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MAY 3, 2019
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MAY 3, 2019
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
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CONTENTS
COMMUNITY
Around the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Zvi Teichman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Rabbi Motty Rabinowitz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
PEOPLE 613 Seconds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT Centerfold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Notable Quotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
FEATURE A Journey to Freedom Through the Pacific. . . . . . 39
LIFESTYLES Political Crossfire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Dating Dialogue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Health and Fitness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Mental Health Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Researching Your Family History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 The Measles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Your Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Life Coach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Gluten Free Recipe Column. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
NEWS
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 National. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Dear Readers, There’s a saying: “Acharei mos, kedoshim,” suggesting that after someone passes away, we sing their praises and overlook their faults. While people usually express this truism with cynicism, is it really as negative as it sounds? Some will say that it’s easy to see the positive in a person once they aren’t actively challenging our ego or harming us. But I think that it’s more than that. In general, we appreciate something when we no longer have it and can only look back and remember it. This question might sound funny, but is it even possible to appreciate something while we still have it? Even if we currently possess something and can indeed appreciate it, to do so most of us will recall an earlier time in which we didn’t have it or compare ourselves with someone who doesn’t have it. It would seem, though, that with humility one can appreciate something they’ve always had as well as everyone around them. When one feels humble and leaves space for others, then the things they have and even the breaths they take are appreciated and bring joy like an unexpected gift. Being humble allows us to thrive in life as well. It allows us to listen to others, to see life in a realistic way, and to be in touch with our truest, innermost self (not to be confused with our selfish side..). It says that like Moshe Rabbeinu, Mashiach will be extremely humble. He will learn with the avos and yet will relate to the simple person. Cultivating the middah of modestly might be another fine way to prepare for his arrival. Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos! Shalom
The Baltimore Jewish Home is an independent bi-weekly newspaper. All opinions expressed by the journalists, contributors and/or advertisers printed and/or quoted herein are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, Internet or another medium. 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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S U N DAY — T H U R S DAY • 3 - 8 P M
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MAY 3, 2019
DINNER SALE All Sub Sandwiches ............................... $10.00 Side of Fries...................................................... $1.00 All Knishes.......................................................... $1.50
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Around the Community
Baltimore’s Annual Biyur Chametz Draws More Than 10,000 Participants MAY 3, 2019 THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn
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t was a cloudy/sunny/cloudy/ drizzly morning at Pimlico Race Course as Baltimore’s Jewish community members joined together for the 37th year to burn their chametz in preparation for the first Pesach Seder. The Chesed Fund & Project Ezra orchestrated and cover the cost of this event in memory of Harry A. & Lillian Frid, a”h. This annual event, created and
still carefully supervised by Dr. Bert Miller, was held at the Pimlico Race Course Clubhouse Parking Lot, from 6:30 – 11:30 a.m. and a Baltimore City Police estimate of more than 10,000 participants from all denominations were on hand to participate. Along with Baltimore City Councilman Yitzy Schleifer, the event was visited by Acting Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young, Baltimore City Police Commissioner, Michael Harrison, Baltimore City Fire Chief Niles R. Ford, PhD.
Photo Credit: Jeff Cohn Photography
By: BJL Staff
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THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
Photo Credit: Jeff Cohn Photography
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
8 Around the Community
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MAY 3, 2019
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Around the Community
Baltimore Chesed League Banquet Wraps Momentous Season
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
W
ith a feast of delicious food and rousing words of inspiration, the Baltimore Chesed League (boys edition) wrapped its third season on April 3rd with a gala banquet. The gathering celebrated the chesed acts and dedication of one hundred boys and fifteen teams over six weeks. The 2019 season was by far the largest-scale season to date with the teams of middle-school aged boys executing ninety team chesed activities over their six Sundays, not to mention the hundreds of “small” individual activities that counted towards each team’s weekly score. Just a small sampling of the team activities included delivering cookies to the infirm or delivering cheer to special needs children, and prepping food for Bikur Cholim or prepping the Hatzalah van for its important mission. The boys and coaches in attendance at the Suburban Orthodox social hall were treated to inspiring words from Rabbi Shmuel Silber who reminded the crowd that while the BCL season may have come to a close, the boys will now carry that chesed mind-
set with them throughout the year, further allowing them to “improve the perfectly imperfect world” that Hashem created. In addition to the keynote, Baltimore Chesed League participants BZ Openden and Aryeh Preiserowicz bravely stepped up to the microphone to share with the packed room their musings and takeaways from the season. Self-proclaimed “Coach of the Year” Elie Goldstein also shared with pride his team’s resilience and ability to pivot when they encountered logistical challenges with their activities. Even when facing adversity, they, with
the guidance of co-coach Dr. Dovi Turner, found ways to perform meaningful chesed. The evening culminated with a recap video quite impressively produced by BCL’s own Yosef Chaim Weill. The BCL Committee wants to extend gratitude to the following people and organizations, without whom the Chesed League would have been not be able to be as successful as it was. To league sponsor, Northwest Refuse Service, banquet sponsor, David Flamm-Nationwide Agency, to host shul/organization Suburban Orthodox Toras Chaim, to the 15 team sponsors,
the 30 highly-committed coaches. To food sponsors for the kick off event, Knish Shop, for our prize outing, Mama Leah’s Pizza, and the final banquet, Dougie’s BBQ & Grill. Finally, the committee wants to express much appreciation to the BCL parents for encouraging their boys throughout the season and most of all, to the 100 BCL participants. The BCL looks forward to 2020 but in the meantime, the BCL Reserve is open yearround. For information or to join, visit baltimorechesedleague.com
Gov. Hogan: ‘Mayor Pugh Must Resign’ Staff Reporter BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
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fter news of FBI and IRS raids on Mayor Catherine Pugh’s homes, her attorney’s office and City Hall, Gov. Larry
Hogan called on her to resign. “Now more than ever, Baltimore City needs strong and responsible leadership. Mayor Pugh has lost the public trust. She is clearly not fit to lead,” Hogan said in a statement. “For the good of the city, Mayor Pugh must resign.”
New City Ethics Bills Introduced Following ‘Healthy Holly’ Book Controversy By: Staff Reporter BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn
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ouncilman Ryan Dorsey proposed three bills set to strengthen Baltimore City’s ethics laws in the wake of the calls for Mayor Pugh’s resignation. The new proposals come as Mayor Catherine Pugh’s “Healthy Holly” book deals remain under investigation
One bill proposes that people within certain positions understand the requirements to file financial disclosure statements and the consequences for not doing so. The following two bills would protect whistle-blowers who present crime information from retaliation, and transitions the responsibility of the ethics board from the Department of Legislative Reference to the inspector general.
Other bills yet to be presented, are to introduce power limitations on the mayor and make it easier to remove a mayor from office. The bills seem to have support from the majority of the council. In a tweet, Dorsey thanked colleagues co-sponsoring two of the bills. There are many steps that must be followed for any form of legislation; however, the bills now head to committee.
Great New T itles
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from
DY ALREA 3rd S IT IN G!! PRINTIN
by Rabbi David Ashear
CT PERFE IFT NG A M O AFIK
ACHIEVING A LIFE OF SERENITY THROUGH FAITH
by Rabbi Berel Wein A HISTORICAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE COUNTRIES OF OUR DIASPORA Beautifully written, with hundreds of photographs, In the Footsteps of Eliyahu Hanavi takes us to more than 25 countries, giving us a riveting look at the world’s most fascinating and eternal People.
From the beaches of Coney Island to the beaches of D-Day… RABBI YECHIEL SPERO IGNITES THE SPARK WITHIN YOU! Historical fiction at its best! BESATUSTEHLOLRIN! G NEW L E NOV
by Miriam Zakon
by Rabbi Yechiel Spero
FROM BROOKLYN TO NORMANDY — AN EPIC SAGA OF A FAMILY IN TURMOIL
STORIES TO TOUCH YOUR HEART AND LIGHT UP YOUR SOUL Rabbi Spero’s stories leave us uplifted and help us see the goodness all around us. They bolster our emunah, reignite hope, and put a smile back on our faces just when we need it most. Read his stories and let the light begin to shine!
It’s 1941 and the world is at war. In a simple Brooklyn boardinghouse, though, different battles are being fought. Its owner, Yeruchum Freed, is determined to raise his children as uncompromising Torah Jews. But do his children, Annie and Moe, share that dream? IZED — OVERS"x11" ½ 8
Tzvi is a little boy with a dream — to make a Kiddush Hashem. But how?
MAY 3, 2019
More stories. More insights. More emunah! Tens of thousands have discovered the secret of serenity, and how to enrich their lives through the power of emunah. With all-new stories, advice, and insights, Living Emunah 4 helps bring our emunah to an even higher level!
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MAGNIFICENT COFFEE TABLE BOOK
THIS LIFE-CHANGING SERIES CONTINUES
ANOTHER HISTORICAL THRILLER BY A BESTSELLING AUTHOR! ERIES! THE SIN UES T N O C
1649-1658 / THE SHACH
In this delightful read-aloud book, Tzvi and his Zaidy will show our children that they are not too young to bring honor to Hashem. With its engaging rhymes and entertaining illustrations, this is a book our children will ask for again and again, enjoying its important message while having so much fun!
Twilight is that fragile moment that is not quite night and not quite day. The period described in this book was a twilight time. The wounds of war were not yet healed, but there was hope once again. A darkness of a different kind, however, loomed in the future.
Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)
Fallstaff Shopping Center 6830 Reisterstown Rd Baltimore Maryland 21215 Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com ¥ 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724) Phone:(410) 358-2200
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
by Avner Gold
by Rachel Jonas illustrated by Hindy Weiss
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Around the Community
Rav Gav Inspires 400 at Etz Chaim’s Pre-Pesach Talk
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
T
he Sunday night before Pesach didn’t seem like the most popular time to host an inspirational event, but the crowd of about 400 Jews (of every type and stripe) proved to that if you get the right speaker, they will come. Rav Gav Friedman’s ability to simultaneously entertain and inspire proved to be a huge magnet for every type of
Jew. Prior to his keynote address on the connection between Matzah and the importance of time, Rav Gav led an energetic and interactive discussion about Pharaoh and free will to 50 young adults in Etz Chaim’s Young Professional and new RAJE programs. Heather Lev, Etz Chaim Jewnity committee member commented, “Still laughing.... He is THE BEST!!!”.
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MAY 3, 2019
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Around the Community
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
City, County Council Members: We Need Regional Cooperation
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here is an unnatural line that separates Baltimore and Baltimore County. In our neck of the woods, that line begins approximately at Reisterstown and Fallstaff roads. It follows a diagonal path to Slade Avenue and Park Heights Avenue where it makes a hard right turn into a straight easterly route to Charles Street, slicing through the radial streets that emanate from the city center to suburban neighborhoods. Because of this geographic dynamic, it is essential that elected leaders communicate regularly and work together for the benefit of the region. This is particularly important to us as the elected council members from the 5th District in Baltimore City and the 2nd District in Baltimore County. Our shared border and the issues that our constituents bring forward are our responsibility. That is why we organized a joint city/ county stream cleanup a few weeks
ago and we have long planned a regional town hall meeting for May 13, 2019. Public safety is important to the region. We work closely and collaboratively with our communities along with leaders from Baltimore County’s Pikesville Precinct and Baltimore City’s Northwestern and Northern districts. The only way to reduce crime is for the entire region to be working in a thoughtful and collaborative fashion. Education in Baltimore and Baltimore County is just as important. The planned renovations to Cross Country Elementary and Arlington Elementary/Middle in Baltimore City are key to strengthening the region as is the renovation of Summit Park Elementary and Bedford Elementary. That is why we call on the
Maryland State Senate to act on HB 727 (Build to Learn Act) during special session on May 1, 2019. Especially since this bill passed 133-3 in the House of Delegates. There are so many ways that regional cooperation can benefit our residents. Public safety, education and the
environment are just a few examples. Roads and waterways also need our joint attention. The future of the Preakness and the disposition of the Pikesville Armory are examples of areas that we can work collaboratively to make our region not just an ordinary place but a spectacular place. To achieve these focused goals, we must bear down on regional cooperation now. Join us on May 13 at the Meyerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Road at 7 p.m. Izzy Patoka and Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer (Op-ed the Baltimore Sun) The writers, both Democrats, are members of the Baltimore County Council (District 2) and Baltimore City Council (District 5).
Renovations Additions New Construction
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B I K U R C H O L I M O F B A LT I M O R E P R E S E N T S
MAY 3, 2019
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S H I R A M I R YA M B R O N F I N
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Around the Community
Remember The ‘Kissing Bug?’ CDC Confirms One Was Found In Delaware Staff Reporter
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn
T
he “kissing bug” — which bites people around their mouths and can pass along the fatal disease Chagas — has officially made it to Delaware. In September, the Centers for Disease Control foreshadowed the deadly bloodsucker’s arrival here. The government agency warned that it was making its way north from Central and South America and had been reported in states such as Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. But it wasn’t until last week that the CDC confirmed an actual sighting in the First State. In July 2018, a family from Kent County called the Delaware Division of Public Health and Delaware Department of Agriculture because an insect had bitten their child’s face while she was watching TV in her bedroom. The family lived in an older single-family home near a heavily wooded area, according to a CDC report. There was an air conditioner in the window of the girl’s bedroom and the family hadn’t traveled anywhere outside the local area. Staff from the ag department preliminarily identified the insect as Triatoma sanguisuga, or the kissing bug. They sent pictures of the insect to the Texas A&M University’s Kissing Bug Citizen Science Program, a multidisciplinary research program aimed
at documenting and collecting kissing bugs from across the United States. The insect was also sent to the CDC, which did tests and confirmed their findings. The girl who was bitten did not get sick, though the bugs can carry a deadly disease known as Chagas. The silent killer Doctors say the kissing bug is a silent killer. While it sucks your blood, it defecates. In its feces is a parasite, which finds a home in your tissue, muscles and heart and leads to Chagas disease. The disease can be fatal, though the chances of contracting it are low. If a person contracts the disease, symptoms typically include severe redness, itching, swelling, welts and hives, CDC officials say. It can be spread from mother to baby, by blood transfusion and during organ transplants. Most people only experience minor symptoms from Chagas. But some, less than half, may develop the following: Irregular heartbeats that can cause sudden death An enlarged heart that doesn’t pump blood well Problems with digestion and bowel movement An increased chance of having a stroke The CDC estimates that approximately 300,000 persons with Chagas disease live in the United States, and
most were infected with the parasite T. cruzi in parts of Latin America where Chagas disease is found. Only a few cases of Chagas disease caused by contact with the bugs have been documented in the United States. For more information, go to www. cdc.gov/parasites/chagas or call 404718-4745. How to protect yourself You can take precautions against the kissing bug. The CDC recommends locating outdoor lights away from dwellings such as homes, dog kennels and chicken coops and turning off lights that are not in use. Homeowners should also remove trash, wood, and rock piles from around the home and clear out any bird and animal nests. Cracks and gaps around windows, air conditioners, walls, roofs, doors and crawl spaces into the house should be inspected and sealed. Chimney flues should be tightly closed when not in use and screens should be used on all doors and windows. Ideally, pets should sleep indoors, especially at night, and outdoor
pet resting areas kept clean. If you suspect you have Chagas disease, consult your health-care provider. How to tell if it’s a kissing bug Texas A&M had received a previous report of a suspected kissing bug in Kent County in July 2017, the CDC said, but a local institution initially identified it as a milkweed bug and destroyed it before it could be tested further. Adult kissing bugs range from about 0.75 to 1.25 inches in length. Most species have a very characteristic band around the edge of the body that is striped with orange or red markings. One species (Triatoma protracta) may or may not have a single colored band around the outer edge of the body. The legs of kissing bugs are long and thin. Unlike some other species, the legs are uniformly thin along the length of the leg, and there are no ‘bulging’ thicker areas. Kissing bugs have distinctive mouthparts that appear as a large black extension to the head. These mouthparts give rise to the nickname ‘Conenose bug.’ There are 11 different species of kissing bugs in the United States. The most common species in the south-central United States are Triatoma sanguisuga and Triatoma gerstaeckeri, which are each about 1 inch long.
Baltimore Transportation Director Resigns Amid Pugh Investigations Staff Reporter BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn
B
altimore transportation director Michelle Pourciau, who was appointed by Mayor Catherine Pugh nearly two years ago, resigned Friday amid an indepth review of her leadership. Pourciau’s resignation comes just days after the FBI and IRS raided seven locations related to Pugh. Public information officer for the Department of Transportation German Vigil confirmed Pourciau’s resignation and announced that Frank Murphy will serve as acting director.
Councilman Ryan Dorsey said that he was briefed about Pourciau’s resignation that was submitted late Friday afternoon. “Short of Catherine Pugh’s resignation, this is the best thing that could happen for Baltimore right now,” Dorsey said. “She is an embarrassingly incompetent DOT director.” Baltimore’s Office of the Inspector General has been conducting extensive interviews of many current and former employees about the department’s functionality and morale under Pourciau’s leadership, said Dorsey. Dorsey expects the OIG’s complete report to conclude that Pourciau is the
reason behind the department’s inability to maintain “top talent” employees. Pugh appointed Pourciau in June 2017 and in October of that year, the transportation department failed to submit their annual letter asking the state for funding of transportation
projects in the city. Department of Transportation spokeswoman Adrienne Barnes reported that the failure to submit the letter was, “due to the transition of staff.” Only four months after Pourciau was appointed, five senior officials resigned from the department. One of them stated his resignation was attributed to low staff morale under Pourciau’s leadership. According to the Department of Transportation’s website, the department is responsible for the planning, designing, building, and maintenance of roadways, highways, bridges, sidewalks, traffic signs, and more.
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Ahavas Yisrael Charity
Fund Would Like To Say
MAY 3, 2019
Thank you to the…
Rabbonim of Baltimore
who guide us each and every day.
Executive Director
Executive Trustee
Executive Trustee
DONATE TODAY! Online: WWW.AHAVASYISRAEL.ORG or contact Isbee@verizon.net
Mail checks to: Ahavas Yisrael Charity Fund 115 Sudbrook Lane Suite E Baltimore Maryland 21208
Call: Brull 410-358-7975 Isbee 410-764-6020 Schlossberg 410-358-4464
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
Rabbi Boruch Brull Mrs. Aviva Isbee Eli W. Schlossberg
staiman.com
staiman.com
for making our Matanos L’evyonim and Moas Chittim campaigns such great successes, and for ensuring that every family enjoyed a beautiful Yom Tov.
staiman.com
staiman.com
Our wonderful and generous community,
staiman.com
Thank you to…
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MAY 3, 2019
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613 Seconds with Matania Grinvald and Shira Avital and adults about the Jewish homeland. We are thrilled to be doing our year of service at OCA here in Baltimore!
Meet Matania Grinvald and Shira Avital! Matania and Shira are Shinshinim living in Baltimore and working at Ohr Chadash Academy (OCA) this year.
Can you explain what the word Shinshinim means? What does Shinshinim do? Shinshinim stands for the Hebrew initials of Shin Shin. In Hebrew, it stands for Shnat- Sheirut, which literally means one year of service. A “shinshin” is an Israeli emissary sent by the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency from Israel to communities abroad, with the goal of educating people of all ages about the Land of Israel and Israeli culture. The Shinshinim program aims to bring the Israeli spirit to the people with whom they work and to help educate children
How is a love of Israel cultivated in the students at OCA? OCA students begin their exposure to Eretz Yisrael and Hebrew at the age of two in the youngest class which definitely helps build a solid foundation for the language as they progress in school. The OCA teachers (and Shinshinim!) like to combine the
What has been the highlight of your year? We tried to think of one occasion that has been our highlight, but there are just too many! We feel that being in OCA IS the highlight of our year. We get so much support from the staff and the administration to do our projects and so much more love from the kids. It just makes everything seem like a highlight. What’s on tap for the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations at OCA? Are you saving all of your energy for the community event? We have a spectacular day of celebration for Yom Ha’atzmaut in school planned! No need to just celebrate in the evening! In the morning we are working with the teachers to create a museum focusing on an Israeli topic. All the students in the school will travel through different stations and in every station they will learn about a different aspect regarding that topic. We’ll all be dressed in blue and white from head to toe. More fun is in store but we don’t want to spoil the surprise
for the students that might be reading this! What does the community have to look forward to at the event at Shomrei? You should expect a very meaningful, enjoyable and fun event that will celebrate the existence of Eretz Yisrael, Torat Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. You’ll enjoy a meaningful tekes ceremony in the Shomrei shul at 5:30 pm and then an exciting celebration in the social hall focusing on some of Israel’s greatest accomplishments. For fun, what is your favorite restaurant in Baltimore? We’ve heard a lot of good things about Serengeti but haven’t had a chance to eat there. (If anyone wants to take us let us know!) We love Dougies! What does Israel mean to you? To us, Israel simply means our homeland. We both were born and raised in Israel so to us it means, first and foremost, our home. We look forward to seeing the entire Baltimore Jewish community on May 9th at 5:30 PM at Congregation Shomrei Emunah for a celebration of Israel’s 71st birthday. Come learn about some of Israel’s greatest accomplishments. This event is free and open to people of all ages!
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Where in Israel are you from? Matania is from Beit Shemesh and Shira is from Modi’in
Tell us about your roles at OCA on a day to day basis. At OCA we have three main roles. We work with all of the students at OCA from the 2-year-old preschool class to the 8th graders. First, as teachers, we create and teach lessons focusing on Torat Yisrael, Erez Yisrael, and Medinat Yisrael. Truthfully, our lessons are so fun that we like to refer to them as activities! We also assist in Hebrew classes of different grades. We love helping the teachers bring a real Hebrew spirit into the class. Finally, as Shinshinim we take on the role of bringing the spirit of Eretz Yisrael to the community. We write up a monthly journal for families sharing Israeli news, historical events and all happenings related to Israel that took place during that month. We also run some after-school programs focusing on Israel. And of course, we play a big part in planning Yom Ha’atzmaut.
love of Israel to the Hebrew language. Israel is really integrated into so many parts of the classroom. Of course, the fact that the school brings us as Shlichim, which is not an easy project, shows how important Eretz Yisrael is at OCA. The love of Israel is felt from the top down.
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The Week In News
Kaliver Rebbe, zy”a, Passes Away
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Taub, the Rebbe of the Kaliv chassidim, passed away on Sunday in Jerusalem at the age of 96. The elderly Rebbe’s health had deteriorated ever since he tripped ear-
lier this month at his home, leading to his passing. His funeral in Jerusalem was attended by an estimated 10,000 Jews from all across Israel’s religious spectrum. A survivor of the Auschwitz death camp, the Rebbe was a prominent Holocaust survivor who dedicated his life to commemorating the atrocity among the ultra-Orthodox public. The Rebbe was known for reciting Shema at all of his public appearances in memory of those who perished and encouraged leading Holocaust study centers such as the Yad Vashem museum to highlight the European charedi communities which were destroyed by the Nazis. The Kaliver Rebbe told the Israeli Makor Rishon newspaper in a 2001 interview that he had “bargained with G-d” and vowed to make it his life’s work to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust if he was spared its horrors. “I saw people being put into the fire,” he recalled. “One of them screamed out before he was killed: ‘If one of you survives, don’t forget
to say Kaddish for me.’ Then, when the terrible Holocaust happened, I started to think about perpetuating the memory of the holy victims. Who will say Kaddish? Who will tell the story? Who will say Shema Yisrael?” In recent years, the Rebbe had worked to prepare an encyclopedia on the Holocaust that was meant for the religious public, as well as for the establishment of a museum for the Holocaust that will be a complementary museum to Yad Vashem. The Rebbe was born in Transylvania in 1923 and grew up in the Kaliv chassidim community. After the Nazis conquered Hungary in 1944, the Rebbe and his six brothers and sisters were sent to Auschwitz, where all his brothers perished. While the Rebbe survived, he suffered cruel medical experiments at the hands of the infamous Dr Joseph Mengele which prevented him from growing a beard. Following the Holocaust, he moved to Sweden and was reunited with his wife Shifra. He then moved to the United States before immigrating to Israel in 1963, where
he established the Kaliver chassidic sect in Rishon Letzion. In 2011, the Rebbe was widowed and he remarried five years later at the age of 89. The Rebbe was eulogized by leading Israeli public figures, who hailed his work to further awareness of the Holocaust in the charedi community.
Henkin Children Say Iran and Syria Caused Parents’ Death
The children of Eitam and Naama Henkin, Hy”d, have filed a massive
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Special thanks to BaltimoreJewishLife.com for publicizing the event. Project Ezra of Greater Baltimore, Inc. is dedicated in memory of M. Leo Storch, ע׳׳ה. The Chesed Fund Limited is dedicated in memory of Mordechai & Rebecca Kapiloff, ע׳׳ה, Dr. Bernard Kapiloff, ע׳׳ה, and Rabbi Norman & Louise Gerstenfeld, ע׳׳ה.
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The Week In News lawsuit in a U.S. court against Iran and Syria for the role they say the rogue states played in the attack in which their parents were killed. The Henkins were murdered in a grisly shooting near their hometown of Itamar in western Samaria back in October 2015. The $360 million lawsuit was filed last week in a Washington court and charges that Syria and Iran are responsible for the Henkins’ wrongful death for financing and training the terrorists responsible. “If these despotic regimes think they can get away with murdering American citizens, then they are wrong,” said Jonathan Missner, the lead attorney on the case. “This lawsuit sends a clear warning that those who finance, support, and encourage terrorism must be held accountable and forced to answer for their actions. “What happened to the Henkin family was a despicable act of murder aided and supported by the governments of Syria, Iran and related entities,” he added. Eitam and Naama were killed when three terrorists sprayed their vehicle with machine gun fire from an ambush they had prepared on a dark stretch of highway. Eitam was killed immediately while his wife Naama was executed at point blank range. The four children in the backseat of the car were spared after the terrorists’ weapons suddenly jammed, causing them to flee the scene. The terrorists, who were captured shortly after by IDF special forces, were given life sentences in 2016. They had belonged to the Hamas terror group, which is financed and armed by Iran. The lawsuit noted that Iran channels its funds to Hamas through a web of Syrian entities, including Bank Markazi, Bank Melli and Bank Saderat, and demanded compensatory and punitive damages under the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. “But for the support provided by Iran and Syria, Hamas would not have been able to develop into the cohesive, organized, and deadly organization that it is today,” read the filing.
Israel to Name Golan Heights Town after Trump
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged last week to build a new town in the Golan Heights that would be named after President Trump in honor of the United States president’s decision earlier this year to recognize Israel’s presence on the strategic plateau. Netanyahu made the announcement while touring the Golan region over Passover together with his wife and two children. “I am here with my family and the masses of citizens of Israel at the foot of the Golan Heights, enjoying the happiness of the [Passover] holiday and our beautiful country,” Netanyahu said. “A few weeks ago, I brought the official recognition, by President Trump, who recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights forever,” continued Netanyahu. “To express our appreciation, I will name a town or a village in the Golan Heights after Donald Trump. I will bring the proposal before the cabinet for a vote soon.” Trump had recognized Israel’s sovereignty on the Golan in a tweet in March, breaking decades of U.S. policy that viewed the region as occupied territory since the Jewish State captured it from Syria in 1967. “After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!” Trump wrote on Twitter. Flanked by Netanyahu a few days later in the White House, Trump signed
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The Week In News an official Executive Order recognizing Israel’s hold on the Golan, something he said “should have taken place many decades ago.” “Israel is an inspiration, a trusted ally, and a cherished friend. The United States will always stand by its side,” Trump said. The move follows a decision by the president last May to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to transfer the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the city’s Arnona neighborhood.
tunnel it destroyed in early January crossed into Israeli territory, violating UN Resolution 1701. The United Nations International Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement that the said tunnel snaked under the border into a northern Israel town of Israel.
UN Says Hezbollah Tunnel Crossed into Israel A UN peacekeeping force has confirmed Israel’s claims that a Hezbollah
“UNIFIL’s independent assessment confirms that this tunnel crosses the
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Did the Mossad Try to Get Eli Cohen’s Body? A new report suggests that the Mossad tried to spirit out the body of legendary spy Eli Cohen from Syria into Israel in a daring operation that was foiled by Syrian intelligence. Amid a recent spate of rumors alleging that Russia was working to return Cohen’s remains to Israel,
Channel 12 played a recording in which Cohen’s brother, Morris, can be heard describing the various efforts by the Mossad to get its hands on the spy’s body. According to Morris, the reason that so few Syrians known where Cohen is buried is because the Mossad almost succeeded in kidnapping his brother’s body in a failed operation four decades ago in southern Lebanon.
“I’m almost sure that they keep it so secret in Syria, that so few know where he is, because there was an attempt to kidnap the body,” Cohen said. “It was taken to the Lebanon-Syria border. “There is one version that the previous president Amin al-Hafiz put (his body) in a camp surrounded by a battalion of tanks to protect it,” continued Cohen. “Afterwards President Assad, the late father, they say he dug a huge pit and put a gas bomb inside and then covered it in concrete. “Others say that hotheads burned the body, but I doubt that version is correct because it was such an important political bargaining chip.” Cohen’s daughter, Sophie, rejected the recent report and said that was unaware of any Israeli attempt to seize Cohen’s remains. The legendary spy had managed to rise to the top of Syrian society and was even spoken of as a potential defense minister before he was unmasked as an Israeli agent. He was hanged in Damascus in 1965, and his body has been kept in Syria ever since. Morris Cohen’s allegations come as reports on Syrian opposition websites say that Russia is preparing to
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The Week In News retrieve Cohen’s remains and transfer it to Israel. According to the unverified rumors, a Russian delegation left Syrian territory with an Israeli coffin containing Cohen’s body which will be given to the Jewish State in the near future. The rumors were denied by both Israel and Russia, with the latter calling on the Israeli media “to show a more accurate, professional and honest approach to coverage of such sensitive issues.”
Palestinian Terrorist Gets U.S. Citizenship Vallmoe Shqaire, a Palestinian terrorist convicted for trying to bomb an Israeli bus, managed to obtain U.S. citizenship in what is seen as a major snafu by U.S. immigration authorities. An extensive CNN report published last week details how Shqaire repeatedly fooled U.S. immigration authorities about his terror ties until he was finally charged in September for failing to mention his criminal record.
“By concealing his violent, terrorist conduct, defendant circumvented the procedures our immigration system depends upon,” prosecutors wrote in a court filing. Shqaire, 51, had been a member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) when he and an accomplice attempted to bomb an Israeli bus in 1988. Despite the bomb going off near the bus, no one was killed. Shqaire was arrested in 1991 and was given a ten-year prison sentence by an IDF military court. Shqaire
only served four years of his sentence before he was freed as part of the Oslo Accords. Following his release, he was granted a visitor’s visa to the U.S. in 1999 and married a U.S. citizen, something which enabled him to receive a green card. Despite divorcing his wife in 2002, Shqaire was allowed to stay in the United States and was later granted permanent residency. In 2008, the jihadi received U.S. citizenship despite failing to disclose his criminal background, a felony according to U.S. law. Shqaire aroused the attention of the Joint Terrorism Task Force two years later for frequent money transfers he sent to Ramallah and was deemed a “person of interest.” During his interrogation, Shqaire admitted that he had spent time in Israeli prisons but said that his incarceration was a result of violent demonstrations. “He stated that he was young and stupid at the time but was influenced by seeing innocent Palestinian men, women, and children injured or killed by Israelis,” read a court filing in his recent deportation trial. “Shqaire claimed he would have never participated in events if he knew the consequences.” While Shqaire was never indicted for terror activities, he was sentenced to a five-year suspended jail term for his involvement in a credit card scam. His repeated brushes with the law caused federal authorities to dig deeper into his past and unearth his nefarious activities in Israel. However, Shqaire was allowed to stay in the United States for almost ten years while his citizenship request was being vetted. His extended sojourn in the U.S. was left uninterrupted despite the government concluding that he had spent time in an Israeli prison for terrorist activities. In January, Shqaire pleaded guilty to immigration fraud and faces the possibility of being stripped of his citizenship and subsequent deportation. He is currently awaiting sentencing and is out on bail in Los Angeles. However, the fact that a former terrorist managed to successfully fool U.S. immigration authorities and manage to avoid deportation alarmed observers, who call for significant changes
to be implemented in the wake of the affair. “Somebody dropped the ball,” Seamus Hughes told CNN. The deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, Hughes noted that extensive vetting procedures installed after 9/11 to prevent terrorists from reaching the U.S. had proved inadequate and need to be examined.
Israel Releases Two Syrian Prisoners
Israel surprisingly released two Syrian prisoners on Sunday in what it says is a goodwill gesture for the release of the body of Zachary Baumel last month. Sgt. Zachary Baumel had been missing ever since he was killed during a tank battle in Lebanon 38 years ago. His remains were uncovered by the Syrian and Russian militaries in April and returned to Israel. According to the IDF, Zidan Tawil and Khamis Ahmad were handed over to the Red Cross on Sunday and transferred to Syria via the Kuneitra crossing in the Golan Heights. Tawil had been imprisoned for drug smuggling in 2008 and was slated to be released within the next year. Ahmad, a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group, was doing time for planning to infiltrate and attack an IDF base. He was supposed to be released in 2023. An Israeli source claimed that Israel has decided to release two prisoners as “a gesture of good will” and that their release was not a condition for Baumel’s return. A Syrian government official told Reuters that the release of the prisoners came after Russian mediation, and that Damascus pressed Mos-
cow to secure their release after the Israeli MIA landed in Israel. Meanwhile, Syrian media reports say that Israel is expected to release more Syrian prisoners in the near future. Unlike previous prisoner releases, the Israeli cabinet did not vote or debate the move. Instead, President Reuven Rivlin pardoned the pair, leading to accusations that Prime Minister Netanyahu had bypassed the normal decision-making process for such matters. The Ministry of Justice pushed back against allegations that the prisoner release was improper, saying in a statement that the move was given the go-ahead by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit. “In light of the various facts and circumstances of the case, as presented to the Attorney General, it was determined that in the circumstances of the case there is no legal impediment to working for release in this manner,” the ministry said.
Tragedy in Poway On the last day of yom tov, the tranquil chanting of the Torah reading was cut short when a terrorist entered into the Chabad shul in Poway near San Diego, California, and opened fire. Rabbi Yisrael Goldstein said that he left the main part of the shul to prepare for the haftorah when the gunman opened fire. “Here is a young man with a rifle, pointing right at me,” Rabbi Goldstein recounted. “And I look at him. He has sunglasses on. I couldn’t see his eyes. I couldn’t see his soul. I froze.”
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The Week In News Lori Gilbert-Kaye, 60, attempted to shield the rabbi with her body during the attack. She was killed al kiddush Hashem. Three others were injured in the attack, including Rabbi Goldstein, who lost a few fingers. Eight-year-old Israeli girl Noya Dahan and her uncle, Almog Peretz, both suffered leg wounds in the attack but were released from the hospital. They had moved to California from Israel to escape Hamas rockets targeting their home. “For those of us who know Lori, she is a person of unconditional love,” Rabbi Goldstein said. “I have known her for close to 25 years and she was a pioneer member of our congregation. She used to work for Wells Fargo ... and she helped secure us the loan for [the synagogue]. She was the one who always went out of her way for those in need.” The shooting only ended after Jonathan Morales, an armed off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent, and U.S. Army veteran Oscar Stewart screamed at the 19-year-old gunman John Earnest to put his gun down. They fired upon him and he fled. Stewart caught up with the gunman in his car and banged on his window before the terrorist ran away. The murderer eventually surrendered to police. A white nationalist who hated President Trump for being too friendly to Jews, Earnest faces one count of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder. Rabbi Goldstein had asked Morales to come to prayers armed “just in
case” something nefarious occurred in the Chabad house. “Morales recently discovered his Jewish roots. He would travel three and a half hours from [the California town of] El Centro to pray with us at our shul,” Rabbi Goldstein said. “He felt this was his house of worship. And many times I said, ‘Jonathan, you work for the border patrol. Please arm yourself when you are here; we never know when we will need it.’” Hannah Kaye, who spoke at her mother’s levaya this week, said that Lori was known for her chessed. She would drive hours to visit a sick friend. She bought six months’ worth of medication for someone without insurance. She left her freshly baked challah in mailboxes and on doorsteps all over town and would buy extra bagels and coffee during her morning routine to be able to give them away. “Her light has reached all crevices of this planet,” 22-year-old Hannah said about her mother. “Everyone was her sister, everyone was her trusted confidante,” Hannah added. “Everyone was her friend.” “She had a soul that was greater than any of us ever could believe,” said her husband, Dr. Howard Kaye, at the levaya. He urged people to learn more about Judaism and to help others. Dr. Kaye performed CPR on his wife after she was shot. He did not know it was his wife he was attempting to save when he ran to help.
Jewish Founder of H&R Block Passes Away
Henry Bloch, a known Jewish philanthropist who co-founded tax giant H&R Block, passed away last week in Kansas City. He was 96. Born to a middle-class Jewish family in Kansas City, Bloch later joined the Army Air Corps and flew dozens of missions over Germany during World War II. Following his discharge, Bloch studied at Harvard Business School and opened up a small-time bookkeeping business. The business proved popular, and Bloch soon branched out into tax preparation services. A decision soon after by the IRS to scrap its free tax-prep service caused Bloch to be swamped with customers, and he decided to go into the field full-time. In 1955, Henry and his brother Richard founded H&R Block. The decision to call it “Block” and not their original surname stemmed from a desire to make the company more American. The business exploded; within seven years H&R Block went public and today more than 12,000 branches dot the United States. Bloch would become the face of the company. Appearing before shareholders and in advertisements for the company, Bloch became known to the public as the person who popularized the slogan “Don’t face the laws alone.” Following his passing, H&R Block’s current CEO Jeff Jacobs invoked Bloch’s “honesty and integrity” in a statement eulogizing his company’s founder. “Henry embodied the
best of American business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. His vision lives on through H&R Block associates and the many philanthropic organizations that he supported,” he said. Bloch was also renowned for his charitable giving to Jewish causes. Through the foundation he founded with his wife, the business mogul supported a wide array of Jewish institutions, including the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, the American Jewish Committee, Jewish Family Services, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
Search Warrants for Baltimore Mayor
On Thursday, federal authorities executed search warrants against the home and several locations tied to Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, who is embroiled in a scandal over whether she improperly profited from a book deal with a Maryland medical system while she served on its board. The FBI and criminal investigators from the Internal Revenue Service executed court-authorized search warrants at the home of the Democratic mayor, a second residence she owns, city hall, a non-profit the mayor has worked with, and the downtown office of her attorney. The home of Gary Brown, a former Pugh aide, was also searched. As of now the FBI has made no arrests, although Pugh has taken a leave of absence from being mayor. While Pugh was a board member of the University of Maryland Medical System, the group spent $500,000 to fund the purchase of some 100,000
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The Week In News children’s books Pugh authored. Pugh apologized in March for having “done something to upset the people.” Baltimore’s city council has called for Pugh to resign, and Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican who earlier this month asked the Office of the State Prosecutor to investigate the scandal, echoed those calls shortly after the raids Thursday morning. Pugh recently returned $100,000 to the medical system and canceled her book deal. She has also resigned from the hospital’s board, according to Schwartzberg. Pugh also received about $114,000 from Kaiser Permanente for some 20,000 books from 2015 to 2018, according to the health care provider. Kaiser Permanente said it delivered the books to back-to-school fairs, elementary schools, communities of faith and early childhood education and care centers. Additionally, Associated Black Charities, a public foundation that works to encourage healthier and more prosperous communities, said it spent approximately $80,000 between 2011 and 2016 to buy some 10,000 copies of Pugh’s books – a project the organization learned about while she was still a state senator.
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Joe Jumps In
of the country,” Biden detailed a long list of incidents, including Trump’s response to white supremacist violence in Charlottesville in 2017, to allege that he was unfit to stay in the White House. “In that moment, I knew the threat to this nation was unlike any I had seen in our lifetime,” Biden said. “The core values of this nation – our standing in the world, our very democracy, everything that has made America America – is at stake. That’s why today I’m announcing my candidacy for president of the United States.” Trump responded to Biden’s announcement by mocking the former vice president as “Sleepy Joe” and questioned his intelligence. “I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign,” Trump tweeted. “It will be nasty – you will be dealing with people who truly have some very sick & demented ideas. But if you make it, I will see you at the Starting Gate!” The 2020 race is the third time the former vice president and U.S. senator from Delaware is trying to become the nation’s highest elected official, as he previously ran in 2008 and 1988. The 76-year old Biden has emerged as a strong favorite in the 20-candidate pack of candidates and has already earned the endorsements of Democratic Senators Chris Coons of Delaware, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, and Doug Jones of Alabama. The $6.9 million Biden raised during his first day as a candidate is also more than any other candidate as the veteran politico looks to battle Trump in the white working-class states of Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Terror Plot Foiled Former Vice President Joe Biden officially threw his hat into the presidential ring last Thursday, the latest in a crowded field vying to be Democratic Party’s 2020 contender to take on Donald Trump. Biden announced his candidacy in a video he shared on social media. Calling the 2020 race “a battle for the soul
A 26-year-old Muslim former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan has been charged with plotting terror attacks in the Los Angeles area, the Justice Department said on Monday. Mark Steven Domingo allegedly sought to detonate improvised explosive devices containing nails this past
weekend at a rally in Long Beach that was organized by a white nationalist group. He was arrested on Friday night after he took what he thought were pressure cooker bombs, U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna announced at a press conference. “Law enforcement was able to identify a man consumed with hate, and bent on mass murder and stop him before he was able to carry out his attack,” Hanna said. Domingo allegedly wanted to “seek retribution for attacks against Muslims” and also considered attacks on Jewish people, churches and law enforcement. He is accused of targeting “Jews as they walked to synagogue, police officers, a military facility, and crowds at the Santa Monica Pier.” On March 2, DOJ says Domingo posted a video online professing his Muslim faith and wrote, “America needs another Vegas event,” referring to the mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017 in which more than 50 people died. Domingo is a recent convert to Islam. He wanted to give “them a taste of the terror they gladly spread all over the world,” according to the Justice Department. Following a mass shooting attack on a mosque in New Zealand in March that killed dozens of people, Domingo posted, “there mustbe (sic) retribution.” Domingo asked an FBI informant to find someone to construct an IED, according to the Justice Department. He met with the informant and came armed with an AK-47 style rifle.
Judge Indicted for Helping Illegal Immigrant Escape A Massachusetts state judge has been indicted for her role in helping an illegal immigrant escape custody and avoid deportation. Judge Shelley M. Joseph and a court officer named Wesley Mac-
Gregot were both indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this week on charges of obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting; obstruction of a federal proceeding, aiding and abetting; and conspiracy to obstruct justice. MacGregor also faces perjury charges.
The two landed in hot water after they helped Jose Medina-Peret escape an ICE manhunt in April 2018 by letting him out of the back door of the courthouse. ICE was after Perez for being in the U.S. illegally and for escaping a drunken driving rap. When Perez showed up at Judge Joseph’s courtroom, ICE had already issued a warrant to detain him and hand him over to authorities. Yet Joseph and MacGregor decided to spirit him out of the building after hearing that they would likely deport him should he be taken into custody. While the judge played for time by recusing herself to her chambers, MacGregor escorted him out of the building using his special ID that gave him free access to the building. “With the recorder off, defendant Joseph and the Defense Attorney discussed devising a way to have A.S. [Medina-Perez] avoid being arrested by the ICE officer,” wrote the indictment. Prosecutors said that the indictment of the two sent an important message regarding the primacy of the rule of law. “This case is about the rule of law. The allegations in today’s indictment involve obstruction by a sitting judge, that is intentional interference with the enforcement of federal law, and that is a crime,” U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Andrew Lelling said.
Senator Richard Lugar Dies
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The Week In News Former U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar, the longest serving senator in the history of Indiana, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87. The Lugar Center announced that the veteran politico had died after losing a battle with chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy, a rare illness that causes infections in the body’s nerve tissue. “This was a short illness. He was in generally good health until this month,” said Lugar Center spokesman Dan Dillon.
A former mayor of Indianapolis, Lugar was first elected to the U.S. Senate as a Republican in 1976. He went to become a foreign policy expert who made fighting nuclear proliferation his defining issue during the 36 years he spent in the Senate. Among other things, Lugar launched a program that located and destroyed Russian nuclear missiles and fissile material that was floating around the region following the collapse of the Soviet Union. During his unsuccessful presidential run in 1996, he warned that the lax oversight of Russia’s nuclear stockpile would lead dangerous weapons to fall into the wrong hands. “Every stockpile represents a theft opportunity for terrorists and a temptation for security personnel who might seek to profit by selling weapons on the black market,” Lugar warned. “We do not want the question posed the day after an attack on an American military base.” Serving for decades on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, including as its chairman for two terms, Lugar was an influential voice on foreign policy even after he was ousted from office in 2002. In 2014, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Vice President Mike Pence, a resident of Lugar’s home state of Indiana,
eulogized him as a fighter for freedom who led the battle against the South African apartheid regime. “Lugar was a leader not only in the Senate but also on the world stage, where he worked tirelessly to bring pressure to end apartheid in South Africa and enforce treaties that destroyed Soviet weapons of mass destruction,” noted the vice president.
Four Dead in Seattle Fallen Crane Disaster
Four people were killed in Seattle after a crane suddenly collapsed in the South Lake Union district on Sunday. Two of the fatalities were employees who were in the crane at the time of the collapse while the other two were crushed in their cars. Another two people were injured and evacuated to a nearby hospital. The crane was being used to build a building on a new Google campus along with an apartment building. Both buildings were severely damaged in the incident. Following the collapse, the State of Washington said that it would open an investigation into four companies it said had a role in the disaster, including general contractor GLY, Northwest Tower Crane Service Inc., Omega Rigging and Machinery Moving Inc., and Morrow Equipment Co. LLC. “We are closely monitoring the situation in South Lake Union. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the four people who died in this terrible accident,” tweeted Governor Jay Inslee. Google, meanwhile, said in a statement that it was “saddened to learn of today’s accident at South Lake Union.” “We share our deepest condolenc-
es with those who’ve been affected and thank all the first responders who quickly sprang into action. We are in communication with Vulcan who is managing the site and working with the local authorities on the ground.”
Meet the Army’s New War Attack Plan
The U.S. Army and Air Force have announced that they are rolling out a new air-ground combat attack doctrine that will dramatically upgrade its ability to wage ware in the future. Titled “Multi-Domain Operations,” the plan has been tested in multiple wargames and has been adopted by the top brass. It aims to improve coordination and hopes that its strategic partnership will strengthen warfare networks, perform long-range sensing of targets, hit targets more accurately, and beef up defenses across numerous theaters. Behind the new strategy is the paradigm shift among strategic planners in the Pentagon that the military needs to substantially revamp its doctrines to meet emerging threats. Currently, the U.S.-Air Force strategy is based on defeating large foreign militaries such as China. Developed during the Cold War, the strategy known as “AirLand” called for the air force to fly a supporting role for ground troops such as tanks and infantry that would race to conquer enemy territory and destroy opposing forces. The strategy was mainly built to counter the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc militaries and was used with astonishing success in 1991’s Gulf War.
However, future wars are expected to be fought against more asymmetrical and amorphous forces such as terror groups, mandating the air force and army to be more flexible and coordinate to effectively destroy multiple types of targets at once. In addition, highly deadly weapons such as drones and missiles that were once owned only by opposing militaries are now freely available to militias and other small forces, forcing the air force to shift its targeting strategy to counter them. “In Ukraine, we saw the pairing of drones with artillery to use drones as spotters. Their organizational structure and tactics were a wakeup call for us to start looking at that in a more serious way,” said General John M. Murray, who commands the Army Futures Command. The new strategic doctrine also envisions a cloud-based network among a diverse array of forces that would allow troops to build a mini social network to coordinate to maximize their firepower. For example, infantry soldiers under missile attack would be able to mark their position on a screen for the air force to destroy, an action that is currently time-consuming and difficult. “It’s all about coordination,” said retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula. A central figure in the Multi-Domain Operations doctrine, Deptula said that making information more available between forces will make the military more deadly. “The ‘combat cloud’ inverts the paradigm of combined arms warfare – making information the focal point, not operational domain,” wrote Deptula in a recent paper. “This concept represents an evolution where individually networked platforms – in any domain – transform into a ‘system of systems’ enterprise.” “If an F-35 detects an enemy missile launch before an Aegis cruiser, the F-35 could engage and launch the interceptor missile that comes off of that Aegis cruiser,” Deptula added in an interview with the blog Warrior Maven. “We can’t do this yet today, but this is where we need to be doing collective thinking about this vision as a common vision.”
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Torah Thought
Exploiting Vulnerability the lowliest beast.
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By Rabbi Zvi Teichman
The ‘bookends’ of this week’s portion, Acharei Mos, couldn’t be more diametrically opposed. We begin with a detailed description of the Yom Kippur Service pinnacled with the High Priest entering the Holy of Holies, where even angels may never enter, offering the special incense in total privacy with G-d, on this extraordinary once a year opportunity. At the other end of our portion the
Torah enumerates the detailed laws governing the full gamut of forbidden intimate relationships, an area of life and compulsion we share with the animal kingdom. On the simplest level this dichotomy accentuates the reality that although man can be elevated to levels of spirituality that transcend even those of angels, and may even travel territory forbidden to angels, we are nevertheless equally susceptible in sinking to depravity on the strata of
In fact, it is precisely on this holiest day of the year, even as the day wanes after having been totally absorbed and focused on our relationship with the Almighty, that the Torah portion we read during the late afternoon Mincha service on Yom Kippur is precisely this portion of forbidden intimate relationships, lest we ever forget our vulnerability to succumb to these strong animalistic urges. But there seems to be more to it than this simple but important realization. Rabbi Yishmael asserts that the service of the he-goat that was selected in a special casting of lots as the one to be flung off a cliff, serves to atone specifically for transgressions related to forbidden intimate relationships.
These two angels of destruction denounced Adam for his failure in yielding to his evil inclination and partaking from the Tree of Knowledge. They further alleged that they would have been able to resist temptation had they been given the chance. G-d acquiesced to their challenge investing them with an evil inclination and dispatched these נפילים, ‘fallen angels’ towards earth to see how they would fare. ) ורש"י שם ד"ה עוזא ועזאל:(יומא סז
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The terrain this goat is cast off to is called עזאזל, Azazel. This, Rabbi Yishmael asserts, alludes to two angels, עוזא, Uza, and עזאל, Azael, with the one-word עזאזלa combination of both names.
The Torah reports the results of their test: The sons of G-d saw that the daughters were good, and they took themselves wives from whomever they chose. )(בראשית ו ב Abusing their powers, they too fell
prey to the mighty evil inclination, breaching the laws of morality and becoming an object lesson to the power of temptation. The nature of this sin specifically would then seem to be central to the Service of Yom Kippur. What is the lesson the Torah seeks to convey? The term the Torah uses in describing this violation גילוי עריות, is often literally translated as ‘uncovering nakedness’. Yet Rashi in defining the term ערוה, as it appears in the verse where Yosef accuses his brothers of being spies seeking to uncover )עֶרוַת הארץ (בראשית מב ט, literally, the land’s nakedness, explains it more accurately to mean its ‘vulnerability’; the weak point from whence the land can be conquered. Perhaps this is the deeper understanding of the pernicious nature of this sin as well. G-d created man to connect with one another. There are familial relationships that connect us inherently, parent to child, sister and brother, uncle and aunt, daughter in law and son in law. G-d also created a magnetic attraction between man and woman that draws them one to another. The purpose of that inclination is to be utilized in discovering our soul-mate, our missing ‘half’, and in its full intimate expression, as a physical celebration of the profound spiritual intimacy that exists between two destined souls. The Torah delineates the various ‘close’ relationships that naturally exist, instructing us that the physical pull that one might think is there to enhance that closeness is taboo and misplaced in these relationships. But even when one finally identifies one’s ‘partner’ in life, there too, one must be careful not to define the connection by this physical draw
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Torah Thought
When one’s personal charm, position of power and stature, or physical allure is what draws another towards intimacy, rather than the genuine appreciation of character, common values, noble goals and aspirations, one is exploiting the vulnerability of the intended ‘target’ in simply getting one’s desire.
The vacuum that develops from feelings of personal worthlessness or from a diminished capacity or willingness to appreciate true character in a spouse, is often filled with the unauthentic ‘filler’ of raw intimacy that creates an illusion of fleeting ‘worth’ and contrived ‘bonding’.
Isn’t that what transpired with these ‘fallen angels’? No doubt their other worldly qualities and attributes allowed them to impose their ‘might’ in capturing the women they ‘chose’, exploiting these vulnerable women into succumbing to their magnetic appeal, allowing themselves to be manipulated. So גילוי עריות, might more accurately translate as the ‘exploitation of an other’s vulnerability’ for one’s own personal gain.
The key to succeed in achieving this goal lies in our ability to identify
It is this dangerous attitude of feeling unworthy, that these prosecuting angels instilled within man, that drives us towards sin and this one in particular. It is to negate this influence of Azazel that we dispatch the he-goat in seeking to bring man back to an awareness of each man’s personal value in G-d’s eyes. Perhaps it is the beginning of our portion that inspires and empowers its conclusion. The very notion that man can elevate oneself to levels that surpass those of the mighty angels, for only man not angel may enter the Holy of Holies and encounter G-d alone, is testament to the unparalleled stature of man in G-d’s eyes. It is that knowledge of our supreme worthiness that enables us to relate to and appreciate ourselves and our spouses in the most healthy and genuine way. Once we understand and appreciate this fully, we will be equipped with the strength to ward off the temptation to ‘exploit each other’s vulnerability’, steering clear from the pitfalls of these forbidden intimate relationships.
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I have always sensed that the laws of harchakos, that were legislated by our Sages, during the time of a woman’s impurity, when a couple must implement different devices of separation, weren’t merely to keep the ‘evil inclination’ at bay. It is more so a time when we remove all physical attraction from the equation of marriage and focus on the ‘real’ other opposite us. Whether not touching one another; refraining from passing objects directly; not exposing parts of the body; abstaining from frivolous talk, and the many other safeguards we apply, they are all strategies that enable us to face each other solely with our very essence and core value, without the interference of illusory allure that so often clouds our ability to perceive each other honestly and accurately.
The Holy Izhbitzer quoting the Zohar informs us that it is was these two angels, Uza and Azael, who cast doubt before G-d on the creation of man blurting out, מה אנוש כי תזכרנו (תה־ )לים ח ה, What is man that You should remember him... )(בית יעקב עיוה"כ
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and appreciate our own inner qualities, as well as to discover and value the greatness of character in our spouses.
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alone, but rather to use it as an enhancer of the connection that exists on a much more profound and meaningful level.
2019
Nisan 23
Nisan 16
Sunday
Iyar 14
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Nisan 18
Nisan 25
Iyar 2
Iyar 16
Iyar 9
Nisan 26
Nisan 19
Wednesday
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Iyar 3
yom hazikaron
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Iyar 17
Iyar 10
Meet the Author: Ohr Somayach International; Dr. Leslie Klein @ Center for Jewish Education 7-8pm Fake Truth & Virtual Living @BJSZ 7pm see Cover page
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Tuesday
May June
Iyar 1
Nisan 24
Nisan 17
Monday
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13 Regional Town Hall @ Myerberg Center 7pm see page 55
Iyar 15
Iyar 8
Yad Lachim Parlor meeting @ 6505 Hal Court 8-10 pm
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Friday Nisan 21
7:36 PM
Nisan 28
7:43 PM
Iyar 5
7:50 PM
Iyar 12
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Iyar 20
9:04 PM
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Nissan 29
8:38 PM
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Community Calendar
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Nisan/Iyar 5779
Thursday Nisan 20
Nisan 27 yom ha’atzmaut
Iyar 18
Iyar 11
Next BJH Issue
Iyar 4
OCA Yom Ha’atzmaut program @ Shomrei Emunah 5:30pm see page 31 Fox Residential House Auction @3500 Bancroft Rd 1pm
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8:08 PM
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5
Iyar 7
Nisan 30
Towson Hillel Celebration @ Townsontown Field 1-4pm
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The Joy of Being Present with Dov Ber Cohen @ Pearlstone Center 1-5pm see page 13
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Baltimore Bikur Cholim Women's Brunch @DoubleTree by Hilton 10:30 am - 1:30 pm see page 15
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Beautiful, updated 4-5BR/4BA home. Spacious living room with inlaid carpet & fireplace. Dining room with doors leading to the screened porch. Updated kitchen with new stainless appliances & breakfast area. Main level also features a family room, master bedroom suite w/full bath, bedroom & bath. Upper level has a master bedroom suite w/walk-in closets & full bath, bedroom, bath & tons of storage. New carpeting/flooring in bedrooms, newer roof, new screens in screened porch & more!
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The Big Picture
By Rabbi Motty Rabinowitz
One of the tongue-in-cheek quips about the Torah portions we are now reading, states that ‘Acharei-Mos Kedoshim Emor’ – After people unfortunately pass away, they are immediately remembered and eulogized as holy people. This common behavior of posthumously focusing on the positive in people and appreciating their essence in ways that did not occur during their lifetime, can easily be demonstrated. In R’ Shlomo Carlebach’s lifetime, for example, his music would not have been played in mainstream Yeshiva circles. Only years after his passing, did his infamous and inspiring compositions achieve total acceptance and reverence across the full spectrum of the Torah world. Sometimes however, this quip is much more literal - We are presented with real kedoshim to eulogize. Some of these kedoshim sacrificed their lives as proud Jews, for the sake of others. As we pass through Holocaust Remembrance Day onward towards Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance day for Israel’s fallen, and reflect on the 23,645 fallen Israeli soldiers and
victims of terrorism, we are reminded that our history is full of calamity and unimaginable sacrifice. Closer to home, we are confronted with the frightening reality of a fundamentally changed world, where nowhere is safe and nothing is sacrosanct, and we are forced to painfully accept kedoshim in San Diego and Pittsburg. On the other hand, we have kedoshim like Rabbi Menachem Mendel Taub, the famed Kaliver Rebbe of blessed memory, who passed away this week. Having miraculously survived Auschwitz, he subsequently dedicated every ounce of his strength to uniting the Jewish people and memorializing the victims of the Holocaust. I will never forget his chilling bellowing of Shema Yisroel at his gatherings, beckoning the thousands of participants to harmoniously respond with a heaven-piercing unified refrain. He demanded that we live as holy people, not just involuntarily die as them. In that vein, what critical message should we ‘emor’, after their passing? After all, if attaining holiness requires
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such a pristine level of sacrifice, in what way can we, with all our failings, possibly achieve such lofty levels? We need look no further than Parshas Kedoshim for the surprising ingredient to success. We are instructed: “You should be holy, for I, your G-d who makes you Holy, am Holy”. Given such a cryptic command, the classic commentaries such as Rashi and the Ramban all attempt to define this holiness that we are coached to achieve. One would expect the Torah to follow with awe-inspiring instructions to accomplish this desired state. Yet, almost immediately the Torah switches to what appear to be very mundane and non-inspiring mitzvos. “Don’t steal”, “Don’t lie”, “Do not corrupt justice”, “Don’t hate your brother”, “Rebuke your brother, but don’t embarrass him”. These common-sense, primarily social mitzvos, don’t appear to bear any relevance to the previously-stated goal of holiness. Apparently, this understanding of holiness is fundamentally incorrect. Rabbi Shimshon Raphael Hirsch explains that holiness does not require supreme sacrifice or impossible levels of spiritual attainment. It is our day-today social interactions, and seemingly mundane dealings, that are at the core of our aspirations for holiness. Similarly, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto in his masterpiece Mesillas Yesharim, states that all that is expected of us is to take small steps forward towards holiness. In the words of the Talmud (Yoma 39a), “A person sanctifies himself in small ways, and G-d sanctifies him in larger ways”. Far from an expectation of supreme sacrifice, it is how we conduct our mundane interactions that separates the men from the boys. The following story amply illus-
trates this point. In his younger days, Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman ran a Yeshiva in Kfar Saba. One day during recess, the boys were having fun and playing around. One boy locked the door of the classroom, as the others were pushing and trying to enter. This shoving continued for a few minutes. Suddenly, Rav Shteinman appeared around the corner walking towards the classroom to give his daily shiur. The boys on the outside shouted into the classroom, “Rebbe is here”. Assuming this was all part of the game, the boy on the inside responded, “Yeah, right” and continued to block the entrance. “No, really”, they shouted, but to no avail. This continued for several further minutes, with Rav Shteinman patiently waiting to enter. Eventually, the boy inside realized that the Rebbe was actually there, and quickly opened the door, awaiting to bury himself in embarrassment. As the door opened, however, Rav Shteinman turned sideways towards the wall. Only once all the boys had entered, did he himself turn to enter. The boy who had blocked the door watched in amazement. Rav Steinman wanted to protect his dignity, and therefore gently turned away, refusing to see the identity of the perpetrator. Sixty years later, that is the memory this boy had from Yeshiva. Such refined sensitivity to the feelings of others, and such seemingly inconsequential actions, are what exemplify true holiness. Together, we pray that we need not witness other kedoshim sacrifice their lives as Jews. In reality, that ultimate level of refinement is attainable to each one of us, during our lives. The author can be reached at mottyrab@gmail.com
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to Freedom through the
By Brendy J. Siev
Reb Shmuel Chaim, an only son with three sisters, grew up in a small settlement outside of Kamenetz (or Kamenetz-Litovsk), Poland. The small town was located at a crossroads on a highway between Lvov and Vilna; during the Renaissance it was a place of meeting for Polish and Lithuanian princes. Nestled at the edge of the famous Black Forest, the hunting reserve created by princes for their folly and sport, Kamenetz was, for years, a protected small town with properties owned by nobles and royalty. But by the 1700s, most princes sold off their estates, and the area became a more typical shtetl. By the late 1800s, 6,885 people lived in Kamenetz and the surrounding villages; 5,900 – 90 percent – of them were Jews. Reb Shmuel Chaim lived in one of the small agricultural colonies outside of town. These “colonies” were established in the late 1700s as a way for Jews to protect their children from being conscripted into the army (“tillers of the land” were exempt) and were named Abramovo, Sarovo, and Lotova, after Avraham, Sara, and Lot. Cheder started at seven in the morning and ended at eight at night. The Jews who started these farms were not originally farmers. They hired local peasants to help with the work. By the time Reb Shmuel Chaim was born, only 14 of the original families remained. They received modern farming instruction from the Jewish Colonization Association. One, R’ Shimshon Zimel Simchovich, acquired more land and became rich. He planted an orchard, sold surplus in winter, and built a windmill. R’ Shimshon Zimel’s son-in-law, R’ Yosef Soroka, was one of the best talmidim of the Mishmar Yeshiva in Brisk. R’ Shimshon Zimel supported him in learning with the understanding that he would marry R’ Shimshon Zimel’s daughter, Minka. After they married, he continued to support his son-in-law in learning. Eventually, R’ Yosef became a melamed in Kamenetz who would walk to the
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Reb Shmuel Chaim Soroka’s Journey from the Mir to Shanghai to the Philippines
An Emotional Parting
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Journey Pacific
A
other theater of World War II: the Pacific theater.
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olocaust stories, survivors’ journeys, and concentration camp recountings are all different and are all miraculous. In some ways, though, they are familiar. We visualize the tracks as trains take victims into the heart of darkness and as families trudge under the mocking Arbeit Macht Frei placard. We tote up the losses, the stories, the faith, and the despair. R e b Sh mue l Chaim Soroka’s journey begins w it h a wel lknown story. An A lter Mirrer, his journey begins in Kamenetz, Poland, and continues across Siberia with the Mir Yeshiva to Kobe, Japan, and Shanghai, China – but then it continues. Unlike others trapped in Shanghai for the duration of the war, Reb Shmuel Chaim and two friends received visas to America in November 1941, boarded a boat, and left. Their boat arrived in Manila in the Philippines –the very day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. With the arrival of the Japanese, Manila was no longer under American control, and Reb Shmuel Chaim and his friends were taken by the Japanese as prisoners of war. For the next four years, he was in concentration camp, but not a Nazi one: Japanese concentration camps located in and outside Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. His story, as described in Dr. Mordachai Buchie Soroka’s book, A Mirrer in Manila, is thus wholly different. Dr. Soroka spent years researching and examining his father’s odyssey and documenting it, weaving the story of a young man fleeing for survival against the backdrop of war. The saga took place on the other side of the world – far from Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen – the
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Reb Shmuel Chaim in Yeshiva Baronovich, left, April 1937
A certificate from Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz to Reb Shmuel Chaim to present to the American consulate
yeshiva daily, accompanied by his talmidim. He also served R’ Boruch Ber Lebowitz in Kamenetz, reviewing the gadol’s shiurim with the bochurim in the yeshiva. R’ Yosef and Minka (Simchovich) Soroka were Reb Shmuel Chaim’s parents. Well before his bar mitzvah, Reb Shmuel Chaim left home to study in Baranovich (under Rav Elchonon Wasserman), the Kamenetz yeshiva (under R’ Boruch Ber Leibowitz), and eventually, when he was 16, the Mirrer Yeshiva. With the Russian takeover of Mir in 1939, Mir became inhospitable to Torah study, and the yeshiva moved to Vilna, a city now part of Lithuania. Reb Shmuel Chaim cabled his only uncle in the United States, Uncle Max Simchowitz, to send him funds and affidavits toward a visa to America. By 1940, the Lithuanians wanted the refugees out of Vilna, and the Mir Yeshiva moved to Keidan. But within seven months, Lithuania became a republic of the Soviet Union, and the yeshiva students were forced to disperse, in four disparate groups, to small villages in what was once northern Lithuania. The Nazis were advancing on one side, the Communists – who hated religious Jews – were on the other side, and Reb Shmuel Chaim and his fellow yeshiva students were trapped.
What were the bochurim’s families to do? They were caught; they had lived through pogroms before, but even if they could leave, what about the elderly? Reb Shmuel Chaim’s family was stuck in Kamenetz, and he worried constantly about them. His mother sent him loving letters, “We were emotional and cried when we received your letter. Don’t worry,” she consoled him, “we have what to eat.” But then it was the final goodbye. The yeshiva was traveling across Poland and into the Soviet Union. Reb Shmuel Chaim met his father at the border. R’ Yosef brought him a coat and food from his mother. His father removed his boots and gave them to his son. Reb Shmuel Chaim gave his wristwatch to his father and begged his father to allow him to take his eight-year-old little sister with him. R’ Yosef refused, wanting to keep his family together. But he gave his son a firm and emotional directive: We don’t know who will live and who will die. Stay with the yeshiva. That was the last they spoke. Recently, a letter written by R’ Yosef to his only son was found. It is perhaps the last extended communication that Reb Shmuel Chaim had with his family. In the letter, R’ Yosef writes: “My dear son. You should know, my beloved son, there is a Divine
plan and a reason that the Creator of the World placed you in an environment that will forever bind you with the Holy Torah. Truthfully, it is my only consolation that you follow Hashem’s dictates and He will be pleased with you. This is the main reason why the world was created, to be committed to the Torah forever…. “Do not stray from your Yiddishkeit, not even in the minutest matters. If you have doubts or questions ask your rebbeim and don’t make your own decisions. I’ve given you basic knowledge; build on it. Even though I’ve written this letter quickly, and at night, it contains many thoughts. Keep it with you in yeshiva, read it constantly, and be committed to its content. In this merit Hashem should enable that you merit witnessing the consolation and rebuilding of Yerushalayim.” Reb Shmuel Chaim received two more postcards from his family before all communication ceased. The Nazis had arrived. The Jews were gathered into a ghetto in Kamenetz, and, in 1942, Reb Shmuel Chaim’s parents, R’ Yosef and Minka; his three sisters, Sarah, Esther, and Rivka; their children; R’ Shimshon Zimel; and Reb Shmuel Chaim’s brother-in-law, Rav Velvel Kustin; were shot. According to the Kamenetz Yizkor Book, fewer than ten Kamenetz Jews survived the Holocaust.
Reb Shmuel Chaim’s papers from the Mir, 1939
Journey through Japan Reb Shmuel Chaim, along with the yeshiva, eventually received a visa to Curaçao in the Caribbean. The issue was getting there. Travelers needed a transit visa to enter and exit various countries on the way to their destination. With this, a famous miracle occurred. Japan decided to open a consulate in Lithuania. This was, of course, pointless. There were no Japanese people in Lithuania. Japan had never had an embassy or consulate there before. This was wartime, a time to close foreign offices, not to open them.
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The Mir Yeshiva in Shangai. Reb Shmuel Chaim is in the front row, third from right
Reb Shmuel Chaim, together with thousands of others, boarded the Trans-Siberian Railway, not to Siberia, but to Vladivostok, to freedom. From Vladivostok, Reb Shmuel Chaim and his fellow yeshivaleit boarded a boat for Kobe, Japan. There, Reb Shmuel Chaim wrote to his uncle in America, and his uncle
Japan said they had not received any paperwork but agreed that it was probably on its way. Two of Reb Shmuel Chaim’s close friends, Iko and Mottel (Mordechai) Rabinowitz, got word as well. Then, on July 1, the Americans blocked all immigration, even for those approved and with visas; the Japanese extended his visa through
Reb Shmuel Chaim gave his wristwatch to his father and begged his father to allow him to take his eight-year-old little sister with him. resumed his tireless efforts to procure an American visa for his nephew. This process had started in 1938, and at each stage of the journey Uncle Simchowitz continued wiring money, affidavits, and documents to his nephew, Reb Shmuel Chaim, but to no avail. While in Kobe, on June 5, 1941, Uncle Simchowitz got word that Reb Shmuel Chaim’s visa request had been granted; the consulate in
August, assuming by then he would be able to leave. Reb Shmuel Chaim went to a clinic for vaccinations against cholera, smallpox, typhoid, and dysentery, inoculations that served him well in the coming year…. By late August, though, the Japanese had had enough. Reb Shmuel Chaim left with the rest of the Mirrer Yeshiva to Shanghai. There, the yeshiva found, miraculously, a beau-
tiful little-used shul that became their bais medrash for the years to come. The shul had been built by a Sephardic Jew in 1927 and had the exact number of seats to accommodate the yeshiva. The famous photo of the yeshiva in Shanghai features Reb Shmuel Chaim in the front row near the mashgiach Rav Chaskel Levenstein, zt”l, and the rosh yeshiva, Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, zt”l. Reb Shmuel Chaim’s stay in Shanghai was short-lived, and by late November 1941, he had procured both a visa and passage to the United States with his uncle’s hishtadlus, via Manila in the Philippines. His friends were happy and amazed; he was looking forward, but knew he would miss his yeshiva terribly. Before leaving, his yeshiva friends signed a postcard of a Shanghai street scene for him.
A Mirrer in Manila The first boat out would depart on an erev Shabbos, November 28, 1941. Reb Shmuel Chaim and Mottel and Iko Rabinowitz did not feel comfortable traveling then, despite being told that they halachically could. (Mottel and Iko had learned in Baranovich and the Mir with Reb Shmuel Chaim, and their father had already immigrated to America.)
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But Japan, in a begrudging show of diplomacy following the Soviet-German Non-Aggression Pact, was now a marginal ally of the Soviet Union and so the country exchanged embassies and consulates with its newfound friend. Japan sent Chiune Sempo Sugihara, a diplomat whose base had been in Helsinki, to Kovno. His job was diplomatic. His work was spying, specifically on German and Russian troop maneuvers and to see whether the Germans were readying an attack on the Soviets. A fellow Mirrer Yeshiva student, Moshe Zupnick, traveled to meet Sugihara. He assisted Sugihara and obtained 300 visas for all the Mirrer Yeshiva students. When word spread, Jews – even those without destination visas – thronged the embassy begging for transit visas to Japan. Sugihara complied. Even when the Japanese Foreign Service ordered him to stop, Sugihara continued. He knew his office would be closed within weeks, and yet he kept signing papers through night and day. Being led out of his office by authorities, he threw official papers with his signature scrawled on them to the crowd of desperate people. He saved 3,500 Jewish refugees with his visas, including Reb Shmuel Chaim Soroka.
Shanties in the Santo Thomas internment camps
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At Reb Shmuel Chaim and Hedy’s wedding, January 1948, with Rabbi Avraham Kalmanovitz and Max Simchowitz
The three men left a week later, on December 4, 1941, with a scheduled stop in Manila on December 8, 1941. They landed a day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor; the United States and Japan were at war. The city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was founded by the Spanish in the 1570. It is ancient and new, a city of firsts for the country – first university, first water system – and a city of olds – trade with Chinese dynasties, invasions from the Sultan. The indigenous population eventually gave way to Spanish rule and finally to American governance in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. It was technically still an American colony when Reb Shmuel Chaim landed there, at the port, ready to continue on to America. But they were two days late. The day after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese also bombed and attacked the American military base in Manila and invaded the Philippines. The Americans withdrew, leaving the Philippines to the Japanese. Now Reb Shmuel Chaim, with his Polish passport and American visa, was officially a foreign alien, and
the Japanese rounded him up as a Polish citizen and almost-American. He, and all those on their way to the United States, were prisoners of war in Japanese concentration camps for the next 39 months.
At Reb Shmuel Chaim’s wedding. Rabbi Feitel Rabinowitz, father of Mottel and Iko Rabinowitz; Chaim Barash (standing), father of the kallah; Reb Shmuel Chaim Soroka; and Rav Avraham Kalmanowitz
details, food distribution, hygiene, and even English classes. Despite that, people starved and conditions were bleak. Reb Shmuel Chaim and the Rabinowitz brothers planted small vegetable gardens and would
“You should know, my beloved son, there is a Divine plan and a reason that the Creator of the World placed you in an environment that will forever bind you with the Holy Torah.” Initially, Reb Shmuel Chaim was imprisoned in the Santo Thomas Internment Camp on the grounds of the Santo Thomas University in Manila. There, more than 3,300 people lived in quarters with few bathrooms. At first, the Japanese allowed the prisoners to set up their own systems within the camps: work
not eat non-kosher food; they lived on their greens and rice they cooked themselves. They davened daily, arranged minyanim including other Jews in the camp, and studied from the few seforim they had. And while they kept to themselves, they participated in the work programs and studied English.
In May 1943, the Japanese asked for volunteers to be transferred to a new concentration camp, the Los Banos Internment Camp, also located on a former college campus but more than 40 miles from the tiny Manila Jewish community. Los Banos, however, was worse than Santo Thomas: there was less food, no sleeping quarters, four toilets for 800 prisoners, and malaria-infected mosquitoes. Reb Shmuel Chaim was conscripted to build barracks on the side of a muddy hill; he had to push wheelbarrows up the hills through oozing tropical mud. And when construction was completed, a historically horrific typhoon hit, destroying the barracks, ruining the food supply, and spreading sewage throughout the camp. Reb Shmuel Chaim, though, said only, “Now I know how the enslaved Jews in Mitzrayim felt when they built Pisom and Ramses.” And he helped rebuild the camp. While at first the Japanese allowed the prisoners to plant vegetables and barter for food with the natives, a new military and particularly cruel commandant put a stop to all of that. The commandant con-
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expired because he had been taken as a prisoner of war. No amount of logic or discussion could convince the officials otherwise. Reb Shmuel Chaim and his uncle eventually persevered, and, in February 1946, long after his yeshiva friends in Shanghai had arrived in the United States, Reb Shmuel Chaim touched ground in America.
in each other’s sorrows. They davened together, played together, kibitzed with one another. The loud but respectful arguments over a Rashi or a Ritva would shake the walls of their shul but their jokes during kiddush on Shabbos morning were just as loud. Reb Shmuel Chaim married Hedy Barash, whose father delighted in a talmid chacham for a sonin-law. And Reb Shmuel Chaim and Hedy rebuilt together. Four children – Yosef Moshe (Yossi) married to Suri (Schwartz); Mordachai Boruch (Buchie) married to Surie (Schachter); Shimshon Zimel (Shimshy) married to Raizy (Hans); and Mindy married to Daniel Greenberg. Reb Shmuel Chaim passed away February 2, 1988, yud-daled Shevat. Sadly, he was not zocheh to see all of his 32 grandchildren or any of his great-grandchildren born. Even so, his descendants carry on his love of Torah, his deep emunah, and his unwavering belief in a world that could be rebuilt. Reb Shmuel Chaim Soroka’s journey begins with a familiar story, takes a different path, and ends with a timeless and familiar message: of hope, of mishpacha, and of emunah.
Rebuilding It was bittersweet relief. Reb Shmuel Chaim was the last of his family, and he had to build a new life for himself and rebuild what had been lost. Of the large extended Soroka family in Europe three had survived: Reb Shmuel Chaim, R’ Shimon Soroka (later the mayor of Bnei Brak and head of the Agudah – they first met in Shanghai), and Moshe Soroka (founder of Soroka Hospital in Israel). But Reb Shmuel Chaim kept his father’s words foremost in his mind: “Do not stray from your Yiddishkeit, not even the small point of the letter yud. If you have doubts or questions, ask your rebbeim. I’ve given you basic knowledge, build on it…. In this merit, Hashem should enable that you merit witnessing the consolation and rebuilding….” Reb Shmuel Chaim’s family was now not only his American uncle but his Mirrer yeshiva friends as well. Together, they raised families, started a shul and yeshivos, and learned together. As a family, they rejoiced in each other’s simchos. They shared
His Legacy, His Essence Reb Shmuel Chaim Soroka was my zaidy. He did not speak often, if at all, about his ordeals, and my uncle, Mordachai Baruch (Buchie) Soroka, spent years carefully and
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The American rescue of the prisoner of war and internment camps was heroic and is well-documented. The U.S. 11th Airborne Division liberated the camp on February 23, 1945. In the most successful rescue operation in the history of the American Armed Forces, more than 2,000 internees were rescued despite Japanese orders to wipe out the camp. Reb Shmuel Chaim was among those who cheered the arrival of the American troops. During his internment, Reb Shmuel Chaim had learned basic carpentry and spoke fluent, accented English. After the war, Reb Shmuel Chaim testified before the War Crimes Committee. But he spoke little of his experience, grateful for his life after learning of the suffering and horrors experienced by those who were slaughtered and tortured by Nazi hands. Now free, Reb Shmuel Chaim was able to recover from illness and regain strength, procure a position as a clerk with the American army in the Philippines, and try, once again, to come to the United States. His efforts were again frustrating. At one point, he boarded a boat to the United States with hundreds of other rescued prisoners and was removed from the ship because his visa had “expired.” Never mind that it had
Reb Shmuel Chaim’s kever
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Freedom but Far from Home
Reb Shmuel Chaim and Hedy Soroka at their son’s wedding
painstakingly piecing this story together from artifacts, museum records, and Zaidy’s letters. When I was little, here is what I knew: that Zaidy had gotten the last train out of Kamenetz and that his family had been shot in a forest. That Zaidy’s response to Japanese concentration camp was “they had it much worse in Europe.” That what pained him most about the Japanese was that they took his photos of his family. That he missed his friends in Shanghai deeply during that time. Here is what I knew, though it was unspoken: Zaidy’s family was his tight-knit circle of alter Mirrer friends. From the time I was tiny, I would enter shul, his beloved Mirrer Minyan, a shul he helped found for the alter Mirrers, and everyone knew my name. They greeted me warmly and enthusiastically. My grandparents delighted in their friends’ new grandchildren and children’s successes. They spoke of small details in their friends’ lives easily and sympathetically. I davened yomim noraim at the Mirrer Minyan next to my Bubby from the time I was seven until I got married. That davening is the most familiar to me, and when the Litvaks sang (and they sang, even a little bit), the women hit the high notes together. During hafsaka on Rosh Hashana, I served coffee to R’ Avrohom Shkop, zt”l (Rav Shimon Shkop’s grandson), carried out trays of cake arranged by Mrs. Feigelstein, received countless gletten on the cheek (and pinches too, I’m afraid) from my grandparents’ friends, and visited Rabbi Zaichek and Rabbi Pitterman after lunch. During hafsaka on Yom Kippur, we slept at the Karmels. The Nadbornys, the Edeltuchs, the Sasoons, the Brudnys, the Shmuelevitzes, the Levovitzes, the Chechiks, and the Chisover Rav, Rav Pinchas Levinson, davened alongside us. I was introduced to my husband through his mother’s cousin, Rabbi Noam Gordon, whose father and uncle (Yudel and Moish) were Americans who learned in Mir prior to the war and who helped found the shul. When I first met Rebbetzin Devorah (Kalmanovitz) Svei, z”l, in Philadelphia, she said joyfully, “You’re one of ours!”
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fiscated food the prisoners grew, cut the food supply to 700 calories per day per prisoner, and gave rations deliberately contaminated with pebbles and rat droppings. In September 1944, American forces under General Douglas MacArthur (who had famously declared, “I shall return” when the Americans were ousted from the country) began the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese. As the American army grew closer to Manila, in early 1945, the Japanese commandant grew crueler and more unreasonable. He appropriated food from the Red Cross, letting the prisoners starve, which led to night blindness, disease, and death. Reb Shmuel Chaim contracted malaria and developed jaundice, dysentery, and beriberi.
R’ Zelik Epstein, zt”l, once described my grandfather as the nicest person, and that, I know, is true. Zaidy was aidel, kind, and loving. He was soft-spoken and only saw the good in others. He sent money to his Mirrer chaverim living in Bnei Brak each month despite having little himself. He was refined in speech and manner, learned and learning always, and I knew the names of roshei yeshiva without title when they were mentioned familiarly – Rav Shmuel Birnbaum, Rav Nachum Partzovitz, Rav Shimon Visoker, Rav Walkin. My grandmother once remarked on the family seforim: theirs had worn and faded binding while other people’s shranks were filled with beautiful leather-bound gilded seforim. Zaidy responded: that is because ours are used. He was proud of that. The end of his life was marked by Parkinson’s disease, and yet he walked back and forth to shul three
times a day and shuffled half-a-mile slowly to the Mirrer Minyan on Friday night and Shabbos. I, his first grandchild, was born after his diagnosis. I was often in my grandpar-
Reb Shmuel Chaim, though, said only, “Now I know how the enslaved Jews in Mitzrayim felt when they built Pisom and Ramses.” And he helped rebuild the camp. ents’ home – Zaidy babysat for me when my mother returned to work – and that time is marked for me by a sense of love and tranquility. There he was a Zaidy: my mother did not allow sugar cereal (I was her first, after all) – she rarely allowed even Cheerios into my very healthy
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diet. Zaidy, on Shabbos mornings at my grandparents’, would quietly check the cereal stash. If only plain cereal was available, he would sprinkle a teaspoon or two of sugar from
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the sugar bowl onto the cereal. Neither of us ever told my mother…. Before I fell asleep at my grandparents’ home, he stood, silhouetted in the dark doorway by the light of the bathroom, and asked me, gently, “Do you have what you need? Are you comfortable?”
Looking back, reading my uncle’s book, I finally put it all together: Zaidy didn’t talk about his time in Manila because it did not define him; it refined him. It was a time, a painful time, an ordeal in his twenties marked by loss and tribulation. But he did not let it embitter him or fill his thoughts. He chose to define himself by his yeshiva, his generosity, his feinkeit, his Torah, his friends, and his family. As my grandmother often reminds us, Zaidy did not leave us with great wealth or great titles. But he left us with a shem tov. That is our legacy, and that is his story. Tehi zichro baruch. Reb Shmuel Chaim Soroka’s full story is recounted in A Mirrer in Manila by Mordachai Buchie Soroka, published by Feldheim in 2018.
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Political Crossfire
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Biden Might Offer a Restful Break for Weary Voters
MAY 3, 2019
By George F. Will
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of the Democratic nominating electorate, comfortable in its intellectual silo, seems to have convinced itself of this: Because Donald Trump constantly makes sensible people wince, any Democratic nominee, even one from progressivism’s wilder shores, can win, so no nominee should be (in President John Quincy Adams’ 1825 words) “palsied by the will of our constituents.” (Adams lost the 1828 election to the populist Andrew Jackson, whose por-
if they favor reviving this policy that helped Republicans win four of five presidential elections between 1972 and 1988. Some non-delusional Democrats are thinking, not unreasonably, about how their party might carry Arizona, Georgia and even Texas, which have 11, 16 and 38 electoral votes, respectively. (Trump’s electoral-vote margin was 77.) Arizona has not voted Democratic since 1996, but in 2016 Trump defeated Hil-
Biden’s campaign slogan should be: “How about a president who doesn’t make the current one look less loony than he is?”
trait adorns the current populist president’s Oval Office.) Biden has already begun the requisite apology grovel whereby Democratic aspirants try to make amends for various violations of progressive orthodoxy. For example, in the 1970s, Biden was critical of court-ordered busing of (other people’s) children to schools outside their neighborhoods, supposedly in order to achieve “desegregation” but actually to engineer a court-desired racial balance. It would be fun if Biden would (he won’t) sweetly ask his rivals
lary Clinton more narrowly there (3.5 percentage points) than in Ohio (8.1 points). Georgia last voted Democratic in 1992, but Trump defeated Clinton much less handily there (5.1 points) than he did in Missouri (18.6 points). Texas last voted Democratic in 1976, but Trump’s margin over Clinton was smaller there (9 points) than in Iowa (9.4 points). So, which Democrat is more likely than Biden to win one or more of those states? However, first things first: Who is most likely to reacquire the deci-
sive real estate lost in 2016 by a total of 77,744 votes – Wisconsin (22,748), Michigan (10,704) and Pennsylvania (44,292) – out of 13,940,912 votes cast in those states, which have 10, 16 and 20 electoral votes, respectively? Biden, who last lived in Pennsylvania more than half a century ago, has almost worn out the “I am Joe from Scranton” pedal on the organ, but his connection – Delaware is contiguous to Pennsylvania – might be enough to win Pennsylvania, where Trump’s victory margin was 0.7%. Speaking of first things, Biden’s previous forays into Iowa have been dismal (he withdrew in September 1987; in 2008 he received 0.9% of the caucus vote), but as marketers of financial services say, “Past performance is not an indicator of future results.” And perhaps candidate congestion will save the Democrats from themselves: If a dozen or more are auctioning themselves to the incandescent progressives, and Biden can hold, say, 20 percent, this might suffice to get him down the road and into the final four. Biden, whose smile is Jack Nicholson’s without the naughtiness, is not angry. His sporadic attempts at seeming so are transparently, and engagingly, synthetic. Neither, however, are most Americans angry. Rather, they are embarrassed and exhausted. Biden has a talent for embarrassing himself, but not the nation, and he probably might seem to weary voters to be something devoutly desired: restful. (c) 2019, Washington Post Writers Group
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hree days before Joe Biden dove back into the deep end of the political pool, a rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said the terrorist who bombed the 2013 Boston Marathon, and everyone else in America’s prisons, should be allowed to vote, lest the “chipping away” of voting rights leave America “running down a slippery slope.” Such running – to be fair to the faux independent (he caucuses with Senate Democrats; he seeks the Democratic presidential nomination) – does sound dangerous. Another Biden rival, California Sen. Kamala Harris, utilized the sort of verbal fudge that many Democratic presidential candidates resort to when they are terrified that they might be neglecting to stroke some obscure erogenous zone on the party’s progressive base. She initially said Sanders’ idea should be part of a “conversation,” which is basically what she (and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren) said about “reparations” for slavery. One or more of Biden’s rivals have endorsed, or at least deemed conversation-worthy, many ideas not uppermost in most voters’ minds: socialism, the Green New Deal, packing the Supreme Court, abolishing ICE and the Electoral College, free college, votes for 16-year-olds, “Medicare for All” (and private health insurance for no one), etc. Biden’s campaign slogan should be: “How about a president who doesn’t make the current one look less loony than he is?” The large progressive component
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TJH 911, What’s the Emergency? The following are supposedly real 911 calls: Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What is your emergency? Caller: I heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the brown house on the corner. Dispatcher: Do you have an address? Caller: No, I have on a blouse and slacks. Why? Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What is your emergency? Caller: Someone broke into my house and took a bite out of my ham and cheese sandwich. Dispatcher: Excuse me? Caller: I made a ham and cheese sandwich and left it on the kitchen table and when I came back from the bathroom, someone had taken a bite out of it. Dispatcher: Was anything else taken? Caller: No, but this has happened to me before, and I’m sick and tired of it!
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Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What is the nature of your emergency? Caller: I’m trying to reach nine eleven but my phone doesn’t have an eleven on it. Dispatcher: This is nine eleven. Caller: I thought you just said it was nine-one-one. Dispatcher: Yes, ma’am, nine-one-one and nine-eleven are the same thing. Caller: Honey, I may be old, but I’m not stupid. Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What’s the nature of your emergency? Caller: My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart. Dispatcher: Is this her first child? Caller: No, this is her husband. Dispatcher: 9-1-1. What is your emergency? Caller: Yeah, I’m having trouble breathing. I’m all out of breath. Darn…I think I’m going to pass out. Dispatcher: Sir, where are you calling from? Caller: I’m at a pay phone. North and Foster. Dispatcher: Sir, an ambulance is on the way. Are you an asthmatic? Caller: No. Dispatcher: What were you doing before you started having trouble breathing? Caller: Running from the police.
Centerfold Riddle me
this?
A very mean king went to a nearby village. He wanted some more slaves to serve him at his royal palace. He decided that if any family in the village had more than five children, he would take them. A cobbler and his wife had ten children. When the king came to take them, the cobbler and his wife begged and begged the king to save their children from this decree. Finally, the king said, “I see that you have ten pairs of shoes in a box. If you can give each of your children a pair and still leave one pair out of ten in the box, you can keep your children.” The cobbler and his wife began to smile at each other. How did they keep all of their children? See answer on the other page
You gotta be
kidding
Jimbo and Billy Bob were flying from Texas to Georgia. Fifteen minutes into the flight, the captain announced, “One of the engines has failed and the flight will be an hour longer. But don’t worry, we have three engines left.” Thirty minutes later, the captain announced, “One more engine has failed and the flight will be two hours longer. But don’t worry, we have two engines left.” An hour later, the captain came on the loudspeaker, “One more engine has failed and the flight will be three hours longer. But don’t worry, we have one engine left.” Jimbo looked at Billy Bob. “If we lose one more engine, we’ll be up here all day,” he said.
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Down 2. Telegraph 3. Emerald 4. Walt Whitman 5. Mexico 7. Spiro Agnew 8. Brooklyn Bridge
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Across 1. Babe Ruth 6. Barbeque 9. Mother’s Day 10. Memorial Day 11. Kentucky Derby 12. Flowers 13. Christopher Columbus 14. Lewis and Clark 15. Margaret Thatcher
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Everything May
Answers: 11
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Clues: 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8.
Samuel Morse invents the ________ May’s birthstone Author of Leaves of Grass Cinco de Mayo: day of this country’s independence Nixon’s vice president, who was forced to resign First bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan opens in May 1883
1. 6. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
In 1935, this baseball player hits his 714th and last home run Time to fire up the ___________ Special day for many women Remembering those who sacrificed most for the U.S. First leg of the Triple Crown April showers bring May __________ This explorer dies in poverty in Spain in 1506 The first United States expedition to the Pacific Coast Britain’s first female prime minister
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Across
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Answer to Riddle Me This: The cobbler and his wife gave each of his nine children a pair of shoes. That left one pair in the box. They then gave this tenth child the box with the shoes in it.
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Notable Quotes
MAY 3, 2019
“Say What?!”
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From here on in I am going to be more brazen. I am going to be even more proud about walking down the street wearing my tzitzit and kippah, acknowledging G-d’s presence. And I’m going to use my voice until I am hoarse to urge my fellow Jews to do Jewish. To light candles before Shabbat. To put up mezuzas on their doorposts. To do acts of kindness. And to show up in synagogue — especially this coming Shabbat.
I got that paranoia when you think the whole world is after you. I thought there was somebody behind me every single day. It’s hard living your life when you have the ticket everybody wants.
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- Manuel Franco, 24, of Wisconsin, talking about what happened when he noticed last week that he had the winning ticket for the $768 million Powerball prize
I am a proud emissary of ChabadLubavitch, a movement of Hasidic Judaism. Our leader, the great Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, famously taught that a little light expels a lot of darkness. That is why Chabad rabbis travel all over the world to set up Jewish communities: I have colleagues in Kathmandu, in Ghana, as well as in Paris and Sydney. We believe that helping any human being tap into their divine spark is a step toward fixing this broken world and bringing closer the redemption of humanity. It is why 33 years ago my wife and I came to this corner of California to build a house of light. - From an op-ed by Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, rabbi of the Chabad of Poway
The Emperor of Japan has announced that he is giving up the throne. If you want to know more about it, just read the fifty articles that Prince Charles taped to the Queen of England’s fridge. -Jimmy Fallon
I think there is enough there that any other person who had engaged in those acts would certainly have been indicted. - Hillary Clinton talking about the Mueller report’s conclusions at the Time 100 Conference
MORE QUOTES
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Thank you to brilliant and highly respected attorney Alan Dershowitz for destroying the very dumb legal argument of “Judge” Andrew Napolitano.... Ever since Andrew came to my office to ask that I appoint him to the U.S. Supreme Court, and I said NO, he has been very hostile! Also asked for pardon for his friend. A good “pal” of low ratings Shepard Smith. – Tweet by Pres. Trump about Fox News’ legal analyst Andrew Napolitano who has flipped in the past year from being one of Trump’s supporters to one of his most outspoken critics
MAY 3, 2019
I thought the president’s comments were brilliant—he wanted to divert attention from what Mueller had said about him, and what I had commented about Mueller, to his relationship with me. - Napolitano, responding to Trump’s criticism
I don’t want to dwell on the president. This is not his dinner. It’s ours, and it should stay ours. But I do want to say this. In nearly 23 years as a reporter, I’ve been physically assaulted by Republicans and Democrats, spat on, shoved, had [garbage] thrown at me. I’ve been told by senior administration officials of both major parties that I will never work in Washington again.
- Olivier Knox, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, speaking at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night
But I will tell you, I’m doing everything I can right now, spending this time with you — not with our kiddos, not back home in El Paso — because I want to sacrifice everything to make sure that we meet this moment of truth with everything we’ve got. - Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke when asked at a campaign event why he hardly gave any charity last year
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And yet, I still separate my career into the period before February 2017 and what came after. That’s because February 2017 is when the President of the United States called us the “enemies of the people.” A few days later I was driving my then-11-year-old son somewhere, probably soccer practice, when he burst into tears and asked me, “Is Donald Trump going to put you in prison?”
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50 Imagine if the New York Times cartoon that depicted Israel’s prime minister as a dog had, instead, depicted the leader of another ethnic or gender group in a similar manner? If you think that is hard to imagine, you are absolutely right. It would be inconceivable for a Times editor to have allowed the portrayal of a Muslim leader as a dog; or the leader of any other ethnic or gender group in so dehumanizing a manner. - Alan Dershowitz, writing about the vicious anti-Semitic cartoon in The New York Times international edition last week
The New York Times should be especially sensitive to this issue, because they were on the wrong side of history when it came to reporting the Holocaust. They deliberately buried the story because their Jewish owners wanted to distance themselves from Jewish concerns. They were also on the wrong side of history when it came to the establishment of the nation-state of the Jewish people, following the Holocaust. When it comes to Jews and Israel, The New York Times is still on the wrong side of history.
I’m not bothered by the thought of my death. - Warren Buffett, in an interview with the Financial Times talking about why he doesn’t stop his soda guzzling and McDonald’s chomping habits
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- Ibid.
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You look at what Russia did, buying some Facebook ads and trying to sow dissent, it’s a terrible thing. But I think the investigations and all of the speculation that’s happened for the last two years has had a much harsher impact on our democracy than a couple of Facebook ads. I spent $160,000 on Facebook every three hours during the campaign. If you look at the magnitude of what they did and what they accomplished, the ensuing investigations have been way more harmful. - Jared Kushner at the Time 100 Conference
The CIA has now launched its own account on Instagram. It sounds cool until you get a notification that the CIA is now following you. – Jimmy Fallon
Yes, even for terrible people, because once you start chipping away and you say, “Well, that guy committed a terrible crime, not going to let him vote. Well, that person did that. Not going to let that person vote,” you’re running down a slippery slope. - 2020 presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) when asked at a town hall if the Boston bomber, who placed a bomb at the feet of a 9-year-old boy eating ice cream, should be allowed to vote
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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Dating Dialogue
What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters
Dear Navidaters,
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Although I am only 15 years old, I read the Navidater column every week. I find it so interesting, but I mainly read it because my older sister is in shidduchim and it seems to be the only thing that my family thinks about, talks about and breathes. So, I figure that if I read your column, I’ll have a better idea regarding what all the fuss is about.
But the reason I’m writing in is because I feel as though my parents have been neglecting me and my younger siblings. Finding out about young men for my sister and researching them and talking to my older sister about how her dates went is all they all seem to be busy with. If I or one of my younger siblings ask my mother for anything, she is usually so preoccupied that we get ignored. I can’t even remember the last time my mother spent a Sunday with me or anyone else in the family for that matter. I’m starting to get really annoyed and I don’t know what to do or say to remind my mother that she actually has four other children besides our older sister. When I say something, her answer is usually something like, “your turn will come and we’ll give you just as much attention.” But something about her behavior and answer doesn’t seem right. Is it normal for a mother to drop everything because her firstborn is dating? What can I do to get a little attention?
Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions.
Our intention is not to offer any definitive
conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.
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The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. am not surprised by your letter. I hear from community members here in the Five Towns that teenagers read the Dating Dialogue column regularly. I am pleasantly surprised that you are bringing this issue to the panel. This speaks to your maturity. You are clearly in touch with your feelings of being neglected or shunted to the side in the wake of your mother’s preoccupation with your sister’s shidduchim. Instead of acting out and engaging in risky behavior to get your mother’s attention, you are asking adults outside of your family for advice. That is a good practice for the future, too, when issues come up in family relationships. Getting advice from a mentor, therapist, teacher, or another wise adult you know is a good idea. Getting back to the present, I suggest that you make a “date” to sit down with your mother and talk. Tell her in advance that you want to schedule a conversation about something that is on your mind. This simple action will show her that you are being mature, respectful of her time, and serious about your feelings. Then sit down and talk to her. Talk so that you will be heard. Don’t attack her; don’t put her on the defensive. She is probably feeling very vulnerable. Shidduchim make people feel vulnerable; they get “no’s.” They feel judged and gossiped about. They are humbled by a process which often feels unkind, competitive, and unmanageable. Parents, especially those who have not yet had a married child and are new to shidduchim, can feel insecure and very worried while their children are dating and trying to find their life partners. I would suggest that you sandwich your remarks. You can first say to your mother something like this: I know you are so busy taking care of the family and its needs. I would appreciate
I
spending time doing things together, hanging out, going out together, and just talking. It feels like there is less of this lately. Can we schedule some time regularly for just the two of us? Can we plan some Sunday outings together as a family? Our family is really great, and I think we would all enjoy more quality time together. As you can see, you sandwiched your need as a request between two positive comments. This is a great tactic to use instead of direct criticism which is often interpreted as an attack. The sandwich method opens people up to hear the message in the middle and leaves them with a positive feeling. Also, notice that this script leaves out your sister and her shidduchim. It leaves out your feeling of lack of attention. I do think being strategic is the way to be now because your direct way of expressing your needs did not work. Your mother basically told you that you will have your turn. In other words, she told you that right now your sister’s shidduchim are front and center, and that’s the way it will be. By being strategic, you are reminding her that there is a family as well, with several members that comprise it. Two final suggestions that you can use in conjunction with this one: try talking to your father but make sure to plan your approach carefully. Think through how you will be heard and strategize accordingly. Another person who can help you is your school counselor. S/he is there to help you. Consult with resources available to you.
The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, P.A. oor lamb. Fifteen and feeling neglected. Approach the Parents. They truly love you. They’re just not efficient at multitasking. Tell them (together and separately) that you crave their attention. The cookies and milk; the warm and snug-
P
gly bedtime rituals; the long Sundays at the mall. Fill in the blanks. Ask them if you could consult a professional (start with the school guidance counselor) to help you cope during this complicated period. Assure them you would never resort to risky behaviors; but hey, am I not also your daughter, with my own personal needs and challenges? Take heart. Soon your sister will be married. You and your siblings will get all the attention you seek and deserve. Until grandchild #1 arrives….
The Shadchan Michelle Mond took a poll of many “Siblings-InThe-Parsha” in preparation for
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Parenthood is the ultimate balancing act.
your question. It turns out, you are not alone. Many younger siblings feel this way in the midst of their older siblings’ time in shidduchim. Being a family in the parsha is not easy! This goes for any all-encompassing life-changing circumstances and is not limited to being a sibling of someone in the shidduch parsha. There are many things that have the potential to rock the boat of typical family dynamics. When a family has another baby, when a sibling finally does get married, planning
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56 a wedding, and the list goes on. It is normal for parents to be more preoccupied than usual during new stages of life, and it is important for the kids to cut their parents some slack and help out in any way they can. However, the business should not come at the expense of the other children feeling neglected. You mention that you have tried talking to your mother but it has fallen on deaf ears. What I am about to say is crucial in getting through to your mother: when it comes to dynamics like this, timing is everything. When she is in the midst of a crisis, i.e. networking, in the midst of a shidduch falling apart, juggling 500 things, emotionally charged, etc. it is not the best time for her to “take in” this realization. I understand that this is usually the time in which you feel neglected the most, but you must approach her during downtime. Think about it like a computer. When a bunch
of things are downloading, you’re trying to check your email, listen to music, and skype your cousin all at the same time, the computer will inevitably crash (or at least go much slower); you need to approach your mother with the same mentality. If that time barely ever comes, create it! Perhaps help your mother clean up after Shabbos and when the house is quiet and everything is nice and clean, tell her the following, “Mom, I’d love to make a cup of hot cocoa/coffee; do you want one too?” She will be thrilled. Then sit with her at the kitchen table and tell her how you feel, using “I” statements. Make it about yourself rather than saying, “You never make time for us anymore – all you care about is *Mindy and her shidduchim.” Some lines you can use are: “Mommy, I feel sad that we never talk anymore. I miss when we had fun times together as a family. I realize that shidduchim for *Mindy
is all encompassing, but I do wish we could possibly make time every day to spend time together, just like we are now. I realize that when it will be my time iy”H you will give me just as much of your time, but I will resent getting all that attention if it will come at the expense of my younger siblings feeling like they are suddenly on the sidelines. Maybe we can work on a system that despite the stress of shidduchim, we can still all be close?” I believe if you use this strategy you are very likely to succeed at finally getting through to your mother. If your mother fails to take the bait of having a nice sit-down conversation, you can try writing a heartfelt letter as well. I wish you much hatzlacha in this endeavor. In the zechus of your hard work bringing your family together during this stressful time, may Hashem make this tekufa pass very soon, and when it is your turn, it should be a speedy process as
Parents, especially those who have not yet had a married child and are new to shidduchim, can feel insecure and very worried while their children are dating.
well! *I don’t know your sister’s name. I am just using “Mindy” to help make things easier to understand.
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Tova Wein ’ll answer your actual question first. You asked if it’s normal for a mother to drop everything and everyone because her child is in shidduchim. The easy answer is no – it’s not normal. You and your siblings
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are still in need of a mother – that has not changed. Maybe it would help to recognize that another “child” has entered the family circle, namely the “shadchan,” who requires a lot of your mother’s time, but surely there should be space in your mother’s life for everyone and everything, even though the amount of attention given to all will be less, for the time being. The
are probably the voice of many others like yourself who are having the same experiences. I think you should show this column to your mother. Hand the column over to her at a quiet moment in time, with a nice cup of tea and a yummy cookie or two. Ask her to please read it, and when she’s finished, ask her if she would be so kind as to discuss both your feelings and the suggestions of the panelists together. I think this is a great way to open up some meaningful dialogue with her regarding your experience and hopefully shake her up enough to allow her to look at the entire family unit and consider whether there is a better way to proceed.
your entire life. If everyone in the family is feeling neglected, it is a sign that it is time to restore balance and order to the family unit. If you are feeling stressed and neglecting yourself, that is also a sign that it is time to take care of yourself. Take a few hours on a Sunday, and a few quality minutes at night, to make sure you are checked in and connected with everyone. Tell yourself, “I am shelving shidduchim for the afternoon. See you tomorrow morning!” During very stressful times, some families like to create a new family ritual, like having dinners together or going for a Sunday morning bike ride or playing a long game together on Shabbos afternoon. It can be a beautiful statement that reinforces the family bond. Everyone knows that this family
is important. We matter to each other. The family will feel better, and you will feel better too!
MAY 3, 2019
Pulling It All Together
problem is that often women (otherwise perfectly normal women), who are entering this stage of life for the first time, with their first child, sometimes start acting in ways that are out of control. All the chatter, the pressure, the horror stories circulating, etc. can literally scare even the most rational people into thinking in unhealthy ways. And the collateral damage can be felt everywhere. Mothers can neglect themselves, their spouses, and, as you’ve experienced, their children. I think it’s great and I commend you for writing in. You
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The Single
The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists
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well-meaning. As the other panelists me nt ione d , it ’s time to have a conversation with your mother about your feelings. Approach your mother during a quiet time. Show her that you understand that she is well-intentioned and then let her know how things are impacting you. The panelists gave excellent script options. I am hopeful that after you approach your mother maturely and with sensitivity, she will able to truly hear you and your feelings. A note to parents: This parenting thing doesn’t come with instructions. The vast majority of parents are very well-meaning. We work like dogs to give our children a wonderful life. There are going to be times when one child needs more of our attention, and we feel incredibly pulled and torn. During these times, it is normal for our other children to feel neglected. Parenthood is the ultimate balancing act. If you see yourself in the mother of this author, please don’t judge yourself harshly. I see how stressful shidduchim are on the parents. Let it simply be a friendly reminder or eyeopener that shidduchim cannot take over
All the best, Jennifer
Esther Mann, LCSW and Jennifer Mann, LCSW are licensed psychotherapists and dating and relationship coaches working with individuals, couples and families in private practice in Hewlett, NY. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 516.224.7779. Press 1 for Esther, 2 for Jennifer. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email thenavidaters@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.
Hi Readers! Receiving your enthusiastic emails wanting to participate in the Reader’s Respond section has been wonderful! Just a reminder about how Reader Response works. Email thenavidaters@gmail. com with the subject line “Reader Response.” We will then ask you, in the order we receive your email, if you would like to respond to the coming week’s email. If you would like to respond to an already printed Navidaters Panel, please submit your answer to the editor at editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com. You can also join us on our FB page @thenavidaters on Sunday evenings to post your response to the week’s column. Interacting with you has been a pleasure! Thank you for all of your feedback. Esther and Jennifer
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’m so glad you wrote in. Clearly, you are pretty incredible. At fifteen years old, you are writing into the panel to get clarity and guidance for your situation. You are also giving a voice to all the younger siblings out there whose families are in the parsha. Younger siblings…this one’s for you! (This one is also for moms and dads to appreciate the impact of shidduchim on the entire family unit.) You asked if your mother’s hyper-focus on your older sister is “normal.” Well, yes and no. I cannot validate you enough in that it shouldn’t be this way. I’m sending you oodles of validation. Your feelings are completely justified. However, it is “normal” in the sense that it does happen fairly often. You see, shidduchim can make parents a little meshuga. There is an enormous amount of pressure involved, and if you allow it, it can have the power to take over your life. Most parents get heavily involved in shidduchim, some to the point of neglecting other family members. Not because they are ill-intentioned, but because they love this child and want to see her happily married. When asked, your mother says something like, “I would do this for all of my children.” This is the evidence that she is
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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Health & F tness
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Post-Pesach Pounds THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
I
f you found yourself on the last day of Pesach struggling to fit into your clothes, you may have eaten too much potato starch and matzah. Vacations and holidays often come with a high-calorie price. Now that Pesach has come to an end, it’s time to face the reality we call the scale. Contrary to popular belief, matzah does, in fact, have calories. And those long afternoons in the tearoom add even more to the scale. Indulgence is synonymous with our yomim tovim. Although five pounds may not seem like a lot now, people mistakenly procrastinate and do not jump on a diet right away to immediately evict the unwanted pounds before they become permanent residents in their bodies. But they’re misguided. Summer is almost here and when the weather is great, you want to feel and look your best. It starts with shedding the “Pesach pounds” as quickly as they arrived and introducing some new healthy habits into your routine. Adhering to a regimen after vacation is crucial. If not taken care of, weight gain will remain and build over time. The longer you let a weight gain stick to you, it has been proven to be harder to get rid of. Although your mother-in-law’s Pe-
sach lukshen is delicious, it’s time to get back on track with eight steps to losing your post-Pesach pounds: 1. Your day will be a radically different by starting off with a healthy breakfast. A good breakfast keeps your blood sugar stable, keeping your body from experiencing a type of hunger that would normally cause you to reach for the wrong foods. Breakfast will keep you from overeating during the day and especially at night. Instead of having sugary cereal and milk in the morning, try a bowl of whole oats with fresh fruit and almond butter. The latter is chock full of whole grains, vitamins, and minerals. Alternatively, eggs and a slice of whole grain toast can be extremely filling and healthy. This provides protein and fiber in one meal, keeping you satisfied throughout your morning. 2. Your pantry is probably cleared and ready to be restocked. The best method to start cleaning up your diet is through the foods you buy. Begin by eliminating processed foods and replace them with whole, healthy alternatives. The term “processed foods” can be subdivided into three categories: refined sugar, white flour, and trans-fat. Cutting these out of your daily munching can have a huge
effect on your health, weight, and overall wellbeing. Buying non-processed foods involves a little effort. Swap out chicken nuggets which are full of sodium for plain chicken breasts you can marinate and grill. For snacking, homemade granola with plain yogurt or unsweetened applesauce are great choices. 3. You may be tempted to skip meals in an attempt to lose weight fast. No pun intended, but skip it. Eating fewer meals causes your metabolism to actually slow down, making it more difficult to lose weight in the long run. When your body doesn’t get the energy it needs, it demands it. Your cells will cause you to crave foods, and since sugar provides us with a lot of energy, it will cause you to crave even more sugar. Skipping meals will also cause your blood sugar to fall. Low blood sugar alters our moods and causes stress. Who wants stress after Pesach?! Our bodies function on the foods we eat. Simply not eating does not make you healthier, in fact, quite the opposite. So, instead of skipping meals, try portion control. Eating less food more frequently (as in smaller portions), will keep you full and curb your appetite. Meal prepping is a great way to avoid not having food at the ready.
Prep lunch for the next few days or just plan your meals in your mind, or log a plan on your phone, so you’re ready for the day! 4. H2O is your best friend. Drinking water throughout the day will help you get rid of your pounds faster. As a bonus, getting into the habit of drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water during the summer months is crucial to beating dehydration. Water will suppress your appetite throughout the day so it’s a great tool for weight loss. Although soda, coffee, and juice do count as water intake, they’re heavy in sugar and calories and should be avoided. Stay hydrated with water or naturally flavored seltzer instead. 5. Whether you exercised in the weeks leading up to Pesach or you maybe powerwalked once a month, it’s time to permanently introduce workouts into your life. Motivating yourself to exercise is a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. Exercising helps you burn calories. You just experienced a surplus in food intake over the week and need to make up for that by hitting the gym. Most weight loss comes from dietary changes but the benefits of working out go beyond just weight. Those who have a regular exercise regimen are at a lower risk for
59 is just sticking to us and not going anywhere. Our metabolism slows down over the course of the day and is not utilizing the food we consume at night like it did earlier today. If you must have a sweet, then indulge earlier in the day, preferably the morning, and
that knowledge will give you the impetus to get back on track, making positive health and lifestyle changes. It’s wonderful that we get to enjoy vacations and holidays and bask in amazing food, but the feeling of dread many people get when they return can
Our systems crave healthy food, lots of water, and movement.
offset an otherwise beautiful yom tov. No one can deny the overabundance of food and alcohol in just one seder night. Fortunately, an indulgent week does not necessarily lead to an indulgent lifestyle! The amazing part about our bodies is that they spring back nicely, and the damage is not irrevers-
Aliza Beer is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail.com, and you can follow her on Instagram at @alizabeer.
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stick to just a few bites. 8. Face the scale. Don’t be afraid to get on the scale immediately after Pesach; it’s good to see the number and set your goal. Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is wealth. If you maintained your weight over yom tov, then you will feel accomplished. And if you gained,
ible. Our systems crave healthy food, lots of water, and movement, so introducing that into your routine will lead to better functioning. Instead of looking at these tips as a temporary detox, the goal is to create new habits and a healthier lifestyle. By eliminating the stress of yoyo-dieting, you eliminate that exhausting panic of needing to drop five pounds before and after every yom tov. Healthy eating can be a way of life and weight can be maintained in a comfortable range, while still being able to eat satisfying, delicious meals and snacks. Especially after Pesach, it is crucial to get back to eating good quality foods that allow our bodies to function at their peak.
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a host of diseases including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer. Exercising doesn’t just help you lose weight; it helps you shed fat and build muscle. Your workout routine should involve both cardio and resistance training. There’s a common misconception that weights make women bulky. There is little evidence to support this claim, and weight training in particular is vital in preventing osteoporosis. 6. Reduce the red meat. Most chagim include an abundance of red meat, i.e. beef, lamb, and veal, which is very high in fat, cholesterol and calories – and Pesach is no exception. Try eating more fish in the weeks post-Pesach; it will be good for your heart health and great for your waistline. 7. Timing is everything. You can be perfect all day, but if you get snacky at night then you won’t be able to lose a pound. If you keep your nights clean and don’t eat anything after dinner, the scale will be down the next morning. Why? Because the food we eat at night
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Mental Health Corner
Friends and Therapists
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
By Rabbi Azriel Hauptman
David Flamm 410-616-9186
flammd1@nationwide.com
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FOR YOUR AUTO, HOME, LIFE AND BUSINESS NEEDS
Many people wonder what is the benefit of having a therapist if one is blessed with close friends and a loving family. He will always have someone who will listen to him and someone to lean on. Let us take this question one step further. What if your best friend is a therapist? Isn’t this the best of both worlds? You have a friend who you can confide in and that friend has the knowledge of a therapist! What could be better?! Before we address this question, it is imperative to point out that close friends and family are vital and indispensable to one’s emotional health. Whatever we are about to say in this article is focused on the specific aspects of a therapist who is not your friend. As they say, “It takes a village!” Here are some differences between a friend and a therapist. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. • Objectiveness – Your friends and family are not objective. I know this might come as a shock to you, but if you think about it your best friend can’t be objective. They are emotionally invested in your life and care about you so much that their emotions can cloud their judgement. A therapist who is not your friend can remain emotionally neutral and therefore have a more objective perspective. Additionally, there are many secrets that you would not share with your friends or family since you do not want to upset them. Since your therapist is not your friend, you feel
more comfortable in sharing your innermost secrets. • Confidentiality – Your friends and family are not always confidential. This is because they love you. Your father might feel that it is important to share something about you with your mother. Your sister might share with your brother, and so on and so forth. Since therapy is truly confidential you can be more open. • Therapy is focused on you – A healthy relationship is reciprocal. I can rely on you for emotional support and you can similarly rely on me. The therapeutic relationship is one of the few times when the focus is totally on you. That might sound narcissistic, but in reality there are times when you need to do some serious introspection in order to get better and that is often only possible with the help of a therapist who is focused totally on you. These differences between a therapist and a friend apply even if your friend is a therapist. If your friend is not a therapist, then obviously a therapist has a lot more to offer than a friend since a therapist has professional training in helping people who are suffering from mental health related issues whereas a friend does not. This is a service of Relief Resources. Relief is an organization that provides mental health referrals, education, and support to the frum community. Rabbi Yisrael Slansky is director of the Baltimore branch of Relief. He can be contacted at 410-448-8356 or at yslansky@reliefhelp.org
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POST PESACH 2019 CHOMETZ INFORMATION
CHOMETZ MAY BE PURCHASED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PESACH 2019 AT THE FOLLOWING STORES LOCATED IN THE BALTIMORE METROPOLITAN AREA WHEN NOTED, CHOMETZ MAY BE PURCHASED ONLY AT THE SPECIFIED ADDRESSES.
7-11
6401 Reisterstown Rd (at Fords Lane) 1801 Reisterstown Rd (at Hooks Lane) 1 Greenwood Pl (at Old Court Rd.) 620 Reisterstown Rd (near Slade/Milford Mill)
A-Z Savings
6307 Reisterstown Road
1508 Reisterstown Rd. (at Old Court Rd.) 7000 Reisterstown Rd. (near Fallstaff Rd.)
Food Lion Market Maven
Petco Petsmart Rite-Aid Royal Farms Sam's Club Save-A-Lot Savings Center
4003 Seven Mile Lane
Seven Mile Market Shoppers Food Warehouse Shoprite 37 Aylesbury Road, Timonium Trader Joe’s Walgreens Walmart Wegmans Whole Foods Wine Loft
For updated information regarding stores where chometz may be purchased, please see www.star-k.org/passover. * Only these two locations of Dunkin Donuts are under the certification of Rabbi Sholom Salfer. Please note that it is permissible to purchase products at these Dunkin Donuts on Motzei Pesach, April 27, ONLY AFTER 10:00 p.m. (this time meets the requirement of )בכדי שיﬠשו.
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Aldi BJ’s Coffee Bean Colonial Liquors Costco CVS Dugan’s Liquor *Dunkin Donuts
MAY 3, 2019
CONSUMERS IN OTHER COMMUNITIES SHOULD CHECK WITH THEIR LOCAL VAAD HAKASHRUS FOR REGIONAL STORE INFORMATION.
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CHOMETZ MAY BE PURCHASED AT ALL STAR-K AND STAR-D ESTABLISHMENTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER PESACH
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
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PURCHASING CHOMETZ AFTER PESACH 2019 FROM GIANT, SAFEWAY & TARGET IN BALTIMORE Due to issues regarding possible Jewish owned distributors, in general, it is commendable not to purchase chometz from the stores listed below until the Sunday after Lag B’omer, May 26th, 2019. However, A&L Foods distributor of kosher foods (to Giant, Target, and Safeway in Baltimore) sells their chometz through STAR-K and therefore the indicated items may be purchased immediately after Pesach. Furthermore, all fresh-baked breads and buns with reliable kosher certification are supplied by local vendors and are acceptable even at the stores below. Some examples are H&S, Arnold, Pepperidge Farm, and inhouse store brands of sandwich bread, rye bread, and hot dog and hamburger buns. • GIANT - Consumers may purchase chometz immediately after Pesach from the following designated Kosher Food Sections: Dry, Frozen, & Refrigerated. Also, consumers may purchase fresh baked breads immediately after Pesach. It is commendable not to purchase chometz from other sections until May 26. • SAFEWAY - Consumers may purchase chometz immediately after Pesach from the following designated Kosher Food Sections: Dry, Frozen, & Refrigerated. Also, consumers may purchase fresh baked breads immediately after Pesach. It is commendable not to purchase chometz from other sections until May 26. • TARGET - Consumers may purchase chometz immediately after Pesach from the designated Kosher Dry Food Items Section. Also, consumers may purchase fresh baked breads immediately after Pesach. It is commendable not to purchase chometz from other sections until May 26. We do not have information regarding these stores in other parts of the country.
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
WHEN CHOMETZ MAY BE PURCHASED AFTER PESACH FROM STORES/DISTRIBUTORS THAT DO NOT SELL THEIR CHOMETZ MAJOR JEWISH OWNED SUPERMARKETS THAT DO NOT SELL
SUPERMARKETS THAT PURCHASE FROM JEWISH OWNED
THEIR CHOMETZ
DISTRIBUTORS THAT DO NOT SELL THEIR CHOMETZ
Sunday, May 12, 2019 (2 weeks after Pesach)
Sunday, May 26, 2019 (4 weeks after Pesach)
JEWISH OWNED LIQUOR STORES THAT DO NOT SELL THIER CHOMETZ
Tuesday, June 11, 2019 (after Shavuos)
BEER AFTER PESACH IN MARYLAND There is an issue of Chometz She’avar Alav HaPesach regarding many brands of beer sold in the state of Maryland. For specific information regarding which brands and locations are affected, see www.star-k.org.
BEER AFTER PESACH IN NEW YORK As is well known, many brands of beer sold in New York City and surrounding counties are distributed by a Jewish owned company. Although a number of Rabbonim have worked with the company to affect a mechiras chometz, long standing STAR-K policy has always been not to rely on a mechira in these types of situations. Each individual should consult his Rav for guidance. For more information, please see www.star-k.org.
Click here for Guide to Purchasing Chometz After Pesach Click here for Chometz After Pesach Chart
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Researching Your Family
history,
time
One Document at a
By Malky Lowinger
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
A
s the number of Holocaust survivors among us diminishes, the level of interest in their stories is at an all time high. Family members are haunted by questions. What really happened to Zeidy’s three brothers who never returned? How did Bubby manage to travel to Switzerland? Did any members of Tanteh Blima’s family survive the horrors of Bergen-Belsen? So many questions, so few answers. Meanwhile, in a remote town in central Germany called Bad Arolsen, there stands a series of nondescript buildings. These buildings house millions of documents, probably the largest archive of the Nazi and postwar era. Many of these documents are the key to answering these heart wrenching questions. Millions of Holocaust victims unfortunately disappeared without a trace. But there were millions of others whose fates were meticulously documented by the Germans and the authorities at the time. The Bad Arolsen archive contains over fifty
million pieces of documentation with detailed information about 17.5 million civilians who were either victims or survivors of the War. It also includes vital postwar documentation. For many decades these archives were closed to the public. But in 2007, in response to increased worldwide pressure, the collection
archives were the subject of lots of media attention when they were first opened. But that has since quieted down.” Since then, the entire collection has been painstakingly digitized, a process that is still ongoing ten years later. “We have about 200 million digitized pages so far,” says Dr. Afoumado. The goal, she says, is to make
“Often these are the last pictures ever seen of that person.” was opened and made available to both historians and to families seeking information about their loved ones. Dr. Diane Afoumado, Chief of Research and Reference at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., has dedicated her career to providing this information to survivors and their families. “Ten years ago,” she says, “the
these pages accessible to the public. She encourages families to contact the ITS (International Tracing Service) office at the museum online to request any documentation or information about their family members. “It’s free of charge,” she notes. Thousands have taken advantage of ITS’s services already. On average, they receive 200 requests a month, mostly from families of sur-
vivors, both Jewish and non-Jewish. “We give priority to living survivors,” she points out, “especially those who are seeking compensation and need documentation to support their claims.” What type of documents are found in these archives? “Every aspect of a prisoner’s life was documented by the Nazis,” says Dr. Afoumado. “There are documents about internment and concentration camps, and about the ghettos and forced labor camps. These include prisoner files, medical files, and transfer lists. If a prisoner was sent from one barrack to another, it was probably documented.” Also fascinating, says Dr. Afoumado, are the documents about postwar Europe and the displaced persons camps. “For most people,” she points out, “the War did not end in 1945. It could have lasted for years afterwards, as survivors struggled to find each other or waited to emigrate. The collection gives us a picture of the world after the War, with documentation about individuals who requested to be transferred, repatriated, or emigrated. “ Researching the archives is not a
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015
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The ITS Holocaust Archive in Bad Arolsen
She tells the story of a sixteenyear-old Jewish girl, Rihnata, who was helped during the War by a Polish boy named Carl. She was eventually deported and they lost track of each other after the War. “A few years ago, Rihnata’s daughter and granddaughter came to the museum. They told the story to my colleagues who found information about Rihnata and also about Carl, who now lives in Canada. We served as intermediaries and contacted Carl who agreed to speak to the family. It was amazing to connect these two families!” Another time, a family in Isra-
were never reunited. But the children did connect and discovered their long-lost cousins and are now one big happy family.
D
r. Afoumado is clearly passionate about her work at ITS. Born in France, she began reading about the Holocaust as a teenager. “There weren’t many books back then,” she recalls, “but I got interested in the history
“We are like detectives of the past, trying to put together the pieces of a giant puzzle.” el contacted the ITS. Their father, who was still alive, was deported to Cracow during the War but had no information about the rest of his family. “He assumed they were all murdered,” says Dr. Afoumado. “But we did the research and found postwar documents for him as well as for a sister who survived and had also moved to Israel. That was a huge discovery.” Unfortunately, that sister had already passed away so the siblings
and started reading more and more. Eventually, I chose Holocaust research as my masters.” Today, she is a celebrated Holocaust scholar who lectures around the world. But her most cherished project is clearly ITS. “I’m lucky,” she says. “because I’m passionate about my work. At ITS, we are like detectives of the past, trying to put together the pieces of a giant puzzle. I can give you numbers and statistics but it’s not about that. It’s about the people, their lives and their deaths.
Our work reflects what happened to those people. That’s why every single document is important.” Still, she warns that about fifty percent of those seeking documentation or information will be disappointed. “It really depends on what happened to the person you are seeking information on,” she explains. “There is virtually no trace of anyone who was in hiding or of those who were murdered and buried in mass graves,” she adds. Dr. Afoumado empathizes with the families in these cases. “We know that sometimes this is the last hope for finding information. So we try to provide them with other resources to continue searching.” On the other hand, she says that the work of ITS is more significant now than ever. “There is more interest today in Holocaust research than ever before,” she says, “and not just by survivors. The second generation wants to know what happened, as does the third and even the fourth generation. Now that we have the technology for finding the answers this eagerness will continue to increase.” For Dr. Afoumado and her team, this work is tremendously rewarding. “We receive thank you notes and acknowledgements all the time,” she says. “I gather them and send them out to everyone at the museum. It makes us all so happy.” For more information about ITS, visit their website at its-arolsen.org.
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simple process. “You don’t just google the name,” says Dr. Afoumado. “This is the most complex historical database in the world.” It takes up to six months of training for an ITS staffer to learn how to navigate and cross-reference countless databases and computer files. “We are a tracing service, a repository of multiple sub-collections from different camps and sources. Some collections are indexed, others are catalogued. It’s not one size fits all,” she explains. Dr. Afoumado leads a team of five full-time and two part-time volunteer staff members. She encourages interested family members to “go online and search for research request forms. Submit a form with the individual’s full name and approximate date and place of birth.” The ITS will do the rest, at no cost. “Survivors,” says Dr. Afoumado, “will receive a response within a month of their request.” Others will have to wait longer. But for many, the wait is well worth it. “Many of the postwar forms include photos and often these are the last pictures ever seen of that person,” she notes. “When we discover a photo, we try to prepare the family before we send it as it can be an emotional experience for them.” So far, the ITS has received over 29,317 requests for information from 78 different countries around the world, and has already responded to 88 percent of these requests. But, says Dr. Afoumado, it’s not about the numbers. It’s about the people.
MAY 3, 2019
Children in the concentration camps
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Health & F tness
B A LT I M O R E J E W I S H H O M E . C O M
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
The Measles By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH (SA), FAAP
T
he Pesach dishes are packed away, and chometz is now back What is your pediatrician thinking about? The measles. Yes, the measles. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, there is a measles outbreak in the United States, Europe and Israel and the Orthodox Jewish world is unfortunately at its epicenter. It’s scary. But it’s even more scary because we Jews have been mobile and social during the recent Pesach holiday. Seminary and yeshiva students came home. Families traveled to be with families and others, whether in the continental United States or overseas. Does anyone have a ballpark idea of the final number of our brethren who descended on Orlando, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Morocco and other locations where Pesach programs abounded? Jews flocked for chol hamoed trips to Niagara Falls, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, and Virginia. And that’s just the East Coast. We’re coming off quite a curve of mixing and mingling. And it takes just one cough or sneeze of someone whose nose and mucous is infected with the measles virus to spread this highly communicable disease that was all but eradicated nearly two decades ago. I’m not here to judge. I am sharing my opinion that vaccines save lives and that no child should be left unvaccinated. I’m from South Africa and I saw the ravages of this disease firsthand. People can die from it. If one does not die, there can be nonetheless long-term
medical consequences in some cases. It is tragic that in contemporary Madagascar, there have been over 1,000 deaths from the measles. Here is important information. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, even for people who have egg-related allergies. Perhaps you’ve declined this vaccine for your child until now. Then please reconsider the science and the risk to your child and the community if you choose to continue not vaccinating. If your children are already immunized with the MMR, then you have less to worry about during this outbreak. The MMR is typically given after12 months of age and triggers a 95% certainty for immunity for life. The 2nd dose, which is classically administered at the 4-year well visit, boosts that immunity into the 98-99th percentile. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a child who has had two MMR vaccines should not necessarily require a booster during their lifetime. If you are living in a “MMR-at-risk” area and your child has not yet received the second MMR and is not yet 4 years old, then please pause reading this article and phone your pediatrician to schedule an appointment. It’s okay to have the second MMR as long as at least 30 days have passed since the first MMR. The takeaway: an immunized child can go to school and shul during a measles outbreak because the MMR vaccine is effective. The MMR vaccine provides almost lifelong immunity. Look at how far medical science has
brought us. Wow. Let’s now talk about infants who are too young to have received the MMR vaccine. While these little ones can be at risk during a measles outbreak, the good news is that most of us, depending on our ages (more on this later), have either had the measles or have been immunized against it so we are not spreading it. For babies ages 6 months or younger, moms are key. If Mommy has either had the measles or the vaccine, she has passed the antibodies during fetal development in utero or through breastfeeding. The antibodies are thought to provide protection to up to 6 months of age. Yet as a baby ages, immunity wanes and immunizing is important. We don’t give the MMR earlier because it would be “wasted,” meaning Mom’s antibodies are active, present and doing their “gig.” If the MMR vaccine would be administered at this point, it is highly likely that any immunity it would offer would be absorbed by Mommy’s antibodies and the baby’s own immune system would not be stimulated. The CDC recommends that if you are traveling internationally with your infant who is between 6-12 months of age or this infant is in a group babysitting situation, then make sure he receives a MMR vaccine. This vaccine will be given again after 12 months of age and at least 30 days after the first one. Please note that not every person has an immune response, even after two MMR vaccines. This is the exception and not the rule.
Let’s say there is a measles outbreak and you have a family simcha. What should you do? If you have a young infant, it’s still best to put a wide berth between them and someone you know who is not immunized. As the adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” You can always photoshop them into a picture. Is it safe for your child to be in school during a measles outbreak? Yes! As parents, you have every right to approach your children’s school district to find out the numbers of kids who are properly immunized. It is also your right to ask your school administration or school nurse for the same information. Now you can understand why schools are strict about having upto-date immunization records for their students. Adults who are living in or traveling to areas where there are measles outbreaks should check their vaccination status or get a second dose of the MMR vaccine. Knowing your vaccination status can be tricky for an adult because it can be nearly impossible to resurrect old vaccine records. It is most likely that people vaccinated in the United States since 1989 have had at least two MMR doses. Again, two doses are the standard for protection. Anyone vaccinated between 1963 and 1989 most likely received only one dose of the inactivated vaccine. Americans born prior to 1957 are considered to be immune because it is most likely that they were exposed to measles during an outbreak. If you are an adult who does not have ready access to your health re-
67 tom, which is usually fever, to appear. The measles rash will appear about 2-3 days after the fever, meaning 1215 days after the initial exposure. The rash usually begins at the hairline and then moves downwards on the face and neck and then the body. In addition to a fever, it is accompanied by a runny
cerned (but not hysterical). Notification of the exposure should be communicated immediately to your doctor. If you have not yet received the measles vaccine, it can be given within 72 hours of exposure, although its efficacy is questionable. It is likely that your physician’s of-
The MMR vaccine provides almost lifelong immunity.
fice will have some kind of measles plan in place. In my office, one of my colleagues or I will speak with the parent to ascertain what, if any, exposure has taken place. If we deem that the child needs to be seen, we will come to the car to examine the patient. Thank G-d, we wear
Dr. Hylton I. Lightman is a pediatrician and Medical Director of Total Family Care of the 5 Towns and Rockaway PC. He can be reached at drlightman@totalfamilycaremd.com, on Instagram at Dr.Lightman_ or visit him on Facebook.
MAY 3, 2019
nose, pink eye, and loss of appetite. Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted from 4 days BEFORE the rash appears to 4 days AFTER it appears. Because of this time lag and the socializing and traveling that transpired over Pesach, there is reason to be con-
our stethoscopes around our necks and in our ears and they are not attached to the wall. If we diagnose the measles, the poor sick child will be sent directly home and into bed, with Mommy and Tatty on alert. We will question and question you to ascertain where your child has been and was exposed to whom. Please know that if we need to activate this step, we are doing so in order to contain the disease. If your baby is 12 months or younger and has been exposed to the measles, time is of the essence in informing your pediatrician. An immunoglobulin shot may mitigate the consequences of the exposure. We are here to prevent and, if necessary, to help. As always, daven.
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cords, it is recommended that you consult your physician about measuring your measles titers. If this blood test shows that you lack immunity, then a MMR vaccine is in order for you. There are people who should NOT receive the measles vaccine. They include: • Anyone who had a severe allergic reaction like generalized swelling of hives or swelling of lips or throat after the first vaccine. • Anyone knowing they are allergic to a component of the vaccine, i.e., gelatin. • A pregnant woman. Pregnancy should be avoided for 4 weeks post-vaccine. • Severely immunocompromised people, i.e., people with leukemia, lymphoma, congenital immunodeficiency, generalized malignancy. Let’s say you or your child has been exposed to measles over the recent Pesach break. What is there to do? It takes about 10-12 days after exposure to measles for the first symp-
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Pied-a-Terrible! THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
By Allan Rolnick, CPA
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W
hen it comes to raising revenue, governments usually find it most efficient to follow the immortal advice of bank robber Willie Sutton and go “where the money is.” They turn to income, payroll, property, and sales taxes to fund most of their operations. They’ll throw in the occasional gas tax for fun. Most of the time, those “nuisance taxes” don’t amount to much. But that’s not always the case. In 1989, New York state imposed a so-called mansion tax, a flat 1% on home sales of $1 million or more. Now the state has “remodeled” that tax, adding seven new brackets for sales in New York City beginning January 1, 2020. The rate increases to 1.25% on sale amounts from $2-3 million, 1.75% on amounts from $3-5 million, and steps all the way up to 4.15% on amounts over $25 million. Officials expect the new tax to raise $365 million per year, and plan to use it to finance $5 billion in bonds for public transportation. So far so good, right? Well, for starters, should a tax on million-dollar homes really be called a “mansion” tax in the first place? Maybe that was true when the Empire State first levied it in 1989. But these days, a million bucks isn’t even “mansion-ad-
jacent,” especially in Manhattan. Right now, you can pay $1,499,000 for a 52nd-floor alcove studio in Hell’s Kitchen. (Hell’s Kitchen!) There’s no separate bedroom, of course. Not even a bathtub! But the bathroom has a very nice marble-lined shower. Of course, some pads really do qualify as “mansions.” Hedge fund manager Ken Griffin just dropped $238 million for a penthouse at 220
cake” moments in American history?) The extra tax would have cost Griffin $7.2 million if he had waited until next year to buy. Sure, that sounds like a lot to you. But Forbes estimates Griffin’s net worth at $11.8 billion, meaning it probably wouldn’t have stopped the deal. (The place comes unfinished, meaning he’ll have to spend tens of millions more before he can unpack his toothbrush!)
They argued, quite reasonably, that out-oftowners buying $5 million condos aren’t taking up space on city buses and subways.
Central Park South, an oligarchfriendly tower on “billionaire’s row.” Griffin’s new pad includes 23,000 square feet sprawling over four floors, with 16 bedrooms and more bathrooms than your mansion. It’s the most expensive home sale in U.S. history — and Griffin plans to use it as “a place to stay when he’s in town” for business. (How’s that for “let them eat
Griffin isn’t the only plutocrat buying pricey real estate he won’t be occupying. So many deep-pocketed foreigners have decided to stash part of their gains in Manhattan condos, without ever moving in, that some high-end buildings stand nearly dark at night. The city even floated a “pied-a-terre” tax for those parttime residents using those condos as
safe-deposit boxes without pouring anything else into city goods and services. Pied-a-terre tax fans pointed out the politically convenient fact that part-time residents don’t vote in New York, which makes it easier to pluck them without making them squawk. But ultimately, real estate insiders shot it down as class warfare. They objected that it would be too hard to determine which owners are truly absentee and deserve to get hit with the tax. And they argued, quite reasonably, that out-of-towners buying $5 million condos aren’t taking up space on city buses and subways. We don’t care if you live in a mansion, an apartment, or a van down by the river. We’re pretty sure you don’t want to pay more than your legal fair share. That’s where tax planning comes in. See how much you might save. You might free up enough to spend some seriously fun weekends in the city!
Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.
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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
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Life C ach
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A New Way of Counting By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., MFT, CLC
MAY 3, 2019
4
9 ,48, 47, 46, 45.... Yes, I’m counting down the days till I have to stuff myself
again. You may be saying you don’t actually have to! And trust me, I said the
same exact thing before Pesach started. But that’s not how it went down. So why delude myself into thinking I’ll have better self-control on Shavuos? After all, Pesach’s highlights are matzah and potato starch, and the damage was still
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Tehillim. That way, when people come over, rather than offering them a piece of cake, I can offer them a Tehillim section. Then besides praying for each other and those in need, we can add on a prayer for the preservation of our waistlines. Yes, this time of year is called sefira. And it is a time of counting. I know, as I said, I’m certainly counting. And trust me you can count on me – to mess up and to eat more than I mean to during sefira. Yet, I’m still hoping that we can count on some nice weather to get me out walking and exercising so that I’ll be in shape for the next onslaught of food on Shavuos that I already know is too good and too much. Still, as I lament the eating, I cannot fail to mention that the food does greatly enhance our recognition and appreciation of G-d’s bountiful gifts. Now, if we can just figure out how to encourage G-d to let us count down on the scale while we count up on the calories – wow! That would be a gift almost as fantastic as the one we are about to celebrate – the gift of the Torah! Well, they do say there are many secrets hidden in the Torah. Who knows? Maybe this year we’ll unearth that secret!
Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@ rosenwalds.com.
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significant. So how can I even begin to imagine I’ll be more successful on Shavuos, which is billed as the holiday of cheesecake and lasagna? Yes, everyone is counting the days to highlight receiving the Torah on Shavuos or moving up a level of kedushah. But I’m counting down the days of self-control till I have none left! My plan is that I’m going to be walking, exercising, and dieting over the next 6 weeks hoping to slim down. And it should work – that is, as long as I don’t walk to the kitchen, the pantry, or the eateries in town! If I wind up in any of those locations, I can’t be responsible for my actions. What is it about these holidays that makes us eat so much? Well, let me see.... We wake up, we eat a little something with our coffee, then we go to pray. Then we eat, then we pray. Then we snack, then we pray. And then we eat until we bench, after which we eat a little cake with our tea and go to sleep! On top of that, we are pretty sedentary. We don’t work – unless chewing is work. We don’t exercise – unless chewing is exercise. And we don’t get out to shop, unless choosing what to eat is shopping. So, now you tell me, how exactly do we avoid the eating? I’m guessing you might say to join more Tehillim groups. And guess what? That’s a great idea right there! In fact, I’m going to order that box that you give out to everyone to share
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Gluten Free Recipe Column GlutenFree@BaltimoreJewishHome.com
THE BALTIMORE JEWISH HOME
MAY 3, 2019
by Mrs. Elaine Bodenheimer
Fluffy Muffins This is a very simple blueberry muffin recipe, which has been adapted from one on Kosher.com. It can be made either with blueberries or mini-chocolate chips. Enjoy this treat!
What You Will Need:
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For questions or comments about Gluten Free Baking please email GlutenFree@BaltimoreJewishHome.com
2 eggs, separated ¾ cup sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 ¼ cups potato starch 1/3 cup oil ½ - 1/3 cup blueberries (or mini chocolate chips) 2 Tbl of sugar and 2 tsp. of cinnamon mixed together
Preperation: 1. Pre-heat oven to 360 degrees. Line cupcake pans with liners. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg whites on high until stiff peaks form. Slowly add sugar, baking powder, potato starch, egg yolks, and oil. 2. Spoon scant ¼ cup of batter into cupcake holders. Sprinkle tops of cupcakes with sugar and cinnamon. Bake for 25 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool and enjoy for anytime! Makes 14 cupcakes.
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