the state’s border with Mexico, Arizona was forced

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NYC Declared Ebola-Free

Security Breach at Rikers Island

What do alcohol, drugs, and razors have in common? They are all things you would expect not to find in a prison cell, but a recent investigation has revealed that all of those things had been smuggled into Rikers Island. In what is being called a flagrant breach of security, a city investigator disguised as a corrections officer made six attempts to sneak contraband into city jails and succeeded. This should be a tremendous embarrassment and criticism of Joseph Ponte, the jail system boss appointed by Mayor de Blasio. Ponte acknowledged that security at New York City jails are not foolproof, admitting, “I am not surprised by the findings.” “I have zero tolerance for anyone, including staff, bringing contraband into [Department of Correction] facilities,” he added.

No one has disciplined just yet but Ponte promised to reform the system to fix the holes discovered by the city Department of Investigation. The DOI recommended several security enhancements to Ponte’s predecessor in June 2013 after two corrections officers were busted for smuggling in a variety of banned items, including large quantities of drugs and tobacco. Ponte claims that of September 1 he has implemented tighter security protocols including “the majority” of the DOI’s suggestions. Yet the DOI reported that some of the reforms implemented in September were ignored by Rikers’ staff. The DOI recommended changing staff uniforms “to eliminate unnecessary pockets where contraband can be concealed” and randomly deploying drug-sniffing dogs to check inmates and staff; both recommendations have not been implemented. “Part of the review that [the DOI] did, it wasn’t the protocol that was the issue — it was the practice,” Ponte said in an interview. “Practice doesn’t sometimes meet policy protocols. It’s the intent and implementation that fell short in terms of following the policy to the letter.” “It’s a learning curve for everybody and we’re working with staff to improve,” he added. The head of New York’s prison system seems to have trouble getting his staff to listen to his recommendations. Ponte officially demanded that all food and medication proceed through the metal detector and X-ray machines, but the DOI viewed hours of internal video and discovered this rule was routinely broken. The DOI witnessed screeners regularly allowing staff to place plastic bags they said contained food on top of X-ray machines. They watched one employee remove bags from her purse, place them on top of the X-ray machine, and then send her purse through the machine, a move that should be obviously suspicious. In addition, employees who’d set off metal detectors would claim that it was a belt or hairclip trig-

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

On Tuesday, Dr. Craig Spencer was released from Bellevue Hospital in New York City after being declared free of the Ebola virus. “It’s a very, very good day,” Mayor Bill de Blasio declared. “Dr. Spencer is Ebola-free, and New York City is Ebola-free.” Spencer, 33, returned to the U.S. on Friday, October 17 after working with Doctors Without Borders to treat Ebola patients in Guinea. After reporting symptoms of Ebola on Thursday, October 23, he was transported to an isolation ward at Bellevue by ambulance, where he later tested positive for the virus. On Saturday, November 1, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation updated Spencer’s condition to “stable” from “serious but stable.” “I’m elated,” said Ram Raju, M.D., president of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, “because we were able to treat and cure a hero.” Spencer was the fourth person diagnosed with the virus in the U.S. and the first in New York City. He received experimental treatments, including antiviral therapy and a plasma transfusion from health worker Nancy Writebol, who survived Ebola after contracting it in Liberia. As his health improved in isolation, Spencer is reported to have passed the time playing his banjo, doing yoga and riding a stationary exercise bike. “There’s work to be done now,” de

Blasio said, “because the crisis continues in West Africa. We’re so thrilled that Dr. Spencer is well, but that is not a cause for complacency.” According to November 4 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13,268 people have contracted Ebola during the current outbreak in West Africa and 4,960 people have died from it. “Complacency, false security and above all fear are Ebola’s greatest allies,” Sophie Delaunay, the executive director of Doctors Without Borders, pointed out.

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to confront illegal immigration on its own. However, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton threw out Arizona’s smuggling law as part of the Obama administration’s challenge of the state’s 2010 immigration law. Bolton concluded that Arizona’s law conflicted with the federal government’s immigration powers. This blow is the latest in a string of restrictions placed by the courts on Arizona’s effort to get local police to take action on people living in the U.S. illegally. “There may be some broad sympathy within a constituency for these laws, but that isn’t enough to overcome the problems those laws pose,” said Peter Spiro, a Temple University law professor who specializes in immigration law. For years in Arizona, many officials resisted suggestions that local and state police agencies confront illegal immigration, long considered the sole responsibility of the federal government. But the notion became more popular as voters grew frustrated over the state’s status as the nation’s then-busiest immigrant smuggling hub and inadequate border protection by Washington. A small number of the state’s immigration laws have been upheld, including a key section of Arizona’s landmark 2010 immigration enforcement law that requires police to check people’s immigration status under certain circumstances. But the courts have slowly dismantled most other Arizona laws and policies. This summer, a federal appeals court ruled the state couldn’t deny driver’s licenses to young immigrants who are allowed to stay in the U.S. under a 2012 Obama administration policy. Three weeks ago, an appeals court overturned a 2006 voter-approved law that denies bail to immigrants who are in the country illegally and have been charged with a range of felonies that include shoplifting, aggravated identity theft, assault and murder.

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gering the machine and be waved right through. After the jail staff ignored recommendations on how to crack down on contraband, the DOI sent its undercover investigator with thousands of dollars’ worth of drugs and alcohol stored in his cargo pants pockets. City officials estimated a corrupt employee would have made $3,600 in “courier fees” from these items that could have then been resold inside Rikers for $22,000.

THAT’S ODD A Dirty Piece of Art

Don’t wash that car! Scott Wade likes his automobiles dirty. In fact, he sees their grimy windows as works of art. The graphic user interface designer has made a name for himself as the world’s premier dirty car artist and has traveled around the world bringing his remarkable talent to filthy cars everywhere. For over 20 years Wade lived on a long dirt road in Central Texas. Driving back and forth along the road made his car dirty and that prompted the Texan to doodle on his windows— something he learned from his dad, who’s an amateur cartoonist. Now Wade has perfected his auto art. His fingernails help him craft fine lines, the pads of his fingers are used for shading, and he uses rubber paint shapers and brushes to embellish his muddy masterpieces. Obviously, an artist has their own favorite creation but Wade loves them

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all. “Hard to say,” says Wade, about his favored piece. “Each time I attempt a dusty rendering of a Master’s work, it teaches me a lot. I love some of what happened with Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, in particular certain areas that really look like ink wash. But if you’re going to hold me to it, I’ll give my stock answer – stolen from Frank Lloyd Wright – ‘the next one!’” His recent dirty work includes this exceptional piece featuring Progressive Insurance’s Flo with a ‘FLOwer Power’ motif on the back of a Dodge Grand Caravan. Wade frequently works with ad agencies and PR firms on campaigns, but also presents at festivals, art shows, and private events, such as a grade school art class in Illinois earlier this year. While Wade claims that days and days of accumulated dirt make for the best canvases, he’s perfected a routine that preps a car for art in about 10 minutes. “I couldn’t do the many events I do each year without having developed the ‘artificial canvas,’ as I call it,” notes Wade. “When I was mulling over how to dirty up a window, a friend told me about Fuller’s Earth, used in the film industry. Buying bags of it is sure easier than scooping dirt off the road and sifting it!” Hey, Wade, maybe you can come to my house. In the winter, I have trouble seeing out my back window from all the dust and dirt.

Thought former President George H.W. Bush was cool when he celebrated his 90th birthday skydiving? Well, meet Eleanor Cunningham of Howes Cave, New York, who is probably the coolest centenarian. Before setting out to skydive for her 100th birthday, Eleanor kissed her 7-month-old great-great-granddaughter on Saturday. The jump didn’t faze her, after all, she is a pro; this is her third jump since taking up skydiving at the young age of 90. Eleanor lives with her granddaughter in their Schoharie County home in central New York. Her doctor signed off on the skydiving expedition, saying her health makes her more than capable of doing what she loves. According to Dean McDonald of Saratoga Skydiving, Cunningham is his oldest jump partner yet. Skydiving at 100? No other birthday party can top that!

100 and Still Flying High

Did you hear the joke about the guy who drove into a bar? Well, this time it really happened. Patrons at Wooley Bullys bar in Pennsylvania were shaken off their barstools when Gordon Milligan slammed his truck into the pub on Saturday night. He really needed a drink and demanded one from the bar owner. The owner, though, refused his request and then the 36-year-old took off and crashed his truck again—this time into a chain-linked fence. When officials arrived they found Milligan in the wrecked pickup, slurring his words and smelling of alcohol.

Drink Driving

Despite his inebriated state, Milligan sure knows how to get a bartender’s attention—even if he can’t walk a straight line.

A Conflict in the Kitchen

Want a fight with those fries? A Pittsburgh takeout restaurant has finally closed down after learning that people just don’t want a battle while eating their burrito. Conflict Kitchen serves food from countries at odds with the United States and is now temporarily closed after receiving a threatening letter. When the eatery launched a Palestinian menu, it sparked outrage in the city’s Jewish community and drew criticism from those who said that America is not in conflict with Palestine. The takeout cafe, which was designed and run by artists hoping to start conversations with customers about countries in conflict with the United States, has served food from Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela from a kiosk in the city’s Schenley Plaza. Its mission has been to promote understanding of different cultures. “We have demonstrated this in the past by presenting the food, culture, and viewpoints of Iranians, Afghans, Cubans, North Koreans, and Venezuelans,” the eatery said in a blog post. In regards to its most recent menu, a Conflict Kitchen spokesman said, “We believe that presenting the

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It was a victory march for the little green soldiers as they were finally inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame on Thursday, along with the Rubik’s Cube and bubbles. The trio of toys that have warmed children’s hearts for years now have their place on the toy shelf alongside classics such as Barbie, G.I. Joe, Scrabble and the hula hoop. Nine other finalists, including American Girl dolls and My Little Pony, were vying for a spot in the gallery of games. The tiny green army men have been around since 1938, although their popularity waned during the Vietnam War. In 1995, kids were enthralled by their role in the movie “Toy Story” and millions of them are produced

moving for you don’t offer the child as much room to use his imagination,” she said.

Mountain Dew Chips In

Want a crunchy soda? Try the new Dewitos, a Dorito-inspired flavor of Mountain Dew. The company has been testing out the drink at college campuses to see what soda connoisseurs have to say about this chippy cola. “We are always testing out new flavors of Mountain Dew, and giving our fans a voice in helping decide on the next new product has always been important to us,” a PepsiCo representative related. “We opened up the DEW flavor vault and gave students a chance to try this Doritos-inspired flavor as part of a small program at colleges and universities.” There’s no word yet on whether the drink will hit the market or if testers will say “ew!” to the new Dew.

It’s Biden Calling Pick up the phone. It’s the vice president on the line. Avery Bral, a 3-year-old from Clive, Iowa, likes to call Vice President Joe Biden just to chat. You see,

the toddler seems to think that Biden is her “phone friend,” and calls the second most powerful person in the U.S. on her toy phone. Last Wednesday, Avery got to speak to the VP—for real. Around eight months ago, Avery’s grandmother, Becky Burke, posted a message on Biden’s White House website about Avery’s affinity for having pretend conversations with Biden. Last week, Mrs. Burke picked up the phone, “This is Joe Biden,” she heard.

“Who in [heaven’s name] is this?” the surprised grandmother asked. “This is Joe Biden,” the patient vice president replied. “I’m so sorry…I’m so sorry I said that to you,’” Burke stammered before handing the phone to Avery. This is not the first time Biden has made a surprise phone call. In October 2013, he phoned Brian Meyer, who had just won an election to serve in the Iowa House of Representatives, while Meyer was watching the World Series at an Applebee’s. He also notably called the wrong Marty Walsh – twice – while attempting to congratulate the new mayor of Boston in November 2013. We’re happy he got the right number this time.

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Welcome to the Toy Hall of Fame

every year. “Over the years, these toys have remained popular because they are lightweight, simple to transport in buckets or pails, fun to blow up, easy to replace,” said curator Patricia Hogan, who noted how some were inevitably melted under a magnifying glass in the sun. “But most of all, because they inspire open-ended play.” The brain-teasing Rubik’s Cube was invented by Hungarian architect Erno Rubik in the 1970s, but took off in the United States in 1980 after being imported by Ideal Toy Corp. More than 100 million of the six-color cubes were sold between 1980 and 1982, dividing an obsessively twisting populace between those who could solve it and those who could not. The cubes, with nine colored squares on each side, can be arranged 43 quintillion ways, according to the Toy Hall of Fame, and have inspired organized competitions in more than 50 countries, along with contests to solve it blindfolded, one-handed and under water. Mats Valk of the Netherlands holds the speed record for re-aligning the colors in 5.55 seconds. In a videotaped statement played at Thursday’s ceremony, Rubik said he was happy to see his cube added to a collection that includes chess and “other wonderful inventions from around the world.” “I am very satisfied that I was able to share my enjoyment and happiness in connection with discoveries ... of geometry with millions of kids all around the world,” the inventor said. What’s more fun than taking a bath with tons of bubbles? Children have played with soap bubbles since at least the 17th century, when paintings depicting the play appeared in what is now modern-day Belgium. More than 200 million bottles of bubble liquid are sold annually. Low tech toys, like the stick and blanket, are wonderful for children who find more and more ways to use them for fun, spokesman Shane Rhinewald pointed out. “The toys that do all the laughing or singing or

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viewpoints of Palestinians promotes understanding of Palestinians.” The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh said that the restaurant only presented Palestinian viewpoints on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The restaurant is now closed until police could assess the credibility of the threatening letter it received. One loyal supporter of the combat a la carte posted a note to the eatery’s front doors on Saturday, “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to ... me not getting delicious food.” Because you know what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt used to say: The only thing we have to fear is food itself.

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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

36 86

Forgotten Heroes

Avi Heiligman

The History of the Aircraft Carrier The first manned flight was on a hot tack. Many historians speculate that if air balloon in the 18th century. Soon the Germans had aircraft carriers they after, the idea of sending out a balloon would have won several decisive sea from a mobile platform stationed out to sea was launched. It wasn’t until the 20th century and the birth of airplanes that the idea was accepted by major navies worldwide. In the years leading up to WWII, this concept was turned into a major weapon of war. In fact, during the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Japanese The first successful landing on a carrier couldn’t find the Ameriwas made on the HMS Furious can carriers—by chance they were all out at sea—and didn’t battles. In today’s military, the carrier launch the second planned wave of at- portrays power, and America dwarfs

every other country with 11 carriers as a carrier and not converted from an(three more are being built) and 9 He- other type of ship. licopter Landing Dock Ships. To those who know a little about In 1806, the English sent kites history it won’t come as a surprise that from a frigate with propaganda leaf- it was the Japanese that took the idea lets against Napoleon’s army into of an aircraft carrier to a whole new France. 43 years later, the Austrians level in the interwar period. Japan is launched the first bombing attempt an island nation and relied on the Far from balloons that docked on a ship. East for oil, rubber, metals and other For the most part, the initiative failed, vital materials for her war machine. and it took Confederate engineers dur- Having air cover for these conquests ing the American Civil War to take up was needed, and Japan was building the project once again. Many of these better planes that could be carrierwere put on barges onto rivers but not based. The Mitsubishi Zero was dethe ocean. They were used mainly for veloped for its long range and mobilspying but had to keep out of musket ity and was placed on all six of the and cannon range as they were flam- carriers that were sent to bomb Pearl mable. Harbor. The Americans only had the After the invention of the plane Wildcat that was an inferior fighter by the Wright brothers in 1903, na- but when the Hellcat showed up in vies worldwide began developing two large numbers off the ever-increasing types of carriers. One was to handle American carrier fleet, the tide of batlighter-than-air craft and the other was tle was turned. for heavier-than-air craft, aka planes. The Japanese, led by the cunning As for the planes, there were the flat decked versions and the catapult launching ships. Many big warships carried a scout plane launched from a catapult that was recovered by a crane. This was used until WWII and the Japanese even invented a very large submarine to carry a plane. Due to logistics, this submarine was HMS Ark Royal is considered the first modern aircraft carrier unsuccessful in attacks but still a threat to the American Navy. Admiral Yamamoto who knew how According to most historians, the the American government would take HMS Ark Royal is considered the first to the raid, couldn’t find the carrimodern aircraft carrier. Launched ers on December 7 and left without in 1914, she could carry up to eight launching a second wave. The Japaplanes but they couldn’t land back on nese carriers would be a major part in deck. The wheeled planes would land the upcoming sweep of conquests that on land while the seaplanes landed gave the empire a huge part of the Panear the ship to be recovered and cific, the Far East and Asia. However, brought onboard. In 1917, the first the Americans were bound to strike successful landing on a carrier was back and two battles shaped the new made on the HMS Furious. Howev- type of naval warfare—planes from er, when the carrier launched seven carriers. The opposing would never planes on a German airship base, the see each other. carrier had no way of recovering the Even before the Battle of the Coral bombers from their successful mis- Sea, where both sides lost a carrier, sions. The carrier needed to be rede- and the iconic Battle of Midway, Japan signed to recover planes. This meant had four carriers sunk to one American that the ship needed to be built solely carrier that was lost; the Americans

37 wars that the carriers were used in are all on the radar for future articles.

A U.S. supercarrier

If you would like to see a particular topic written about, please feel free to email me. Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions.for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@ gmail.com.

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the ships that carry helicopters but were designed to perform other duties. Most large warships can carry helicopters to perform a variety of missions. However, it’s the large carriers that have the planes and have the capabilities to strike anywhere in the world in a matter of hours. No other country in the world has that capability, and with the carrier landing of the first F35C Lightning II jet, the capabilities continue to grow exponentially. The carrier truly makes the U.S. a global power and continues to strike fear in her enemies. Author’s note: Aircraft carriers have a long history and this article is only the beginning. In the next few months we will, G-d willing, write about them in depth. Topics like escort carriers, the Vietnam War and other

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did something that took the Japanese Germany attempted to build a few off guard. A mere five months after carriers but never completed them. Pearl Harbor, land-based B-25 Mitch- The same was for two Italian carriers ell medium bombers took off from the that Germany seized after Italy left the carrier Wasp to bomb Tokyo. Along Axis in 1943. Many speculate that not with the Enterprise, the only large having aircraft carriers was the doom carrier that survived the entire war, the for the German navy. With no aircraft fleet pulled off the unthinkable. The to protect its capital ships and subbaffled Japanese couldn’t figure where marines, Allied planes had complete the bombers came from and believed control of the skies. American escort President Roosevelt when he said they carriers, smaller ships that could only originated from carry 30 planes “Shangri La.” It as opposed to was a fictional large carrier’s place but soon 80+ planes, became real when were constantly the navy named a on the prowl in new carrier after the Atlantic to the deception. sink the menacThe only other ing U-boats. countries to have After the carriers during war, the U.S. WWII were Britlaunched the age The USS Enterprise was the ain and France. of the “supersixth aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy The French carricarrier” which er Bearn saw limwas designed to ited action before France surrendered launch jet planes. Soon nuclear reacto Germany in 1940 but escaped Ger- tors were placed inside the carriers man capture. She eventually made her and angled decks over a thousand feet way to the U.S. for a refit and stayed long became a mainstay. out of action for the rest of the war. Today the U.S. has more carriers She never launched aircraft during (20) than the rest of the world combattle. bined (17). That does not include all

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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

By: Stew the Jew (AKA.Stuart Goldberg)

“Rhyme Time” (Rime Time, if you prefer similar letters) is where you rhyme two words, one of which is usually Jewish related. The first letter of each word is given. For example..... What do you call it when a famous Jewish prophet sits for a school picture? M___________ P_____________.. That’s it! Moses Poses! What do you call ( it.).......

7. When you toss this popular dessert into a body of water? You throw C_______________ into the L________________ 8. When you go to a masquerade ball dressed in this sometimes creamed fish outfit? You’re W_____________ a H________________ 9. a person who drags himself/herself around and who suffers from a disease for which they used to send people to a colony? A Sh______________ who’s a L______________ 10. When you make a vinegary, spicy cucumber laugh? You T_______________ a P___________________

1. When you lightly wash a Jewish type pancake? You R____________ a B_________________

In 11 and 12, one of the two rhymes will have a Hebrew equivalent in transliteration:

2. When people steal from us on our day of rest? They R_________ us on S________________

What do you call (it)...

3. When you strike a policeman? You K__________ a C_______________

11. When he placed this type of cookie on a type of reading material? He put a W_____________ on a S_________________

4. A container for smoked salmon? A L________ B___________ 5. When you do a certain Jewish dance in possession of the most holy book? You dance the H____________ holding the T_____________________ 6. When you have nocturnal thoughts about this tart, acidic, milk byproduct? You D____________ about S_________ C___________

12. When there’s big trouble in the residence? There’s a R_____________ in the B______________ ʇıʎɐq ǝɥʇ uı ʇoıɹ ˙21 ɹǝɟǝs ɐ uo ɹǝɟɐʍ ˙11 ǝ‫ן‬ʞɔıd ɐ ǝ‫ן‬ʞɔıʇ ˙01 ɹǝdǝ‫ ן‬ɐ s’oɥʍ ɹǝddǝ ‫ן‬ɥs ˙9 ƃuıɹɹǝɥ ƃuıɹɐǝʍ ˙8 ǝʞɐ‫ ן‬ǝɥʇ uı ǝʞɐɔǝsǝǝɥɔ ˙7 ɯɐǝɹɔ ɹnos ʇnoqɐ ɯɐǝɹp ˙6 ɥɐɹoʇ ǝɥʇ ƃuıp‫ן‬oɥ ɐɹoɥ ǝɥʇ ǝɔuɐp noʎ ˙5 xoq xo4˙ ‫ ן‬doɔ ɐ do‫ן‬ʞ ˙3 soqqɐɥs uo sn qoɹ ˙2 zʇuı‫ן‬q ɐ ǝsuıɹ ˙1 :ʎǝʞ ɹǝʍsuɐ

81 Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

Observant Jew annoyed that she was wasting time and not getting to her destination. She explained what I was doing, but he said, “Forget that, just drive and you’ll find it.” Now, I know that the area is confusing, with curving streets that are of-

hara?!” he demanded of the other rav. “The hostess most likely doesn’t do her own cooking. If she has a woman cooking for her, it must be a widow who needs the money, and that means she’s supporting orphans too! Now,

We have decisions to make but we don’t take the time to think them through. ten dead ends, and if her husband had just let her take the extra minute or two to get the information, she would have been on her way and not gotten more lost. Clearly it wasn’t easy as she’d already been circling for some time. But, like my little rodent friend, it was more important for him to have action taken without thinking it through. I wondered, how often do we do the same thing? We have decisions to make but we don’t take the time to think them through. We often take the immediate choice and deal with the consequences later. It’s definitely that way with our speech. We will usually choose to make the quip on the chance of being thought of as clever, or blurt out our dissatisfaction with something, without thinking of the possible consequences. There’s a famous story of the Chofetz Chaim. He was traveling with another rav, and at the inn the hostess asked the esteemed guests how they enjoyed their meal. The Chofetz Chaim assured her everything was wonderful, while his colleague agreed, but noted, “The soup could have used a touch more salt.” The Chofetz Chaim was aghast. “How could you say such lashon

because of your thoughtless comment, she will get yelled at, causing her anguish, and possibly lose her job, making her orphans suffer too!” The other rav said, “I’m sure you’re overreacting.” “Am I?” asked R’ Yisrael Meir, and he led the other rav into the kitchen where they found the hostess yelling at the cook for embarrassing her, and the woman saying, “Please, I’m a widow and I need to support my children! I need this job!” The rav jumped in

and said, “Please, don’t blame her. It is I whose taste buds no longer work so well. The food was wonderful!” Had he paused before making his original comment, he might have answered differently. How many of us do the same thing, jumping into circumstances before thinking them through? I’d venture to say it’s a pretty high percentage. In that light, and back to my initial question, I guess it may not only be the squirrels who are the crazy ones.

This Chanukah, give your family a gift that will entertain, uplift, and last for many years. The Observant Jew “The Book” offers fun, light reading with a message that will resonate with people from 8 to 108. Look for it in your favorite Jewish Book Store or visit Feldheim.com and see what a difference it can make! Jonathan Gewirtz is an inspirational writer and speaker whose work has appeared in publications around the world. He also operates JewishSpeechWriter. com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion. Sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English. E-mail info@ JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Subscribe in the subject. © 2014 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

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The saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Now, if that’s true, does that mean that squirrels must be nuts? I wouldn’t ask, except that I’ve noticed a very strange behavior that I’m sure many of you have encountered as well. It seems that squirrels, hoping, perhaps, for some of the fame of the proverbial chicken, like to cross the road in front of my car. There I am, way down the street, and the squirrels are just chilling out by the side of the road, taking a suntan, or inhaling fumes, or whatever it is they’re doing there. Suddenly, as I approach, a squirrel has an urgent need to cross the road. He lurches forward and stops just at the place where my left tire will turn him into a miniature fur coat, then stares at my oncoming car, frozen in his place. Reluctant to slow down, but more reluctant to send the little guy to squirrel heaven, I hit the brakes and slow down. He is still in his place. I get closer, and he darts back to the right side of the road, from where he began his little odyssey. He could have just waited until I passed and then crossed, but he chose to cross at the moment that was dangerous. OK, I figure, so if he sees me coming, let him continue and cross all the way. He’ll have enough time to get across before I get there, yet he stops as if calculating whether he can make it, then ends up back where he started. Why not take the extra half-second before he leaves the curb to make his move and determine the best route to take? Why lurch out into traffic and only then stop to consider whether his actions make sense or are foolish? Perhaps, indeed, he’s nuts. But he’s not the only one. While walking to my office one day, a woman pulled up and asked if I knew where a certain street was. I didn’t know where it was, I apologized. She started to drive off but I stopped her. Pulling out my phone, which has a GPS app, I started typing in the address. She was grateful, but then I heard the little voice trying to stop me. It wasn’t in my head or in hers. It was her speakerphone: “Just drive and you’ll find it!” Her husband was on the other end,

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Are Squirrels Nuts?

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Notable Quotes Notable

Quotes

Compiled by Nate Davis

“Say“Say What?” What?” Papa John’s has released a new pizza that comes topped with beef, chili, onions, cheese, and Fritos corn chips. And they’re on sale right now — buy 1, get Type-2 free. - Seth Myers

LeBron James and his wife have just welcomed a new baby. The baby was born in Cleveland but plans to move to Miami if it gets a better offer. - Conan O’Brien

I really want to clear my life so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve this community. - Mark Zuckerberg when asked during a Facebook Q&A session why he wears a T-shirt every day

On the tenth anniversary of Arafat’s death we see that there is no difference between Arafat and Abu Mazen [Abbas]: both are Jewhaters who believe in terror and promote terror. The only difference is that Abu Mazen is more dangerous because he knows how to mask his true face more effectively. – Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman

I thought I’d give him a third shot for good luck. - Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill telling family members of victims of the September 11 attacks about the moment he killed Osama bin Laden

To everyone who voted, I want you to know that I hear you. To the two-thirds of voters who chose not to participate in the process yesterday, I hear you too. - President Obama at a press conference the morning after the mid-term elections

Starbucks had a disappointing quarter revenue-wise. They might want to reconsider their business model of selling one mini-muffin to an unemployed writer who then sits there for 10 hours working on his screenplay without buying anything else. – Jimmy Kimmel

Seal Who Claims He Killed Obama Under Attack. - A typo in a CNN headline last week

Vladimir Putin announced he’s abolishing Daylight Saving Time. He said he doesn’t want to set Russian clocks back. I will say this: He’s done a pretty good job of setting the Russian calendar back — to about 1983. - Craig Ferguson

Republicans picked up a dozen seats in the House to give them their biggest majority since World War II. Or as they put it, “Time to party like it’s 1939!” - Jimmy Fallon

A North Carolina man says he used his “Never Ending Pasta Pass” from Olive Garden to eat at the restaurant 95 times in the past six weeks. Well, he didn’t say that, but his tombstone does. - Seth Myers

This is a love story; it’s not a biography. It’s the story of the best one-term president America has ever had. - Former President George W. Bush talking about his newly released biography about his father

Republicans also took control of the Senate after gaining another seven seats. I haven’t seen the GOP get this many seats since Chris Christie made an airline reservation. – Jimmy Fallon Republicans won enough seats to gain a majority in the Senate and increase their majority in the House. For those Democratic candidates who wanted to distance yourselves from Obama, congratulations. You did. – Seth Myers The Democrats were crushed in the midterm elections. The Republican juggernaut pounded the Democrats, and the pundits say they will not really know what happened to the Democrats until they find the black box. – David Letterman

In Afghanistan researchers have found something called the “fanged vampire deer.” It is an animal that hasn’t been seen for 50 years. To be fair, if I lived in Afghanistan I would be keeping a low profile too. – Craig Ferguson

- Craig Ferguson When you play with matches, you take the risk of burning yourself. And he’s gonna burn himself if he continues to go down this path. - House Speaker John Boehner responding to President Obama’s threat to act alone on immigration It’s like waving a red flag in front of a bull to say if you guys don’t do what I want, I’m going to do it on my own. - Senator Mitch McConnell, the presumptive Senate Majority leader, responding to President Obama’s threat to act alone on immigration The world is on the brink of a new Cold War. Some are even saying that it’s already begun. - Mikhail Gorbachev at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

Lack of transparency is a huge political advantage. And basically, call it the stupidity of the American voter or whatever, but basically that was really, really, critical for the thing to pass. - From a newly unearthed clip of Jonathan Gruber, the MIT health economist who helped craft Obamacare, discussing how it passed The comments in the video were made at an academic conference. I was speaking off the cuff and I basically spoke inappropriately and I regret having made those comments. – Ibid., after his comments were made public

He said, “This is Joe Biden,” and I said, “Who [in the world] is this?” And he said, “This is Joe Biden,” and I said, “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry I said that to you.” - Becky Burke of Iowa repeating the conversation she had with Vice President Joe Biden when he called her after she posted on his website that her granddaughter likes to “call” the vice president on her toy phone

It’s been announced that a Union soldier who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War will be awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama over 151 years after his death. Even better, he finally got an appointment at the VA hospital. - Seth Myers

It was the 60th anniversary of “Face the Nation.” During his interview, President Obama said, “Our country doesn’t fear the future. We grab it.” Nothing says you grab the future like going on a 60-year-old show hosted by a 77-year-old-man to speak to a 90-year-old audience. - Jimmy Fallon

At present, very few humans live to be older than 110. This research suggests that if the anti-aging interventions in development were to extend this by a similar proportion, we might see a very small number of humans living to the age of 120. - From a newly released report by the renowned Longevity Science Panel

A new study shows that despite previous estimates, there are only 2 million rats living in New York City. I guess the other 10 million are commuting from New Jersey. – Seth Myers

The Palestinians are an invented people. The purpose of the existence of Palestinians is to destroy Israel. - Sheldon Adelson during a speech at the Israeli American Council in Washington

I think it was the right decision. - Former President George W. Bush on “Face the Nation” when asked if he regrets the Iraqi war

Dominican officials arrested a woman for trying to smuggle over $69,000 in a briefcase and more than $70,000 in her stomach. When asked what she was planning on using the money for, she said, “To buy a second briefcase.” - Seth Myers

It’s been an amazing two years. I learned a lot, I grew a lot, I lost a lot of weight. - Kenneth Bae, who was just released from North Korea

Verizon and AT&T are facing criticism after it was revealed that they use “supercookies” on smartphones to track users’ Internet activity. Americans said, “That is a total violation of our — wait, did you say supercookie?” - Jimmy Fallon

Both President Obama and former President George W. Bush were interviewed on “Face the Nation” over the weekend. President Bush said there’s a 50 percent chance his brother Jeb will run for president in 2016. Then he said, “But there’s an 80 percent chance he won’t.” – Jimmy Fallon

I wish I’d known about that when I was in office. You know, think of all the opportunities I’ve missed … so little time … so many people had it coming. Crazy. - President Bill Clinton while talking about TV shows in which politicians get away with murdering people

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

It is a great day for the great state of Texas. The last person being tested for Ebola has come back clean. So Texas is now Ebola-free. This was a big week for them. They’re now free of Ebola — and Democrats.

Pepsi has a new Doritosflavored Mountain Dew. No, we don’t have an Ebola vaccine, but we do have the Doritos-flavored Mountain Dew. – David Letterman

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Health officials in countries affected by Ebola are encouraging people to stop shaking hands and instead give an “Ebola handshake,” which is when you bump elbows with someone. That would be a great idea if they hadn’t spent the past five years telling us to sneeze into our elbows. – Jimmy Fallon

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NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Health and Fitness

71 David Elazar Simai, MD

The Flu Vaccine – To Give or Not To Give

ith the onset of the fall season, we look forward to the comfort of cooler weather, falling leaves, and crisp, clean air. One not so comforting consequence of the same season is the sound of nebulizers running in pediatric offices. In the past two weeks, I have been dealing with more wheezing children. With divine intervention, all the patients so far have recovered fully and swiftly. Two of them, however, required overnight hospitalizations at LIJ-Cohen’s Children’s Hospital. The reason I mention these facts is twofold: A. To remind all parents of asthmatic children to make sure that their nebulizers are working and not to hesitate and receive immediate medical attention if their children are in any respiratory distress. B. To encourage those parents of asthmatic children, or children with history of heart disease, lung disease, prematurity or patients receiving immune suppressing medicine, to inoculate their children with the flu vaccine as soon as possible. I know that many parents in the Five Towns and all over the world have their own reservations about the flu vaccine. As a general rule, I do not force the vaccine on any patient. However, every fall season, I send an email to my patients’ parents to inform them that the flu vaccine is available and set special office hours to accommodate administering the vaccine after school hours. When I am asked for my opinion on the flu vaccine, I answer that there is no doubt that it is a safe and effective vaccine. I do recommend the vaccine to all my patients. If a mother mentions during a routine visit that she is against the vaccine or is very hesitant about it, I ask her the following question: “Are you going to lose sleep if your child receives the flu vaccine?” If the answer is “yes,” I understand. Even so, I inform her of the risk and danger of the flu virus as opposed to the benefits of the vaccine. In the vast majority of cases, if a family actually contracts the flu virus in one year, the heads of the household decide to vaccinate their kids in subse-

quent years. And on the flip side – very often, when a parent is “forced” to receive the flu vaccine, any illness contracted during the entire winter season will be blamed on…the flu vaccine (that includes strep throat, mono, common colds and even chronic fatigue). I do tend to spend much more time convincing parents to give the vaccine if their children have wheezed in the past or have the above-mentioned risk factors. Those are the kids that tend to get critically ill from the flu virus. The vaccine is recommended to all children above the age of 6 months. I should also mention that in the adult population, patients over 65 years of age, with a history of heart and lung disease, pregnant and postpartum women as well as healthcare workers, are highly encouraged to receive the flu vaccine. Why Vaccinate? 1. According to the CDC, 200,000 patients are hospitalized annually with influenza; of them, 20,000 are children below the age of 5. 2. Sadly, during the 2013-2014 flu season, 107 children died due to the flu and its complications. Half of these deaths were in previously healthy children. What are the Different Types of the Flu Vaccine? There are 2 types of flu vaccines: Inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV or QIV) is given as a shot. There are two kinds of shots. The intramuscular (into the muscle) shot is licensed and recommended for children 6 months and older and adults, including people with and without chronic medical conditions. Live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is sprayed into the nose. LAIV is recommended for healthy children 2 years and older. This vaccine should not be given to:

• Children under 5 years old with history of wheezing • Pregnant women • Immune compromised patients should also avoid this vaccine Both types of flu vaccine are very safe and work well to protect your child from the flu. This year, the CDC recommended the flu mist over the flu injection for patients aged 2-8 years old if there are no contraindications. Both vaccines contain egg particles. So if your child is highly allergic to eggs, please consult with your allergist whether you should give the vaccine or not. When? Get the vaccine as soon as it is available. This should provide protection if the flu season comes early. You can get the vaccine as long as illness is occurring in your community. Influenza can occur at any time, but most influenza occurs from October through May. In recent seasons, most infections have occurred in January and February. Getting vaccinated in December, or even later, will still be beneficial in most years. Adults and older children need one dose of influenza vaccine each year. But some children younger than 9 years of age need two doses to be protected. Ask your doctor. Influenza vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including pneumococcal vaccine. Some people should not get the flu vaccine or should wait: • Tell your doctor if you have any severe (life-threatening) allergies, including a severe allergy to eggs. A severe allergy to any vaccine component may be a reason not to get the vaccine. Allergic reactions to influenza vaccine are rare. • Tell your doctor if you ever had a severe reaction after a dose of

influenza vaccine. • Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS). Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you. • People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine. What are the risks from the flu vaccine? A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Serious problems from inactivated influenza vaccine are very rare. The viruses in inactivated influenza vaccine have been killed, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine. I hope this information will help you make the right decision about the flu vaccine for yourself and your loved ones. Wishing you a happy and healthy fall season, David Elazar Simai, M.D. Dr. David Simai is a Board Certified Pediatrician from the Five Towns. He is a full time attending in his own private practice since 2007 in Cedarhurst, New York. In addition, he is an Attending Physician at LIJCohen Children’s Hospital, North-Shore Manhasset University Hospital and South Nassau Communities Hospital. He can be contacted for consultation at 516 374-2228 or via email at davidsimai@yahoo.com. NOTE: name, gender, geographical area and other identifying information were deliberately altered in this article in order to protect the patient’s privacy. This article is not intended to help diagnose or treat any specific disease. Always consult your personal physician before diagnosing or treating yourself or your child for any of the above mentioned illnesses.

Rabbi The Observant Jew

Berel Wein

Rabbi Berel Wein

Parshas Chayei Sara

challenges and trials that Avraham had endured, his attitude towards life and its vicissitudes was affected – he now always looked forward and never dwelt on the past. Those who live exclusively in the past are doomed to self-pity and great emotional angst. This only causes a sense of victimhood and hopelessness.

misfortune. I heard an outstanding speech delivered by George Deek, who is a Christian Arab and member of the Israeli Foreign Office. In telling the story of his life, he describes how his family lived in Jaffa for many generations and how they fled to Lebanon during the 1948 War of Independence.

Those who live exclusively in the past are doomed to self-pity and great emotional angst. It reflects itself in every aspect of later life and stunts any further spiritual, social, personal or societal growth. The greatness of Avraham, as taught us by the Mishnah, was his resilience and continued spiritual and personal growth. Avraham constantly looked forward, ahead – never dwelling on past

Sensing the squalor and political manipulation of the refugees by the Arab powers, whose sole goal was the destruction of Israel and not saving and resettling the refugees, his grandfather escaped Lebanon and somehow brought the family back to Jaffa and Israel. He regained his job with the Israel Elec-

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tric Company and raised generations of successful professionals, all citizens of Israel. He said that the Jewish refugees from Europe and the Moslem world attempted to forget their past and build a new future for themselves and their descendants when they arrived in Israel. The Palestinian Arab refugees, under the misguided leadership of their spiritual and temporal heads, reveled instead in their past defeats and in their legend of nakba. They have devoted themselves to attempting to destroy Israel instead of rehabilitating themselves. This attitude and mindset has served them badly and cost them dearly. The past needs to be remembered and recalled, treasured and instructive to us. However, it is the future and what we make of it that ultimately determines our worth and our fate. That is one of the great lessons to be derived from the story of the life of our father Avraham. Shabbat shalom.

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

he loss of one’s beloved spouse, especially after many years and decades of marriage and shared life, is always a traumatic and shattering blow. Those of us who unfortunately have also experienced this in our own lives can testify as to the emotional damage and even physical harm that this sad experience can occasion. We see from the life of our father Jacob that even decades later he reminds his children and himself of the pain and suffering caused by the death of his beloved wife, Rachel. In essence, it seems that Jacob never again was the same person after the death of Rachel. Avraham apparently dealt with the death of Sarah in a more stoic fashion. The Torah itself indicates this by inference. In reference to Avraham’s reaction to the tragedy, a small letter kaf is used to describe the grief and weeping of Avraham over the death of Sarah. It is not that Avraham is less grieved at the loss of Sarah than Jacob was at the death of Rachel. It is rather that after all of the

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Chayei Sara: Aging Gracefully Rabbi Shmuel Silber

It was the end of an era. The death of the matriarch Sarah brought with it change on many levels. Avraham, now a widower realized that he must ensure generational continuity by finding a suitable spouse for Yitzchak. Yitzchak, now orphaned had to find a way to rebuild the breach and fill the void left by his beloved mother’s passing. Rashi points out that the last phrase in the above mentioned verse seems to be extraneous. Why must the Torah conclude by saying, “these were the years of the life of Sarah” after the verse just told us Sarah’s life-span? Rashi gives a simple answer, “kulan shavin l’tova, they (her one hundred years, twenty years and seven years) were equally good.” But what does “good” mean? The lifetime of a person can be divided into three stages; childhood, youth and adulthood. Rav Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik zt’l (The Covenantal Role of Sarah, 88) explains that each of these stages have unique characteristics:

“The child is endowed with a capacity of an all-absorbing faith and trustfulness; youth bursts with zealousness, idealism, and optimism; the adult, mellowed with years, has the benefit of accumulated knowledge and dispassionate judgment. Each

This was the greatness of Sarah. She took her life stages with her every step of the journey. She maintained her childlike, simple faith and trust. When Avraham was told, “Lech Lecha, Go for yourself,” leave everything you know and travel to an unknown, alien land – Sarah went along. Sarah never heard from God, Sarah never received a direct command nor was she given any explicit promises, yet, she believed, she trusted in God and she embarked on the journey. Sarah maintained a constant sense of idealistic optimism. After years of marriage without children, Sarah turned to Avraham and urged him to marry her maidservant, Hagar. The Ramban (16:2) comments, “ki Sarah lo nit’ya’asha me’Avram, v’lo hirchiyka atzma me’etzlo, ki hi ishto v’hu isha, Sarah did not give up on Avraham, nor did she distance herself from him, for she was his wife and he was her husband.” One might have thought that by giving Hagar as a wife to Avraham, Sarah was withdrawing; she was giving up, admitting defeat and retreating to the shadows. Instead, she says to her beloved Avraham, “I am right here by your side. Life hasn’t worked out the way I had hoped – but I am not giving up – we will realize our life dream of building a people and a destiny together.” Sarah was able to make the difficult decisions that needed to be made. After the birth of Yitzchak, Sarah very quickly understood that to raise a true Abra-

hamitic heir required an atmosphere of holiness and dedication. Yishmael’s life stood in contradistinction to these values and as such, Sarah felt he had to be sent away. Sarah had the benefit of life experience and wisdom to do what had to be done despite the fact that it hurt. We often assume that we are supposed to outgrow the behaviors and outlooks of one stage of life as we progress to the next. In reality, we must endeavor to allow one stage to build on the other. No matter how old we get we must learn to find our inner child. Although we have been hurt and wronged by others we must learn to trust. Although at

times we may feel let down by God, we must try to cultivate a strong sense of faith. No matter how many times we fall and fail we must maintain an ever-present sense of optimism that things will come together. We must remain idealistic even when so many around us are not. We must use our heart, mind and life experiences to make wise life decisions. We must allow our inner child, young adult and wise elder to walk hand in hand throughout life.

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“And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years; [these were] the years of the life of Sarah (Genesis 23:1).”

age is physically and psychologically attuned to particular emphases, but the superior individual can retain and harmonize the positive strengths of all three periods during his entire lifetime. Sarah was such a person, “the goodness of her life was equally distributed,” kulan shavin l’tova. She was at the same time a child in her total faith, youthful in her exuberant idealism and an adult in the maturity of her judgment.”

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A Parsha Thought

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Believers in the Police How Religious Officers in Israel’s Police Force are Protecting their Nation with Honor BY TAMMY MARK

s the Israel Defense Force has long established itself as an effective and consistently moral organization, Israel’s internal security has had difficulty maintaining the same standards. The IDF overwhelmingly commands respect from the people whom they protect and defend, yet the Mishtarat Yisrael, the Israel Police, has developed a regrettably tough reputation amongst many of the citizens it serves and protects. Multiple factors have led to the deterioration of public opinion. The religious sector harbors resentment towards the police for its role in the events that occurred in Gush Katif during the 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, as well as for the violent clashes in Amona in 2006. The general public has lost faith in the police force’s ability to act impartially and to fight crime. The police force has had very little success in dealing with pervasive community issues like delinquency and domestic disputes. A recent international study revealed that the Israel Police ranked lowest among 20 national police forces.

new program, Maaminim B’Mishtara, Believers in the Police, aims to change this reality. Joining with top police officials and the Internal Security Ministry and with the haskama of many rabbanim in Israel, the leaders of the organization have created a system to recruit highly skilled and ethical candidates from amongst the religious population in efforts to boost both the police capabilities as well as its

public image. The initiative was spearheaded three years ago by Nachy Eyal after an unfortunate encounter with the Israel Police. He realized that the existing situation required drastic changes. Determined to boost the integrity of the Israel Police, Eyal set out to fix the system from within. Amongst the challenges he faced was the fact the Israel Police has had difficulty recruiting da’ati

graduates of IDF combat units into its ranks. Of the 29,000 policemen in the Mishtara, a mere 6,000 are at least traditional and the halachic aspects of police work has never been formally addressed. Under the direction of CEO Uriel Cohen and Rabbi Rami Brachyahu, rav of Talmon and head of the program’s beit midrash, religious police officers are gradually gaining traction in the police force. Located in Tel

Aviv, the Maaminim B’Mishtara program begins with a year of Torah study, focusing on relevant halacha and ethics, alternating with basic training. The following year the recruits are more fully immersed in police training, with the continued connection to the beit midrash. Through this specialized program, promotion to officer is possible within two years rather than five years in the typical police program. The target candidates are graduates of hesder yeshivot and mechina pre-military academies, ages 22-32, who have completed combat service. As religious Zionists, these individuals have the ability to infuse the police force with a strong Jewish mindset and Israeli spirit found in the IDF. Ideally, the program seeks to recruit representatives from the national religious community, the Ethiopian immigrant community and the chareidi ultra-orthodox community. A metamorphosis is taking place. Relationships are improving. More and more young people want to be a part of this elite program, and the police are embracing them as well, recognizing that these recruits are the best of the best; they are ethical, well-trained and have a strong sense of duty and commitment to the community. They have served their country with pride and bring an increased sense of nationalism and integrity to the police force. 60 policemen have been trained to date and are now deployed throughout the country. Many station houses throughout the state have an Orthodox representative. Spread throughout the country from Eilat to the Golan

“How wonderful it is for these men to be able to protect the State of Israel and their brothers and sisters within the parameters of halacha!”

n a country where the focus is largely on national security issues, local community issues often take a back seat. Through this new initiative, inroads are being made in community life as well. This infusion of ethics and compassion will facilitate progress in dealing with at-risk youth and abusive domestic situations. Situations can be diffused and mindsets trans-

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Members of Israel’s frum police force at the Kotel

Learning in the Beit Medrash

In the Beit Medrash

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

formed in a few minutes with kind words and the right demeanor. Having the police function as positive role models will assist in minimizing and ultimately preventing young transgressors from going to jail. “We need to show them how to behave, not send them to jail. Sending them to jail is like sending them to a school for criminals,” Uriel Cohen points out. Additionally, when religious officers show up to assist with a potentially-explosive situation and are able to calmly diffuse the tension in a home or at the scene of a crime, relationships between the religious and nonreligious communities are fostered. A respect for the Torah and those who observe halacha is strengthened. While the first priority is to train the new recruits to function as ethical leaders, there is a larger vision for the future. Rabbi Brachyahu’s next goal is to complete a book of halacha for use by all members of the Israel Police. Efforts are also being directed towards the development of an ethical empowerment curriculum as part of continuing education for all police officers. While most organizations in Israel are based on building yeshivas and doing chessed, the founders of Maaminim B’Mishtara are doing innovative work by bringing halacha to this commonly aggressive institution. “It’s a beautiful partnership,” Rabbi Brachyahu points out with a smile, “bringing something G-dly into something that has historically functioned as not G-dly.” Funding is now needed to sustain and expand the program. The costs are the highest during the first year of learning, as Maaminim B’Mishtara pay the recruits 65% of their police salary. They are also seeking to include additional rabbinical students to study the complex police issues and write books on the halachot for police officers. Both Uriel and Rabbi Brachyahu emphasize that although the program is relatively small now, the recruits are energized, and in the long term, the program will be changing the entire face of the nation’s security force. “How wonderful it is for these men to be able to protect the State of Israel and their brothers and sisters within the parameters of halacha!” Rabbi Brachyahu pronounces. Uriel adds that they hope to supply 500 new religious officers to the Israel Police force within the next 6 years. Currently, only 7% of officers in the force are religious—in stark contrast to 50% of IDF officers who are religious. Rabbi Pesach Lerner, Executive Vice President Emeritus of the National Council of Young Israel, sees the importance of supporting this endeavor as he believes the small, day-to-day actions of these respectable officers will have a major ripple effect—impacting society, transforming the police force, and providing more opportunity for the religious community. “It is important that a Torah presence be part of the national police force so that all parts of society can see the beauty and ethical behavior of Torah as they interact with the young policemen,” says Rabbi Lerner. The name, “Believers in the Police,” says it all. It is a clear statement of the dual goals that the leaders set out to achieve: to increase the civilian community’s belief in their national police force and to have G-d-fearing believers serving their country in the Israel Police. 

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Heights, positive changes are taking place within the police force. The use of crude language, commonplace in the police environment, is diminishing as the police become more aware and conscientious when a religious officer works in their midst. Kashrut is now strictly adhered to during formal and informal events. Rabbi Brachyahu relates how the program has influenced even the non-religious members of the police force. For the past few years, the officers were given cards in order to purchase meals at local stores, Shabbat included. With the inclusion of Orthodox recruits, not only are meals being served on Shabbat in the stationhouses, but kiddush and other Shabbat customs are now part of police life. As there has never been halachic guidance for police work, complicated questions are directed to Rabbi Brachyahu constantly. Consideration is spent on what police activity can be done on Shabbat, since so many police responsibilities do not fall under the category of life-saving. Israel Police are responsible to protect Arab and other non-Jewish citizens at all times as well, adding other considerations to the complexity of the rulings. Exploring issues like how to properly interrogate a prisoner and how much can the truth be stretched to question a suspect requires examining Jewish laws as well as the study of ethics. Officers have to constantly be on their guard to ensure that they are working within the halacha. For example, Rabbi Brachyahu points out, when called to a scene on Shabbat to find a cat caught in a tree, an officer cannot assist in the creature’s escape, unless there is danger to a person involved. The police officer has to explain that they cannot violate the Shabbat to free the cat and the officer cannot refer the situation to another non-religious police officer. After all, whatever a religious officer cannot do, a non-religious officer should not be doing as well. Ethics classes are part of the continuing education classes for the established police. Visible acts of chessed are common from members of the force. Police are now quoting from the halacha booklets Rabbi Brachyahu has authored and there is a new desire and encouragement for them to learn in the beit midrash. They are learning and relearning what it means to be a police officer in the land of Israel. These nuances foster a renewed sense of pride across the spectrum, from young recruits to 20 year veterans. Throughout the year, Rabbi Brachyahu visits the station houses to give lectures to the officers. He also visits them in their homes to provide chizuk to their wives and children. He fields calls from those in the program and other officers who reach out to him with their questions—even from those who are non-religious who are seeking moral guidance from one whom they respect.

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Travel Who Really Owns YOUR Credit Card Miles & Points Continued…. By Eli Schreiber Partner and Director of marketing for Peyd In our last column, we mentioned that a rabbi who had sued Northwest claiming their forfeiture of his mileage account and elite status was illegal, lost his case due to the decision of the supreme court that since airlines were protected by federal law from being sued, his lawsuit claiming the airlines were in violation of good faith business practices could not go forward. We mentioned at the time, the court hadn’t decided whether the rabbi’s claim was valid or not, and that it wouldn’t take long for someone else to raise this same issue, perhaps instead focusing on the point programs offered by the credit card companies who weren’t governed by the airline regulation law. What we couldn’t foresee was that an elected official with increased authority and power would be the one who decided to further pursue this matter. Originally from the Bronx, Congressman Alan Grayson, a Democrat hailing from Florida’s 9th congressional district, which includes Orlando, has contacted the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation to launch an investigation into the airlines practice of constantly changing the value of mileage programs and making free tickets tougher to come by and award seats harder to reserve. He claims these practices are deceptive and unfair and has demanded an inquiry. What makes this inquiry by Congressman Grayson very interesting is that he has exorcised his authority as a lawmaker to bypass the courts and contacted the federal authority which regulates the airline industry and was the governing body that initially created the airline deregulation law that protects the airlines from being sued. In an interview with CreditCards. com, Congressman Grayson focuses on the fact that the inspector general

has the authority to regulate functions of the airline industry, not just the actual flying of passengers and that overall based on his observations the mileage practices in question are “deceptive” and thus under the purview of the inspector general to review and regulate. In his claim that these practices are deceptive, he cites a number of practices that he has experienced (as many of us have experienced as well) including: • The ever-changing and constant devaluation of the miles and points including changes without appropriate notice. • The lack of availability at the various award levels. • The fact that in some instances you can search for almost a year in advance and not find mileage seats available for seats the airlines claim is available when they advertise their mileage programs. Although our idea for solving this issue was to put the banks/credit card companies under increased scrutiny and not the airlines, Congressman Grayson has rightly focused his inquiry on the airlines themselves as he correctly states the banks have paid literally billions of dollars to partner with airlines to promote their frequent flier programs to credit card holders to they can gain additional consumers, and the airline’s policies are the reason why the point programs and of course, the airline miles, are constantly being devalued beyond the customer’s control. The actual text of the letter of inquiry sent by the inspector general on September 11th of this year is short but fascinating: From: Matthew Hampton Assistant Inspector General for Aviation Audits To: General Counsel

For more than 30 years, major airlines have offered frequent flyer programs to encourage travel on their respective airlines and secure customer loyalty. In addition to earning awards by flying, participants can earn awards for free travel by using certain credit cards and purchasing services from non-airline partners such as hotels and rental car agencies. Currently, there are an estimated 647 million members enrolled in various frequent flyer programs worldwide, with 306 million members enrolled in U.S. airline programs. The Department of Transportation (DOT) does not have regulations directly related to the terms of airline frequent flyer program contracts. These are matters of individual airline policy. However, DOT does require that airlines disclose their frequent flyer program rules. DOT also provides guidance to airlines for disclosing costs they may assess related to bookings of frequent-flyer award travel.* Failure to adhere to DOT’s guidance could constitute an unfair and deceptive practice in which enforcement actions can be pursued against the airlines. In July 2014, Representative Alan Grayson requested that we examine airlines’ frequent flyer program practices. In particular, Representative Grayson expressed concerns about the lack of transparency for consumers when airlines change their frequent flyer program terms and conditions. Accordingly, our audit objective will be to assess DOT oversight of airlines’ compliance with frequent flyer program disclosure requirements. We plan to begin our audit later this month and will contact your audit liaison to schedule an entrance conference. We will conduct our work at DOT Headquarters and selected airlines (to be

determined). *Under DOT guidance, any government fees or taxes or mandatory carrier charges, such as processing fees the consumer must pay in frequent-flyer award programs, must be shown on the airlines’ Web sites is clear evidence at this point that there is misleading and deceptive activity on the part of the airlines. We remind our readers that Congressman Grayson’s focus is on the mileage programs themselves; the lack of advance notice and devaluation specifically, and not on the issues we raised in our last column where the airlines restrict the usage of miles and points to the cardholder, and frown upon the sale and usage of these programs by an individuals who haven’t earned the miles and points directly. However, as we stated last week, we believe quite strongly that the frequent flier and point programs are unfair, in violation of good faith business practices and ultimately need to be reformed. And now, a federal official feels the same, and this inquiry has the ability to completely change the landscape of the rewards programs offered by the airlines and open them to additional scrutiny. We look forward to seeing the results of the inquiry and would love to hear your comments, thoughts and opinions. Eli Schreiber is a partner and chief marketing officer of Get PEYD and PEYD Travel LLC.

My Israel Home

49 Gedaliah Borvick

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

The Charming Community of Talbieh

Graphics by Leah Mostofsky

After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the Greek Orthodox Church lost the financial support of the Russian pilgrims and was forced to sell off its lands in the form of long-term leaseholds. At the end of the British Mandate period, a villa at 18 Marcus Street served as the Royal Air Force headquarters and was the de facto border between the Iraqis who took up military positions in the lower part of Talbieh near the German Colony, and the Haganah which was entrenched in northern Talbieh. Retaining control of Talbieh was vital to the nascent Jewish state as it was a major corridor to Rechavia, home to many important national institutions. At a farewell party for the British hosted by Jews before Israel declared its independence, the British promised to inform the Haganah when they would vacate RAF headquarters – and they kept their word. The following night, the British withdrew and the Haganah soldiers immediately crawled to the back of the building, entered from the rear and hoisted the Israeli flag from the roof. The next morning, when the Iraqis saw the Israeli flag flying, they realized that they had lost the battle before it ever began. Reuven Mas, the leader of Talbieh’s Jewish community, offered the Arab families in Talbieh permission to stay, promising they would be safe from harm, but the Arab neighbors immediately departed. Soon thereafter, Jewish families who lost their homes in the northern Jerusalem battles took up residency in these abandoned homes. After 1948, Voice Lessons the area was with Cantor Allan Berman renamed Komemiyut, repAll Baalei Tefiloh, Singers, resenting the Teachers, Rebbeim... Jewish desire Trouble with high notes? Hoarse? for independence and security (see the Ahava Rabba prayer Learn to speak, sing , and daven before Shema). Howevcorrectly and with the correct er, the new name never Nusach and melodies! caught on, and everyone refers to the neighCall: 410-733-0996 or 410-486-0491 borhood by its original Email: arberman18@gmail.com name Talbieh.

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Talbieh is an upscale Jerusalem neighborhood located between Rechavia to the north, Yemin Moshe to the east, the German Colony to the south, and Old Katamon to the west. Talbieh’s streets are lined with trees and the gardens are beautifully manicured; many of its buildings date back to the British Mandate period. Home to many of the most upscale hotels in central Jerusalem, Talbieh is extremely well located and is a quick walk to the Old City, Ben Yehuda Street and to Emek Refaim. In addition, Keren Hayesod Street on the edge of Talbieh has many bus lines, offering its residents easy access to all public transportation lines. Talbieh is one of the most popular destinations for vacationers and retired olim, as it is easy to live there speaking only English. There are many synagogues that boast a large English-speaking constituency, including the Great Synagogue, Hovevei Tzion, and Beit Knesset Hanassi/Young Israel of Rechavia. Between the many classes available in these shuls and the constant quality programming offered at the OU Center on Keren Hayesod, Talbieh’s residents enjoy a veritable smorgasbord of educational activities. Talbieh also provides its residents with many cultural activities, including various museums and the prestigious Jerusalem Theater. In addition, Talbieh houses numerous important national and local institutions, including the official residence of the President of the State of Israel and the National Institute of Science and the Van Leer Foundation. Talbieh is built primarily on land that was purchased by the Greek Orthodox Church from local Arabs in the second half of the nineteenth century.

Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www. myisraelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@gmail.com.

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Riddle! Someone has a diamond ring and has put it in one of four locked boxes. If you figure out which box it’s in, you can keep it. The boxes are numbered 1,2,3,4, in that order. There are four different keys that each has their own color. Use the clues below to figure out which key goes in which box and to find the box where the diamond ring is being kept. 1. The green key goes to the third or fourth box 2. The ring is to the left of the fourth box 3. The ring is to the right of the first box 4. The yellow key is to the left of the ring 5. The blue key is to the right of the yellow key and to the left of the green key 6. The red key goes to the first box Answer on next page

Speechless in America The following foreign words should definitely have an English equivalent:

Kummerspeck (German) Definition: Excess weight gained from emotional overeating.

Pelinti (Ghana) To move hot food around in your mouth.

Age-otori (Japanese) To look worse after a haircut.

Pochemuchka (Russian) A person who asks too many questions.

Tartle (Scots) Hesitating just before you have to introduce someone whose name you forgot.

Zeg (Georgian) The day after tomorrow.

You Gotta be

Kidding!

A bank decides to carry out an audit of passwords used by their customers. To their surprise, they find that Yankel Cohen, one of their elderly customers, has regularly been using a very lengthy password. The password being used was: AdamEveNoahMosesAbrahamIsaacJacobJosephJerusalem The office manager phones Yankel. “Mr. Cohen,” says the manager, “we’ve just discovered that you’re using an unnecessarily long password to get into your online account with us. Why did you choose such a long password?” “I only did what I was instructed to do by your office,” replies Yankel. “Well, what did they tell you to do?” asks the manager. “They told me that the password had to be 8 characters long and had to include at least one capital.”

Tsundoku (Japanese) Leaving a book unread after buying it.

Iktsuarpok (Inuit) To go outside to check if an expected visitor has arrived over and over again.

Shemomedjamo (Georgian) To eat past the point of being full just because the food tastes good.

Culaccino (Italian) The mark left on a surface from a moist glass.

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

NOVEMBER: Events, Happenings And What-Not November: Events, Happenings and What-not

Down

2. Chicago Tribune’s election eve snafu.

3. Writes “Old Ironsides.”

6. 49ers QB completes NFL record 22 consecutive passes.

9. 11th president of U.S. 10. The world’s first inhabited space capsule launched by Russia.

8 9

11. Famous UN plan voted on November 29, 2007.

11 12

13. Pass the turkey please. Across

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

5. Composer of “G-d Bless America”

13 14

1. JFK’s killer.

4. Resigns as VP due to charges of income tax evasion on kickbacks received while governor of Maryland. 7. The nation focused on these hanging things in Florida after the 2000 elections.

16. Celebration of those who serve. 17. “Four score and seven years ago…”

Answer to riddle: The ring is in the third box. The red key goes to the first box. The yellow key goes to the second box. The blue key goes to the third box. The green key goes to the fourth box. Finders keepers!

12. Beatles 14. Sadat 15. Iran Contra 16. Veterans Day 17. Gettysburg Address

15. President Reagan reveals secret arm deal.

3. Oliver Wendell Holmes 5. Irving Berlin 6. Joe Montana 9. James Polk 10. Sputnik 11. Partition Plan 13. Thanksgiving

14. Egyptian president makes historic visit to Israel.

Down 2. Dewey Defeats Truman

12. In 1962, these guys from Liverpool have their 1st recording session under the name of their newly formed band.

Across 1. Lee Harvey Oswald 4. Spiro Agnew 7. Chads 8. OJ Simpson

8. Wins Heisman Trophy Award in 1968 but is most infamous for the crimes leading to a white Ford Explorer chase through L.A.

G OT FU N N Y?

Comm Let the ission er dec

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Send your s tuff

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to altim fivetow cenotreerjefowlids@ h hom nsjewis hhome. e.com com

82 76 T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 2 4 , 2012

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

In The Kitchen

In the Kitchen

Naomi Nachman

Ain’t Nothing but a Hot Dog

Soup-er Soups to warm your family on cool fall nights

ver the last few weeks, I had been preparing for Kosherfest, the largest kosher food tradeshow in the United States. I have attended this annual show for more than 15 years, and I really look forward to it each year. This year not only am I attending, I am also taping my radio show “Table For Two” on the Nachum Segal Network from

the Kosherfest show. If you want to listen to the show when it first airs, simply go to www.nachumsegal.com this Friday, November 14 at 9am or you can access it on the archives anytime on the website. You can even watch the show on the Nachum Segal Network channel on YouTube or download the Nachum Segal Network

app from iTunes or Google Play and listen on the go from your phone. My radio show is sponsored by Abeles and Heymann, makers of the best hot dogs in town. I have developed some recipes that we will be doing from the Abeles and Heymann booth during the show, and I am sharing these recipes with my readers.

There is nothing like the magic of hot soup to warm your soul and fill your belly. I have always loved soup. These easy-to-make, hearty soups will keep you warm and satisfied any night of the year. Ingredients I try to make a lot of different soups on one day so I have ready to go meals in the freezer on those chilly days. ½ cup duck sauce My kids love having a bowl of soup waiting for when they come home from school. ½ them cup barbecue sauce Abeles and Heymann salami

Preparation Mix the two sauces together and set aside. Remove the labeled casing from the salami and place on a cutting board. Make slicesfor in athe salami, taking care not topeeled cut alland thecut wayinto through. 2 carrots, ½ inchThe dicesalami should This soup is great Thanksgiving still remain dinner and is perfect for fall intact. with all the 1 TBS lemon juice Place the sliced salami 1onbunch a cookie lined with parchment paper. Using babysheet spinach seasonal root vegetables. a pastry brush, liberally coat the slices with the prepared sauce on both sides and Pinch cayenne pepper across the top. Be careful not to tear apart the slices and to keep the salami intact. Ingredients Place salami in a 400° oven for 45 minutes. Baste the salami with the sauce Preparation 1 cup red lentils, sorted andthe rinsed continually during baking. Watch forlentils, burningwater as theand sauce hasleaf a high content. Add bay to sugar a 4 cups water As it cooks, the salami will medium fan out and bend. Cover and boil on a saucepan. Bay leaf Remove from oven andsimmer allow tofor cool20slightly. to a serving tray and minutesTransfer until lentils are Salt sauce. tender. Add 1 tablespoon salt and remove 2 TBS olive oil serve warm with extra dipping bay leaf; puree lentils in a blender. 2 onions, diced Add onions to a skillet and sauté until 4 cloves garlic, minced onions are soft. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, 2-inch piece ginger, minced curry, and coriander and sauté for a few 2 tsp cumin more minutes. Add butternut squash, pars1 tsp curry nip, carrots, zucchini, salt, and 1 ½ cups 2 tsp dried coriander water simmer for 10 minutes until veg2 cups butternut squash, cut into ½ inch Ingredients etables are soft. dice 1 can crushed pineapple juice Stir lemon juice and spinach into pu1 cup zucchini, peeled and cut into ½ ¾ cup brown sugar reed lentils, then add the vegetables and inch dice 4 tsp minced garlic stir to combine. The heat will wilt the 1 medium parsnip,3 TBS cider vinegar spinach. Add pepper and salt if necessary. peeled and cut into ½ inch dicesauce 1 TBS sriracha 1/2 tsp salt Handful cilantro, parsley, or mint (or a mixture) 1 TBS cornstarch ½ cup water 1 package favorite flavor of Abeles and Heymann hot dogs, grilled 1 package hot dog rolls Preparation In a small pot on medium heat, blend together the first 7 ingredients until smooth. Bringfortofamilies a boil and and individuals simmer forwithin 5 minutes on Towns a low and heat. While simmerNaomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals The Five neighmix and water a small until smooth. With a whisk, boring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributinging, editor to together this papercornstarch and also produces andinhosts her bowl own weekly radio show gradually into pineapple mixture, whisking until sauce thickens on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomiblend gives cornstarch cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest hostaton the QVC TV Remove network and hasheat. beenCool featured cookbooks, which will be boiling point. from and in serve as a dipping sauce magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal for hot dogs.chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on

Easy Hasselback Salami

Red Lentil Vegetable Soup

Hot Dog with Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Sriracha Sauce

Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website,www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

77 53

Ingredients 6 large Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 2 TBS canola oil 1 large onion, divided 4 medium eggs, divided 3 TBS potato starch 3 TBS mayonnaise 1 tsp garlic powder 1 TBS salt Pinch white pepper 2 Abeles and Heymann hotdogs, thinly sliced about ½-inch

ing pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside. Drain the potatoes; mash well in a bowl. Add 3 eggs, potato starch, mayonnaise, garlic powder, ¾ of the sautéed onion, salt and pepper. Mix well and then set aside. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Make small scoops of the potato mixture and place it on the cookie sheet about an inch apart. Place a hot dog slice in the center of each potato mound, burying each slice so it is hidden. Beat the remaining egg and brush each potato mound with the egg wash. Top each knish with remaining onion in the center to garnish. Bake at 400° for approximately 30 minautes or until slightly browned.

Preparation Boil the potatoes in a medium pot with water to cover until fork tender. Meanwhile, heat canola oil in a large fry-

Ingredients 1 TBS brown sugar 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 TBS soy sauce 1 lb. skinless chicken breast cubes, diced 1 package wonton wrappers 1 package Abeles and Heymann kishka, cut into small pieces

Chicken Kishka Wontons

Preparation Combine sugar, garlic, soy sauce and chicken. Make sure to dice the chicken into small pieces. Refrigerate chicken for 1 hour. Place a piece of marinated chicken and a piece of kishka in the center of a wonton wrapper. Make sure the chicken and kishka

are cut into small pieces; the wontons will burst open if overstuffed. Fold each corner of the wonton in the center to form an envelope. If the wrapper doesn’t stick close, use a little of the marinade or water to seal the edges slightly. Fill a large pot with about 2-3 inches of oil (approximately 2 cups). Place over medium high heat until it reaches to 350° on a fry therlmometer. Fry a few wontons at a time (do not cook too many at once) for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Watch for burning. Use a slotted spoon to remove; transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve with duck sauce.

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Hot Dog Knish

Preparation Prepare beef fry according to package. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients; whisk to blend. To assemble: Spread the sauce on both sides of the bread. On one half of the bread, place cooked beef fry, then layer it with tomato, lettuce and any additional toppings. Top with other half of the bread.

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Classic “B.L.T.”

Ingredients Choose your favorite kind of bread—Kaiser roll, whole grain bread, baguette, sliced 1 package Abeles and Heymann beef fry Beefsteak tomato, sliced Romaine lettuce, shredded Hummus, avocado, poached egg, optional Mustard Sauce ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 TBS Abeles and Heymann Sweet and Tangy Mustard 1 TBS relish

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

n a m i a t S Je remy Jeremy will be in Baltimore in November to meet with existing and prospective clients about upcoming projects. Call or email to set up a time to find out what Staiman Design can do for you!

STAIMAN DESIGN 410-580-0100 | info@staiman.com www.staiman.com

KosherologyKosherology

55 Alex Idov

Alex Idov

THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME

Thanksgiving Favorites

NOVEMBER 13, 2014

Mushroom & Challah Stuffing

When it comes to turkey dressing/stuffing, I am what you call a purist. And my family recipe for dressing is the best one I can think of (hands down!). No added “frills” like chestnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for me... INGREDIENTS • 1 lb. Portobello mushrooms, sliced thinly • 1 ½ cup chopped celery (approx. 4-5 medium ribs), with some leaves • 1 cup chopped onion • 7 cups soft large crouton-sized challah crumbs • 2-3 eggs • 2 to 2 ½ tsp. poultry seasoning • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp pepper PREPARATION In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, celery, and onions until mushrooms and celery are tender and onions are translucent. Don’t cook it for too long or the mushrooms may shrink to very little. Add the challah to the skillet and stir in with the vegetables, incorporating well. Remove from the flame. Season the eggs with the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper and beat well. Pour the egg mixture over the dressing mixture and mix well, until well incorporated. Pour into a well-greased 9x13 Pyrex pan. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place stuffing in the oven and cook for 2025 minutes, or until firm and top is browned. *Recipe makes approx. 9 cups of stuffing and stuffs a 10 lb. turkey; it feeds approximately 12 people. To use as stuffing, do not bake prior to stuffing the turkey. To add moisture, if so desired, moisten with chicken or turkey broth.

Cola Glazed Meatballs INGREDIENTS Meatball Mixture • 1 lb. ground beef • 1 large egg • ½ cup breadcrumbs Seasoning • 1 ½ tsp salt • 1 ½ tsp sweet paprika powder • ½ tsp onion powder • 1 tsp black pepper • ½ tsp ground nutmeg • 1 tsp brown sugar • ¼ tsp garlic powder Glaze • ½ cup brown sugar • ½ cup cola or cherry soda PREPARATION Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix meat with egg and bread crumbs. Add seasonings and mix well. Form meat into medium sized balls and place on lined baking sheet. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flip meatballs and bake for an additional 10 minutes. In the meantime, place brown sugar and cherry soda in a non-stick skillet, stir and bring to a boil. Once mixture has reached a boil, lower to medium heat and boil for 7-10 minutes, stirring often (the mixture should get very thick). Remove meatballs from oven and glaze by brushing brown sugar/ soda mixture on meatballs or by tossing meatballs into the mixture. Once glazed, return meatballs to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

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