CitySpirit September 2010 by City Spirit

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Volume 3 Issue 1 September2010 | Tishrei 5771

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Jewish Living

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get get into into the the spirit spirit Editor Tova Klein Contributing Writers Tama Beck Rabbi Gershon Bess Rabbi Aryeh Carmell Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler Rebecca Klempner Edith H. Krohn Hershel Lieber Jonathan D. Pivo, D.D.S. Manny Saltiel, Pharm. D. Publisher Mati Jacobovits STAFF WRITER Esti Drebin Food Faigy Grossman kids Spirit Fraydee Mozes

CitySpirit NEXT issue Advertising Deadline Nov. 1 Publication Date Nov. 17 cityspiritmag@gmail.com www.cityspiritmagazine.com LA: 445 N. Mansfield Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Phone: 323-974-6084

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NY: 1588 East 27th Street Brooklyn, NY 11229 Phone: 917-771-6996

CitySpirit is published five times a year and distributed free to area locations. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertisement material. CitySpirit accepts no responsibility for typographical errors or reliability of Kashrus of any advertisements. All submissions become the property of CitySpirit and may be shortened and/or edited for length and clarity. Articles and letters published in CitySpirit express the views of the individual writers and may not necessarily represent the views of CitySpirit. No artwork or any part of this magazine may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permission of the publisher.

Dear Readers, Here we are again with another school year ready to begin; behind us are summer vacations, camp experiences, children coming home from yeshivas/seminaries, and married children coming with their little ones for us to shep nachas. Nothing is more enjoyable than spending time with our loved ones. Even for those working throughout this period, there is a certain relaxed aura to this time. In the midst of this, not by accident, comes Tisha B’av, a sobering time reminding us of who we are and what we need to aspire to. This past Tisha B’av many of us had seen the video produced by Project Inspire. I was strongly moved by it. It showed how easy it is for anyone to be like Avraham Avinu, bringing our fellow Jews closer to yiddishkeit through simple acts of kindness and caring. In actuality this is where our preparation for the Yomim Noraim begins. When you open your heart in one way, it can help you open it in yet another; preparing yourself for repentence (teshuva). Our timely feature article (page 19) is based on the newly released book A Touch of Purity by Rabbi Yechiel Spero (Artscroll Publications). Through stories and reflections, Rabbi Spero gently but firmly leads us on the path of teshuva (repentance). During the awesome days of Elul, we need to remember to ask our fellow Jews for forgiveness as well. If we judge our friends and family favorably - then, so Hashem will judge us favorably. The Color Black (page 30) is touching story that demonstates how we sometimes judge a book by its cover. We must overcome

our prejudices and accept people for their unique special qualities. Last week my father-in-law was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center– where he is baruch Hashem doing much better. I spent a lot of my time running between taking my mother-in-law for hospital visits and trying to put together this issue of CitySpirit. Getting desperate, I decided to try and combine the two tasks. I approached Rabbi Jason Weiner, Jewish Chaplain, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and he has graciously taken time out of his busy schedule to write a dvar Torah (page 33). Thanks to Faigy Grossman we put together a delicious menu for a Yom Tov seuda using the recipes from her book Dining In Again (page 40). Once again, Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D. walks us through more cases of common pharmacy dilemmas (page 38). Kids - we didn’t forget you. Esti and Bluma are back in Running The Show written by Rebecca Klempner and illustrated by Fraydee Mozes - wouldn’t it be cool if Rebecca and Fraydee put together a whole book about Esti and Bluma? Also in KidSpirit (page 46) is a really fun puzzle - and the winner will get a $25 gift certificate to spend at Chabad Atara. But hurry - because you have to be the first to solve the puzzle to win. Enjoy all our columnists and check our advertisers for lots of Yom Tov specials. Kisiva v’chasima tovah - wishes for a happy and healthy new year.

Tova

september 2010

contents features 19 A sampling of inspiring 30

stories from the new book A Touch of Purity: The perfect companion during the awesome days of Elul, Rosh HaShanah, and Yom Kippur The Color Black: A young woman converts to Judiasm and learns to deal with an intolerant mother- in-law

Our holiday meal menu taken from recipes from the popular book Dining In Again

community spirit

in this issue

Letters

10 Jewish Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Repertory Company

Rabbi Aryeh Carmell

Rabbi Gershon Bess

Aleinu Family Resource Center

28 Dvar Halachah 33 Dvar Torah

Rabbi Jason Weiner

kid spirit

34 The Wandering Jew

44 Puzzles & More

Hershel Lieber

Fraydee Mozes

36 Advice from Over-the-Counter

44 Running The Show

Rebecca Klempner

46 Benny P.I.

Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D.

40 Dental Health

Jonathan D. Pivo, D.D.S.

Ari Guidry

About the Cover The image on the cover was designed in Adobe Illustrator. Each object was drawn individually in black and white (A) and then colorized (B). All the images were then placed on the teal background to create the finished product (C).

Point of View

Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler

42 Dining In Again

Faigy Grossman

Tama Tells All Tama Beck

letters

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Dear Editor, We just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the diversity of your articles. In your recent edition Rabbi Bess, Shlita addressed the custom of lighting a yahrzeit candle for departed family members on the Yomim Tovim on which Yizkor is recited. We never realized that lighting this candle on the second night of Yom Tov is a halachic problem. We greatly appreciated Rabbi Bess’ theoretical dissertation on this topic and his PRACTICAL advice in purchasing a 48- hour- candle which would satisfy all halachic opinions. We didn’t even know that such an item was available on the market. Never too old to learn something new. Thank you again and keep up the good work of spreading Torah and ahavas Yisroel in our city and beyond. Hatzlachah Rabbah, A fan Dear Editor, What a beautiful magazine! Great layout. All the best! Gavriel Sanders, Artscroll Mesorah Publications Dear CitySpirit, I really enjoy waiting for each issue of City Spirit. It always looks so attractive and peeks my interest to see what interesting articles will be in each issue. I always need to just go through it quickly the first time to see what it looks like, and then, I can read it carefully from cover to cover. The cover of this past issue had a very artistic look and when I saw how it was actually done, step by step it amazed me. Keep up the great work! S.L.

We’d Like to Hear from You! Send your letters to cityspiritmag@gmail.com 866.839.6025 Cell 818.919.9606 Sean Toll Free

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Jewish Women’s Repertory Company Bringing quality theatre experiences to the women of the Los Angeles Jewish community By Batsheva Hirschman Frankel

would come see the show that they had all worked so hard for. To everyone’s great joy, women did show up for sold-out s I went to the audition for Guys and Dolls, I was so shows. excited by the potential opportunity to perform again. The next year’s production, Once Upon a Mattress, moved Way before I had become Torah observant, I was a to a bigger theater space. More women auditioned and more drama major at NYU and afterwards, for a while, my whole women attended. In fact, each year a larger number of women life was about acting and directing. After college, my focus audition and the audiences continue to grow. moved more toward directing, and when I became Orthodox, The company’s third production, Guys and Dolls, was my I just assumed my performance days were pretty much over. I first show with the JWRC and also my first opportunity to mean, where would I get the chance to sing, dance and act in play a man! I probably bonded the most with the other “guys” a professional type setting? As it turns out, right here in Los in the show that year. Angeles. The next year, I watched an amazing production of The PiI was so grateful to Margy Horowitz, the founder of the rates of Penzance (yes, Margy loves Gilbert & Sullivan) from Jewish Women’s Repertory Company, for creating a platform the audience. I was lucky enough to atfor Torah observant women to pertend some rehearsals as well, and what form. I just assumed, as I went to my There is something amazing that I noticed most was the wonderful refirst rehearsal, that all the women in the company were of a similar Jewish happens when Jewish women get lationships of women from different parts of the Jewish community. There observance level as me, since we only together in the JWRC. were yeshivish, modern Orthodox, and perform for women. However, the most Conservative women in the company, wonderful surprise of all was discoverand they were all friends. I saw so many wonderful new faces ing that the JWRC attracts women from the whole spectrum there; I knew that next year I would have to be back! of Jewish observance. As I looked around, I didn’t know anyLast year’s auditions for Annie Get Your Gun brought out a one. But soon enough, through our hard work, mutual joy of record number of women. Once again, a diverse cast put tocreativity, and passion for performing, we all became friends. gether a terrific show, and we all made great new friends and Margy first founded the company six years ago with the continued to grow closer to older ones. As a group we’ve been goal of bringing quality theatre experiences to the women of able to celebrate each others’ simchas as well – including many the Los Angeles Jewish community. For the first production, new babies and a couple of weddings! Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, Margy worried that perhaps This year’s upcoming production of Joseph and the Amazno one would audition. When the auditions brought out many ing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be filled with new, incredibly wonderful, talented women, Margy then worried that no one talented women as well as some old favorites. Friendships are Since 1977 already blooming and barriers are being broken down. Most lET US HElP YOU WiTH YOUr NExT EvENT importantly, get ready for a great show! Phone: 323-934-7667 glatt Fax: 323-936-2458 There is something amazing that happens when Jewish Kosher women get together in the JWRC. All of our outward differences melt away, political differences are never discussed, and everyone is respectful of the diversity of Jewish practice. Unfortunately, there are not many places in any Jewish commuKosher on Wheels, Inc. Glatt Kosher Caterers of Fine Foods nity around the world where so many different kinds of Jews • Weddings • Bar & Bas Mitzvahs • Sheva Brachot can get together, create together, bond together, and grow to• Cocktail Parties • Anniversaries • Birthdays • Dessert Parties gether. The Jewish Women’s Repertory Company is rare proof that by enjoying what unites us, and not dwelling on what die-mail: judyscatering@sbcglobal.net Website: www.kosheronwheels.com vides us, we can truly achieve ahavat Yisrael (the mitzvah of Mailing Address: P.O. Box 36390 Los Angeles, CA 90036 loving our fellow Jews).

CITY spirit september 2010

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Congratulations to Los Angeles Civil Trial Attorney

Baruch C. Cohen on his recent admission to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States of America

ongratulations to trial attorney Baruch C. Cohen for being recently admitted to SCOTUS: the United States Supreme Court, and for recently being inducted in the Million Dollar Trial Attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group, a prestigious association of trial lawyers who have recovered at least $1,000,000 for clients in a settlement or judgment. Mr. Cohen represents clients in the areas of corporate chapter 7 bankruptcies, bankruptcy litigation, business litigation, bais din litigation, serious and complex personal injury or wrongful death. Mr. Cohen is the founder of American Trial Attorneys in Defense of Israel.

CITY spirit September 2010 11

 community spirit

Rabbi Nachum Shifren for California State Senate, District 26

hy am I, an orthodox Jew, running for California State Senate, District 26? Simple enough: years ago, while working in Sheriff Peter Pitchess Wayside Ranch (L.A. County’s biggest jail, located in Valencia) as a rehab teacher to hardened inmates, I met a former student of mine. This student had been in my Spanish class while I had taught at Dorsey High School, in South L.A. A large Black man, I approached the prison bars where he was being incarcerated and he yelled over to me, “Hey Mr. Shifren!” I was startled. How is this felon, presumably a danger to the public, beknownst to me, I asked myself in amazement. Rabbi Nachum Shifren catching the waves in Malibu Sure enough, he told me from behind the bars that he was spent billions on education, mainly benefitting the unions a former student. Then tears welled up in his eyes. and bureaucrats. A recent study at UC Santa Barbara conclud“They didn’t teach me anything! They just kept passing me ed that the cost of drop outs to our state is FORTY FIVE BILalong. When I graduated, I couldn’t read or write, and had no LION DOLLARS A YEAR! This is twice our deficit.... way to get a job. So I became a hoodlum.” My support comes from hard working Californians that And so started an amazing relationship. Through this are sick to death of a dysfunctional Sacprison, I met others who were students. ramento which seems to view the tax Same story. No homework, late to class, “If we had ten more teachers like payers as walking ATM machines, raisno parents around to monitor what the ing taxes and spending in a never-endkids are doing, drugs, gangs, etc. Rabbi Shifren, we could turn ing frenzy. The supporters themselves I decided to make a difference. Afaround America tomorrow.” come from as far away as Alabama and ter 22 years of being a veteran teacher Minnesota. I have received campaign for LAUSD, I have seen enough racism, Rev Jesse Lee Petersen contributions from people throughout corruption, and waste to fill volumes. this Union. Why? Because my candiI knew it was time to act. If not for my dacy is bigger than just California. It represents a philosophy, former students (each one of them costs us (YOU, THE TAXa movement of bringing government back to the people, with PAYER) $50,000 to feed, clothe, and supervise with L.A. Co. accountability and integrity. Sheriff’s deputies), then for my own peace of mind. It is my hope to be California’s next State Senator. I know We have a 50% drop out rate in our high schools. We have that this race is truly symbolic of everything that American stands for, and the core values that have made it the greatest nation on Earth. Rabbi Nachum Shifren Your Educational Candidate Lecturer and Author, Candidate for California State Senate, District #26 www.RabbiForSenate.com

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CITY spirit September 2010

wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year

Aleinu Family Resource Center Offering a wide-range of services for children and families

he family knew they n e e d e d help. Things had been difficult for so long they didn’t know how to cope or where to turn. Did you know that there is a comprehensive Family Resource Center on Pico Boulevard serving the frum community? Although Aleinu, a program of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, has become recognized for crisis intervention and safety awareness in the community, many are not as aware that Aleinu provides a wide-range of programming for children and families. At Aleinu the motto is “Come inside…Aleinu has a place for you.” The aim at Aleinu is to serve families in many different ways. Aleinu has worked hard to get a feel for the unique needs of the Orthodox community and to provide specialized programs and services to meet them. The Aleinu Family Resource Center is staffed with professional credentialed therapists available to provide individual counseling, group, and couples therapy. All clinical services are provided with a clear and perceptive understanding of the

Congregation Bais Naftoli

CITY spirit september 2010

18th Annual Breakfast

Standing l-r: Councilman Tom LaBonge, Honoree Rabbi Chaim Friedman, Councilman Paul Koretz, Honoree Dr. Gabriel Rubanenko, Controller Wendy Greuel, Fire Commissioner Andrew Friedman, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich Sitting l-r: Sheriff Lee Baca, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, District Attorney Steve Cooley Not pictured: State Assembly Speaker John Perez, Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Fire Chief Millage Peaks

parameters and goals of the orthodox Jewish community. The following is a small snapshot of services currently being offered: • A mentoring program designed to forge meaningful relationships between devoted volunteers and community youth who need a stable committed presence in their lives. • Play therapy and social skills groups for children. • New Moms Connect; a comprehensive program for mothers with post-partum challenges. • Men’s group; a place to talk about the issues men face today. • Older adult services to support our senior family members and educate families about resources that are available. • Couples counseling to provide couples an opportunity to work out marital difficulties in a positive way. • Café Mom; a group to help mothers connect with other mothers and to develop and improve parenting skills. Aleinu is nationally recognized for its innovative prevention programs; these include Safety Kid, Marital Satisfaction Survey, and Conduct for Policy to Prevent Abuse in Schools. To find out more information about Aleinu Groups & Services, call (310)247-0534 or check out the Aleinu website at www.Aleinu.net. The website provides valuable resources and information for parents and families. Aleinu is here to help.

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 books, Music, Audio, dvd How Can I Change For Heaven’s Sake?

A Practical 10-Step Plan to Improve the ABC’s (Attitude, Behavior, and Character) of Your Life. Hard Cover Author: Rabbi Doniel Frank Publisher: Felheim We’ve all made kabbalos, commitments, mostly during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. But how many of those are we still keeping a year--or even a week--later? In this down-to-earth, excellent book, the author, a well-known therapist, shares insight and professional advice that will work for you, outlining a practical, 10-step plan to achieving doable, lasting change. From discovering what, exactly, to change, to designing an individually-tailored program and removing the roadblocks that stand in the way of effective growth, this book is really heavensent!

Machzor Insights

For the Yamim Noraim Audio Cd Author: Rabbi Yisroel Reisman Publisher: Shiure Agudath Israel of Madison Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - the Days of Awe, the days of teshuvah - will soon be here. As we gather in our shuls, our strength is in prayer; the Machzor is our tool. How can they penetrate our hearts? How can we soak up their message and prepare ourselves to stand before the Heavenly Court? Rabbi Yisroel Reisman - master teacher and thinker - shows us how in this collection of his magnificent shiurim on the Machzor. Part of the V’ani Tefilah Series, it illuminates the major themes and prayers of these holy days. These Machzor insights will bring unprecedented meaning and inspiration to your Yamim Noraim.

CITY spirit september 2010

Yaakov Shwekey Libi Bamizrach

CD - Aderet Music Corp. Yaakov Shwekey is less than one year removed from the release of his last album, Ad Bli Dai, but that didn’t stop him from releasing a brand new album. Yochi Briskman presents an all new CD from Yaakov Shwekey titled, Libi Bmizrach, My Heart is in the East. This CD will be a Sephardic style album with all new material. While Shwekey used some of his well known past composers, he also went to many of the composers and arrangers who have become mainstays working with the current Sephardic genre in Israel.

One Small Deed Can Change The World

True stories of everyday encounters with extraordinary results Hard Cover Author: Nachman Seltzer Publisher: Shaar Press A wonderful combination of great true stories with a vital and inspirational message for today. Here are stories of both the amazing and the everyday miracles that a few small words or actions can bring about. We read how a man’s daily greeting to a factory guard saves four lives and how a badly-pronounced “’allo” brings a young man back to his Jewish roots. A Jewish grocer extends credit to a poor Irish family and four decades later the Jewish world reaps the benefits; a businessman is saved from financial ruin by a casual twenty-dollar donation to an annoying old man. All these acts were “one small deed.”

Yiddish World Remembered

The Story Of Jewish Life In Easte DVD - Aderet Music Corp. A look back at the all but vanished Jewish way of life that existed in Eastern Europe before World War II. Through never-before-seen archival films, vintage photographs, traditional cantorial and Klezmer music, and personal recollections, once vibrant cities and shtetls come alive again. The few remaining eyewitnesses share their compelling stories about life in the poor but close-knit communities where rabbis settled disputes, yentas gossiped, boys dedicated themselves to learning and humor pervaded every aspect of life. Narrated by Elliot Gould, the film explores everything from the fascinating language of Yiddish, the traditional foods, style of dress, and the vibrant cultural, religious and political life that in Poland alone could support 24 Yiddish language dailies.

The Complete Asian Kosher Cookbook

Give your family the gift of Asian cuisine. Hard Cover Author: Shifrah Devorah Witt and Zipporah Malka Heller Publisher: Targum Press In this first of its kind cookbook, Asian cooking goes kosher-in a marvelously simple way! Featuring a spectacular showcase of delectable dishes from a variety of Asian countries, including China, Japan, India, Thailand, and the Philippines, this beautifully designed collection shows how all-time Asian favorites can be transformed into easy-to-make household foods, from the spicy to the subtle, the savory to the sweet.

A revered rosh yeshivah struggles to atone for a wrong he’d done years before . . .

a devoted chassid offers to give up his life’s dream rather than embarrass his rebbe . . .

a starving young man lights a candle in the worst darkness of the Warsaw ghetto . . .

a young couple find a baby at their doorstep, and their lives will never be the same...

n the newly released book A Touch of Purity (published by Artscroll/Mesorah),

Rabbi Yechiel Spero, author of

the bestselling Touched by a Story series, gently but firmly leads us on the path of repentance– teshuvah. With his trademark blend of stories that open our hearts and Torah insights that reach our souls, A Touch of Purity is the perfect companion during the awesome days of Elul, Rosh HaShanah, and Yom Kippur. As we are inspired by the wonderful and unusual stories of this master storyteller, we also gain a new understanding of Selichos, the penitential prayers; learn techniques of introspection; explore ways of enhancing our connection to Hashem; discover the secrets of cheshbon hanefesh spiritual reckonings - the tried and true method to attain forgiveness. In this issue of CitySpirit we bring a sampling of stories from A Touch of Purity that are sure to touch us, amaze us and, of course, inspire us to try a little harder, to push a little further - and to reach a place of teshuvah that we never believed possible. Used with permission. ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.

Elul

The month of teshuvah, the month of introspection, the month leading up to Rosh Hashanah — the great Yom HaDin —the Day of Judgment

ith the ominous clouds of anti-Semitism hovering in the skies, the great Torah leaders of Europe gathered with the distinguished laymen of the era in the city of Marienbad to discuss what needed to be done. The year was 1938, and the hatred enveloping the Jewish people created an ever-increasing sense of impending doom. For a number of days, the illustrious rabbanim, Admorim, and Roshei Yeshivah spoke about making improvements and strengthening their communities, as a means of fending off calamity. Some focused on the strengthening of Torah learning and observance, while others suggested improvements in the realm of prayer. Some recommended that communities at large needed to pay more attention to the poor and unfortunate. Though each speaker’s point was legitimate and well founded, it was the last speaker who made the greatest impact. Rav Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, the Ponovezher Rav, was the last to address the gathering. He ascended the podium and looked over the audience. In a loud, clear voice, he began. “A fire once broke out inside Reb Yoel’s home. The townspeople gathered outside the house and watched in awe as the blaze raged on, towering high above the roof. Suddenly, one of those present noticed that Reb Yoel was nowhere to be seen. It dawned upon the man that Reb Yoel may very well be inside his home, still sleeping.

CITY spirit september 2010

“All at once, the townspeople began deliberating how to save Reb Yoel. One suggested climbing up the ladder in the back of the house, another proposed going through the front, and a third advocated going up the side. Finally, a wise man stepped forward and with great impatience asked, ‘Why are you people wasting such precious time? Scream at the top of your lungs and wake him up. Then he’ll be able to save himself.’ ” The Ponovezher Rav gazed at the crowd for a moment, to see if they understood the message. Then, in a booming voice, he screamed, “Meine ti’ere brider, my dear brothers, the very ground we stand on is giving way beneath our feet! Our neighbors detest us and are threatening to destroy us. Flames of revulsion and billows of hatred surround us. And we are all standing around searching for ways to save a nation that is steeped in slumber. We must scream from the depths of our hearts and souls, ‘Yiddishe folk, Jewish nation!! Vekt zich oif, You must wake up!!’ Nothing will be able to save us if we do not listen to that cry.” This is the mezuzah. And this is the month of Elul. The shofar calls out to us and we must hear, really what it is trying to say. Or soon it will be too late late.

av Yisrael Salanter, the great father of the mussar (ethics) movement, was once eating supper with his wife when an almanah (widow) came to the door. They invited her in and she told them her story. Her husband had died, and now her son was going to be drafted into the army. She had heard, though, that if a certain member of the community — someone she did not know — would be approached, this man would be able to gain an exemption for her son. Since she did not know this man, she asked Rav Yisrael to do her a favor and speak to the man on her behalf. Rav Yisrael and his wife reassured her that it would be taken care of the very next morning. The woman left and Rav Yisrael and his wife sat back down to continue their meal. Before they began eating once again, however, he shook his head, as if shocked at himself. He then turned to his wife and said, “What would we have done if it were

our own son? Would we have sat down to eat, or would we have run to take care of it immediately?” Without further ado, Rav Yisrael left the house and searched all over town, to find the man who would be able to help the almanah’s young son acquire the exemption he needed. “What would I do it if it were my child?” Those penetrating words are the key to improving how we perform our acts of chesed. Rav Yisrael heard the plight of the woman, and immediately was me’mashmeish (checked through even positive actions) his commitment to help her. He understood clearly that there is the chesed one performs for others, and then there is the chesed one performs for his own child.

Rosh hashanah

achman Kahn grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. One time, he was playing with a group of boys when the great tzaddik, Rav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, walked by. The boys stopped and waited for Rav Shraga Feivel to go by. Yet he stood there, watching the boys run around; he even offered a candy to each of them. The boys ran over and thankfully accepted the sweets. However, Nachman was the last to come running over for the treat. By the time his turn came, Rav Shraga Feivel had run out of candies. Disappointed, he turned away. But Rav Shraga Feivel called out to him and said to him, “I promise I will make it up to you, O.K.?” Nachman smiled, as he was pleased that Rav Shraga Feivel had made the commitment. But a few weeks later, this tzaddik passed away, and the story was all but forgotten. Fifty years passed and Reb Nachman, who by now was one of the community leaders in Detroit, was gravely ill. He had lapsed into a state of semiconsciousness and the prognosis looked grim. After a few days, though, Reb Nachman woke up. At first he was unable to talk, but as soon as he was able to, he asked for paper and wrote a

We are placed in this world to emulate the middos of the Ribbono Shel Olam. — Our G-d

note. He asked that the note be placed on the kever (grave) of Reb Shraga Feivel. It seemed like a strange request, but one that they hurried to fulfill. His children and grandchildren asked Reb Nachman why he had written a note to Rav Shraga Feivel. He responded with an incredible answer. “As you know, I was very, very sick and nearly passed away. As I was preparing to leave this world, Rav Shraga Feivel came by. He walked over to me and kissed me on the forehead. And then he told me, ‘I told you I would make it up to you.’” Reb Nachman then recounted the story from his youth; the children listened intently, realizing how important it is to keep one’s word. We are placed in this world to emulate the middos of the Ribbono Shel Olam. One of those is the middah of emes. When we hear these stories, we must work on ourselves to be more truthful in all areas of our lives. We must be more honest in our business dealings and our relationships. And as mentioned, we must work on being honest with ourselves. Only we know who we really are. Others may see us in one light — but we know the truth. And so does HaKadosh Baruch Hu …

betzin, asking why she had not served him his meal yet! The Rebbe ran in when he heard what happened. His wife explained that this man’s behavior had always been horrific, but this day it had become violent. He asked her, “So what did you say to him?” “Nothing,” she responded. “Even after he hurt you, you did not scream at him?” “No,” she said calmly, “I just tried to be dan him le’chaf zechus. I tried to find some merit …” In utter disbelief, the Rebbe told his rebbetzin, “Oy … ich bin dir mekaneh. Oy … ich bin dir mekaneh. [I am jealous of you … I am jealous of you.]” The Days of Judgment are upon us. Why wait to be judged when we can help to control our future? Let it go … And so will He …

CITY spirit September 2010

here was once a very difficult man who made himself comfortable in the home of the Chortkover Rebbe. He was a wretched person, who behaved reprehensibly, and whose mouth spewed forth inappropriate language. The Rebbe was not home that often, and the rebbetzin took care of the people who passed through. There were many other unfortunate individuals who came to the Rebbe’s home, but they were thankful for the treatment they received. However, this man would act in a despicable manner toward the rebbetzin. He would demand food and then insult her cooking. She tried to ignore his insults and did her utmost to still treat him with respect, but the obnoxious man made it quite challenging. One day, things turned violent. The man threw a glass at the rebbetzin, cutting her on her head. Others who heard what was going on helped her. For some reason, though, the man kept yelling at the reb-

aseres yemei teshuva

CITY spirit september 2010

ost of the elderly people in the San Francisco Bay area are retired. They have either lived there for a long time or have moved there to live out the rest of their lives in a pleasant and relaxed environment. The last thing they are looking for is a major transformation in their lifestyle. But the silver-haired gentleman in his mid-70’s had done just that. He had just become a baal teshuvah.

His story began in 1938. It was two days before Yom Kippur, the day that the Thirteen Attributes of Hashem are read aloud in a distinct paragraph during Selichos and invoked in a special prayer. This solemn occasion is viewed as somewhat of a prelude to Yom Kippur. On this significant day, it was customary for the Belzer Rebbe and his rebbetzin to prepare special candles for various members of their European community. The preparation of these candles was regarded as a sacred, hallowed custom, as the ceremony of lighting the candles symbolized that the ohr haganuz, the veiled radiance inside one’s neshamah, was similarly illuminated. Only a few privileged individuals were allowed into the Rebbe’s private chamber when these candles were ignited. One of those was Meir the shochet. He had come to the Rebbe with Baruch, his 6-yearold son, to spend some time in close proximity of the Rebbe. And now, in the Rebbe’s inner sanctum, Baruch innocently began to ask for whom each candle was lit. Although the Rebbe answered patiently, those who were gathered around were shocked at the impudence of this youngster. But when one of the Rebbe’s attendants attempted to quiet the young boy, the Rebbe cautioned him to be patient. “And whom is this candle meant for?” Baruch pointed to one specific candle. This time, the Rebbe held onto the young boy’s finger as he smiled warmly at the inquisitive child. “There is a city in America that you have never heard of. It is called San Francisco. This candle is predestined even for a Yid in a faraway place like San Francisco, who may be lost and looking to find himself, searching to find his neshamah. This candle is for him.” The vicious Nazi war machine destroyed all that Baruch held dear. He survived the war: a young man without a family, a body without a soul. He eventually made his way to the shores of America, where he met a young woman. And although she was not Jewish, it no longer mattered to him. He married her. And for 50 years, Judaism did not exist in his life. One evening, Baruch, now a distinguished silver-haired

We must take small steps to change ourselves into better people.

gentleman in his mid-70’s, was walking down the streets of San Francisco when he found himself standing in front of a synagogue. Something pushed him toward the building. He tried to fight the urge to go inside, but he felt strangely compelled to inch closer, until finally, cautiously, he walked into the building. He peeked inside and saw a sea of white. He remembered … though the memories were dim with age. Then the sounds of men praying came rushing through his memory in a flash. His head began to ache and his eyes filled with tears. His soul was touched. It yearned and thirsted for what once was, and his heart began to pound wildly. He heard a cynical voice inside his head urging him to ignore the feelings and thoughts that threatened his dormant soul. But he couldn’t stop what was happening. He needed to come closer, to feel the locked-away emotions once again. And then he opened a book, a siddur, and he cried and cried and cried. He did not know if he would ever be welcome again. He had, after all, long ago abandoned Judaism and married a non-Jew. He was as lost as a Jew had ever been. He was sure it was too late. Perhaps 20 or 30 years ago he could have started over, but not now. Not when he was past 70. He was about to walk out, about to turn his back on all this forever. And then he saw lit candles in glass cups, and he remembered the candle from so many years ago. There is a candle for me, too. I remember the Rebbe’s words. He was talking about me! He picked up the siddur once again. The words called out to him from the distant past. It was late, the sun was setting, and it was time for the Ne’ilah service to begin. It was time for those who had waited to do teshuvah. It was late … but there was still time …Hashem wanted him back … There is one more lesson to be learned from the word ad. Ad can represent an adi (jewel). The Sfas Emes explains that this teaches us that Shuvah Yisrael — If Israel will return, then: Ad (Adi) Hashem Elokecha — We will merit to be a jewel of the Almighty. If a person thanks Hashem for all He has done for him, and requests from Hashem even his most minuscule needs, through that he merits that his whole being is a constant testimony to the existence of Hashem. In this way, he will become an ornament of Hashem. It is true — teshuvah is not an easy thing. But we have a plan: We must take small steps to change ourselves into better people. And bear witness to the Al-mighty’s existence and greatness through our behavior. Knowing that He holds us so dear and precious makes the job that much easier. Shuvah Yisrael ad Hashem Elokecha.

yom kippur

The Almighty has given us the greatest gift one can have: the gift of starting over, the gift of teshuvah.

number of years ago, I was privileged to spend part of my summer with a very special group of young men. It was a camp that was established for autistic children. There are over 700 forms of autism; I could see quite quickly that each of these children had his own unique issues. Some had problems speaking and communicating; others had social issues. But one boy in particular taught the entire camp a lesson in our approach to eating. This one boy, Eli, had something called Strikers Syndrome. With this affliction, the child did not just eat food: he attacked it. He would scrounge on the floor and devour any crumb of food he saw. If a boy was eating a cupcake in front of him, he would rip it out of his hands and shove the entire cupcake into his mouth. It was heartbreaking. This handsome child was unable to control his urges. He could not sit down and enjoy a meal one bite at a time. He

needed all of the food in his mouth, immediately. At the end of the summer, it was time to say goodbye to these children. At the lovely banquet that was held in their honor, we spoke about all the lessons we had learned from these heilige neshamos (holy souls). We thanked each of them for all they had taught us. When it was Eli’s turn, we thanked him for showing us how much we must appreciate the gift of eating a normal meal, and how fortunate we are to be able to eat one bite of food at a time. And that we can feel satisfied: “Ve’achalta ve’savata.” Indeed, there is a blessing to be found in feeling full and satiated. It was difficult to express how much rachmanus (pity) we had for him, and how truly blessed we felt. Sometimes, it takes a moment of reflection to appreciate the gifts we always take for granted.

rs. Gittel Taubchingel, a young mother in her early 30’s, had not felt well for quite a while. She went from one doctor to another, and went

It was not Yom Kippur. But she had immersed herself in the Embrace of the Almighty. Hisbatlus is a recurring theme throughout Yom Kippur.

CITY spirit September 2010

through many tests. And eventually, the dreaded diagnosis came: she had cancer. This devastating piece of news shattered everyone in her family. Everyone, that is, except Gittel. She met the news with strength and a strong sense of perseverance. Gittel was immediately admitted to a hospital in Tel Aviv, near her home in Bnei Brak. She hoped and prayed that the hospital staff, with the Ribbono Shel Olam’s help, would be able to provide her with the necessary treatment so that she could survive this harrowing ordeal. Weeks passed and Gittel’s frail body was wracked with pain, but her cheerful disposition was a source of strength to her nurses and doctors. An older woman, a fellow patient whom she had befriended, was particularly buoyed by Gittel’s demeanor. Although it took great effort, Gittel prepared a cup of coffee every morning for her new friend. It was not just the coffee that Esther, her new older friend, appreciated; it was the thought behind it. Esther marveled that Gittel continued to do this small task for her long after she told Gittel that it was unnecessary. After a number of weeks, Gittel was told that the cancer had gone into remission and that she could go home. Hardly able to walk on her own, and a mere shadow of her former self, Gittel said goodbye to Esther. Esther was overjoyed about Git-

tel’s good news, but was saddened that the pleasant mornings with those special cups of coffee were coming to an end. Tragically, though, Gittel’s remission would not last long. A few short weeks later, Gittel turned very ill and was rushed to the doctor. After he took some tests, their fears were confirmed. The cancer was back with a vengeance. Gittel’s husband tried to hold in his emotions, but broke down at hearing the news. Gittel, though, displayed unusual selfcontrol. She listened as the doctor told them that not much could be done. They were to return to Sheba Hospital, where Gittel would undergo some more treatment, but the prognosis looked grim. Gittel and her husband thanked the doctor as they stood up to leave. However, as they headed out the door, Gittel’s husband noticed what appeared to be a smile on his wife’s face. He asked her why she was smiling. “I am just thinking of the look on Esther’s face when I bring her a cup of coffee tomorrow morning. She is going to be so happy …” This magnificent response is the ultimate in hisbatlus. You see, hisbatlus does not only mean to nullify oneself before the Al-mighty. Rather, hisbatlus means that we nullify ourselves before our fellow man, as well. And Gittel Taubchingel had reached one of highest levels of hisbatlus ever known to man.

hoshanah rabbah

CITY spirit september 2010

t last, it is Hoshana Rabbah, the final day that we can receive forgiveness. The Al-mighty is ready to count to 10. He has waited and waited and waited.

After stalling time and time again, we are at the end of the line. This is Hoshana Rabbah — our last chance. But it is also the chance we have for a hoshana rabbah — a great salvation. There have been many who have made the most of that last moment. “Yeish koneh olamo be’sha’ah achas — There are those who acquire their portion in the World to Come in a moment” Sha’ah means a moment, but it also has the same root as the word sha’ah, wanted, as in “Ve’el Kayin ve’el minchaso lo sha’ah — But to Kayin and to his offering He did not turn” (Bereishis 4:5). According to Targum, this means that Hashem did not want the korban (sacrifice) of Kayin. The Sfas Emes notes that this is the secret of Hoshana Rabbah. At the root of hosha na is sha’ah. All we have to do is want. If we really want to change, then even at this final moment we can change. Through that change, we can acquire a share in the World to Come. We will cry out “Hoshana” 44 times throughout the tefillah (prayer) of Hoshanos on Hoshana Rabbah. We hope that those 44 cries will enable us to achieve the verdict of “Life!” Rav Tzvi Meir Silverberg finds an allusion to this in the words “Be’damayich chayi — In your blood, live!” The word dam (blood) has the numerical value of 44. The 44 cries of Hoshana Rabbah will help to give us life. With each cry, we will search deeper and deeper within. We will find the sha’ah, the will, that we need to change and ask our Father for forgiveness. We must not worry. We should feel happy and confident. Because there is another name for Hoshana Rabbah — Yom HaAravah. It is the day when we take the aravah, the willow branch that has neither taste nor smell — alluding to our lack of mitzvos and Torah learning — and we hold it in our hands and walk around the bimah. We march proudly. It is all that we have. The Maggid of Chernobyl once commented that there is a minhag on Hoshana Rabbah to remove the taba’os (rings) from the lulav and walk around the bimah. The Jewish nation can be compared to a young maiden, with no taba’as (ring)

At last, it is Hoshana Rabbah, the final day that we can receive forgiveness.

yet. And nebach, we have nothing: no dress for the wedding, no money for our dowry, no food, no caterer. We are poor and desperate. And so, we turn to Hashem and say, “Ribbono Shel Olam, how can You possibly say no to someone as desperate as we are?” The shape of the aravah is reminiscent of lips. This, says Rav Shimshon Pincus, symbolizes the Kiss we receive from the Almighty. No, we are not tzaddikim. We are merely baalei teshuvah, with a minimal amount of mitzvos and maasim tovim. But we also know that “Makom she’baalei teshuvah omdin tzaddikim gemurim einam omdin — [In] the place where baalei teshuvah stand, complete tzaddikim do not stand” (Berachos 34b). We ask the Al-mighty for a Kiss, in the tefillah we recite when we hold onto the aravah branch: “U’senashkeinu mi’Neshikos Picha — And kiss us with the Kisses of Your Mouth.” Although it is impossible for us to fully comprehend what this Kiss is, one thing is very clear: Hashem loves us. During World War II, the Nazis stormed through Poland and murdered nearly three million Jews. One story in particular encapsulates the bravery and beauty of the Jewish people. As an elderly Jew stood with his tallis and tefillin and davened, he couldn’t help but hear the loud screams of Nazi soldiers ordering the helpless Jews to evacuate the Warsaw Ghetto. Suddenly, the door to his apartment burst open and the Nazi guards grabbed the frail old man. They ripped off his tallis and beat him with his tefillin. Next, they grabbed him by the head and ripped out his beard! This heilige Yid lay in a pool of blood as they kicked him with their metal-tipped boots and trampled on his broken body. Then they laughed and left him for dead. Somehow, he managed to scrape together some of the hairs that were scattered over the floor. He gathered them and lifted them up. And in one of the most touching prayers ever recited, he began to cry, “Hosha na, merutas lechi, hosha na! — Please save, plucked of cheek, please save!” We are battered, beaten, and weak. And we are running out of time. But, Ribbono Shel Olam, we are Yours. And we love You. And we want to come home. As the moments tick away and the door is closing … Please take us back … Please …

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 point of view

No Forgetting Before G-d | Rabbis Eliyahu Dessler and Aryeh Carmell The Rosh Hashana service revolves around three central themes, one of which is “remembrance.” What is the meaning of this idea? The following talk was delivered by Rabbi Dessler in the Ponevezh Yeshiva in Israel, in the days preceding Rosh Hashana 1953.

e mistakenly think that when we forget an idea, the idea no longer exists. Actually its impression still exists in our brain, but it is no longer close to consciousness. When we concentrate on recalling a forgotten idea, it may return to consciousness. Subconscious forces are at work in bringing an idea sometimes to the foreground, sometimes to the background of our mind. Knowing nothing of these mechanisms, we just call the process “forgetfulness.” Sometimes an idea is sent off to the background of our

mind because it holds no importance for us. Our character traits may have led us to attribute little importance to the idea and thus relegate it to the background. A fact may be present to our conscious mind, though we are no longer aware of the steps which led up to its being there. We know immediately that “two times two equals four,” and do not need to go through the steps by which we teach children this elementary fact: “Here are two apples; now if we add two more apples, how many are there,” and so on. Similarly, when we read a book, we do not need to identify first the consonants, the vowels etc. The word, or sometimes even the sentence, registers in our brain as a whole. This is because the habit of reading has so engrained itself on our mind that we do not consciously have to go through the particular steps in the process.

FORGETFULNESS

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In the course of time we forget our troubles. “Time heals all.” This is because in his heart of hearts a person knows that his material problems are not all that important. They may have loomed very large at the time, but once the heat of the moment is over, one is prepared to be comforted. The death of a loved one is different: Love is a spiritual matter and one would think that no consolation would help. This is why our Sages tell us that it is only by divine decree that the dead one is forgotten by the heart. One of the subconscious activities of the Yetzer Hara (the self-destructive force that draws us away from God) is to hide from us the gravity of our sins and so prevent us from regretting them, and so possibly coming to repentance. People tend to forget their sins, but God will remind us of them soon enough. Even the smallest of sins are still there within us. We direct our attention away from them and this is what we know as “forgetting.” Happy is the one who is aware of the gravity of his sins and the extent of his liabilities so that forgetfulness has no power over him.

MICROSCOPIC SCRUTINY An idea may be composed of many tiny parts, each of which is indiscernible on its own, just as in physical perception we see a hand, but in reality we are faced with innumer-

able microscopic cells. A person’s motivation in doing a certain mitzvah may be almost perfect, but there may be a tiny admixture of an unworthy motive. This may be almost indiscernible, but it still forms part of the motivation of the act, and will one day be revealed by God, and for this too every person will be held to account. Why? Because we could have discerned it. Had he only learned character development properly and set himself to acquire the “sense of-truth,” had he worked hard to improve his character, he would have succeeded in creating in himself the “microscope” which would have enabled him to discern anything unworthy or corrupt, even to the tiniest degree. A person can sanctify God’s name not only in his actions but also in every portion of his actions, even those not normally accessible to observation. [On Rosh Hashana], when we say “There is no forgetfulness before Your heavenly throne,” we mean that God’s judgment will bring into account even those infinitesimal portions of our motives in which we are expected to sanctify God’s name. “...And nothing is hidden from Your eyes:” these are the eyes of God which “survey the whole earth.” As the Zohar says, these are the “witnesses” which testify to human deeds. God’s eyes testify to the smallest and least obvious. “Human beings see by the eyes,” and for human scrutiny

it is difficult to discern that small admixture of evil. But “God sees by the heart,” and to this scrutiny even the smallest point is visible.

SPIRITUAL VISION Since our spiritual vision has such difficulty in perceiving the ultra-small, God gave us the Torah, which can aid us to discern what would otherwise be beyond our reach. Torah is the absolute truth and its judgments penetrate to the ultimate verity. [On Rosh Hashana we say]: “Who recalls good remembrances for those who bring Him to mind.” That is, God is prepared to remember for a person even an infinitesimal amount of good that he may have done. But only for “those who bring Him to mind.” That is, who try to remember Him, and who try to recognize the smallest points within their own soul and to bring them out into the light - which is what we mean by “remembering.” One who does this to the best of his ability, and brings even the smallest point before God, attempting to rectify it as part of his service of God, is in effect “remembering” God and in return God will “remember” him. Excerpted from “STRIVE FOR TRUTH!” by Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler and Rabbi Aryeh Carmell. Published by Feldheim Publishers.

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 dvar halachah

Regarding Canvas Sukkahs|Rabbi Gershon Bess

he Gemara states that a wall that cannot withstand a “ruach metzuya” [a normal wind] is not considered a kosher mechitzah. Therefore, writes the Shulchan Aruch, one cannot use a wall made of fabric for a Sukkah, since the fabric will move with the wind. One should not use fabric for Sukkah walls even if one were to tie down the material such that it would not move in the wind, out of concern that it become untied and become an invalid Sukkah. [Rav Moshe Feinstein states that fabric should not be used even if one would tie it “very tightly”, since the Acharonim do not make a distinction between tied tightly and not tied tightly, and one should therefore follow the Shulchan Aruch and not use such a Sukkah.] However, the question that must be addressed is “What is meant by “moving” in a ruach metzuya?” The Chazon Ish

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understands that a wall is only invalid if the wind would lift the wall 3 tefachim [approximately 9 inches] off the ground. The Shulchan Aruch is referring to a case where the material would be lifted off the ground if the material became untied. If, even if it became untied, it would still not lift off the ground, a cloth Sukkah can be used. The Mishkenos Yaakov, however, holds that even if the material does not lift up, but just moves or flaps in the wind, it is still not a valid wall. According to the Mishkenos Yaakov, if the wall moves even after being tied, the Sukkah is completely invalid. The Shulchan Aruch then advises us not to use a Sukkah even if tied extremely taut, since if it might become untied and flap in the wind and become invalid. According to the Mishkenos Yaakov, such a wall is not valid as a mechitzah for Hilchos Shabbos as well. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein zt”l is of the opinion that for a Mechitzah for Shabbos, even if it flaps it is still considered a valid Mechitzah as long as it does not lift off the ground three tefachim [like the opinion of the Chazon Ish]. However, the walls of a Sukkah cannot flap in the wind even if they do not lift off the ground [like the opinion of the Mishkenos Yaakov]. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l also is of the opinion that if the wall flaps it is invalid for a Sukkah. He discusses how much it is permitted to move and still be considered a “solid” wall. While he initially holds that the wall cannot move at all, he does consider the possibility that it may be able to move up to 9 inches. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein zt”l opines that it may move up to nine inches. Therefore, according to Rav Feinstein zt”l, if the material wall flaps from side to side nine inches, even when it is tied down, the Sukkah is invalid. If the material does not move nine inches even before it is tied down, and tying it makes it taut, the Sukkah can be used lechatchilah [since even if it would untie it is still valid]. If, however, the wall moves nine inches before it is tied down, despite the fact that tying it makes it taut, it should not be used, according to the advice of the Shulchan Aruch. When questioned about the prevalence of material Succos in the market, Rav Feinstein zt”l writes that it is clear this did not occur based on consultation or approval of Rabbonim. The Shulchan Aruch recommends that if one wishes to use

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material for the walls of a Sukkah, he should place poles in the place of the walls, with a distance not greater than nine inches between the poles, around the Succah. In this way, the Succah will be halachically valid even without the material, min haTorah, because of the principal of Lavud, [and, therefore, we are not Gozer that it may become untied]. Practically speaking, one can tie a set of parallel, horizontal strings around the Sukkah, at Lavud intervals to create a Halachic Mechitzah, as long as they are taut and do not move in the wind. This can be done by tying the first string eight inches above the ground. The next four strings should be tied at eight inch intervals with the final string at the forty inch height level. If necessary, one may tie four strings with a nine inch space with the top string at the thirty six inch level. Rabbi Gershon Bess is Rav of Congregation Kehillas Yaakov and serves as the Halachic authority for the Los Angeles Kollel and Yeshiva communities. He gives a slate of highly regarded lectures on Talmud and Halacha and is the Rosh HaVaad of Vaad Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Maan Yahadus which has published Halachic bulletins for many years. He is a graduate of the yeshivos of Philadelphia, Ponovez, Lakewood and the Kollel of Los Angeles and serves on the Bais Din of the Rabbinical Council of California.

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 inspiration

rs. Tolman gave the pretty tablecloth a small pat. The table was set so nicely – just sweets and something to drink. Simon was coming in an hour or so, at six o’clock, bringing his wife, he said. Simon had been living in California for five years now. He was “in computers,” he told his mother, and “doing all right.” He talked to her at least once a week and made it a point to come home for the High Holy Days every year. He was by Edith a good son. They had a good relationship, caring but not effusive. Most of all, Mrs. Tolman was grateful that Simon had kept the Jewish faith. It was her solace and her pride. Mrs. Tolman sat down in her favorite rocking chair. She was enjoying the anticipation as she rocked gently. She had waited for Simon to get married for a long time now. His father had passed away when he was fifteen, and he had become restless and difficult, finishing high school almost under duress. Simon loved his mother, but he wanted out. Out of the house, out of school, out of the city. He tried an out-of-town college for a year and deliberately flunked out. He wandered from one job to another until suddenly he told his mother that a friend had offered to teach him computers if he would go to California with him. What did he have to lose? When Simon left, Mrs. Tolman went through a period of rejection, guilt, and anger. She didn’t go for therapy – she still thought psychology as something a little creepy. As an aide in a day-care center, she lived a simple, religious life, had friends much like herself, and wanted to see Simon married. A grandchild would be so nice. The bell tinkled. She hurried to the door. There was Simon, and with him a pretty black woman. “Come in. Come in. Excuse me, but where is your wife?” “Carla is my wife, Mother,” he said as they entered. For a full ten seconds, Mrs. Tolman could not speak. She just stared at them. Words would not come. This was his wife?

Simon bent and kissed her cheek. “Let’s sit down,” he said, gently and firmly. Mrs. Tolman let him guide her to a chair, without taking her eyes off the woman. Somehow she couldn’t grasp the situation. Simon took over as they sat around the table. “Mother, I know this is quite a surprise, maybe even a shock. But I knew I could never explain anything on the phone, or by letter. I wanted you to meet Carla first...” Mrs. Tolman and Carla stared H. Krohn at each other. Carla offered a small smile, but Mrs. Tolman seemed somehow unable to react. Simon thought, a little belatedly, that perhaps he should have prepared his mother a little better. “Carla and I met at the company where I work. She is a fine computer analyst. She comes from Raleigh, Mother, and she became Jewish four years ago... We worked in the same department, and I got to know her. When I saw that she didn’t eat with the other workers and heard that she didn’t come in on Shabbos, I realized she was different and we became friends. Many times she worked overtime to make up hours. She was so gentle and kind and so very intelligent that we became more than friends...” “Could you tell me a little about yourself?” Mrs. Tolman asked hesitantly. It was a strange and curious story. Carla was born and bred in poverty in a small town in the South. She was a quiet child, not given much to roughhouse playing. Her father was a truck driver, and her mother “did houses.” There was never any money for books, and Carla’s greatest joy was Sunday school because there Miz Rosa gave out books about the Bible with beautiful pictures and stories. Although she didn’t really understand it at all, the Bible stories of the Old Testament worked a curious magic on her mind. She believed them, and she daydreamed about them. As she got older and began reading fluently, she would go to the library and find books to satisfy her mind. Not being a

CITY spirit september 2010

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sociable child, she became even more introspective as she got older. She went to church regularly, together with her mother and sisters, her brothers having dropped out as early as possible. And while she listened attentively and sang in the choir, she felt a sense of not belonging. In the town, there was a small grocery store run by a Jewish man named Moshe, who seemed very old to Carla. On the High Holy Days, the grocery store was closed. Carla liked to come to the store to do a little shopping and talk to Moshe, especially as she grew older. He always had time and stories for her. One day, she asked him, “How do you like being a Jew?” Moshe was not surprised. Carla was not one of your runof-the-mill kids; she was a thoughtI think I ful girl, interested in the world. “It don’t make much difference what would like to I like, Carla. I was born a Jew and I’ll die a Jew. That’s what the good be Jewish. Lord wants from me, I guess.” He stopped a moment. “Not everybody likes Jews, you know, but this town’s been pretty nice to me. I got no complaints.” Looking at her earnest face, he added honestly, “I’m not very learned or smart, never went to yeshivah.” “What’s a yeshivah?” “It’s where boys go to study Talmud and become rabbis and teachers. Some boys go just to get educated in Jewish stuff.” “Why didn’t you go?” Carla prodded. “I went to work.” He seemed to want to close her out. One day, when she was already in high school, Carla came in with a new question. “Moshe, could I become a Jewish person? I read a lot about Jews and conversion and that sort of thing. I think I would like to be Jewish.” Moshe was surprised this time, and he was a little afraid for her. She really didn’t understand what it meant to be a Jew in the outside world. He said, “This town’s been good to me, Carla. But not every town and not all people care too much about Jews. Being born a Jew is the first strike against you. Today it’s much better, but there was a time when a Jew couldn’t get into the best schools or get the best jobs. Besides, a Jew has to live by a lot of rules and regulations that you don’t even know about.” “I could learn,” she said. “What would your folks say?” Moshe could envision the tragedy she was heading into. “They maybe wouldn’t even want you around if you tried to convert. They’re good Christians. Stay the way you are.” Carla smiled a small smile. She picked up the bag of groceries she had come for and put some coins on the counter. “Pray for me, Moshe. I’m not coming back.” The town buzzed when Carla left. It buzzed even louder, Continues on next page

CITY spirit september 2010

Continued from page 31

Carla had made friends with a friendly woman, Dina, who sat next to her in shul on Shabbos. The Shabbos after Carla’s several years later, when it heard she had converted to Judavisit to New York and her mother-in-law, Dina asked, “How ism. Even the deacon fretted about it in his sermon on Sunday. was your trip?” Carla was proud to be a Jew, but she could not hide her Carla looked her full in the face... “Dreadful.” color. One Shabbos she went to a synagogue for services. The “Was she pleasant to you?” Dina asked. men at the door asked her if she was the new cleaning lady. “She tried to be, but I think she was just too shocked. I told The rabbi with whom she studied got her a job and recSimon he should tell his mother about me before we came, but ommended a business school where she could learn computer he said it was better his way. It wasn’t. It was awful.” programming. As it happened, she was a natural in this field. Dina took her hand. “Carla, when Simon goes to the rabbi’s With all its declarations of equality, the South is not too class this afternoon, come visit me. We’ll talk.” kindly disposed toward black people. Carla found it hard to get Shabbos afternoon. The most relaxed hours of the week. a job, even an entry one. Weeping one day to her mentor, she Dina and Carla were companionably engrossed with Dina’s asked, “Where do I go from here?” baby, the third in Dina’s home. Dina brought up Carla’s situaThe rabbi, a kindly and understanding man, said, “I have tion abruptly. a friend in Los Angeles. People out there are not thrown by “I thought of something, Carla. It might not work, but then skin color. I’ll speak to him. Would you be ready to try your again, it just might. No harm in trying.” luck there?” “What is it?” “Tell me where to go. I’ll leave tomorrow. I’m ready to try “Simple. Every Friday, around nine or ten in the morning, anything now.” about noon in New York, call up your mother-in-law and simThe rabbi was right. The lady who interviewed her on her ply wish her good Shabbos. Just first try at a new job was not particularly interested in color Carla was proud to be a Jew, but a pleasant, non-threatening call. You can add regards from Simon. or gender. She wanted someone she could not hide her color. That’s all.” efficient and smart who could Carla looked at her friend manage the company’s computer gratefully. “Sounds simple, not very brilliant, but I will cerprograms. Carla got the job. Simon worked in another departtainly try. Nothing to lose.” ment. God moves His people on His giant chessboard, in His The first Friday Carla made the call, Mrs. Tolman recogown mysterious ways. nized her voice and hung up the receiver, quietly but definiteNow Simon and Carla sat at Simon’s mother’s table, ill at ly. On the next two Fridays, it was the same. On the fourth ease, trying to make conversation. Mrs. Tolman had listened Friday, Mrs. Tolman asked, “Why are you calling me?” to Carla’s story without comment. Now she asked tentatively, Carla caught her breath at Mrs. Tolman’s voice, but she an“Would you like tea?” swered pleasantly, “Just called to say good Shabbos and have “Don’t bother, Mother,” Simon answered. “Let me show a very nice day.” you some pictures of our apartment in LA.” There was a five-second silence. Then Mrs. Tolman said, Carla opened her bag and took out an envelope, but the “Thank you,” and hung up. picture showing wasn’t very successful. The conversation Friday by Friday, for four long months, Carla called and lagged, and the three uneasy people tried to make something Mrs. Tolman answered briefly and hung up. It was well into better of the unsatisfactory party. It didn’t work too well. the fifth month when Carla called as usual and received no anWhen Simon and Carla were leaving, Simon began to put swer. She tried again, letting the phone ring for a while, and a his arms around his mother. Almost instinctively, she drew third time half an hour later. No answer. She would ask Simon back. She caught herself, but the gesture had made a stateif his mother had been in touch with him at the office or if ment. There was no kissing or hugging in the goodbyes. Outperhaps she had gone away for Shabbos. But she didn’t usually. side, Carla wept. By two o’clock, she knew it was almost Shabbos in New Back home, in their Los Angeles apartment, they confrontYork, and Carla tried once more. She dialed without much ened each other in ultimate sadness. “Do you think your mother thusiasm. Then the doorbell rang. Putting the phone down, will ever accept me?” Carla asked. she hurried to the door. “Isn’t it enough that I accept you?” Simon asked angrily. Mrs. Tolman said simply, “Good Shabbos, my child.” Carla And so anger crept into their otherwise happy relationflew into her arms. ship. And fear crept into Carla’s heart. Where were they going? What was going to happen? Excerpted from The Eternal Thread with permission of Targum Press.

 dvar torah

Strive for a Normal High Holiday Season! Rabbi Jason Weiner, Jewish Chaplain, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

here are many profound and important lessons of the High Holiday period. For me, one of the most inspiring – and challenging – can be gleaned from the Yom Kippur Torah reading. The Torah tells us, “Do not perform the practice of the land of Egypt in which you dwelled; and do not perform the practice of the land of Canaan to which I bring you, and do not follow their traditions. (Vayikra 18:3)” At first glance this doesn’t seem to have much to do with Yom Kippur, but upon further reflection it has everything to do with this awesome day! The Kli Yakar is of the opinion that Yosef must have chosen places for the Jews to dwell that were not too immoral, so that we would not learn from their bad ways. The Torah is thus telling us that we should not even follow these places despite the fact that they are only mildly immoral. Rashi, however, argues that the people of Egypt and Canaan were the “mekulkalim mikol haumos - the most degenerate of all nations.” By placing us there, Hashem was teaching us how extremely dangerous it can be to follow outside influences and how hard we must work to maintain Torah standards. The Torah concludes this verse by warning us not to “follow their traditions.” The Ibn Ezra asks why we are first warned not to follow their maasim and then it switches to chukoseihem? He argues that the Torah is warning us not to allow their ways to become our norms, which is what will happen if we are not vigilant. We can learn from this analysis that there is a difference between being “average” and being “normal.” Although we usually conflate the two, this can be deceptive. Torah norms are our ideal, whereas average is simply a mathematical equa-

tion of what is generally accepted. Average is only normal in an ideal world, but in reality we must strive to rise above the “average” of our society and achieve the exalted “norms” of the Torah. The practice of the Egyptians or the Canaanites, was the “average” of the societies which we had departed from or to which we were approaching, but the “normal,” that which we were taught at Sinai, must continue unaffected and undiminished for all time. For a Torah observant Jew average isn’t good enough, we can be satisfied with nothing less than what the Torah prescribes as normal. It is now clear why this, the Parshas Arayos, is read on Yom Kippur. On the most exalted day of the year we read the Torah’s moral code, and we pause to take stock and realize that we must apologize for being average, and strive to be normal! yosef_ad.pdf

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 Travel

The Wandering Jew Hershel lieber

Yes, Do See America First!

Zion National Park, Utah

was inspired to write this article by two recent events. First, from a long conversation I had with my dear friend Matys Weiser, and viewing his album of gorgeous photographs. Second, from this summer’s trip with my wife Pesi in which we toured a large part of Colorado. America has a lot to offer travelers and it is a shame we don’t take advantage of the wealth of interesting sights we have right at home. I will be focusing this article on the Great National Parks whose indescribable beauty is impossible to convey. Although there are National Parks throughout the United States the major ones and the most unusual ones are in the Western States. My first experience was in Acadia National Park in Maine followed soon afterwards with an expedition to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and to the Zion National Park in Utah. Our appetite was whetted, and this summer’s trip to Colorado allowed us to enjoy and behold the grandeur of the Rocky Mountain NP, Colorado National Monument, Mesa Verde NP, Great Sand Dunes NP and the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. The Great National Parks present a plethora of spectacular natural views such as majestic mountains, deep canyons, expansive plateaus, dense forests, extraordinary rock formations, winding rivers, caves and much more. Activities range from hiking, horse or mule riding, white river rafting, swim-

ming, picnicking and for those who like photography a feast for your eyes and cameras. Let me get back to my friend Matys who lives in Monsey, New York and has a passion for traveling and an infatuation with the National Parks. Matys and his wife Esther have travelled with their three children to the Western National Parks over seven times in eight years. They would travel by car across America and would enjoy the rugged adventures and thrills that the parks offer. Over the years, by word of mouth, Matys built up a following - enthusiasts that would join him in these escapades. After making his living as a contractor for over ten years he left his field and pursued his true passion as a guide and lecturer about the Great Parks. He organizes tours to the Parks and accompanies them in visiting what he calls the Creatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fingerprints. He has created a beautiful website at www.creatorsfingerprints.com which describes the fascinating sights along with stunning photographs which entice the viewer to visit in person. I can write about the individual Parks and point out their Continues on next page Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah Northern Cascades National Park, Washington State

CITY spirit September 2010

 Travel Explore the Natural Wonders of the USA

, n o y n a C d n a r G re o m & e c y r B , n o Zi Creators Fingerprints National Park Tours

Continued from page 35 major attractions but I truly would never get finished. I choose rather to present a sampling of his photographs; each picture is more than a thousand words. Matys does his tours throughout the year and each season presents its own sense of natural beauty and excitement. Yet, the most comfortable times, weather wise, to travel, are still during autumn and spring. Matys provides transportation and kosher meals and above all he is so likable and knowledgeable that a trip with him is a genuine pleasure by itself. Bon Voyage - vcuy vghxb, Hershel

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CITY spirit september 2010

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

 advice from over-the-counter

Think Out of the Box | Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D., FASHP, FCCP More Common Pharmacy Dilemmas

CITY spirit september 2010

Yaakov’s Cholesterol

How Yaakov dreaded going to the doctor’s office for his annual physical. It wasn’t that his doctor was an achzar (cruel person). To the contrary, Dr. Forrester was a malach min hashamayim (angel from heaven. Kind, caring, always smiling. It’s just that…well…why is it that the doctor always found something negative to say about Yaakov. “You know, Yaakov, you really should exercise regularly,” or “You can go ahead and have meat on your Sabbath, but lay off the red meat the rest of the week,” or “Tell me again, how much salt do you add to your wife’s food?” Why couldn’t Dr. Forrester, just once, say “Yaakov, you’re perfect; I can’t find anything negative to say. Just keep doing whatever it is you’re doing!” No, thought Yaakov, I don’t think it’s going to be like that this year. Or next year. “…and since you can’t seem to be able to control your cholesterol values with diet and exercise, I’m going to write you a prescription for some medicine. It’s very safe; it’s been studied in hundreds of thousands of patients with high cholesterol, and it’s been around for almost 20 years. You’ll just need to take one every day, and please make an appointment to see my nurse in six weeks, so we can take some blood and see how well the medicine is working.” Yaakov gave the prescription to the pharmacist on the first floor of the doctors’ office building, and waited. And waited. And waited some more. How long does it take to remove some pills from one bottle and put them in another bottle? After what seemed like ten hours (okay, 15 minutes), the pharmacist presented Yaakov with his new medicine. “Sorry it took a while, but your insurance doesn’t cover the cholesterol medicine that Dr. Forrester wrote for you. So I called him up and asked if he wouldn’t mind switching to a generic medicine in the same class. It’s a different medicine, so I needed his approval. Anyways, the doctor said ‘sure,’ so here you go.” On the way home, Yaakov heard a commercial on the radio. It was a commercial by the manufacturer of Lipitor, a medicine used for high cholesterol. Normally, Yaakov would have ignored the commercial entirely, but given his busy morning with the doctor and the pharmacist, he thought this was hashgacha pratis, and so he listened very carefully. The announcer said there is no generic equivalent for Lipitor (just like there was no generic for the medicine his doctor ordered). “…and why would you switch to another medicine?” asked the commercial announcer. Good question, thought Yaakov. May-

be this is the wrong medicine for me. An hour later, Yaakov was on the phone with Baruch, his friend and confidante. Baruch seemed to know everything about everything, so Yaakov told him about his discussions with the doctor and pharmacist, and about the commercial. “It was mamash hashgacha pratis,” he added, in case Baruch didn’t chop. “Taka,” agreed Baruch, and added: “You know what I think? I think you should take Lipitor. I read an article that it’s the most prescribed cholesterol medicine in the world, and that it works better than any other. Yes, you should definitely take it. Your insurance company doesn’t want to pay for it, ‘cause it’s more expensive. You should get the best.” Yaakov was convinced, but where to get Lipitor? Two days later, Yaakov and his wife were at a chasuna, and Yaakov found his friend, Simcha at the smorgasbord. “Here’s my chance,” he thought. “Hey Simcha; how you doin’?” Simcha quickly finished a frank-in-a-blanket and responded, “Baruch Hashem, Yaakov; it’s good to see you. Simchos!” Yaakov made his move. “I’d love to have one of those yummy little things, but I just got started on medicine for my cholesterol.” Simcha was intrigued. “Which one?” he asked. “Well, I was supposed to get some brand named medicine; I don’t know that name. You know doctors’ writing! Anyway, my insurance didn’t cover it, so I got a generic medicine. Simva-something, I think.” Yaakov had known Simcha for 20 years, and in addition to being a brilliant salesman, Simcha was arguably the most curious person he knew. Simcha would keep asking questions, no doubt. “Hey, you know, I’ve got some Lipitor in the house. My wife used to take it, but she decided to stop. She’s on some homeopathic stuff now. Plus, she’s into yoga. Why don’t I bring it to you in shul tomorrow?” Yaakov thanked Simcha and walked away, making sure that his friend couldn’t see him congratulating himself for his cleverness.

How clever was Yaakov? Not very. Prescriptions should not be shared. There are often sound reasons for giving one medication to one patient and another medication to another patient. In this case, we don’t know which cholesterol medication and what dose Yaakov was prescribed by his physician. It may have been Lipitor, or it may have been another medicine. There may be a reason that Dr. Forrester felt that Lipitor is not best suited for Yaakov. Secondly, simvastatin (which is also known as Zocor) is a fine

medication, with tens of thousands of patients studied. Dr. Forrester agreed to the switch, and that’s what Yaakov should be taking. Just because the patent runs out on a brand-named product (generally, 17 years after its manufacturer first files for licensure, plus additional years granted for label extension), does not mean that the chemical stops working. Most medications are not particularly difficult to manufacture once its chemical structure is known, and therefore generic drugs are just as good as their brand-named equivalents.

Raizi’s Ear Infection

Are Shprintza and Ariella correct? The answer is NO! First – antibiotics, like all prescriptions, should not be shared, as we discussed above. Second, the antibiotic – if it’s in a suspension formulation (which is likely) – is almost assuredly expired. And in this case, “expired” means useless. Most antibiotics in suspension are very labile and will only be active for a couple of weeks. Third, the ER doctor is probably right, and Ariella’s children’s pediatrician is possibly practicing outdated medicine. Research shows that eight out of nine cases of otitis media resolve without the use of antibiotics. And since antibiotics can lead to the development of bacterial resistance (especially when used repeatedly), it is often best to avoid them when clinically reasonable to do so. Antibiotics can also cause side effects, like diarrhea or rash. Hmmmm, maybe the ER doctor wasn’t so tired after all. Dr. Manny Saltiel received his doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of California in San Francisco , following undergraduate work at UCLA. He completed a residency in Clinical Pharmacy Practice at the University of Illinois in Chicago . He worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for 25 years , serving in various capacities, including Clinical Coordinator and Drug Information Specialist. Dr. Saltiel also holds a faculty appointment with the University of Southern California. He has received Honorary Fellowships with the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and the American Society of Health-system Pharmacy. Dr. Saltiel has published over 20 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, and has lectured before local and national audiences. He currently serves as a Regional Clinical Director for Comprehensive Pharmacy Services. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children.

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CITY spirit September 2010

Shprintza’s 13-month old girl woke up screaming at 5am. This time it was different. The sound shook the walls of the house. Poor little Raizi wouldn’t stop screaming, as tears flowed down her cheeks. Aha! There it was – Raizi pulled on her left ear, and Shprintza – having read every childcare book in the library – knew that this must be Raizi’s first ear infection. Sure enough, Shprintza insisted that her husband take them to the Emergency Room. Maybe the ER doc would be moved and prescribe some antibiotics. The wait at the local ER seemed interminable, the torture exacerbated by Raizi’s continued screams. Finally, the doctor was ready to see them. He seemed kind enough, and when he looked through his otoscope into the child’s ear, he ascertained that Shprintza was correct. “Otitis media,” he replied and launched into a lengthy dissertation about the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and microbiology of this common childhood infection. Why is it that doctors have to talk so much, thought Shprintza. Just give me the prescription and let’s get on with the cure. “Here’s a prescription for some liquid ibuprofen for the pain; that should help her out, and even get you some needed sleep,” said the doctor. Shprintza couldn’t believe it! She was too stunned to even argue, and besides, the doctor quickly left the bedside after dropping the prescription onto her lap. He was gone. And she was left alone wondering if perhaps she should have gone to the other hospital in town. Later that day, after a three–hour nap, Shprintza was awakened by her daughter’s screams. She grabbed the ibuprofen and stared at the label – every six hours as needed for pain. Looking at her watch and making a quick calculation, she realized that she had to wait another two hours. Just then, the phone rang. It was Shprintza’s best friend, Ariella. Perfect timing: Shprintza needed to vent, and Ariella always had a kind, listening ear (or two). “No antibiotics?” Ariella was also puzzled. “My pediatrician always gives us antibiotics for our children. You know, I think that doctor in the ER was just too tired and forgot about the antibiotics. Why don’t I come over and bring you some. I’m pretty sure I have some left over. It’s still in the fridge from just a month ago.”

Shprintza just held Raizi tightly and awaited what she was certain would be relief in the form of her friend and her antibiotics.

 Dental HEALTH

Are Silver Fillings Safe?| Jonathan D. Pivo, D.D.S.

ne of the most common questions patients ask me related to dentistry is: ‘Are Silver Fillings Safe?’ The concern centers on the fact that mercury is incorporated in the “silver” fillings, otherwise known as amalgam fillings. The debate over whether this common dental material is safe is not a new one and the emotions on both sides run high. However, due to various public policy advocate groups and public concern at large over the potential links between mercury and various medical conditions reported in the media, amalgam fillings have been increasingly targeted as a source of concern. Mercury-based fillings offer the benefit of a long-lasting, yet inexpensive, filling material with well over one hundred years of use in the dental profession. Mercury is mixed with various metals prior to placement in the mouth. In its amalgam form, the mercury remains in an inorganic state, although minute amounts of mercury vapor may leach out during initial placement and over time. Opponents cite the theory of longterm exposure to mercury vapor as a cause of concern. With the development of modern composite (“white”) fillings and the concern over the use of mercury-based fillings in recent decades, amalgam use among dentists has gradually declined and some have called for an outright ban. Silver-mercury fillings were first used in France in the 1830’s. In the 1850’s, American dentists using amalgam were even threatened with malpractice by dentists not using amal-

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gam in what became known as the “amalgam wars”. Public concern was again raised in 1926 by a German chemist and in the 1970’s by an American doctor over the potential toxicity of mercury in the material. While the anti-amalgamists’ claims certainly get much media attention, the scientific basis for their claims has consistently been questioned by many in the dental community. The official position of the American Dental Association remains that dental amalgam is safe and does not expose patients to greater risk of mercury toxicity. Some in the medical and dental community still advocate the removal of all existing amalgam fillings. Even if one accepts the arguments of the amalgam opponents, consideration should be given to the fact that removal of existing amalgam fillings may expose a patient to more vapors than leaving the fillings undisturbed in the mouth. Many dentists choose not to place amalgam fillings, but not out of concern for mercury toxicity; rather, today’s white composite fillings have many more advantages than amalgam. Those concerned are encouraged to research both sides of the debate and discuss the issue with those you trust with your health care. Shana Tova! Dr. Jonathan Pivo is a cosmetic and general dentist for adults and children in Culver City, CA. This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for regular dental care by a licensed dentist.

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 FOOD

Dining In Again: | with Faigy Grossman

he High Holidays are upon us - where did the time go - it seems just yesterday we were making summer plans. As we prepare ourselves spiritually to ask Hashem for forgiveness and to find us worthy of a healthy and fruitful year, we also start to think about the many things that need to get done so that our families and guests will enjoy Yom Tov. Dining In Again, is filled with delectable recipes, many of which are geared for holiday meals. We have created a wonderful menu for one seuda - deliciously festive and surprisingly easy to prepare. Try one or all of these recipes and pick up your own copy of Dining In Again for over 550 recipes that are sure to delight your family and friends. Wishing all my readers a happy, healthy and sweet New Year. rate bowl, stir together all dressing ingredients. Pour desired amount over salad and toss to coat evenly. Reserve remaining dressing for another use.  If you make the salad more than halfan-hour before serving, hold back the croutons until just before you bring the salad to the table.

Spinach Mushroom Soup 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp. margarine or oil 1 lb. frozen spinach 4 c. chicken stock 1 c. sliced, canned mushrooms, rinsed and drained ¼ tsp. black pepper Pinch of salt YIELD: 4-6 servings

CITY spirit september 2010

Zesty Mustard-Herb Salad

The tangy dressing for this salad is excellent with other salads too, but is especially helpful with “bland” veggies like cucumbers and hearts of palm, which soak up the flavor and become suddenly delicious! Salad: 1- 16 oz. pkg. Romaine lettuce 1 large cucumber, diced ½ red pepper, thinly sliced ½ orange pepper, thinly sliced 1- 15 oz. can hearts of palm, drained and sliced ½ c. salad croutons, plain or garlic-flavored

Dressing: 4 tsp. mustard ¼ c. pareve milk 1 T. honey 2 T. red wine vinegar 1 tsp. dried basil 1 tsp. parsley flakes 1 tsp. garlic powder ¼ c. olive oil ¼ tsp. salt YIELD: 12 servings Tear lettuce into bite-size pieces. Place in a large salad bowl and combine with remaining salad ingredients. In a sepa-

Sauté garlic in margarine or oil in a large saucepan, over low heat, for 2-3 minutes. Add the spinach, stock, mushrooms, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil. Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer 8-10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.  Puree this soup with an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother texture for easier eating!

Glazed Chicken Cutlets This recipe also works very well on a grill, and they taste and smell heavenly! 6 T. apricot preserves 4 T. red wine vinegar 3 T. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced 4 chicken breasts 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. black pepper YIELD: 4 servings Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Pound chicken cutlets until thin, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread half of apricot mixture over each chicken cutlet. Place in 9x13-inch baking pan, over, and bake for 15 minutes at 400°. Turn cutlets over, spread with remaining apricot mixture. Cover and bake another 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 additional minutes.

Cinnamon-Apple Tzimmes Very nice for Rosh Hashanah or any Shabbos Seudah. Serve warm. 3 T. margarine ½ tsp. cinnamon 2 c. carrots, thinly sliced 2 large golden delicious apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch-thick slices 1 c. water 2 T. sugar, or to taste 1 T. cornstarch mixed into ¼ c. water YIELD: 4 servings

Melt margarine in a wide, frying pan over medium-high heat. Add cinnamon, carrots, apples, and water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender when pierced (about 5 minutes). Add sugar and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add cornstarch-water mixture and continue to boil, stirring, until sauce thickens and carrots and apples are glazed (about one more minute).

Rice with Pastrami This is a great recipe for using up your extra deli after Shabbos… or your extra rice. 2 c. uncooked rice 2 T. oil 1 scallion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 4 eggs (lightly beaten) 1 T. soy sauce Salt & pepper, to taste 12 slices pastrami, diced 6 slices turkey roll, diced YIELD: 6-8 servings Cook the rice according to package directions. Heat the oil in a frying pan; sauté the scallion and garlic. Add the

eggs and mix well. Add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix pastrami and turkey roll into mixture. Combine with rice.  2 cups of uncooked rice equals four cups of cooked rice.

Peanut Butterscotch Pie Simple recipe, terrific dessert! 2 eggs, separated ½ c. sugar 1 c. peanut butter 1 T. vanilla extract ¼ c. honey ½ c. pareve milk 1 c. butterscotch chips 1 graham cracker crust ½ c. crushed peanuts YIELD: 8 servings Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Separately beat together egg yolks and sugar. Mix in peanut butter, vanilla, honey, and pareve milk. Fold in the egg whites. Evenly distribute the butterscotch chips on the bottom of the graham cracker crust. Pour filling into crust and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes. Serve chilled.

New Twists on Popular Favorites! Yes, the creators of Dining In have done it again with their latest cookbook, Dining In Again! With over 550 tantalizing new dishes, this marvelous book is simply bursting with fresh ideas.

Published by Judaica Press, by the Ladies Auxiliary of Yeshiva Masoras Avos

CITY spirit September 2010

Available at Bookstores or Direct from: Yeshiva Masoras Avos 23 Congress Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701 732-942-7522 • yma@lehucomputers.com

KidSpirit by Fraydee Mozes

osh Hashanah marks the start of a brand new year. This is the time we can start fresh, improve ourselves, and be the best Jews we can be. Hashem has given us the opportunity of Aseres Yomei Tshuva, when we can apologize for anything we are sorry for, and focus on improving our behavior. Whether you want to try to treat your siblings with extra kavod and love this year, do your homework every night, or respond immediately when a parent asks for a favor, this is the time to think about what we want to be better at, and work on it. It is also important to focus on others this time of year. On Rosh Hashanah we can ask Hashem for a great year full of simcha, brocha, and hatzlacha, but keep your family and friends in mind, too. While it’s good to daven for yourself, try to think of others that need your tefillos this year as well. It is also a big zechus to give tzedakah during this time of year. To your right is some writing space just for you, to write down what you would like to daven for. After you have finished writing, cut out this page and keep it in your machzor. This can be helpful in allowing you to have extra kavanah while you daven in shul this Rosh Hashanah. May all your tefillos be answered, and may we celebrate the next new year in Yerushalyim!

Running The Show

CITY spirit september 2010

Written by Rebecca Klempner, Illustrated by Fraydee Mozes

“How many guests are you expecting on the first night of yom tov?” Bluma asked Esti. They sat in the school cafeteria eating lunch three days before Rosh Hashanah. Esti counted in her head. “Five…no, six…well, I guess the number keeps changing! My mother is so organized that I’m sure she’ll have it all figured out by the time I get home. How about you?” Bluma said, “We’re just having three. Mommy wanted to keep it small, since we have the new baby.” With that, the conversation moved from Rosh Hashanah plans to how cute Leah, Bluma’s baby sister, was. Soon the girls bentched, the lunch bell rang, and then they went back to class. A few hours later, Esti walked into her house. She headed for the kitchen to find a snack before starting her homework. Her mother sat at the kitchen table, looking very tired. “Ima, what’s wrong?” asked Esti. “In one day we’ve gone from having six guests coming for dinner on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, to eight, to ten!” Mrs. Tehrani smiled weakly. “Wow, Ima! Your head must be spinning!” Esti poured herself a glass of milk and grabbed a peach. “Can I get you something?” “Thanks, sweetheart. I could use a glass of water. I’ve spent half of the day on the phone. You know I love having guests, but I hate answering the phone when I have other things to do.” Just then, the phone rang again. Mother and daughter both groaned. Esti answered. “Shalom, Tehrani residence…yes…I’m not sure. Let me ask my mother.” Esti covered the receiver with her hand. “Ima, it’s Mrs. Gabbay. Her eldest son surprised her and flew in. Can you fit one

more around the table?” “Sure,” said Mrs. Tehrani. “O.K., Mrs. Gabbay…Ktav v’ chatima tova…We’ll see you then.” Esti hung up the phone and poured her mother’s glass of water. Just after dinner, the phone rang again. Another guest, Miss Hahamzadeh, called to ask if she could bring a friend. Esti’s mother said, “Of course.” When she had hung up the phone, Mr. Tehrani asked, “You look stressed out.” “How am I going to prepare for Rosh Hashanah when I don’t even know how many guests are coming!” said Esti’s mother. “How do I know how much food to cook?” “Why don’t you just say, ‘no,’ when people ask to come from now on?” suggested her father. Mrs. Tehrani looked shocked. “I can’t do that! If someone doesn’t have their plans settled so close to yom tov, they’re probably desperate. I have to help them out!” Esti thought for a minute. “Why don’t you cook for a lot of people and freeze whatever doesn’t get eaten?” “Good idea, Ester. I’m starting to lose count of the guests, and who knows what will happen by yom tov…I just need to relax, and everything will work out fine.” After school the next day, Esti entered the house and saw her mother reading a story to Yosef Chaim. “What’s the latest count?” Esti asked. “We’re still holding at twelve,” said her mother, with a wink. Two more busy days passed. Esti helped her mother peel carrots, boil beets, fry fish cakes, bake challot…not to mention roasting four chickens. In between, she managed to run to the store several times for items that had been unexpectedly needed (Esti’s mother could

Fill In the Blanks Rosh Hashanah falls out on the date of ___1___ of the month of ___2___ which marks the beginning of the new Jewish year. On this holiday, we blow the ___3__ which is compared to an alarm clock, because it “wakes us up” to do ___4___. There are customary foods that we eat on Rosh Hashanah. One of the is a head of a __5__, to symbolize the “head” of the year. We also dip __6___ in ___7__ to symbolize a sweet new year. We eat challah in the shape of a __8___ which represents the cycle of the year. And we also eat a very fun fruit, a ___9____, because contains lots of seeds just like the many mitzvos we are privileged to have. After Rosh Hashanah, Aseres Yomei Tshuvah follows which leads into the holiday known as _____ ___10___. That is when we fast and ask Hashem for forgiveness for anything we might have done wrong. May all your tefilos be answered and have a chasiva v’chasima ___11___! Answers: 1. Aleph, 2. Tishrei, 3. Shofar, 4. Teshuvah, 5. Fish, 6. Apples, 7. Honey, 8. Circle, 9. Pomegranate, 10. Yom Kippur, 11. Tovah

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

the following words below that are associated with the new year:

PALEP OYHEN SSUOCC LUHS REONEPGAATM

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

AUVLL ESWTE SNHIPUIZ FTAINGS ERGOS

toiva! I accidentally left the directions to where I was supposed to eat tonight at home. I got lost on the way, and I’m already half an hour late. Finally, I recognized your street. I hate to ask, but is there room at your table for me? And can you help me find my way home when we’re done?” Before Mr. Tehrani had time to answer, Mrs. Tehrani smiled from ear to ear and said, “We have plenty of room…and plenty of food. Come in! It will be a pleasure to have you join us.” After a pleasant, tasty meal, complete with all the simanim and many divrei torah, the guests were ready to leave. The Tehranis very carefully explained how Dr. Rabinowitz should get home… then at the last minute, Mr. Tehrani decided he’d better walk with the elderly doctor part of the way. “I wouldn’t want you to get lost again!” exclaimed Esti’s father. Dr. Rabinowitz thanked them again and again. “I particularly enjoyed the Persian-style tongue and black-eyed peas! Though I think I prefer honey with my apples over sugar,” he added with a grin. Mr. Tehrani escorted the other guests out, then left with his old friend. Exhausted, Esti walked with her mother up the stairs towards their bedrooms. At school after the holiday, Esti told Bluma. “I’ve been thinking about the topsy-turvy week Ima and I had. We kept trying to be organized, to make plans and be in control of the situation, but Hashem had other ideas.” Bluma laughed, “Yeah, He really showed you Who’s the Boss around here! But seriously, what did happen to Miss Hahamzadeh and her friend?” “You wouldn’t believe it! On the way down the stairwell, Miss Hahamzadeh’s friend slipped and twisted her ankle! It happened on their way to our house, after candlelighting, so they couldn’t phone us. They sat at home with an ice pack and ibuprofen all evening. I’m hoping she has a refuah shleimah.”

CITY spirit September 2010

not understand how they ran out of both dried lemons and turmeric on erev yom tov!). After many hours of cooking and cleaning, the Tehrani home looked--and smelled--ready for the coronation of a King. Just before hadlikat nerot, the phone rang again. Esti’s father walked into the dining room, where his wife and mother were setting the table. “Ladies,” he said. “That was Cousin Miriam. The baby just came down with a fever! She and Cousin Shimon think they should stay home.” As soon as he finished speaking, the phone rang again. Her father ran to answer it. When he returned, he said, “That was Mrs. Gabbay. Her son’s old rebbe invited them to spend the holiday with his family, and her son accepted without thinking. She apologized.” Esti and her mother laughed. “I thought you’d be angry that you’ve just lost five guests in five minutes,” said Mr. Tehrani. “Oh, Abba, if we didn’t laugh, we’d cry,” said Esti. Esti, dressed in her best clothes, went to synagogue with her father and Yosef Chaim. Her mother had sent her with instructions to come home as soon as Yosef Chaim got antsy. “There’s only so long you can expect a three-year-old to sit still,” Mrs. Tehrani had said. When they came home, her grandmother and aunt had already arrived. They waited for her father and the other guests to come home. At eight o’clock, Mr. Tehrani entered with his father, his brother and his nephew. Then they waited…and waited…and waited. Thirty minutes passed, and the rest of the invited guests had not shown up! “I’m sure that Miss Hahamzadeh and her friend have a good reason for being late,” said Esti’s mother. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Mr. Tehrani answered. It was their friend, Dr. Rabinowitz. He looked embarrassed as he scratched his white beard and started to speak. “Ksav v’ chasima

Answers: 1. Apple, 2. Honey, 3. Succos, 4, Shul, 5. Pomegranate, 6. Lulav, 7. Sweet, 8. Ushpizin, 9. Fasting, 10. Esrog

Unscramble

Benny P.I.

Continued from last issue...

Story by Ari Guidry

866.839.6025 Cell 818.919.9606 Sean Toll Free

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CITY spirit september 2010

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E-mail Mail@MasterSolution.biz Website: www.mastersolution.biz

Phone ________________________ Age _____________

west coast directory Emergency Fire-Police-Ambulance.................... 911 Hatzalah............................ 800-613-1911

Government & Utilities Passport Information.... 310-575-5700

Hospitals Cedars Sinai Medical Center................ 310-423-5000. 8700 Beverly Blvd. Children’s Hospital........ 323-660-2450 4650 Sunset Blvd. UCLA Medical Center.......310-825-9111 10833 Le Conte Avenue

Jewish Life Bikur Cholim Bikur Cholim......................323-852-1900 LA Ladies Bikur Cholim... 323-934-2890 . ...................................... 323-936-1685 Chai LifeLine.......................310-274-6331 Teen Development Friendship Circle of LA......................... . ............................310-277-FCLA (3252)

Mikvahs

Shatnez Testing Service Kehillah (Mr. Stolz)............ 323-936-8760 Kehilla Shatnez Lab on Holt (Rabbi & Mrs. Sohayeg ).....310-657-5789

Synagogues Los Angeles Fairfax/Hancock Park Agudath Israel of LA-Bais Avigdor................. 323-930-0792 / 323-935-8383. 461 N. La Brea Avenue Aish Tamid of Los Angeles.....323-634-0505 5909 West 3rd St Congregation Bais Naftoli......323-936-4827 221 S. La Brea Avenue Congregation Bais Yehuda..... 323-936-7568 360 N. La Brea Avenue Congregation Eitz Chaim/Bais Moshe Yitzchok 323-634-0535 • 303 S. Highland Ave. Congregation Levi Yitzchok/. Chabad of Hancock Park... 323-954-8381 356 N. La Brea Avenue Congregation Shaarei Tefilla...323-938-7147 7269 Beverly Blvd. Kehillas Yaakov..................... 323-935-8572 7211 Beverly Blvd. Kehillath Yitzchok.................. 323-932-8694 7709 Beverly Blvd. Kollel Los Angeles..................323-933-7193 7216 Beverly Blvd. Kollel Yechiel Yehuda............. 323-939-2041 354 N. La Brea Avenue The Jewish Learning Exchange..................... 323-857-0923 • 512 N. La Brea Avenue Torah Ohr..............................323-933-3111 7200 Beverly Blvd. Young Israel of Hancock Park.323-931-4030 225 S. La Brea Avenue Young Israel of Los Angeles...323-655-0300 660 North Spaulding Avenue Pico-Robertson/Beverly Hills Adas Torah 1135 S. Beverly Dr..................... 310-552-0460

Aish HaTorah Center..............310-278-8672 9102 W. Pico Blvd.Anshe Emes Synagogue................ 310-275-5640 / . ..................................... 877-ANSHE-EM 1490 S. Robertson Blvd. Beth Jacob Congregation....... 310-278-1911 9030 West Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills Chabad of Bel-Air..................310-475-5311 10421 Summer Holly Crl Chabad of Beverly Hills...........310-271-9063 409 N. Foothill Rd., Beverly Hills Chabad of Brentwood............ 310-826-4453 644 S. Bundy Dr. Chabad of Cheviot Hills.......... 310-558-8770 3185 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles Congregation Magen David.... 310-556-5609 9717 W. Pico Blvd., Beverly Hills Lubavitch of Beverly Hills....... 310-282-0444 9017 W. Pico Blvd., Beverly Hills West Coast Torah Center.........310-271-1180 322 N. Foothill Rd., Beverly Hills Young Israel of Beverly Hills.... 310-742-3717 8701 W. Pico Blvd. Young Israel of Century City... 310-273-6954 9315 W. Pico Blvd. Calabasas The Calabasas Shul .............. 818-725-3118 (at Bay Laurel Elem. School). Calabasas Pkwy. at Paseo Primero Conejo Valley Chabad of Conejo/Agoura Hills 818-991-0991 5998 Conife Street Corona del Mar Chabad of Newport Beach..... 949-721-9800 4720 Cortland Dr. Lomita Chabad of Palos Verdes........ 310-544-5544 28041 S. Hawthorne Blvd. Chabad of South Bay............ 310-326-8234 24412 Narbonne Ave. North Hollywood Adat Yeshurun ...........818-766-4682 12405 12405 Sylvan Street Em Habanim Cong.................818-762-7779 5850 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Shaarey Zedek Cong............. 818-763-0560 12800 Chandler Blvd. Ohr Simcha...........................818-760-2189 12430 Oxnard

If you want to be added to the shul listing send an e-mail to info@cityspiritmag.com

CITY spirit September 2010

Beverly Hills/Pico Robertson Mikvah Society of LA ......310-550-4511 9548 West Pico Long Beach Mikvah Chaya V’Sarah Leah................... . .......................................562-427-1360 3847 Atlantic Avenue Los Angeles – Fairfax Mikvah Sarah U’Baila...... 323-939-4297 360 N. La Brea Avenue (across from alley) Mikvah Taharat Chaya.....323-634-0703 303 S. Highland Ave. (by appt. only) North Hollywood Adat Yeshurun Mikvah.....818-766-4610 12405 Sylvan Street The Teichman Mikvah....... 818-760-4567 12800 Chandler Blvd. Palm Springs Mikvah Chaya Mushka..... 760-325-3212 425 Avenida Ortega (Palm Springs Chabad) San Diego Mikvah Israel.................... 619-287-6411 5170 Ladorna

Santa Monica Mikvas Chana (by appt. only).310-829-1324 Tarzana Abraham Dayan Mikvah....818-758-3836 18181 Burbank Blvd.. (access from east side of bldg.)

NORTHRIDGE Young Israel of Northridge..... 818-368-2221 17511 Devonshire Street

Laguna Niguel

Santa Monica Chabad of Marina Del Rey......310-301-9770 2929 Washington Blvd.

Long Beach

Venice Pacific Jewish Center.............310-392-8749 505 Ocean Front Walk Young Israel of Venice........... 310-450-7541 1014 Vernon Ave.

Chabad of Laguna Niguel...... 949-831-8475 27655 Niguel Village Dr. Cong. Lubavitch of Long Beach.................... 562-426-5480 • 3981 Atlantic Ave. Young Israel of Long Beach....562-427-3163 4134 Atlantic Ave.

Mission Viejo Chabad of Mission Viejo.........949-770-1270 24041 Marguerite Pkwy.

Westwood Westwood Kehilla..................310-441-5288 10537 Santa Monica Blvd.

Palm Springs

Huntington Beach

San Diego

Chabad of West Orange County.................... 714-846-2285 • 5052 Warner Ave

Irvine Beth Jacob of Irvine.............. 949-786-5230 3900 Michelson Dr. Chabad of Irvine................... 949-786-5000 5010 Barranca Pkwy Young Israel of Orange County..949-300-8899 5319 University Drive (#122)

La Jolla Congregation Adat Yeshurun.858-535-0343 8625 La Jolla Scenic Dr. N.

Laguna Beach Chabad of Laguna Beach......949-499-0770 30804 S. Coast Hwy.

Chabad of Palm Springs........ 760-325-0774 425 Avenida Ortega Beth Jacob of San Diego........619-287-9890 4855 College Ave. Chabad of Downtown............. 619-702-8518 472 Third Avenue

Yorba Linda North County Chabad Center.714-693-0770 19045 Yorba Linda Blvd.

Places of Interest Cabrillo Marine Aquarium And Beach............ . ...................................... 310-548-7562 3720 Stephen M White Drive, San Pedro California Science Center.................... . .......................................323-724-3623 700 State Drive, Exposition Park. Interactive science museum.

Griffith Park Traveltown Museum & Railroad .... 323-662-5874 Los Angeles Zoo..............323-644-4200 Observatory&Planetarium...323-664-1191 Pony Rides.......................323-664-3266 Train Rides.......................323-664-6903 Merry-Go-Round............... 323-665-3051 Huntington Library, Art Collections,. And Botanical Gardens..................... . .......................................818-405-2125 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino J. Paul Getty Museum..... 310-440-7300 1200 Getty Center Drive. Collections include European paintings, drawings, decorative arts, sculptures and illuminated manuscripts. Long Beach Aquarium Of The Pacific... . ...................................... 562-590-3100 200 Shoreline Drive, Long Beach Marina Del Ray Boat Rentals............... . .......................................310-574-2822 Sailboat, motorboat and kayak rentals. Museum Of Tolerance.... 310-553-8403 9786 West Pico Blvd.. Hands-on experiential museum that focuses on the dynamics of racism and prejudice in America, and the history of the Holocaust. Noah’s Ark for children at Skirball Museum 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd....310-440-4500

community & g'mach directory

CITY spirit september 2010

Babies & Children

Baby Equipment LA Baby G’mach................ lababygear.com Miriam Hendeles .............. 323-243-7116 Port-a-cribs, pack & plays, car seats, infant bouncers, strollers, bassinettes, booster seats, exer-saucers for short term loan. bris outfits Devora Wieder................. 323-939-9276 Diapers Rivka Dinkels..................... 323-932-1123 Penina Frumit Apter . ......310-557-9726 Dina Kramer .........................818-985-2493 Ezer Layoledes Yossie Greenfield............ 323-934-0178 Strollers, play pens, high chairs, cribs, car seats for short or long term loan.

Nursing Pumps Andi Shochet.....................818-753-9562 Dassi Weiner..................... 818-509-7791

Uniforms

Exchange and/or purchase of previously owned school uniforms Emek: Leah Roth..........................818-753-4242 Toras Emes and Bais Yaakov: Rochelle Frankel................ 323-937-7111

Clothing

Global Kindness Yaelle Cohen..................... 310-286-0800

Counseling & Health Aleinu/Orthodox Counseling Program 24 hour hotline............... 818-623-0300

Bikur Cholim VCR and Jewish Video . .......................................323-304-1359 (L’ilui Nishmas Israel, Amelia, and Ruth Aftergut, and Abba Avrutin). VCR with Video Moniter, not a television. Jewish videos intended only for those confined to bed for medical reasons. Chai Lifeline. West Coast Regional Office.310-274-6331 Non profit Jewish organization dedicated to providing support services to seriously ill children and their families. Etta Israel........................ 818-985-3882 Serving the special needs children of the Jewish Community

Friendship Circle.(310) 277-FCLA (3252) 9581 W. Pico Blvd., #102 Providing social, recreational and Judaic programs for Jewish children who have special needs and their families

Hospital Gowns

Sara Pinter............................323-931-1598 Tznuis hospital clothing for women Jewish Healthcare Foundation

Blood Drive Avraham Moshe Bikur Cholim. If you need or would like to donate blood to someone...........................323-852-1900

CHILD SAFETY

Safety Kid..........................323-761-8816 Raising child safety awareness in the community

Education

Ha’azinu HaShamayim Children Tape. (L’ilui Nishmas Shifra Miriam and Yisroel Menachem Shedrowitsky). Story tapes in Yiddish and in English; song tapes in Yiddish 323-931-0306

Financial Aid Services David Weiner Memorial Free Loan Society of the Valley. Jack Adatto...................818-508-9114 Financial Jewish Free Loan Assistance Small interest free loans City...................................323-761-8830 Valley – Linda Gordon... 818-464-3331 Hachnosas Kallah.......... 323-938-8074 Financial assistance and/ or guidance to needy kallahs in planning their wedding The Tzedakah Fund..........323-939-0862 Small interest free loans

Food

Furniture, Home, Dishes 2nd Chance Rivky Farber................. 323-931-0224

Keilim Mikvah Anshe Emes Keilim Mikva . 1490 S. Robertson........310-276-6617 Shaaray Zedek Keilim Mikva . 12800 Chandler............ 818-763-0560 Young Israel Keilim Mikva . 225 S. LaBrea Ave......... 323-931-4030 Young Israel of Northridge Mikva . 17511 Devonshire St......... 818-368-2221

Legal Services Bet Tzedek Legal Services......................323-939-0506 Free legal counsel to the eligible needy and Holocaust reparations assistance. Criminal/Arrest Guidance . LA County Sheriff Department.. Shirley Freidman (women) . ...................................... 323-568-4703 Howard Winkler (men)........................ 323-939-9236

Simchas Benchers Mrs. Kest .........................323-937-7060 L’ilui Nishmas Ahron Ben Yissachar Chupah candle holders, poles, Kallah chair Mrs. Lebovics .................. 323-933-3377 Clothing for Relatives of Chosson & Kallah For women and children. Mrs. Dena Wolmark ..........323-934-4151 Esther Grama.................... 424-558-9673 Mandy Adler......................818-766-5104 Hachnasas Kallah Gift G’mach Volume Donations Libby Lehman................... 323-935-3791 Individual Gifts Leba Hertz . ..................... 323-246-9424 Hachnasas Kallah Gowns Marylin Barber................323-937-7982 Esther Braun .............. 323-933-2817 Ahuva Goldstein..........323-938-8660

Mechitzah G’mach Rivka Berkowitz................818-331-3884 Simcha Gemach . ...................................... 323-931-0306 (L’ilui Nishmas Rebbetzin Bella Simcha) . 48 mini challah covers, 2 large challah covers, 18 kiddush cups w/trays, 50 bentchers. Special Occasion Flowers, Centerpieces & Mirrors Alona Horowitz ........... 310-551-1004 Shoshy Klein . .............. 323-937-4954 Mrs. Niehaus................. 323-938-2406 Michal Porati - Yad Simcah............... 310-525-7336 Wedding Shtick Bubby’s Shtick/Mona Riss . .......................................818-761-5077 Rivky Farber ................ 323-997-5968 Nechama Denbo.............310-788-3981

Teen Development Friendship Circle... (310) 277FCLA(3252) Enriches, inspires and motivates Jewish teens through sharing of themselves with children who have special needs. Teens volunteer their time through innovative and stimulating programs producing a sense of connection and responsibility for the greater Jewish community.

Counseling & Health

Dr. Navideh Levy-Failer, PSY. D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY 20781

323-653-5781

When In New York... Naomi Scheier

Make-up Artist & Hair Stylist

Specializing in semi-permanent make-up for Shabbos

(718)692-1588

makeupgal30@aol.com

CITY spirit September 2010

Masbia. L’ilui Nishas Chaim Yosef ben Aron Aryeh Share your simcha – call for info or to arrange pickup of leftover food from your simcha Tomchei Shabbos............. 323-939-5525 Provides Shabbos food packages for families in need. Call to request application.

Folding Beds Esti Tendler .................310-203-0170 Mezuzah G’mach Irwin Lowi .....................323-932-1025 Tables and Chairs Steven Oscherowitz.... 323-937-1194

 tama tells all

The Luncheon that I “Chaired” | Tama beck

ne day I received a phone call from a woman involved in an organization for helping Russian immigrants. She asked me to chair a women’s luncheon to raise money for this worthy cause. I was tired and the last thing I needed was another project. She insisted that I must do it to help the Russians. I told her that I had no time as I teach four days a week. I couldn’t work on arranging a caterer and forming a committee. I asked what happened to the other women who were originally supposed to help. She said that one woman was not well and the other woman was busy marrying off her son. She had no one else. I felt pushed against the wall and I told her that I could not take this on, I will, however, bring as many people as I can to attend the luncheon. I continued, “If you can’t get anyone to do it, call me and I will do the best that I can.” A few weeks later, I got an invitation to the luncheon. I felt much better knowing that someone did indeed take care of planning this event. I invited my sisters and friends to join me at the luncheon. Between my guests and I we occupied three tables. The luncheon was a success.

CITY spirit september 2010

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The rebbitzen who asked me to take on the chairmanship made a speech thanking everyone for coming. At the end of her speech, she said, “This luncheon was made possible by one woman - would Mrs. Beck please stand up?” My sisters and friends were all surprised. I kept saying I didn’t do anything. I approached the rebbitzen to ask why she said this. She replied, “You don’t think you made this possible? When you told me if I can’t find anyone else, you will do it, I realized one way or another I had to make this happen. Your words gave me the push I needed. When I returned to my table, everyone said, “We didn’t know how much you did, how secretive you were.” I insisted that I hadn’t done anything. The rebbitzin realized I didn’t want to do a ‘halfway job’. It gave her the energy to go on and do it. The lesson we can learn from this, is to realize the effect our words can have. Mrs. Beck is a beloved educator and lecturer and has been for over fifty years. She taught at Central and Shulamis high schools for girls and gave weekly shiurim in the Syrian community, often to three generations in the same class!

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s n o i t a l u t a r g n Co Class of 2010 Touro College Los Angeles 2010 Candidates For Graduation. Pictured with Dean Esther Lowy and Dr. Michael Hamlin

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