December 2012

CitySpirit

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west coast jewish living Volume 5 | Issue 2 | December 2012 | Kislev 5773

The members of our distinguished faculty will speak at OU member synagogues throughout the convention CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS THURS DEC 20—SUN DEC 23 OPENING NIGHT EVENT: THURS DEC 20, 7:45pm @ YOUNG ISRAEL OF NORTH BEVERLY HILLS

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Open to the Public Speaker: Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter “The Quest for Spirituality Timeless Challenge: Conterporary Solutions” Followed by panel discussion with special guests: Rabbi Meyer May and Mr. David Suissa

FRIDAY NIGHT ONEGS: DEC 21: Beverly Hills Beverlywood Los Angeles Valley Village Westwood SHABBAT MORNING: DEC 22 Scholars-in-Residence at OU Member Synagogues

Adas Torah-R’Sobolofsky Beth Jacob,BH: R’Goldin Downstairs Minyan: R’ H. Schachter Bnai David-Judea: The Tesslers YINBH: The Weils YICC: R’Matanky Mogen David: R’Benzquen Westwood Kehilla: R’ Guttenberg Shaarey Zedek, VV: R’Robinson

SHABBAT LUNCHEON @ PAT’S ($50 p/p by prepaid RSVP only) SHABBAT AFTERNOON SHIURIM: 4:20PM Adas Torah: Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky YICC: Rabbi Hershel Schachter MELAVE MALKAHS: Beverly Hills Valley Village

Los Angeles Westwood

2012

SUNDAY SESSIONS: DEC 23 - ASARA B’TEVET

@ YOUNG ISRAEL OF CENTURY CITY Open to the Public-Parking will be ‘relaxed’ in the immediate vicinity

Dr. Beth Sharon Samuels, A”H, Memorial Lectures Women’s Beit Midrash 9:30am—Rebbetzin Weil 10:30am—Rebbetzin Tessler 9:30am—Men’s Beit Midrash—Rav Hershel Schachter 11:30am—Panel w/Rabbis robinson, Sobolofsky & Tessler; moderated by Rabbi Goldin “How Do We Include Spirituality in Our Daily Lives?”

1:30pm: Mincha

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 TO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23

As of 11/12/12: Subject to changes/additions

Rabbi Simon Benzaquen

Rabbi Emeritus, Sefardic Bikur Cholim Congregation, Seattle, WA

Rabbi Shmuel Goldin

President, Rabbinical Council of America (RCA); Rabbi, Congregation Ahavas Torah, Englewood, NJ

Rabbi Shaye Guttenberg

Rabbi, Adath Israel Congregation; Director, Jewish Study Network, San Francisco

Rabbi Leonard Matanky

Rabbi, Congregation KINS of West Rogers Park, Dean, Ida Crown Jewish Academy, Chicago, IL

Rabbi Shaul Robinson

Rabbi Lincoln Square Synagogue, New York

Rabbi Hershel Schachter

Rosh Yeshiva RIETS; Yeshiva University Rosh Kollel, RIETS’ Marcos & Adina Katz Kollel; Nathan & Vivian Fink Distinguished Professorial Chair in Talmud, YU, NY; Posek, OU Kosher

Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter

Professor, Jewish History and Jewish Thought ; Senior Scholar, Center for the Jewish Future Yeshiva University, New York

For more information:

310.229.9000 ext 200

Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky

Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva University, NY; Posek, NCSY; Rabbi, Congregation Ohr HaTorah, Teaneck, NJ

Rabbi Joel & Aviva Tessler Rabbi & Rebbetzin, Ohev Shalom Congregation, Potomac, MD

Rabbi Steven & Rebbetzin Yael Weil National Executive Vice President, Orthodox Union, New York

westcoast@ou.org

get into the spirit Editor Tova Klein Contributing Writers Rabbi Gershon Bess Miriam Hendeles Rebecca Klempner Hershel Lieber Malky Loevenger Ayala Pheterson Rabbi Adir Posy Manny Saltiel Rabbi Reuven Wolf Rochel Gross Weinstein Publisher Mati Jacobovits Food Faigy Grossman entertaining Miriam Jacobovits kidSpirit Tzipi Brecher

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Dear Readers,

As we age, time seems to pick up speed.

As we are davening for the Geulah, more and more frightening things are happening throughout the world. First, we were hearing about earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis in other parts of the globe, not inhabited by Yidden (Jews). Even at those times, we were told by our gedolim to daven and take upon ourselves different small mitzvos in order to reawaken in ourselves the desire to become closer to Hashem. Now, Hashem Yerachem, hurricanes and flooding, and other storms have attacked our homes and communities here in the US and constant rocket dodging and potential war surrounds our brothers in Eretz Yisroel. In Europe, anti-semitism has reached the worst levels since post war times.

Of course, there have been many personal tragedies as well. I am so humbled by one of my family’s dearest friends living in Eretz Yisroel who just recently lost their 27 year old son to the terrible “C”. He was a husband and father of three, making it to his last child’s bris as sandek, days before his petira. As a boy, he always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. As an adult, I wasn’t around him much, yet, when I was, I could still manage to connect with that sweet twinkle from many years before. He grew up inspiring others in Torah and life and became an amazingly accomplished yungerman. He was a true walking kiddush Hashem with an ayin tov (good eye) to all and with a sweet smile sincerely pasted across his face. His family continues, together with his young widow, to be an example and pillar of strength to all those who come into contact with them.

May Hashem comfort them and give them strength. I know they have given much to me.

It is clear that our world is changing before our eyes. We are passengers on a train with many unknown stops until we arrive at our final destination. We can’t control the train or the other passengers aboard who come from different walks of life. However, we have shown tremendous strengths in the only area we have control, our response to the ride of events at each stop and how we can make a difference to others less fortunate than ourselves.

Hurricane Sandy was a big blow to the Eastern seaboard communities where many of our families live. Losing a car, a home and its entire contents, a yeshiva or a shul is more devastating than I could imagine. People

were without heat and electricity, many literally homeless and some lives were even lost.

But each day since, we hear more and more of how so many individuals and communities have stepped up to the plate and responded in the most caring and compassionate ways.

Bus loads of Baltimoreans came to Seagate to physically roll up their sleeves and get to work cleaning out the water and garbage from what some used to call home. Memories, seforim - decades old - were ruined and destroyed beyond repair. The cleanup was enormous, and Jews from other neighboring areas came out to the Five Towns, Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Seagate, and other hard hit communities. People found places for others to sleep, bought groceries, brought food for the hard workers and hungry families. Yeshivas collected and distributed clothing and other household items to people who had nothing left. Many out-of-town communities raised money and here in Los Angeles, we not only raised money and continue to do so, but we had a drive to collect items and sent a truck full cross-country to those in need. We are clearly not sitting back waiting for the “other” person to make a difference.

We know it is our duty to do something, anything within our limits, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We should be proud of ourselves and continue to inspire ourselves and be strong in the difficult times ahead.

This issue is full of emotional and inspirational articles beginning with the amazing reaction of the Los Angeles community to the Victims of Sandy. It is followed by a interview with Isaac Hertz, the creator of the documentary Life Is Strange on holocaust survivors’ prewar lives. Our book feature, With All Your Heart, brings you stories written by the master storyteller Rabbi Binyamin Pruzansky.

Skim through the pages for lots of insights and guidance from our all distinguished contributors. Enhance your holiday - see our Chanukah recipes and napkin folding ideas.

This issue we introduce our new KidSpirit editor, Tzipi Brecher - thank you for a job well done!

Please patronize our advertisers for bringing you CitySpirit. Happy Chanukah to all!

Tova

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Maran Hagaon Harav Shmuel Halevi Wosner, Shlit‫״‬a

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december 2012

features

24 Interview with

14

Isaac Hertz, Director of Life is Strange survivors childhood memories

18

Laniado Hospital, Netanya A Volatile Region

34

Rabbi Binyamin Pruzansky His newly realease book, With All Your Heart

in this issue

community spirit

30 Inspiration Rabbi Adirm Posy

32 Point of View

7

Hachnasas Kallah Fashion Show Miriam Hendeles

8 Reading Locally Rebecca Klempner 11

Hidden Gem: Ateres Malka Vallet Torah High Scool for Girls

28

Victims of Sandy Malky Loevenger

Dvar Halachah

Rabbi Gershon Bess

Rabbi Reuven Wolf

41 Book Review Markus, Planter of Trees Elizabeth Meyer Liener 42 Dining In Faigy Grossman

44 Fabulous Folds Miriam Jacobovits 46 The Wandering Jew Hershel Lieber 50

Advice from Over-the-Counter Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D.

kid spirit 52 Puzzles, Contest & More

Tzipi Brecher

directory 54 West Coast Directory 58 Shadchan Directory

Congratulations to the “SoRo” South Robertson Neighborhood Council Winners; Michoel Bloom • Kevin Gres • Bethie Kohanbash • Davis Mattis

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CITY spirit december 2012

n a balmy Sunday evening, September 9th, about 200 women gathered at the lovely, picturesque garden of Judy and Andrew Friedman of Hancock Park.

The worthy cause for this event was Hachnosas Kallah, the organization that provides funds for needy brides.

Many engaged couples have extreme anxiety at a time that is normally filled with excitement and happiness. Hachnosas Kallah takes that burden off their shoulders. These events help raise much needed funds. The evening’s progam was packed with stimulating activities: Inspiring talks, gourmet food, elegant pastries, beautiful ambience and a most creative fashion show.

First, Rebbetzin Raizel Rubin, of Congregation Etz Chaim, and the daughter-in-law of the late Rebbetzin Chaya Rubin, in whose memory this event was held, spoke about her motherin-law and how this particular mitzvah, was dear to her motherin-law’s heart. Raizel thanked Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Friedman who hosted the event. Special thanks was given to an anonymous benefactor who stepped up to the plate and provided the funds for this event.

Party Planning might as well be the middle names of Leah Reiss and Mimi Reider. Their creation of the décor including pink tablecloths, napkins and the grey backdrops, along with the stunning centerpieces and lovely set-up of the buffet food (from Mendel Goldman’s catering) combined to be a feast for the eye and the stomach.

Rebbetzin Frume Krause, the president of Hachnosas Kallah led the crowd in tehillim, welcomed the audience and then introduced a women, Tova M., who was a beautiful testimonial to the generosity of this organization. Tova sincerely spoke about how many women in the community took on either the role of mother, shopping advisor, or mentor to her during the time of her engagement. People in the audience were clearly moved by this woman’s expression of appreciation to Hachnosas Kallah, as they realized that the wonderful organizers of Hachnosas Kal-

lah treat each recipient with utmost sensitivity and care.

The event culminated with a fashion show.

There was a long, grand runway. Of course, tznius and grace were paramount, as well as class and creativity (and of course a sense of fashion!). A line of vintage clothing was modeled by about a dozen young women in our community. Each woman wore a complete outfit that was reminiscent of the 1900’s – and are going to be part of the new store, Nineteen Orange, run by proprieters, Devorah Frankel and Rikki Menlo.

Attendees of the event left with a lovely package of makeup, and other sundries, courtesy of Chani Suffrin, and Makeup by Aura, as well as excellent memories of a lovely night out and an opportunity to do a mitzvah. This is for the zechus of the speedy recovery of Chaya Zissel Elka bas Bluma.

We thank the organizers of the event and wish them lots of hatzlachah. May their good deeds bring many zechusim to their families and Klal Yisroel.

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 community spirit

Reading Locally

invite little readers to recall familiar life cycle events and dates on the Jewish calendar, and the laminated pages will help the book endure your children’s sticky fingers. Red is my Rimon is available in local Jewish bookstores and online.

The Torah Book of Opposites

Four Reviews of Books by L.A. Talent

by Rebecca Klempner Still searching for the perfect chanukah gift for your child or grandchild? From toddlers to big kids, we’ve got you covered. Several local authors and illustrators have recently published children’s books that are sure to appeal. Here are reviews of just four.

Chanukah Guess Who? Hachai Publishing 2012

By Ariella Stern, illustrated by Patti Argoff Chanukah Guess Who?, by Angeleno Ariella Stern, will test your child’s knowledge of this beloved holiday with its rhyming riddles. Will your child be stumped? Never fear—solutions can be found on each page in this lift-the-flap book. Well-known illustrator Patti Argoff accompanies this fun text with cheerful, cartoon-like illustrations. While younger children would enjoy it as a read-aloud, I’d suggest this book as independent reading for children 6 to 9 years old. Chanukah Guess Who? is hot off the presses and should be in local Jewish bookshops in time for the Chanukah season.

Red is my Rimon:

CITY spirit december 2012

A Jewish Child’s Book of Colors

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Hachai Publishing 2012

By Dvorah Glick, illustrated by Dena Ackerman Dena Ackerman—née Heller—grew up right here in L.A. Although I didn’t know her well, several friends spoke admiringly of her artistic talents, so surprising to find in a teenager with very little formal art instruction. Now all grown up, with a family of her own, Dena lives in Israel, where she has turned her talents into a professional pursuit. Her first illustrating credit is the new picture book, Red is my Rimon. Dena’s intricate watercolors accompany a simple rhyming text that will appeal to young readers, aged 18 months to 5 years. The elaborate detail lavished on each page will astonish the audience, who will turn back again and again to admire the life-like shofar, glittering gold keilim from the beis hamikdash, and the satin dress on a little girl setting the Shabbos table. Dvorah Glick’s words will

Hachai Publishing 2012

By Nechamy Segal, illustrated by Marc Lumer Nechamy Segal’s board book, The Torah Book of Opposites, will appeal to children 1 to 3 years of age with its simple, lively text. This book improves upon similar secular books, in that it teaches them not only “opposite” vocabulary, but kavod for our Torah. Local designer, artist, and illustrator—and a colleague of mine—Marc Lumer has both illustrated this book and designed it. Thus, the rhyming words are integrated into the artwork in a bouncy way that leads the eye to dance across the page. His charming characters (and funny cover—check out both front and back!) will engage both the young listeners and the adult readers. The Torah Book of Opposites is available at Jewish bookstores and online.

The Wooden Sword: A Jewish Folktale from Afghanistan Albert Whitman & Co. 2012

By Ann Redisch Stampler, illustrated by Carol Liddiment Award-winning author, Ann Redisch Stampler, specializes in Jewish folktales—and she’s captured a kid-pleaser in her most recent book, The Wooden Sword. Sourced in part with Emanuel Yekutiel of Los Angeles, the story is the Jewish Afghani version of a folktale common to much of Europe and Asia. While in disguise, a shah discovers a poor but dignified Jew who demonstrates exemplary emunah. The shah tests this gentleman to discover if his faith can be broken. The theme of being happy with what you have runs strongly throughout the text. Colorful illustrations include details such as veils, turbans, and the kippah common to both Afghanistan and Buchara; exotic landscapes, tapestries, scimitars, and paper lanterns help to place the setting. The adventurous locale and good-natured humor will appeal particularly to boys, but my daughters greatly enjoyed this book, as well. Recommended for ages 4 to 8, The Wooden Sword is available online and at Barnes & Noble. *The reviewer received free copies of the books reviewed above, but received no financial compensation for writing their reviews.

If you are a local author, and you’d like to see your new (less than 12 month old) book reviewed in CitySpirit, contact the magazine for details. This reviewer does not commit to reviewing every book sent to her.

Rebecca Klempner is herself an author. Her book, A Dozen Daisies for Raizy, is available online and in Jewish bookstores nationwide, and she currently writes for Binah BeTween and HaModia.

For more about her, visit http://rebeccaklempner.wordpress.com/.

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The

Hidden Gem Ateres Malka Valley Torah High School for girls By: Ayala Pheterson

E

ver since it was founded, about thirty years ago, Valley Torah High School has been a tremendous addition to the Los Angeles Orthodox community. From its inception, the school has set out to “provide an excellent Torah and college preparatory program that inspires students to lead lives dedicated to Torah Values and the pursuit of higher education and personal growth, resulting in a successful interface with an ever changing world,” and they have done and continue to do just that.

In accordance with their mission statement, the faculty – under the directorship of, the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Avraham Stulberger – strives to foster an inspiring, stimulating, and

nurturing environment with the goal of helping each student develop and achieve her full potential in three core areas: character, spirituality, and scholastic achievement.

As in every yeshiva high school, there is great emphasis placed on offering the students a comprehensive Jewish education that covers all areas of Yiddishkeit - Chumash, Nach, Hashkafa, Halacha and Middos – but at Valley Torah, Rabbi Stulberger’s enthusiasm and love of learning permeate the halls, cultivating the positive energy and joyful atmosphere in which the students thrive. In addition, the outstanding Rebbeim and teachers create a uniquely warm and caring academic climate by encouraging intellectual and spiritual growth and making

 community spirit themselves available for their students whenever possible.

This dedication leads to the development of close con nec t ions bet ween teachers and students that are often ma inta ined for years after they have graduated and started homes of their own.

In addition to its advanced Judaic Studies curriculum, Valley Torah prides itself on its highly academic college preparatory program. At Valley Torah, which is accredited by the Western Association of Schools (WASC) and a member of the National Honor Society, students are offered a host of accelerated and AP courses and consistently earn high scores that gain them acceptance into some of the finest universities in the country.

But what really sets Valley Torah apart from other schools

CITY spirit december 2012

because we care

12

- Having a father whose motto is: “Education is the key to success,” made choosing a high school that excelled in academic achievement a priority. Being a religious, Orthodox Baalas Teshuvah, finding a high school that would allow me to thrive both academically and spiritually was the goal. Everything that my family and I were looking for, we found in Valley Torah High School.

Ateres Malka, the girl’s division of Valley Torah, offers an environment where every student is here with the common goal of growing as dedicated Bnot Yisrael, immersed in Torah Umitzvot. The Rebbeim, teachers, and the inspiring in depth learning are most vital to my life.

Whether it’s the myriad AP courses, the honors classes, or the artistic electives, the students at Valley Torah are always being challenged to their maximum. Valley Torah recognizes the potential of every individual, nurtures it, and allows everyone to develop their own talents and skills freely and openly. Coming into high school, I was a very shy, reserved girl who always had a desire to be heard. Valley Torah provided me with the stage, literally, choosing me as the lead of Valley Torah’s annual theatrical productions. There, I developed the skills required for public speaking, as the prosecutor in Valley Torah’s Mock Trial Team. Valley Torah

is the focus that is placed on the development of well-rounded, confident, and independent yet, community-minded individuals. This growth is cultivated by the girls’ involvement in and leadership of the student council, the teamwork and respect that is fostered in physical education classes, the creativity and imagination that is sparked by educational trips, the compassion and generosity that is generated by doing chesed and giving back to one’s community, and the self-expression that is achieved through participation in the dramatic arts. Under the guidance of Mrs. Rochel Grossman, the girls are encouraged to excel not only academically, but expressively through any median they choose.

To this end, a department entirely devoted to the Performing Arts was recently incorporated adding a whole new dimension to the school curriculum that enables the girls to develop their talents with joy. The girls are able to choose from a number of elective classes in Music, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Theatrical Production and Creative Writing with the goal of expanding their minds and deepening their interest in the arts through the exploration of both the history of and practical, “behindthe-scenes” production of theatrical performances.

Music classes are devoted primarily to developing the girls’ music appreciation. The classes introduce girls to the various vocal types, the role of the chorus in musical productions, the hand-bell choir, the concept and execution of sight-singing

High School, the school that lays the foundation for its students to flourish, takes pride in its students and is there every step of the way in making sure that they are successful within a rigorous, college preparatory program. The teachers are always available to help every student individually, creating relationships with the students that transcend the walls of the classroom. At Valley Torah High School, we are family.

Sheer Dadon

per cutting which was amazing! We decorated out homes and the school with beautiful art work! It was such a fun class! We had a choice of taking art or Spanish (we didn’t need a second language bc we had Hebrew already) . We also have a great drama program . I was never into acting so I always worked behind the scenes and would do sound effects and background music. They had jobs for everyone who wanted to be involved :) Tzipora Schoen (Alumnus)

- I had an amazing 4 years at Valley Torah Girls High School! I especially loved the smaller class sizes. It really made it possible for each and every student to have close relationships with their teachers. It was also so nice how all grades were friends with each other. We went on amazing school trips, and built memories I will never forget!

Valley Torah could not have prepared me more for the real world! I felt confident and was successful in excelling in my studies in college.

In addition, I feel my teachers and role-models from Valley torah had a huge influence on me building a home filled with Torah values. I know I can always contact my teachers for anything I may need, and am always welocome warmly when I return to Valley Torah for a visit!

We learned Hebrew calligraphy and pa-

- Both my husband, Ephraim, and I are alumni of Valley Torah High School. We look back on our high school years as being the most memorable and inspiring years of our lives. I was always interested in the creative arts, and I found so many ways to express myself through school drama productions, choir performances, and art classes. Every Student Council event, every Shabbaton, was an opportunity to sing, dance, and create beautiful artwork to compliment the activity. Ephraim and I still talk about the Shabbatonim and school trips that created everlasting memories and life-long friendships. Soon, Im Yirtze Hashem, our three children will be coming home from school with exciting stories of their Valley Torah experiences!

Liron (Harris) and Ephraim Rosenberg (Alumnus)

(singing from sheet music), chamber music, etc. The Dance class focuses on various forms of dance, including modern, jazz, and ballet. Classes in Dramatic Arts and Theatrical Production include a theater-arts workshop and a technical production class where students learn about stage lighting and design, how to build sets and props, as well as other aspects of the production process. The Creative Writing class introduces various writing styles with the goal of helping students discover an outlet through which they can find expression. This class aims to complete an antholog y made up of the girls’ writings.

With accomplished musician and writer Mrs. Lisa Pietruszka at the helm, the girls will attend classes and develop skills that will culminate in a grand year-end performance in which girls from all the various disciplines will collaborate on a single comprehensive and cohesive project.

Thus far, the response to this Perform-

We offer students core classes in the performing arts that will help them develop self confidence and stage presence, allow them to explore their creativity, teach them about collaborative arts, and provide them the opportunities to do this within the framework of orthodox Judaism.

From the beginning of the school year, students were given a sampling of classes in music, dance, drama, and creative writing.

Following that introduction to the classes, each student was allowed to choose two of the elective classes mentioned that would be a part of the school curriculum. The classes are weekly and take place during the school day.

Lisa Pietruszka Director

ing Arts program has been overwhelmingly positive. The parents and faculty members have commented on the noticeable changes that have taken place. There is a heightened level of simcha, poise, and confidence in the halls. At a school shabbaton at the end of Octobor, the teachers were astounded by the beautiful sound of the girls singing zemiros – The students’ knowledge of the discipline produced not only a more fine-tuned skill and angelic sound, but an additional passion and delight in the act of vocal expression as well. As such, the flavor of Shabbos seemed richer. When the girls write essays and perform speeches, they do so with greater precision, conviction, and expression. In addition, the girls have already begun work on the script for this year’s production. These are just few examples of the way in which this innovative program has already begun to foster creativity and expression in the halls of Valley Torah High School. We look forward with great expectation to see further successes and triumphs!

CITY spirit december 2012 13

 community spirit

Los Angeles Community Reaches Out To Help

Victims of Sandy

By Malky Loevenger

The city of Los Angeles is 2778 miles away from New York, and if one were to decide to drive that distance it would take about 41 hours nonstop. Culturally and weather-wise, the two cities are as different as night and day. In fact, the media sometimes describes them as rivals.

Yet none of that stopped the Jewish community of Los Angeles from becoming personally and actively involved in helping the victims who were devastated by the effects of Hurricane Sandy. As the fallout from the Hurricane continues to haunt communities on the East Coast for three-plus weeks with no end in sight, the far flung yet vibrant Los Angeles kehilla is sending its message loud and clear: “You are not

CITY spirit december 2012

alone! We are here to help!”

14

Community-Wide Appeal Rabbi Meyer May, Executive Director of the Simon Weisenthal Center and President of the Rabbinical Council of California says that the people in his city could not in good conscience stand by and let the New Yorkers handle the crisis themselves.

Thus did Los Angeles Rabbonim from all across the spectrum

join forces in issuing a proclamation to every shul in their city.

It requested that each family, if possible, donate $200 towards the emergency fund.

That may seem like quite an ambitious project, but Rabbi May sees it in a different context. Perhaps because of his association with the Simon Weisenthal Center, he understands the significance of feeling the pain of fellow Jews, no matter how far they are. “I’m not going to call what happened a Holocaust,” he states, “but there is clearly devastation. Let it not be said about our generation that we did not respond to the needs of our Jewish brothers thousands of miles away.” In a letter to the Los Angeles community, the RCC writes, “We know that one day our children will ask us what we did to help acheinu bnei yisroel in their time of need.” In an equally poignant letter, Rabbi Gershon Bess writes to his kehilla, “It would be a terrible crime if we stood by while so many have had their lives devastated.”

If the Los Angeles community needed a role model, they don’t have to look very far. One of their very own, Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz, stepped up to the plate in a major way.

R’ Rechnitz donated a one million dollar grant through Torah Umesorah to help schools and families adversely affected by the storm. Says Rabbi Zvi Bloom, Executive Director of Torah Umesorah, “Rabbi Rechnitz has once again blazed a trail of chesed for others to emulate.”

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 community spirit

Candy For Sandy Eleven year old Yosef Gartner may not be in the same league as R’Rechnitz, but his heart is certainly in the same place. “We saw the videos of what was happening,” he said, “and we wanted to do something to help.” So the Gartner family put their heads together and came up with a plan. They would conduct a candy sale in front of their home and donate the proceeds to victims of Sandy. Thus did they devise the concept of Candy for Sandy.

On Sunday, November 11th, the Gartner home in Hancock Park was abuzz with activitiy. Cotton candy and popcorn machines were donated by the Jacobson family of EJ’s Kosher Party Service who insisted on sharing in the zechus of the mitzvah. The Gartners purchased supplies, soda, and chips.

They advertised their sale by hanging posters in the neighborhood and even chalking memos on trees.

By 11:00 AM, the sale was in progress, and Detroit Street, where they live, was transformed into a bastion of chesed.

The response to

the sale exceeded everyone’s expectations. Avigayil Gartner says that, “Total strangers, many of them non-Jews, were so impressed with our efforts that they purchased the candy and told us to keep the change.” In the end, the children and their friends raised over six hundred dollars, a huge sum for a hastily organized Sunday sale, which they forwarded over to Marbeh Tzedakah, the organization collecting funds for Sandy victims.

Yosef says he was so busy selling candy, he barely had a chance to sample some of the merchandise himself. But he is looking forward to going out to dinner with his parents and siblings, as a reward for a job well done. Most importantly, the children learned a priceless lesson in being noseh b’ol chaveiro.

They learned that even little people can do chesed in a very big way. “Even if you don’t have all that money to give,” says Avgayil, “at least you can still give of your time and your energy.”

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Hurricane Benny The best response to a hurricane of devastation is clearly a hurricane of chesed. Thus did the Brecher family of Los Angeles coordinate a massive relief effort called “Hurricane Benny.”

Their goal? To send a forty foot truck cross country from Los Angeles to New York filled with desperately needed brand new items for the families devastated by Sandy.

The Brechers are dedicating this heroic project as a zechus for a refuah shelaimah for their two year old son Binyomin Chaim ben Faiga Sarah, who is currently hospitalized and undergoing treatments. Despite the fact that Binyamin Chaim’s parents are completely dedicated to his care and spend countless hours at his bedside, their hearts are large enough to consider the tzaros of klal yisroel thou“Let it not be said about sands of miles away.

Benny’s mother our generation that Faigie sees a conwe did not respond to nection between her family’s circumthe needs of our Jewish stances and that of brothers thousands of the victims of Sandy. miles away.”

“The hardest part is to be on the receiving end of chesed. But people have been wonderful, and it makes a huge difference when you know that klal yisroel is backing you.

Their achdus has gotten us through this so far in a tremendous outpouring of chesed that we are so grateful for.” Faigie

says that the day that Sandy struck the East Coast was the very same day that little Benny received his stem cell transplant. He is currently beginning the recovery process, boruch Hashem, but the tefillos and zechusim of klal yisroel are still needed.

Residents of Los Angeles are welcome to join the effort to accumulate zechusim for Benny by donating items such as major appliances, kitchenware, siddurim and chumashim, toys, baby gear, furniture, computers, and linen and by dropping them off at designated locations. (Call 201-906-0253 or see teambenny.net for details)The entire load will then be transported to the East Coast and distributed to those who are suffering. It’s a massive and well coordinated effort that is wonderful, and even more remarkable considering that those who are at its helm are simultaneously dealing with their own personal crisis.

Bake sales, learning programs, fundraisers -- The Jewish community of Los Angeles continues collecting pennies and dollars and household items in its ongoing efforts. Sandy hit us hard, it’s true, but she had no clue what she was up against.

The hurricane of chesed is pouring in from near and far, from young and old, in traditional and innovative ways. Klal yisroel is joining forces in the battle to rebuild and recover. Sandy, you didn’t stand a chance.

Reprinted with permission from Yated Ne’eman.

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 community spirit

Laniado Hospital in Netanya, Israel Fulfilling a Strategic Role in a Volatile Region

CITY spirit december 2012

L

18

…..Wilshire Blvd. here in Los Angeles; there is no MRI at all aniado Hospital located in Netanya; the narrowest geoat Laniado Hospital....”, an intolerable situation under the cirgraphical area of Israel, thus closest to the West Bank area, cumstances in Israel today. became an easy target for Palestinian terrorists, and was Laniado Hospital, located in Netanya, a city on the coast at the forefront of the Intifada War. Laniado Hospital played between Tel Aviv and Haifa, is an important role as a triage Hosthe only hospital medical center pital, handling over a thousand inproviding care for the 500,000 jured during the Intifada and due residents of Netanya and its surto the unfortunate circumstances rounding areas. Urie Lieberman, forced upon it; “Laniado” acquired Director of the West Coast Friends world-class expertise in manageexplains, “…due to Israel’s limited ment of mass casualty events, resources, up until a few years noted for handling the infamous back there were only ten MRI ma“Park Hotel Massacre”, over 10 chines in all of Israel… but in view years ago, Pesach Seder night.

Laniado Hospital has emerged The underground and missile safe site for building the MRI Center of Laniado’ Hospital’s outstanding achievements, it was one of the and grown to become an imporfirst community hospitals in Israel to receive authorization by tant medical center for the Sharon region with over 600 births Israel’s Ministry of Health to acquire a MRI…” per month, 73,000 Emergency Room Referrals and 186,000 The Board of Governors of the West Coast Friends of hospital admissions per year.

Laniado Hospital has undertaken to organize a campaign; In a recently held meeting of the Board of Governors of bringing awareness in the Los Angeles community for the urthe West Coast Friends of Laniado Hospital, Joe Kornwasser, gent need to establish a MRI Center at Laniado Hospital. Sol Senior Member of the Board says “while there probably are Goldner, Senior Member of the Board of Governors relates to at least ten MRI facilities within a fifteen minute drive from

The MRI Diagnostic Center at Laniado Hospital is going his recent visit at Laniado Hospital, “Laniado Hospital stands to be built in an underground and missile safe existing facilout as a most unique medical center providing the finest care ity, according to IDF guidelines and a concrete reinforcement with wonderful compassion to its patients.” Sol turns to those process has already begun. The Board of Governors of the looking to give their support for a humane cause in Israel at West Coast Friends of Laniado this time, to help us bring this dire Hospital is already in the process need for the MRI Center at Laniado of reaching out to its friends and Hospital to the knowledge of the supporters to discuss and define community. the varied ways to raise the necesVictor Hadad, Senior Member sary funds to cover the cost; one of the Board of Governors of the and a half million dollars for one West Coast Friends of Laniado MRI machine and an additional Hospital, a former resident of Nesum of one million dollars for the tanya and wife Mazal who has imMRI Center. mediate family living in Beersheba “If the needed funds are raised, voiced his concerns about the ongoConcrete reinforcement of planned MRI site in process the MRI Center can be ready to ing bombardment of southern Israfunction within six to nine months”, says Chaim Hammerel. They tried drawing a parallel between that vicious state of man, CEO of Laniado Hospital and movingly emphasizes, affairs and what may G-d forbid happen in Netanya and other “Laniado Hospital, the only hospital medical center in Netanparts of the country. Victor points out that “We must learn an ya doesn’t have a choice but to be professionally equipped to important lesson from what is taking place in Ashkelon, Beerfulfill its strategic medical role in the region and be prepared sheba, Ashdod and the many settlements around Gaza. Today for saving lives in time of disaster.” A MRI at Laniado will treat it is more clear than ever, the literally all of Israel is vulnerable and care for 7500 patients a year, to be diagnosed in their viand within missile range of the Hezbollah from the north and cinity and in life threatening situations. the Hamas from the south.”

Wishing everyone a

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CITY spirit december 2012

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19

 community spirit

Spotlight on Touro College Los Angeles CitySpirit Magazine Speaks to Samira Miller, Director of Admissions

What is your average class size?

The average class size at Touro College Los Angeles is generally 5-15 students. Students benefit greatly from individualized attention. Touro LA prides itself on the fact that students are able to cultivate meaningful academic and professional relationships with their professors.

Are you an accredited school?

Touro College Los Angeles is a division of Touro University Worldwide, which is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior College and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and College: 985 Atlantic Ave. #100, Alameda, CA 94501-6444: Tel. 510748-9001.

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Early Childhood Program: Boys & Girls Ages 18 Mo- 5 Yrs Girls 6-Teen Boys Ages 6- Teen

CITY spirit december 2012

Women

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Professional Instructors & Positive Beginner to Non-Competitive Pre-Professional Level Learning Environment Separate Boys and Girls Programs

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Check out the schedule and/or register at www.atime4dance.com Facebook: ATimeForDance

Do you offer financial aid and/scholarship?

As a regionally-accredited school recognized by the Department of Education, TCLA is able to offer both federal and state aid.

Financially- eligible TCLA students receive federal Pell Grants (current maximum: $5550 per year), and may also be eligible for SEOG grants and work-study funding.

TCLA students who meet the financial and academic criteria for the Cal Grant and who have applied by the March 2 deadline of the previous academic year, can also receive the Cal Grant, which currently pays up to $9,223 per year. Qualifying students may also take out Stafford Loans, which are federally funded, or various private loans, such as the ones offered by the local Jewish Free Loan Association.

In addition to federal and state aid, Touro College Los Angeles also offers generous Dean’s Scholarships, which are based on financial need, and Merit Scholarships, which are based on the student’s academic record and are independent of the family’s financial need.

Do you have a work-study program?

Yes. For students who qualify,

TCLA offers work-study jobs as part of their financial aid package.

What programs do you offer?

We offer a BA in Psychology and a BS in Business. We also offer concentrations in speech therapy and early education. Health science courses are also offered.

How are you connected to other Touro branches and schools?

We are part of the Touro University and College system. Touro College Los Angeles offers preferential opportunities at all Touro graduate schools.

What stands out in your school in comparison with other schools?

We are the only WASC accredited orthodox Jewish college on the west coast. We are able to offer a Torah observant environment and Jewish calendar without compromising the quality of education. All our administrative offices have an open door policy. There is a sense of community on our campus that is unique - this is nurtured by the fact that we have small classroom sizes which allow for students to build strong relationships with their peers and professors, allowing for further opportunities as students. We do accept seminary and yeshiva credits from most seminaries and yeshivas. Combined with these transfer credits, most of our students can earn a BA in less than three years, which is significantly shorter than the competing California university system, where on average students are taking up to six years to earn an undergraduate degree. We pride ourselves on giving a quality degree. Our alumni have gone on to schools of such prestige as UCLA, USC, Columbia, Touro graduate schools and many other school, public and private.

For more information about our degree programs, please call 323-8229700, ext. 85155 or email tourola. admissions@touro.edu

Orthodox Jewish Chaplaincy Board

T

Sukkos 5773

he Orthodox Jewish Chaplaincy Board (OJCB) conducted Sukkos programs for Jewish Inmates at Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail and Twin Tower Correctional Facility during Chol Hamoed Sukkos.

The Jewish Inmates were able to participate in the Mitzvah of Lulav and Esrog. They hearddivrei Torah from the OJCB Chaplains and they sang and recited tefilos and Tehilim. The Chaplains also distributed Jewish reading material to them. It was an uplifting experience for those who are experiencing difficult times.

The L.A. County Jail System is not a ‘long term’ prison but a ‘temporary’ detention facility for those awaiting trial for violating the law. It is not uncommon to find an inmate ‘locked up’ for thirty, sixty or ninety days for a traffic violation! Many inmates are there for more egregious crimes and when convicted they will go to State Prison.

Sheriff Lee Baca and the LASD Religious & Volunteer Services Unit has always been extremely supportive of Inmates of all religions and their right to participate in religious services.

The OJCB visits all Jewish Inmates and is there to help these unfortunate souls during this dark time of their lives and help rehabilitate them physically and spiritually.

L-R: Religious & Volunteer Services (R&VS) unit members Sergeant Kirwin J. Wong & Deputy Rick Pedroza, OJCB Chaplains Gregory Metzger & Dara Abaei, Senior Chaplain Rabbi Shimon Raichik, OJCB Director/Senior Chaplain Howard Winkler, Men’s Central Jail Commander, Captain Ralph G. Ornelas and R&VS Deputy Alex Gamboa in the lobby of Men’s Central Jail immediately preceding visits to inmates with Lulav & Esrog.

The OJCB is in desperate need of soft cover seforim and other reading materials, Hebrew/English, Hebrew/Farsi and English only. All books must be new or in good condition with no notes or anything written inside. A tax deductible receipt will be sent to all contributors.

Send your tax-deductible contributions to: Orthodox Jewish Chaplaincy Board, P.O. Box 480454, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

Warning!

Prolonged exposure to the Shira Orchestra has been known to cause serious cases of Tantz-All-Nitis.

CITY spirit december 2012

Naftali Finkel 323-243-6710 www.ShiraOrchestra.com info@ShiraOrchestra.com

21

 community spirit

The Kosher Mandelbroyt Company kicks off its fundraising program

CITY spirit december 2012

Papa Ben’s Kitchen is kicking off its Mandelbroyt Fundraising Program to help community centers, youth organizations and temples raise money…one Mandelbroyt at a time!

The best part is it’s as easy as 1-2-3!

While most traditional fundraising programs call for expensive raffles, $2 chocolate bars, or subscribing to magazines you won’t read, Papa Ben’s Kitchen is making fundraising easy, fast and fun to help fundraisers become a success.

To start fundraising, each organization is given a unique promo code to be used online and shared with their community. Once someone has that special code, they can then order anything from the Papa Ben’s Kitchen website to help raise money for their cause. Papa Ben’s Kitchen will keep track of all sales using that unique promo code. It’s that easy! No more worrying about collecting money or shipping off products.

Papa Ben’s Kitchen takes care of everything for you!

How to get started: 1. Contact us at 888-233-1072 so we can generate a unique promo code for your organization.

2. Send the promo code to your community and entice them to visit our website and start shopping Papa Ben’s Kitchen with your unique promo code.

3. At the end of each month we will tally up the orders and send you a check for 30% of each order!

“This fundraising program is so easy and works to benefit large and small organizations alike,” says company President, Gail Lesser-Gerber. “It’s a great alternative to the traditional fundraising programs currently available.”

For more information log on to www.papabenskitchen.com or call 888-233-1072.

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ABOUT PAPA BEN’S KITCHEN Papa Ben’s sweet, crispy twice-baked Mandelbroyt is an Eastern European delight revived by Ben Lesser and his family. The brand offers an Original Family Recipe, as well as four exciting flavors to tantalize every palate. The delectable treats are not only delicious, they are all-natural, Kosher, non-dairy and Pareve.

“Papa” Ben’s desire to share his old family traditions to the world began with the expansion of his family, and inquisitive grandchildren wanting to know the family history. It was then that he rediscovered his long lost passion for baking. Making these memories with his grandchildren remind him of the happy days when he was a young boy baking with his father in their small town in Poland. By founding Papa Ben’s Kitchen, Ben hopes to be a part of creating more great family traditions for his family and families all over the world!

CITY spirit december 2012

23

an interview with

Isaac Hertz director of

Life is Strange a film documentary

by Tova Klein

CITY spirit december 2012

I

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am always torn about reading or watching holocaust related material. As the daughter of survivors, a part of me craves to know more - feels an obligation to at the very least, be able to empathize and acknowledge my parents trials and tribulations. And yet, it makes it that much harder.

So when I prepared for this interview, I did so with a heavy heart. Yet, after just moments, I knew this meeting would have a positive effect on me, and as such, to our readers.

I met with Isaac Hertz at his office in Santa Monica. The first thing I noticed was the way his warm eyes and engaging smile welcomed me. He made me feel that this interview was the only thing on his agenda. It became clear that Isaac Hertz has a passion for life that extends into everything he involves himself with.

Life is Strange is not about Hitler, the Nazis, or death camps. It’s not about the ghettos, the families torn apart, nor is it about the daily struggles to survive. No, Life is Strange is a celebration of life. It is a celebration of our ancestors and their childhoods. And it is a celebration of generations to come.

LIFE IS STRANGE evokes the vibrant life of Jewish families in pre-World War II Europe through childhood memories of survivors. Intimate conversations with people from all walks of life are presented against a tapestry of rare footage that takes us into the heart of pre-war Yiddish culture, and portrays a universal experience of carefree childhood. The movie explores the connection between old age and childhood, what remains of childhood in our later years, and how the memory of the past can be retained when the world that created it no longer exists. Started as an attempt by two friends to trace a family history, the documentary grew to a feature-length story of 25 people around the world united by shared childhood. It includes interviews with Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel, Walter Kohn, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Robert Aumann, Nobel Laureate in Economics, and children’s book author Uri Orlev.

The world premiere of the movie was held on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in California.

Where did you grow up and what is your background?

I grew up in Miami and went through high school there.

My parents moved to Los Angeles about 20 years ago. After high school, I went to Merkaz Hatorah in Israel for a few years.

I went on to Chaim Berlin for a year and ultimately ended up in NYU to finish college with a BA in philosophy. After finishing school, I moved to Los Angeles, to my family, and started working in real estate.

When did this turn into a documentary?

My father met a friend of Shimon Peres, who said he could possibly get me an interview with the politician. Once the man secured me a five minute interview with Peres, I flew to Israel. Shimon Peres is a gifted speaker and communicator and the five minutes ended up becoming fifteen.

After this interview, my friends and I realized that this project was taking a different turn. We recognized that people outside our own circles would be fascinated with these stories.

My grandfather told me the older he gets the more he thinks about what it was like to be a kid.

CITY spirit december 2012

What prompted the idea of making the film, Life Is Strange?

After years of being interested in Jewish life before World War II, and having always talked to my grandmother about the interesting people she grew up with, I realized how much I enjoyed talking to survivors. Some of my good friends were in their eighties, and I found their stories fascinating.

With this mindset – I, together with a couple of high school friends, Sammy Grundwerg and Isaiah Fogel, decided to interview people who knew my grandfather, who at

the time was no longer with us. I specifically wanted to know what his life was like before the war. At that point, it didn’t dawn on me to make a film; I was just interviewing people to get a better understanding of how my grandfather grew up. I had two friends join me on the project, helping me interview friends of my grandfather.

The first person I talked to was my mother’s father, who was from Krakow. He was so excited that he was able to tell his story on a video. At the conclusion, I noticed that the camera man, who wasn’t even Jewish, was crying. It was a very moving experience. After talking with my grandfather, we went on to a friend of his named Yossi Glickman, who was waiting for us with notes that he had prepared. He had never given over his story to anyone and didn’t want to leave any detail out. His story was very interesting. He went to yeshiva in Krakow at the beginning of war, and when the chaos began to increase he needed to figure out where he was going to stay. At one point, he was taken in by the Gadol Hador, Rav Shimon Zelichov, mashgiach of Chochmei Lublin; one of the greatest tzadikkim and geniuses before the war.

The first couple of interviews were much more powerful than I had imagined. This inspired me to continue, and it became an opportunity to see my two close friends and work together with them. We started taking trips together, one of which was to Florida and another to Toronto. In these places we spoke to many people we knew who had extremely interesting stories to tell. We were just doing interviews at this point, not planning on making a documentary.

25

 community spirit

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT When I was seventeen and struggling with school, I started taking trips on weekends to see a cousin of

Shimon Peres is a gifted

mine. He was a quiet man in his eighties whose curi-

speaker and

osity and humor intrigued me. There wasn’t much ba-

communicator...

sis for our relationship. He was from Poland and I was from Miami. He spoke Yiddish and Hebrew. I spoke English and broken Hebrew.

But we connected, and he affected me in a quiet and subtle way. We conversed about everything despite our different languages: politics, school and family. It dawned on me that I may have more in common with this old man than I did with anyone else. He was more

So, we began searching on the internet for other interesting stories from special individuals. We came across Nobel Laureates, a great children’s writer and a whole group of accomplished people, including the daughter of Rabbi Mordechai Shulman, the Rosh Hayeshiva of Slobodka, and Devora Spira whose father was from the Sanzer dynasty.

broad-minded than anyone I knew. He never made judgments. He listened. We trusted each other.

I was drawn to this old man, to his ability to laugh at himself, his refusal to be serious the way other people I knew were serious, and his lively skepticism. It was a few years before I connected my attraction to him with an interest in his background. Later, getting to know my grandmother, I recognized in her a serenity that he had. I realized there was a culture that developed people like him. I would spend hours talking to my grandmother about the various members of her family and the environment she was raised in, mainly the unusual people that frequented her home. I felt as if there was a great fissure that separated us from the past.

Like a lot of grandchildren of survivors, I wonder more about the communities that no longer exist than I think about the war itself. In what kind of place would I have been raised had it not been for the war? Who would have been my friends, my neighbors, my community? Was there a measure of beauty that was lost with the war? These were the kinds of questions I was thinkCITY spirit december 2012

ing about when I first had the idea of conducting the in-

26

terviews that became the substance of this film. When I mentioned the idea to my friends I was surprised and pleased that they immediately embraced it. They all shared the same curiosity that animates this film.

How did you choose the interviewees?

I was looking for a mix of individuals; some orthodox, some traditional and some unaffiliated. We wanted to fill the broad spectrum of what existed in Europe. We wanted to get people who would otherwise never really be found in the same room.

How many interviews did you do?

I did about 35 interviews in all.

What was your next step?

At this point, we needed an editor who knew how to put all these interviews together in a proper and interesting format.

The film is 95 minutes long, and covers prewar Germany, Poland, Hungary, and a little of Czechoslovakia. I am very happy that it accomplishes the goal of providing a flavor of what Eastern Europe was like before the war.

What was a high point in the interview process?

A unique moment was when I went to interview the Halberstam sisters. The sister named Ruth Weinstein said she didn’t imagine she had anything relevant to tell us, since she was only a child during the war; she didn’t think her story would be interesting. As we were editing the interview, we realized that we had a very unique perspective of prewar Eastern Europe as seen by children and it was tremendously fascinating. Many of the people we talked to were under 13 years old during the war, and therefore their recounts were those of a child’s point of view. For example, Uri Orlev, the children’s writer, told of his running away as his mother was taking him

Through telling the story on film, it comes to life. to safety among all the bombs and shootings… all he could think of was, did they get my school?.

How long did it take to complete the project?

4 years.

Who helped with the finished product?

The professional side of the film was put together by my editors Alain Jakubowicz and Artem Zuev. They worked on putting the pieces together until we were all happy.

Doing the interviews was only half of the work. A tremendous amount of time was spent on research and attaining of pictures. The interviews alone would not have been as interesting without the graphic elements. The Holocaust Museum in Washington has an online archive of original films from World War II and before. We had to go through most of the archives to find footage that matched our stories.

Who else did you hire to help finish the film?

Through my editor, I found a great French composer named Jean-Michel Guirao.

Where is the project holding today?

We have completed the film and are now showing it at different film festivals. It premiered at The Santa Barbara Film Festival in February of 2012. Since then we have shown it at festivals around the country. The Los Angeles debut took place over Labor Day weekend. Recently it was at the Warsaw Jewish Film Festival, which I am very excited about. We are now in the marketing phase of finding companies who will show it on a cable network or other networks worldwide.

Reb Bunim from Peshischa, was one of the great Chassidic masters of his time. When he was younger, he was a businessman and used to go from city to city. On his travels, he made friends with many people including secular Jews who would ask him why a person who was as scholarly as himself would feel the need to go visit a Rebbe. Usually he didn’t answer these comments. One day, his friends were going to a theatre and wanted him to go along. He asked them to let him see what the playbill said about the show. Once he read the playbill he told them that he didn’t need to see the show anymore. They commented that the whole point was to see the drama come to life on the stage. He then answered that is exactly why he went to see his Rebbe. It’s not enough to read it in a book. He wanted it to come to life through human encounter.

And this is what my answer was to those who wanted me to read their book instead of being interviewed. Through telling the story on film, it comes to life.

What would you say to the next generation who is somewhat desensitized to the events of the Holocaust?

Our film is one that youngsters can relate to, as it tells the story from a child’s point of view. We actually used a child narrator, which makes it easier for children to listen to the stories presented.

What would you like the readers and viewers to get from your film?

Through our film we want our viewers to connect with their ancestors and the lives that they lived. We want to reunite the link between youngsters and elders that was broken by the Holocaust.

Life Is Strange is a fascinating film for all to enjoy!

CITY spirit december 2012

What was different about your film than other Holocaust films?

One of the main differences is that we didn’t concentrate on the destruction of the period. We wanted to know who the people who perished in the war were, and what their life was like. What were their values and how did they live as opposed

to how they died? Many of the people who have had their stories written in a book, would say, “Read my book. You don’t have to interview me.” I would answer them with a story.

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 dvar halachah Rabbi Gershon Bess

Havdalah on Chanukah

O

n Motzaei Shabbos of Chanukah we have a requirement to light Neiros Chanukah and a requirement to recite Havdalah. The Mechaber writes that we should first light Chanukah candles and then recite havdalah. In this ruling the Mechaber is specifically referring to what is done in shul, not the home. All authorities agree with the Mechaber that in shul the lighting of the menorah precedes Havdalah.

At home, the halachah is not as clear and is a matter of controversy.

When it comes to lighting the menorah at home one would expect that havdalah should precede the lighting of Neiros Chanukah by the principle “Tadir V’Sheaino Tadir, Tadir Kodem [Something done more often (Havdalah) comes before another Mitzvah that is done less often (Chanukah)]. On the

other hand one can argue that Chanukah candles should come first because the mitzvah of Chanukah which involves Pirsumei Nisa may be a more important consideration than Tadir.

Although both minhagim are observed, it would appear that the more common minhag is to perform havdalah first and afterwards to light Neiros Chanukah, just the opposite of what is done in Shul.

Several questions come to mind. Why is there disagreement only regarding when to light neiros Chanukah at home?

Why does the question of whether to apply the principle of Tadir or Parsumai Nisa not come up regarding lighting in shul?

Furthermore, why does the Mechaber rule that in shul Neiros Chanukah come before havdalah, ignoring the principle of tadir? Harav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l answers that

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because the lighting neiros Chanukah in shul is a minhag as opposed to an obligation, it is chaviv [dear] to us. We should rather do something that is chaviv first, so Neiros Chanukah precede Havdalah in shul. Lighting at home is a chiyuv [obligation] and when it comes to obligations we use the regular rules of precedence. In the case of obligations the rules of tadir or parsumei nisa determine which mitzvah will come first.

The disagreement among poskim concerning lighting at home stems from the choice of which rule to apply.

The Mechaber rules that we should recite a bracha when lighting neiros Chanukah in shul. The Mishnah Berurah explains that it is appropriate to recite a bracha on neiros Chanukah in Shul even though lighting in shul is “only” a minhag because we often recite a bracha on a minhag. The difficulty with this explanation is that elsewhere the Mechaber holds that we do not recite a bracha on a minhag. In particular, the Mechaber rules that one should not recite a bracha over Hallel on Rosh Chodesh since reciting Hallel on Rosh Chodesh is only a Minhag. Harav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l answers that there is a fundamental difference between the two minhagim.

The minhag of lighting Chanukah neiros in shul comes from the obligation to light candles at home which itself is an obligation. The minhag to light neiros Chanukah in shul is therefore an extension of the obligation to light at home and therefore deserves a bracha. The minhag to say Hallel on Rosh Chodesh stands on its own rather than being an extension of an obligation and therefore the Mechaber is justified in ruling that Hallel on Rosh Chodesh does not command a bracha.

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 L’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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CITY spirit december 2012

Chanukah

E-mail: bcc4929@gmail.com

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 inspiration

Celebrating Chanukah with Flame and Passion

CITY spirit december 2012

O

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ne of the enduring qualities of the Jewish people is that we do not only focus ourselves on building the future, but we see our lives as indelibly connected to our past and our tradition. Much of our religious life is commemorative, whether it be a celebration of a formative time in our history or Zecher L’mikdash a commemoration of the spiritual opportunities that were present in the holy Temple. The mitzvah of lighting Chanuka candles epitomizes this idea in a variety of ways. On the most basic level, our Rabbis teach us that the Chanukah candles can be seen as a continuation of the mitzvah of lighting the menorah in the Temple in Jerusalem.

This manifests itself in many interesting ways. Firstly, the text of the blessing invokes Bayamim Hahem Bazman Hazeh – a phrase which many take to mean that we pray for the opportunity to once again light the candles in the temple. The Gemara also deals with legitimate uses of the Chanukah candles. As we say in the Hanerot Halalu prayer, it is not permissible to use the candles for any mundane activities. Rabbenu Nissim explains that since the mitzvah was instituted because of a miracle that happened through the menorah in the Temple, the rabbis instituted that the Chanukah candles be treated like the menorah, which could not be used at all. A more precise explanation appears in the Ba’al Hamaor: “He who maintains that it is forbidden to use the light of the Chanukah candles ... because he believes that since they are in remembrance of the candles and the oil of the Temple...”

Although lighting in the shul is not mandated by law (because the obligation only applies to a private home), there is an ancient custom to do so. Though some had reservations about reciting a blessing on this lighting, it became the accepted practice to light in the synagogue with a bracha. This custom arose because the miracle happened in the Temple, and we do likewise in the synagogue - the miniature Temple (Mikdash me’at) - in the Diaspora.

The halacha tells every Jew to take the candles of the Temple (Mikdash) and light them in his or her private home. Not only is the shul a “miniature Temple” (a Mikdash me’at), but the goal of this mitzvah is to transform every home into a Mikdash me’at – our own version of the Beit Hamikdash.

Chanukah teaches us to realize that what we do in the here must be meaningful not simply as a mundane act but as the

Rabbi Adir Posy

continuation of an eternal chain of history and tradition that makes our lives more meaningful. It is in this vein that the Orthodox Union has fashioned its yearly convention around the theme “The Quest for Spirituality”. Whether it is due to an overabundance of technology or a general societal sense of apathy, far too much of our religious lives end up being dry and rote filled, devoid of the excitement and passion that comes with recognizing the spiritual component of what we do and what we believe as religious Jews. What this convention seeks to address, is how do we recapture that focus on spirituality without losing our commitment to the day to day observance of Jewish ritual - how do we see the spiritual in our daily routine. Please take a look at the list of convention events and lectures and make every effort to join this important communal conversation. (See page 3) Chanukah teaches us that we must break out of the cycle of rote and look to infuse our lives with greater spirituality as we are the guardians of the light of the Mikdash bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.

Rabbi Adir Posy is a Musmach of the Wexner Smicha Honors program at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary where he served as the speaker for the quadrennial Chag Hasemicha, holds a bachelors degree in Psychology & Sociology from Yeshiva University, a Masters Degree in Public Administration and spent three years learning in Israel at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh.

Rabbi Posy has served in many various rabbinic and educational positions around the U.S. and around the world. Currently, Rabbi Posy serves as the Associate Rabbi at Beth Jacob Congregation, Beverly Hills, and as the Assistant Director of the OU West Coast Office. He has also worked at Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Baltimore, MD; Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, NJ; served as the rabbi of KITC in Sacramento, CA; and served as Summer Rabbi in the community of Gaborone, Botswana. In the educational realm, Rabbi Posy served as a Rebbe and administrator at Yeshivat Rambam in Baltimore, MD.

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This Chanukah: The Festival of Lights Bring Light into the Lives of Those in Need Why Chanukah, you ask?

Chanukah is a time for celebration – the festival of lights. It’s the perfect opportunity to lighten the burdens of your friends, neighbors and community members so they can have the peace of mind to enjoy the holiday festivities.

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It’s simple, really. If we all chip in, give of our time or support – we can accomplish so much.

We can help pay the rent...

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We can help give the children Chanukah presents that will brighten their faces and fill their parents with joy.

So yes, we can help and Global Kindness is with you every step of the way.

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Pick up the phone. Give us a call and

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When can I start?

We’re glad you asked.

Right now. Day or night. Put us at the top of your Chanukah to-do-list and make this Chanukah a celebration of light for the entire community!

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Happy Chanukah!

9224 Alcott Street, Los Angeles, CA 90035 310.286.0800 • Fax 310-286-0300 Globalkindness@yahoo.com • www.MyGlobalKindness.org All donations are tax deductible. Tax ID 73-1702610 Ad copy, concept & design by CitySpirt Magazine. May not be reproduced the without written consent of the publisher.

 point of view Rabbi reuven wolf

Souls on Fire

I

n any lamp or candle, the fire floats above the other components. A cup holds the oil which is fed through the wick to the fire. Without any of these, the fire dissipates, leaving only a cold darkness.

Just as fire needs fuel, the divine presence within creation needs spiritual fuel. Of course, G-d as He truly exists is boundless, infinite and omnipotent. Yet, He created the worlds as a finite, concealing place. In order for His holiness to be expressed without unraveling all of creation, He contracts and limits His energy to an iota of its true character, and the Shechina is able to descend and dwell in the world. This light, the G-dly flame, is quite unsatisfied in the physical world and longs to return above to her infinite source. Without something to hold it down, a lamp, this G-dly fire will disappear.

“The lamp of G-d is the soul of man…” (Mishlei 20:27). The Jewish people are G-d’s lamps. Each of us is a unique flame,

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placed into this world by Hashem to sustain the Shechina. Our job is to illuminate creation with His divine light.

Just as every lamp is composed of a wick, oil, and a containing vessel, we too are an integration of these elements. By understanding the role of each of these components, we will gain a deep insight into our own existence, and how we nourish the flames of divinity in this world.

Fire isn’t gentle to its environment. In fact, it’s quite demanding, scorching and burning to its host. The best wicks are made of yielding materials, those which are not very dense and are soft and pliable - willing to surrender all or part of themselves to both the fuel and the fire.

Similarly, G-d is demanding. He occupies our lives and dictates what He expects from us every moment of the day. G-d insists we spend many hours each day in prayer and study, and on top of that, to set aside one day per week as Shabbos. He stipulates what and how we eat, what we wear, and even who we may marry. G-d is not an easy companion! In order to host divinity, one must diminish the ego and be pliable, like a wick.

Not everyone is capable of such a feat.

The Zohar explains that the Jewish body amounts to a wick. A flame rests on a wick, just as divinity rests upon every Jew. The Jewish body is designed to accommodate G-dliness; we naturally submit to G-d. We collectively cried out “Naase V’nishma/We will do and we will listen” unlike the other nations of the world, who would only consider the Torah on condition that it suited them. Thus, our bodies exhibit the qualities of a wick.

Without proper fuel, a fire will consume the wick and then extinguish itself. Furthermore, a fire without suitable fuel will violently crackle and smoke. Oil is the most pristine fuel for a fire, as it burns cleanly and quietly, without complaint. We can contrast this to many other substances, such as wood, which will not submit easily to a fire. Therefore, in most lamps, the wicks are placed above a pool of oil, and the lamp’s fire is therefore of high quality.

In the divine fire, the oil is the soul. As pliable as the Jewish body can be to G-d’s will, ultimately it has to struggle. As much as we desire and enjoy serving G-d, we must at some point decide to do so, to force our bodies into submission. The part of the wick that is charred represents this struggle. The soul, however, desires only to be consumed in G-dliness, just as the oil quietly burns away in the fire, leaving no trace of itself. The soul’s ambition is solely to serve Hashem.

This idea is best expressed by the Jews who, throughout this dark exile, have willingly given their lives for G-d. A famous Chanukah story is told about a Jew which managed to scavenge some oil to light a small fire in the barrack of his concentration camp. When a soldier discovered the light, he presented this holy Jew with a choice: extinguish the fire or else.

influenced by Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah, and particularly Chabad Chassidic philosophy. Through principals derived from the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings, Maayon Yisroel, which translates as “The Wellsprings of Yisroel,” aims to follow in the noble tradition of rejuvenating Yiddishkeit by showing how mystical ideas can be applied to modern life.

Hachnosas Orchim of Los Angeles Dear Friend, We know you’ve done Hachnosas Orchim. After all, it’s hard to be a good Jew without hosting guests from time to time. But have you ever had guests without getting the guest room ready?

If you haven’t, you are not alone. Hosting guests without having to do any preparation is not an easy feat to pull off. But it can be done.

Our community has a Hachnosas Orchim program that welcomes and provides lodging for hundreds of holchei darechim every year; it gives them a clean place to sleep and ensures that each guest is provided for and treated with dignity.

These can be your guests. A dollar a day would help meet some of the expenses of housing these guests and fulfill this rewarding mitzvah.

According to the saintly Chofetz Chaim, in the merit of welcoming guests:

 Avraham Avinu was zocheh to have a child

 Rivkah merited a shidduch with Yitzchok

 Yisro merited having his grandchildren sit

on the Sanhedrin Marriage. Children. Torah. Those are some precious rewards.

Imagine a community where every home has a red carpet ready to roll out. Now, imagine hosting guests everyday but never having to change the linens. That host is you. That home is yours. That community is Los Angeles. Hachnosas Orchim of Los Angeles.

Your Guest. Our hospitality.

Imagine What We Can Do Together.

Sincerely, Rabbi Avraham Czapnik Rabbi Berish Goldenberg Rabbi Yonah Landau 345 N. La Brea Ave. Ste. 208 | Los Angeles, CA 90036 hachnosasorchimla@gmail.com | 323.230.4112 hachnosasorchim.org

CITY spirit december 2012

. . When the Jew refused, he was shot, and the soldier left the barrack. The light, however, remained. It is the willingness of the Jewish soul to completely and selflessly serve G-d that is essential, just as oil quietly and happily feeds a fire.

As powerful as the expression of Kiddush Hashem can be, G-d does not desire that every Jew dies in sanctification of His name. Both oil and wick are necessary; Only when oil is funneled through a wick can the lamp deliver a consistent, beautiful flame, for a long period of time. Hashem wants us to live as Jews, funneling the infinite spiritual desire of our souls through our resistant physical bodies, living lives of Mesiras Ha’nefesh.

To keep the flame alive, we constantly put G-d first. We must always be ready to serve Hashem, no matter the discomfort or cost. When we resist a temptation, force ourselves into Shul early in the morning, or study an extra few minutes even though we’re tired, our oil is burning brightly. These actions of Mesiras Ha’nefesh are rooted deep within the soul and keep the flame shining brightly.

The remaining element of the lamp is the containing vessel.

It holds the oil and the wick within it, enabling the oil to flow into the wick without being spilled or wasted. Mitzvos are our vessels. When our soul desires to serve Hashem, we galvanize our bodies into the action of a Mitzvah. The soul then flows through the body as oil flows through a wick. Mitzvos allow us to tap into our essential, endless reservoirs of oil, the capacity to nullify ourselves to G-d, and channel this Mesiras Ha’nefesh into the body. Mitzvos truly converge body with soul.

The Chassidic masters teach that gazing directly upon the lights of the Menorah is a very powerful activity, for the Chanukah lights contain an invigorating force. The holy radiance of the Menorah can heal our “spiritual eyes,” fixing damage that may have come from seeing what we ought not to look at.

Moreover, the light of the Menorah can rekindle the spiritual fire within us. Indeed, this simple flame represents and expresses the very nature of our existence. May we merit to light up our own lives, and the lives around us, and very soon, light the greatest flame, that of the Menorah in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Reuven Wolf is the rabbi of the Maayon Yisroel Center.

Rabbi Wolf is a world renowned educator and lecturer who has devoted his life to reaching out and rekindling the spirit of Judaism in his fellow Jews. Recognized as an inspiring and thought provoking lecturer, he has cultivated a unique talent to communicate deep and complex mystical ideas in a manner that is both compelling and applicable to the greater public, and his lessons are charged with an enthusiasm and vigor that impacts listeners both intellectually and emotionally. Rabbi Wolf was raised in the Ropshetz Chassidic dynasty, educated in the Belz and Bluzhev Yeshivos, and later, in the famous Lithuanian schools of Slabodka and Mir. He is profoundly

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Prepare to Open your Heart . . .

To the little boy who waited for Moshiach after every long school day To the wandering son of a shtetl artist whose paintings moved Chagall To the famed mashgiach taken by Rav Aharon Kotler from kibbutz to beis medrash To the Holocaust survivor who rediscovered Torah on a beach in Miami Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky writes stories that open our hearts to many things: to the greatness that lies within every Jew, to the beauty of lives defined by Torah, to the many different ways we can serve and love Hashem. These true stories, told from the heart, reach us and touch us even as they entertain us.

Enjoy a sampling of stories from With All My Heart, published by Mesorah Publications.

A M oo-ving Bris The Gemara (Shabbos 130a) states that any mitzvah that Jews risk their lives to perform during a time of governmental persecution will remain forever rooted in our people. This applies to such situations as when bris milah is forbidden or idol worship is demanded at risk of death. Although today in America, such sacrifices seem to belong to faraway times and places, it was not long ago that the Jews living in Communist Russia were indeed called upon to risk their lives to practice their faith. In this story, we meet one such hero.

sense of happy expectation charged the atmosphere of the small shul. The father of the newborn boy and the mohel rushed around with a sense of purpose, while a small knot of men at the front of the shul grew gradually into a crowd. The women stood near the back of the

room, positioning themselves to see and hear as much as possible. At last, a tiny infant born on a pure white satin pillow appeared at the doorway, safely held aloft in the steady hands of a young woman. “Kvatter!� called the mohel, and the bris milah ceremony

 feature

was underway. The woman advanced through the room and handed her precious charge to her husband, who carried the baby to the front of the shul where the infant’s father waited.

Gently, the father set his son down on the sandek’s lap, and after a few minutes of tense anticipation, the baby’s cry was heard. His name was announced and blessings were showered upon him. He had been entered into the covenant of Avraham; he was a member of the tribe, a kosher Jewish boy.

It was far from an unusual occasion in this small shul in Queens, New York. With many young couples living in the community, dozens of families each year celebrated a son’s bris. For the community, it was always a joyful occasion; for the parents, it was unforgettable and emotional. There is nothing quite like hearing the child’s name called out for the first time, knowing that this is the name by which he will be called up for an aliyah at his bar mitzvah, and this is the name that will appear on his kesubah. This is the name under which his lifetime of mitzvos and maasim tovim will be inscribed.

With all the emotion attached to the occasion, the guests at the bris did not at first notice the tears being shed by the elderly Russian man, a newcomer to the neighborhood who gave his name as Igor. As the crowd began to head toward the festive meal that awaited them, Igor wove his way to the mohel and cried out, “Rabbi! Thank you!”

people. We knew enough to keep our activities quiet, but we had enough freedom to lead some sort of proper Jewish life.

But when I was 14, all that changed. That was when the town was taken over by the Jewish Communists. They were bent on putting an end to our ways, which they saw as backward and superstitious. They were going to take us kicking and screaming into the modern world. In fact, they were so “civilized” that they declared that if anyone was discovered to have performed a bris, then the mother and the baby would be hung together in the town square.

This was a terrible decree for us, because we were not willing to compromise on bris milah. On the other hand, how could we perform a bris if it meant putting lives in danger? We had to devise some sort of strategy so that Jewish life could continue.

When the next boy in the community was born, we decided on a plan. We gathered together in the barn on our farm. My job was to hold a whip in my hand and every time the baby cried, I was to whip the cow hard so that it would moan aloud, and would thus obscure the baby’s cries.

As soon as the mohel began to perform the milah, I began to whip the cow as hard as I could, and it began screaming out in pain. For me, it was a situation that was nearly impossible to bear. Here we were, performing such a sacred act in a barn, and here I was, inflicting pain on this senseless creature.

. . . how could we perform a bris if it meant putting lives in danger?”

As I whipped the cow, I prayed to Hashem, “Please let me merit to attend a bris in a regular shul where I am not forced to hide behind animals to do Your mitzvos.” I always longed for the day when I would be part of a regular bris in a shul again.

Today was the first time in over 40 years that I was able to attend a bris. Finally, I have lived to see the day when I no longer have to perform this mitzvah in hiding. Today, my prayer has been answered.

Although we are not called upon to take such risks to perform a mitzvah, we are called upon to give of ourselves with the time, expense, and effort Hashem’s mitzvos require. To the extent that we sincerely embrace these opportunities to perform Hashem’s will, we will secure the love of Hashem’s mitzvos for our future generations.

CITY spirit december 2012

Tearfully, he embraced the mohel and repeated again and again, “Thank you, thank you.” He continued on with a river of emotion-drenched words, all in Russian. The mohel tried to comfort Igor, but in truth, he had no idea what had sparked the torrent of tears.

The shul’s rabbi, noticing the unusual scene, approached a congregant who spoke Russian and asked him to find out what was upsetting Igor. The two men conversed, and within a few minutes, Igor had regained his composure. He had a story to tell, and with the help of the translator, he told it: I grew up in a small Russian town as a part of a close-knit Jewish community. Although religion was officially forbidden, in our town the authorities were willing to look the other way.

Therefore, we were able to daven in shul on Shabbos, to perform bris milah, and to have a kosher chuppah for our young

35

Rescuing H ashem’s Children

CITY spirit december 2012

The following story was related by Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein during a lecture prior to Tishah B’Av.

36

alking into a shul in Bayit Vegan one morning, Yossi Roth’s eyes settled on a father and two sons seated close by. There was something distinctive about the family.

They were dressed in Chassidish fashion, and all three of them had long silky peyos of golden blond. Their complexions were unusually fair, and Yossi noticed that the one child who was looking his way had crystal blue eyes. Their coloring, their facial structure, and even their broad build gave Yossi the intuitive feeling that they were perhaps of German descent. If so, he wondered, how did they end up dressed in Chassidish clothing, davening in a shul in Bayit Vegan?

His curiosity was still going strong when davening was over. Yossi, who was in Israel on a visit, asked his host about the family. “You’re right that they are German,” his friend told him. “And they have an amazing story …”

The father of the family, Avrohom, grew up in Germany after the war. His mother raised him alone, as his father had passed away when he was just a baby.

Avrohom attended public school and was firmly instilled with pride in his nationality. Then, he entered college. It was there that his interest in history brought him face to face with the unfathomable reality of Germany’s role as perpetrator of the worst crime against humanity ever committed. As the facts became clear, Avrohom’s pride turned to confusion.

He felt certain that there must have been sound reasons for the Germans’ assault on the Jews. The victims could not have been the innocents they had claimed to be. Perhaps they were traitors or subversives. Avrohom devoted himself to Holocaust research, delving diligently into resource after resource until he arrived at one inescapable conclusion. The German people bore the blood of millions of innocents on their hands.

Avrohom’s confusion now turned to shame. He needed to know more. He needed to comprehend, to whatever extent possible, the vast scope of this incomprehensible bout of national madness. He knew that he could not get the full story from German sources, and so, he traveled to Yad Vashem in Israel. There he uncovered even more details and gruesome truths about the depravity of the German nation. Sickened by what he learned, he decided that he could no longer be a part of that nation.

Throughout all his research, he had become attracted to Judaism and the Jewish people. In order to learn more about how the Jewish people lived their lives, he found work on a

kibbutz. There, he developed a tremendous bond with Judaism, and began looking for a way to convert. His first step was to begin learning in a yeshivah for baalei teshuvah. There he remained for two years. When he was ready and fully certain that his commitment was sincere, he became a Jew. Shortly after his conversion, he was introduced to Sarah, a young woman who had also converted. The two became engaged and prepared to begin a brand new life together.

During the entire time in which Avrohom’s transformation had been taking place, he maintained a close tie with his mother. Naturally, he invited her to come to Israel for the wedding.

On the day of the wedding, for the first time in many years, Avrohom and his mother were able to spend time together.

With the easy intimacy of mother and child, they reminisced about his childhood and spoke about the future he envisioned.

At one point in their conversation, Avrohom decided to ask his mother a question that had long been on his mind.

“Mother, you never really told me how father died, and now that I’m getting married, I feel that it is only right that I know.”

Peering sincerely into his mother’s eyes, he was quick to see her immediate discomfort at the question.

“Please son, I don’t think the day of your wedding is the right time to discuss your father,” she answered hesitantly.

“Let’s discuss it another time.”

Now Avrohom’s formerly dormant curiosity was sharply piqued. “No, Mother, I think we have pushed this off way too long. I want to know, how did father die?”

His mother sighed, preparing herself for a difficult mission. “There’s no easy way to tell you this,” she began, “but your father is alive. He is serving a life sentence in prison for his role in the Holocaust.”

Avrohom sat dumbstruck, staring disbelievingly at his mother.

“During the war, your father was a Gestapo agent,” she continued. “He was responsible for killing thousands of Jews.

After the war, he was put on trial and was sentenced to life in prison. All your life, I didn’t want you to know the bitter truth about your father.”

“You are right, Mother. I don’t want to hear about this on the day of my wedding,” Avrohom answered in a near-whisper.

“If that’s who my father was, I want no part of him.”

A few years passed and Avrohom’s devotion to Torah and mitzvos was growing steadily. One day, as he sat learning in

a Jewish son and Jewish grandchildren. However, Avrohom could not mistake the look of love in his father’s eyes as he studied his grandchildren’s faces. Avrohom had an important question to ask, and only a few minutes left to obtain an answer.

“Father, I know that you are not pleased with my choice of becoming a Jew and you never dreamed that you would have Jewish grandchildren, but believe me, you somehow earned a very great merit in this. You are leaving behind descendants who will follow the ways of G-d. My question to you is, what did you do to deserve this?

What good deed could you have done in your life to merit two beautiful Jewish grandchildren?”

“Son, there is only one incident that comes to mind that could explain it. During the war, we had invaded a town and had cleared it of Jews. We rounded up all the Jews of the town and shot them all. Whoever wasn’t killed was placed on cattle-cars headed to the concentration camps. We went from house to house searching for every Jew we could find, and we found plenty of them. Of course the moment they were found, we dragged them out of hiding and shot them.

“My commander ordered me to check a barn that we had somehow overlooked. I obeyed his command and went into the barn with my gun drawn, ready to kill any Jew on sight. As I entered, I immediately saw two little frightened children hiding in a stack of hay. Only their eyes were visible. Somehow, my heart felt for these poor, scared children and I decided to make believe I didn’t see them. I closed the door of the barn and let them live. When I reported back to my commander, I told him that there was no one in the barn. I believe that because I saved those two Jewish children G-d granted me two Jewish grandchildren as a reward.”

Rabbi Wallerstein drew a powerful lesson for us from this story. If Hashem was willing to grant such an awesome reward — two precious Jewish grandchildren — to a Nazi who had so much blood on his hands, then how much greater is the reward for us when we make an effort to save Hashem’s children.

We need not be on the front lines of battle to save lives. We only have to try to encourage someone who is going through a hard time, or bring a relative or a friend closer to Hashem.

By strengthening the bond between a Jew and his Creator, we save a Jewish life. At the same time, we build the achdus and ahavas Yisrael that brings the geulah that much closer.

As Avrohom in our story discovered, through the Jewish people’s mourning over the destruction, they gain the merit to rebuild.

CITY spirit december 2012

kollel, he received an urgent phone call. It was his mother.

“Son, your father is very sick and will soon be gone from this world,” his mother told him. “He has asked to see you before he dies.”

“I have nothing to say to him,” Avrohom replied instantly.

“I don’t even consider him my father.”

“I understand,” his mother answered. “But still, he is your father who brought you into the world. Seeing you is all he’s asking.”

Avrohom decided that he would return to Germany to see his father, but only on the condition that he would bring his two sons along with him. He imagined the former Nazi’s face as he looked upon his own descendants and saw standing before him living proof the wrongness and hopelessness of the mission to which he had devoted himself. The dying Nazi would come face to face with the living, thriving children of Avrohom.

A few days later Avrohom and his children arrived at the German prison where his father had lived out his life. They were led into a room where his father lay, pale and motionless. They were given 30 minutes alone.

The first observation Avrohom made was that, even in his father’s current condition, Avrohom bore a striking resemblance to him. Father and son looked at each other in silence.

Finally, Avrohom began to say what he had come to say.

“Father, I am so ashamed of my past. To think that I am the son of a Nazi! You are a murderer. You killed innocent Jews.

“Because of what you did, I had no father. I grew up alone in the world and found no peace for my soul until I embraced Judaism and found purpose in life. I am now living a life that I chose to live because it made the most sense to me in a world gone mad. My life now has meaning and the Torah has been my guide to help me understand how to live.

“Father, the Nazis have been defeated, and yet the Jewish people are thriving. No force of evil would ever be able to defeat them. Like other powers before them, the Nazis fell and the Jews remained alive and well. Father, you joined the wrong side of history and paid the price with your life.”

Avrohom’s father listened to his son in silence and then offered his justifications for how he was drawn into the horrendous crimes he committed. He talked about following orders and the fate that awaited those who balked. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that he had made some irreparable mistakes.

As he spoke, he gazed at the children standing before him, wondering at this strange turn of events. He, of all people, had

37

A Blast F rom the P ast

CITY spirit december 2012

Hashem loves every Jew like a father loves his son, for even if a son has strayed off the path, his father awaits his eventual return. In the same way, Hashem loves every Jew, and even if he does not observe the Torah and mitzvos, Hashem awaits the day when he will connect to his Father in Heaven.

In fact, sometimes Hashem sends a messenger to hasten the process of return.

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n the summer of 2011, Rabbi Yaakov Ringler, the spiritual leader of a community in Israel, traveled to Miami Beach, Florida, to tend to some business.

While he was there, he took the opportunity to visit his uncle Morris, whom he had not seen in many years.

Uncle Morris was a Holocaust survivor who had shed his Jewish observances soon after he hit the shores of America.

All he wanted was to be a “normal” person living a “normal” life in the American melting pot. He married Becky, a survivor who shared his outlook, and they settled down to a life devoted to building a family and enjoying the freedom and opportunity their adopted home country had to offer. Eventually, they retired and moved to Florida.

Rabbi Ringler had always felt a special affection for his uncle, despite the difference in their lifestyles. Likewise, Uncle Morris felt close to his religious nephew, Yaakov. So when Yaakov called to say that he was in from Israel and wanted to visit, Uncle Morris was elated. “Sure, come right over!” he told his nephew. He and his wife instantly sprang into action preparing cake and coffee to feed their guest.

Weaving through the streets of Uncle Morris’ condo community, Rabbi Ringler at last arrived at the right building. The neat carpet of grass punctuated by lush flowering bushes created a paradise-like backdrop for the stucco-and-tile houses.

No wonder Uncle Morris was so willing to leave New York behind, thought Rabbi Ringler as he arrived at his uncle’s door.

He was lifting his hand to knock when he stopped in midstream. A beautifully carved silver mezuzah shone from the doorpost. “That’s funny,” Rabbi Ringler thought. “I don’t think they ever had a mezuzah before. Well, maybe it was a gift from someone and they hung it up to be polite.”

He finished knocking. Moments later, he and his uncle were embracing tightly, stepping back to get a look at each other, and then embracing some more. “You look younger, not older!” Yaakov Ringler told his uncle. “Florida really agrees with you.”

As Uncle Morris led his guest to the dining-room table, there were more surprises on hand. A silver Shabbos leichter (candelabra) stood tall in the middle of the table. Along the

wall was a large oak bookcase, and lined up on the shelves were a variety of siddurim, Chumashim, and other sefarim.

Rabbi Ringler looked at the “evidence” and then looked at his uncle and aunt, who were by now quite obviously studying their nephew’s expression.

“All right,” Rabbi Ringler said. “I see that a lot has changed here, Uncle Morris. What happened?”

“Yaakov, sit down and have some cake and let me tell you a story.” This is the story Uncle Morris told: As you know, I haven’t been a religious man since the war, and I have not been in a shul in many years. Even on Rosh Hashanah I wouldn’t go. Even though there was an orthodox shul right across the street from me, I could not get myself to set foot there. But that all changed last Rosh Hashanah.

During the afternoon on Rosh Hashanah, I was out on my porch relaxing. I was enjoying my view of the beautiful sea.

The sky was perfectly clear and the sand on the beach was sparkling. Suddenly, I noticed a group of Jewish men in their suits and hats walking from the shul toward the water. I wondered why they would be going to the beach when it was such a holy day for them.

I had no idea what they were up to and was very curious to know. I had forgotten that there was such a concept of tashlich, and these men were headed toward the water to throw their sins into the sea. My curiosity got me out of my beach chair and I began to walk toward the group to find out what was going on. In a way, it was my little baby step toward observing the Yom Tov. If I wasn’t going to go to shul to be with other Jews on this holy day, then at least I could join them at the beach.

When I reached the group, I saw that they were all holding siddurim in their hands and they were saying a prayer. I still didn’t understand why they had to come out here instead of praying in their nice air-conditioned shul. One of the men noticed me standing there and came over to me with a siddur in his hand. He pointed to the place and told me to say a prayer.

As I stood there, my memory was jogged and I recalled going out to the water with my father when I was a little boy back in our town in Poland. I recalled that the idea was to take

our sins and throw them into the sea. I became all emotional as memories of my youth began to flood my mind. I began to cry, and I started to pour out my heart to Hashem for the first time in my adult life. As I was crying, thinking about my childhood and how I prayed with my father in the town’s big shul, I suddenly felt a tap on my back.

“Excuse me, would you like to hear the shofar today?” said the voice behind me in a rich Yiddish, the likes of which I had not heard in many years.

I turned around and saw standing behind me an old man with a short white beard whose face appeared to shine. I was impressed by his aristocratic appearance and I immediately answered that I had not yet heard shofar-blowing today, and would appreciate if he would blow the shofar for me.

The old man put his hand into his pocket and pulled out a very tiny shofar. It looked very old. He began to blow the sweetest sounds from that shofar — sounds that went straight into my heart. I was really moved by the tashlich and especially by the beautiful sound of the shofar, and I wondered, who was this man who had sought me out? I didn’t recognize him from the neighborhood. In fact, he seemed to really stand out in the crowd.

When he finished blowing the shofar, he turned to me and spoke again in his rich Yiddish “I hope you enjoyed the shofar blowing. My name is Moshe Katz. Good luck!” He then turned around and left.

“I can’t believe it!” she cried out.

“Believe what?” I asked her. “Do you know this person?”

“That wasn’t just a person,” she said. “That was my father!”

“Katz? But your family name is Coles. And your father is gone, just like the rest of the family. The Nazis took your father 60 years ago.”

“Katz was my family name,” Aunt Becky explained. “I changed it to Coles when I came here so that I would blend in better. My father was the baal tokei’a (shofar blower) in our shul, and he had a tiny shofar, just like the one you described.

“Becky, take a deep breath,” I told her. “You’re imagining things.”

She got up from the floor and ran to our bedroom. A few minutes later, she came out holding an old photo album. She pointed out a picture to me — a picture that had been somehow preserved from the old country. And do you know what it was, Yaakov? It was her father — the man I saw on the beach. And he was holding a little shofar to his lips — the exact shofar he blew for me.

Yaakov, it became so clear. Hashem had sent Aunt Becky’s holy father here to give us a message. It’s time to do teshuvah. Time is wasting and we won’t live forever.

Hashem waited and waited for us, and when we didn’t come back to Him, He sent us this message. It was undeniable, even for two non-believers like Aunt Becky and me.

Well, that was it. From that day on, we have been keeping

...I started to pour out my heart to Hashem for the first time in my adult life.

Shabbos and kashrus, and we are learning more and growing every day. I bought myself a pair of tefillin and started going to shul. I am returning to Hashem because He wants me.

There can be no other explanation. That is why everything has changed here.

When Morris took his first step back toward Hashem — a step out onto the beach to join the Jews performing tashlich — Hashem performed a miracle to carry him the rest of the way home.

When we open our hearts just a bit to let a little of Hashem’s light enter, He responds by illuminating our entire soul.

CITY spirit december 2012

I came home a few minutes later and related the whole story to Aunt Becky. I told her about tashlich, and then I told her about my strange encounter with this man who blew shofar for me. I described how the man looked and how he had been carrying this tiny shofar with such a beautiful sound. Aunt Becky asked me the man’s name. When I answered “Moshe Katz,” her face suddenly turned pale and she collapsed to the floor.

I ran to her side and brought her back to consciousness.

The moment she opened her eyes, she asked me to tell her the name again. So I did.

39

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Book follows Marcus Rosenberg’s life:

Dallas Writer Pens Akiba, Shaare Founder’s Story

By Rachel Gross Weinstein, Writer for the Texas Jewish Post

T

about two years to complete.

Liener was moved after learning about him and his contributions to the community, and she knew this book would be a wonderful tribute for him.

“I learned what a tremendous individual he was. And I came to greatly respect him,” she said. “He gave so generously, quietly helping so many people in Dallas and around the world. This was also a very humble man. This book will be around for future generations to see what kind of person he truly was.”

Shaare Tefilla celebrates its 25th anniversary last year and Akiba Academy is celebrating 50th anniversary this year. The legacies of the synagogue and school prove that Rosenberg truly was a “planter of trees,” Liener said.

The book was sold at Akiba’s annual gala on October 28 and all proceeds will benefit Akiba’s Early Childhood Playground Enhancement Fund. It is also available at www.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com and www.iuniverse. com. The profits from those purchases will benefit Akiba and Shaare Tefilla, according to Liener.

This project was a labor of love for Liener, and although writing her first book was challenging at times, she said it feels good to have completed it. Being able to tell the story of a man who was so influential in the Dallas Jewish community is rewarding, Liener said.

“Marcus was a visionary and was Modern Orthodox before that concept even existed,” she said. “Through this book, those who have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the fruits of his labor can more fully appreciate all that this resolute man accomplished in the face of daunting obstacles to serve those in his and future generations”.

CITY spirit december 2012

he late Marcus Rosenberg was a unique man. Not only did he and his brother David start their own business after coming to Dallas from Czechoslovakia, Marcus co-founded Akiba Academy and Congregation Shaare Tefilla, and through philanthropy, planted many “trees” to make the community grow and thrive.

Rosenberg’s life is the subject of a new book titled Markus, Planter of Trees: A Memoir, by Dallas writer Liz Liener.

The book is divided into six parts: The Old Country, The New Country, The Business, The School, The Shul and The Man. It discusses his life in Czechoslovakia and Dallas; his grocery business, Arrow Industries; and all of his Dallas accomplishments.

It was written to honor Rosenberg’s memory and achievements, in addition to having people understand his story, Liener said. Its release coincides with the celebration of Akiba’s 50th anniversary.

“He had tremendous hardships in the old country, was a Holocaust survivor and came to this country in the late 1940s and built a business,” Liener said.

“He was a tenacious, driven, brilliant individual and only had an eighth-grade education. He was self-taught, and his story about what he accomplished in business and the world of philanthropy was amazing. To me, what he did was so inspiring.”

Although Liener grew up in Dallas, she never knew Rosenberg. But her parents have been friends with his brother David, and sister-in-law Gussie, since the 1950s. Liener spoke with more than 100 people – including Marcus’ wife, Ann, other family members, friends, employees and business colleagues – in doing research for this book, which took

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 food

Dining In Again: | with Faigy Grossman Dear Readers, What, it’s Chanukah already?

I feel like Succos was over just a few weeks ago. Time sure does fly when we’re having fun - and when we’re busy!

Speaking of fun; what’s more fun than a Chanukah get-together with family and friends? My family has an annual Chanukah party with all our aunts, uncles and cousins. Each year it’s so nice to catch up with family that we may not get to talk to throughout the rest of the year.

And as all good Jewish traditions go, we can’t fail to mention the food.

Planning a menu that’s easy and kidfriendly is not as simple as it sounds.

This one likes this and that one’s allergic to that - sound familiar?

Here are some recipes that will appeal to all ages and tastes. And best of all, they’re all delicious!

Happy Chanukah,

Faigy

Soup

CITY spirit december 2012

Baked Potato Soup

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2 potatoes 3 T. butter or oil 2 medium onions, diced 2 T. flour 3 T. onion soup mix 2 bay leaves 6 c. water ¼ c. cornstarch 1¼ c. instant mashed potato flakes Salt, to taste ¾ tsp. black pepper 1 c. milk ½ c. shredded Cheddar cheese YIELD: 6 servings

then in quarters. Spread with garlic, sprinkle with salt. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes, or until pita chips are crisp and lightly browned.

DIP: Dice scallions, blend together with mayonnaise and lemon juice. Chill.

Mains

Creamy Mushroom Cheese Penne

Preheat oven to 400°. Bake potatoes for 1 hour or until done. Set aside. Melt butter or oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onions until tender and golden. Stir in flour and cook 5 minutes to make a roux. Add onion soup mix and bay leaves; pour in water.

Add cornstarch and potato flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove skin from cooled potatoes and discard. Dice potatoes into ½ inch cubes and stir into soup along with milk. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until thick.

Discard bay leaves. Spoon into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese.

Pita Chips ’n Dip Quick and easy Pita Bread (desired amount) Oil Crushed garlic Salt Dip : 1 bunch scallions 1 c. mayonnaise 1 T. lemon juice YIELD: varies Cut pita in half, lengthwise (splitting them open). Cut each half in half again,

This will become a family favorite.

And it’s so easy!

1 T. oil 12 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced 1- 8 oz. pkg. whipped cream cheese 2/3 c. milk Pinch of salt ½ tsp. garlic powder 1- 16 oz. pkg. penne, cooked and drained 4 T. grated parmesan cheese 2 T. parsley 1/8 tsp. black pepper Heat oil in a large pan; put in mushrooms and sauté until heated through, about 5 minutes. Add next four ingredients; cook on low heat, stirring until combined. Add the penne, stir to coat.

Sprinkle in the cheese, parsley, and pepper and toss gently until heated through. Serve immediately.

Blintz Soufflé A sweet treat that makes a delectable side or main dish, depending on the occasion.

Blintzes: 2- 13 oz. pkgs. frozen cheese blintzes 8 eggs 1 lb. sour cream Dash cinnamon 1 c. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla sugar

Strawberry sauce: 16-oz. container frozen strawberries in syrup 1 tsp. vanilla sugar YIELD: 12-14 servings Blintzes: Grease a 9x13-inch pan and lay blintzes on bottom of pan. Combine remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl and blend with immersion blender until smooth. Pour mixture over blintzes and bake at 350° – covered for 25 minutes and uncovered for 20 minutes.

Serve with strawberry sauce (see below).

Strawberry Sauce : In a blender or food processor, blend strawberries and vanilla sugar until smooth. Keep refrigerated.

Sides

Elegant Caesar Salad

Mix lettuce and tomatoes in a large salad bowl. Up to 30 minutes before serving, combine dressing ingredients well in a separate bowl or dressing shaker.

Pour dressing over salad; add croutons and toss.

2 c. plus 3 T. pareve or soy milk, divided 1/3 c. dessert topping 1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding Optional Garnishes : Chopped peanuts Mini chocolate chips Whipped cream YIELD: 6 servings

Streusel Carrot-Pineapple Muffins Although these are called “muffins,” they work very well as a “kugel.” Yum! 3 carrots, grated extra-fine 1 c. flour ¼ tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda Dash of salt ½ c. sugar 1 c. crushed pineapple, undrained 1 egg 3 T. oil ¼ c. lightly packed brown sugar ¼ c. chopped nuts YIELD: 1 dozen Combine the first 10 ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until smooth (about 1 minute). Divide batter between 12 well-greased muffin cups. Combine brown sugar and nuts and sprinkle on top of muffins. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes. ~ This recipe also works well with white wholewheat flour. If you need to avoid sugar in your diet, you can use ¼ cup of Splenda™ in place of the sugar.

Dessert

Chocolate Peanut Butter Parfaits A fabulous dessert both beautiful and scrumptious, this one will win you accolades.

3½ T. peanut butter

Place peanut butter in a medium-sized bowl, gradually adding 3 tablespoons milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended. In a separate bowl, whip dessert topping to soft peaks; mix into peanut butter mixture and stir until well combined. Set aside. Prepare pudding as directed on package. Spoon half of pudding evenly into 5 parfait glasses; top with peanut butter mixture. Cover with remaining pudding. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

Optional Garnishes: For a beautiful presentation, pour a thin layer of chopped nuts and then one of mini chocolate chips on top of the first layer of pudding. Or, you can pour a layer of any type of garnish before and after each of the three layers in the glass. Garnish parfaits tops with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of nuts (see photo).

CITY spirit december 2012

A classic salad that goes well with everything.

1 bag Italian lettuce mix 1 bag Euro salad mix 1 box grape tomatoes 1 c. onion-garlic salad croutons Dressing: ¼ c. olive oil 1 tsp. crushed garlic 1 tsp. lemon juice 3 T. mayonnaise 1 T. sugar 1 T. parsley flakes

1 T. chopped chives ½ tsp. mustard YIELD: 12 servings

43

 entertaining

Fabulous Folds | with miriam jacobovits A new spin on the dreidel!

STEP 1: Open napkin with the colored side face down and fold the two corners towards the middle.

STEP 2: Fold both sides towards the middle.

STEP 3: Fold the top down to the bottom point.

STEP 4: Fold napkin back up, leaving a one inch pleat.

STEP 5: Fold the bottom corners of the pleat upward to form a triangle.

While doing this the sides of the top of the napkin will start folding in.

Crease them down evenly towards the center. Turn the napkin over.

Dreidel, dreidel

CITY spirit december 2012

1

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4

2

3

5

Please Note: Most napkin folding is prohibited on Shabbos. If the napkin will come apart at the meal and is just ‘fluffed’ it is permissible.

To make a paper airplane would be a problem. It’s best to prepare napkins before Shabbos/Yom Tov. Rabbi Gershon Bess

Chanukah Gelt Bag

Delight your guests with their own gelt bag - a real conversation piece!

Open napkin with the colored side face down. Place your hand in the center and begin gathering it around your wrist. Remove your hand. Gather the rest together forming a bag.

Fill bag with small treats and tie with ribbon or twine. Puff out the bottom to add shape.

Light Up the Night Add drama to your tablesetting with this elegant candle fold.

STEP 1: Fold napkin diagonally in half.

Position the open point at the top.

STEP 2: Fold up the base one inch.

STEP 3: Turn over the napkin and roll from one side to the other. Tuck the end of the roll into the base.

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2

3 CITY spirit december 2012 45

Hershel lieber

The Wandering Jew

Portugal PART two:

EVORA & SINTRA

A

fter a lovely four days and an inspiring shabbos in Lisbon, Pesi and I left the city to discover the countryside. We decided not to travel too far so that we spend more time sightseeing and less time in the car. About two hours from Lisbon we approached the enchanting walled city of Evora. All the buildings are whitewashed with simple details. It was a prominent town under the Romans and flourished during the Middle-Ages as a center of learning and the arts. Evora was popular as a residence for Portuguese kings but its influence waned when the Jesuit University closed in the 18th century. Today its popularity as a tourist destination is mainly for the wealth of historical sites it offers.

We checked into a lovely hotel, the Albergaria Do Calvario built around a potted garden courtyard, near the city walls. The Aqueduct and Roman temple were not too far and we set out to see both sights. We did lots of walking through the narrow streets and curving alleys until we reached the fountain by the main square. We also visited the elaborately tiled university campus, and attended lectures organized by the

Palacio da Pena (Sintra)

Megaliths (Evora)

Society for Sephardic Studies. There were lecturers and professors from all over the world, and the speeches were held in Portuguese, Spanish, English and Hebrew.

There used to be a Jewish presence in Evora, and we were shown the streets that once formed the Judiaria (Jewish Ghetto). We found one of the original synagogues still intact, but today it is used as a church. On one of the buildings we saw the sign and emblem of the Office of the Inquisition which was active as recent as 100 years ago. We took many photos of the aged buildings and their intricate details, as well as of the local crafts. The nights were quiet Moorish Castle (Sintra)

Public Gardens (Evora)

that are in that region. Many stores carbut the atmosphere was relaxing and ry a wide selection of items, and even peaceful. clothing and accessories, fashioned An interesting diversion near Evora, from cork. was the Megaliths, which archeologists We headed back toward date to periods between 4000 Lisbon but continued east for and 6000 years ago. These an additional 40 minutes to mammoth stones remain Sintra. If one can dream of a mysterious, and there are ‘real’ Fantasy land, it must be many theories as to their purSintra! The summer residence pose. They are reminiscent of of the Royal Family abounds Stonehenge in England, but in so many architectural are more numerous in numgems, that the entire town is ber and range. We took this Emblem of the Office of the a registered UNESCO World fascinating tour with a guide Inquisition (Evora) Heritage Site. To describe the who had a Jewish - Marano amalgamation of different and unusual origin. He also showed and taught us styles of each palace, would be imposabout the harvesting of cork from trees Palacio Nacional (Sintra)

CITY spirit december 2012 47

Palacio Quinta da Regaleiro (Sintra)

sible. Suffice it to say, that at every curve or turn, surprises await the visitor. We began our day at Palacio Quinta da Regaleira, walking the pathways of the stunning gardens and along the serene grottos. The palace itself, both the interior decoration and the façade are from an era that deeply appreciated classic design. We then climbed the hundreds of stairs to the Castelo dos Mouros, the remains of the Moorish Castle. The views from the mountain tops are spectacular and one can see the entire town and all the other palaces from the most perfect vantage point.

The crowning jewel was the Palacio da Pena. This 19th century pillar of the eclectic style has the lifetime collection of King Ferdinand, an artist himself, of oddities from all over the world. We did not get to see the Palacio Nacional de Sintra (closed that day) nor the Palacio de Monserrate, but we would not hesitate to come back one day to see those treasures as well.

The editors of City Spirit Magazine gave me limited space for photos of our trip, which is a shame. A picture being worth a thousand words is surely applicable to Evora and especially to Sintra.

Palacio da Pena (Sintra) Roman Temple (Evora)

Do you have a group of friends or belong to an organization that dreams of traveling to foreign destinations together? Hershel has organized and personally guided groups of friends, school classes, and organization members (Gateways & Aish Hatorah) over the past few years on unusual and inspiring journeys. He can do the same for your group personalized to your interests. Contact Hershel Lieber ‘The Wandering Jew” at 718-256-8156 HarryL46@optonline.net

CITY spirit december 2012

Bon Voyage - vcuy vghxb,

48

Hershel

Rua Tamara (in Judiaria - Evora)

16th Century Aqueduct (Evora)

B”H

THINK BAGELS

Eight Days of our Fresh, Hot & Delicious Bagels brought to you by

La Brea Bagel Company 7308 Beverly Blvd. • Los Angeles, CA • 323-965-1287 Eitan Hassidim, Catering Manager • 323-855-0495

Happy Chanukah

KEHILLA KOSHER

 advice from over-the-counter Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D., FASHP, FCCP

Celebrating Chanukah with Flame and Passion

CITY spirit december 2012

N

50

osson Tzvi preferred flying National Airlines whenever possible. He had earned Executive Diamond status due to his frequent business flights, and as such he was not often upgraded to business or even first class. Today, he was moved up to a seat on row 2 on the big jet. Seat 2J, to be precise.

A window seat. He loved moving up to first class. He would be rested in a way that a coach seat could not accomplish. He shut his eyes after saying tefillas haderech and drifted off to sleep.

An hour later, he awoke with a huge headache, one that cut through his eyes and temple areas. He rubbed his forehead, but to no avail. The flight attendant offered him some water and a cold towel. That didn’t help either.

The gentleman to his left, a 50-something CEO-looking fellow with a starched white shirt, gold cufflings, and an expensive-looking watch, noticed Nosson Tzvi’s anguish. “If you don’t mind my saying, sir, you look rather distressed. Do you have a headache?” Nosson Tzvi thanked the fellow for his concern and responded in the affirmative. “I get muscle pains frequently, and I have some naproxen I can offer, if you’d like,” offered the kind CEO. “That’s very generous of you,” answered Nosson Tzvi, “but I’m on several other medications, and I’m not sure I can take that. If only I could contact my son. He’s a pharmacist, and he always advises me on new medicines. I hate to take anything without speaking with him first.”

“Oh, I understand, but everyone takes naproxen. It’s been around for years. And it’s available without a prescription now.

Nonetheless, if you like I could text him and ask.”

“You can do that? From up here?”

“Yes, I have access via a subscription service. So, what’s your son’s cell number?”

Nosson Tzvi gave his kindly neighbor the number and told him that his son’s name is Boruch, with a “c” and an “h.” Then the two of them waited until the magic of technology had completed the communication.

A few minutes later, they got a message from Boruch: “Better to avoid it. Try to get some acetaminophen. Take 1000mg now and again in 3-4 hours, if you need it.”

The CEO was surprised. “I have never met anyone who couldn’t take naproxen. Your son must be very well-read.”

Filled with nachas, Nosson Tzvi smiled. “Yes, he is, and he

has 6 really smart kids, keyn ayna harah.”

Nosson Tzvi was able to get some acetaminophen from another pleasant passenger two rows away with the assistance of the flight attendant. Soon thereafter, his head felt much better, and he and his neighbor had a delightful conversation lasting the remainder of the flight.

When he got home, his son was waiting for him. “You didn’t have to come over, Boruch. You have your hands full with your children. You shouldn’t make Ahuva take care of all of them alone.”

“Ahuva’s the one who told me to come, Ta, and besides, my office closed early, and my evening seder doesn’t begin for another two hours, so I wanted to make sure you’re OK,” answered his son.

“Well, that’s very kind of you, my boy. Please come to the kitchen for some coffee. And tell me why I can’t take naproxen.”

After Nosson Tzvi’s wife, Rochel Gittel, served the men some coffee, Boruch turned his attention to answering his father’s question. “First of all, Ta, you have diabetes. People with diabetes are at increased risk of kidney disease, called diabetic nephropathy. And you have the beginning phase of that problem. You have what’s called microproteinuria. That’s means you’re spilling a little bit of protein in your urine. Kidneys generally do not filter any protein. Proteins are too large. But, in diabetes, the filtering mechanism of the kidneys – called the glomerulus – gets damaged, and proteins can get filtered through and spill into the urine.”

“Dr. Goldenberger mentioned something about protein,” added Rochel Gittel. “She told us that your father has to cut down on his protein intake. But I don’t understand something. If he’s losing protein in his urine, wouldn’t he need to INCREASE his protein intake to make up for the loss?”

“Very good question, ma. I’ve always said Ta is lucky to have you around, especially when you both visit the doctor together. You’re right in that it seems counter-intuitive. The problem is that protein for the diet can cause further damage to the filtering part of the kidney, and we don’t want that.” His parents both shook their heads, and Boruch continued. “You’re also taking some other medications that can increase your risk of kidney disease. You’re taking lisinopril, and even though it

reduces your risk of heart disease, it can interact with medicines like naproxen, or NSAIDs. So, all in all, you’re better off not taking NSAIDs if you can avoid them.”

His father asked, “What if there was no acetaminophen available? What if I was on a desert island, and all I had available was naproxen?” He loved to ask these theoretical questions, so Borcuh simply answered: “If there was nothing else around, then a dose or two would probably be fine. The odds of kidney damage would be very low. But flying on a big 767, I knew someone had to have some acetaminophen, so that’s why I answered you the way I did. Oh, and by the way, who was the fellow whose cell phone you used to contact me?”

“Him? Oh, his name is Frank Levine. He’s the CEO of a paper company in Far Rockaway. He and his wife will be coming for Shabbos tomorrow night. Maybe you and your family could join us. You know, Ma and I always love to see our grandchildren. And I’m sure you’ll all really impress the Levines.”

Boruch shook his head and smiled in respect. “Ta, you’re amazing! You’re always finding people to be mekarev. Let me talk to Ahuva and see if she’s made any plans for us. I’ll call you tonight. But even if we can’t come, give Mr. Levine my number, and I’ll be sure to do some follow-up.”

Now it was Nosson Tzvi’s turn to smile. “That’s my son.

Never miss out on an opportunity.”

“Well, I learned from the master.”

Dr. Manny Saltiel received his doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of California in San Francisco, following two years of undergraduate work at UCLA. He completed a residency in Clinical Pharmacy Practice at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Saltiel was employed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for 25 years. For the past three years, he is a Regional Clinical Director with Comprehensive Pharmacy Services, providing clinical leadership and assistance to several hospitals in the West and Midwest. He also holds faculty appointments with the University of Southern California.

Hatzolah

800-613-1911

your favorite Sushi to go 2 convenient locations

Wishing All a Happy & Healthy New Year Los Angeles, CA 90036

Los Angeles, CA 90035

www.Meshuga4sushi.com

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323-964-9985 310-271-5050

CITY spirit december 2012

526 N. La Brea Avenue 8948 West Pico Blvd

51

KidSpirit KidSpirit

Light Light Light Light

By: Tzipi Brecher

up up up up

your soul, Kids, Welcome your spirit, Light up your soul, your home, Light up your spirit, your world.

Light up your home, up your Chanuka theLight fesitival of world.

Chanuka the fesitival of Lights.

Lights.

Wishing all of our readers a Wishing all of our readersChanukah. a de”Light”ful de”Light”ful Tzipi Chanukah.

Tzipi Brecher

Take your mind for a spin!

Want to win the dreidal game?

Go by “gimmels” and take the fame!

AMAZE YOURSELF

KIDS AT PLAY

Help Avi find his gift!

START

FINISH

1

Fill in the blanks to solve the puzzle!

How many candles do we light on Chanukah? _ _ _ _ _ 2

1

What oily snack do we eat on Chanukah? _ _ _ _ _ _

2

3

3 4

Who fought against the Yevanim? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

7

Who was the leader of the Maccabes? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

6

8

9

7

dxyw rgm fvp slea we auo suhg

6

Who was the leader of the Yevanim? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

5

lgfvithsnb dc rgyjhds f iafd

CITY spirit december 2012

4

52

pio hyc ljrs deufgb we

sit?dwqdwt kf p yerqhor

5

10

11 12

What kind of oil do we use to light the menorah? _ _ _ _ _ What does the gimmel on the dreidal stand for? _ _ _ _ _ 13 14

15

What do a menorah and a donut have in common? ____ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ “_” _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

2 9 1 8

6 10 2 9

9 13 12 1

13 7

10

11 7

5 11 14 14 15 1

CITY spirit december 2012

53

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 LA... 310-277-FCLA(3252)

CITY spirit JUNE 2011

Mikvahs

54

Beverly Hills/Pico Robertson Mikvah mei manachem ........ 310-214-4999 2108 Vail Avenue 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 east side of bldg.)

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 Ahavas Yisroel Synagogue 731 N. La Brea Ave...................323-937-1247 Aish Tamid of Los Angeles....... 323-634-0505 5909 West 3rd St Beth Midrash Od Yossef Hai...... 323 931-0333 142 North La Brea Ave. 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 B’nai Daivid Judea Congregation 8906 W. Pico Blvd.................... 310-276-7891 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 Chabad Israel Center................ 310-271-6193 1520 S. Robertson Blvd., 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. manhattan beach Chabad of Manhattan Beach.....310-265-3868 2108 Vail Avenue Continued on page 56

to be added to our directory send detailed info to cityspiritmag@gmail.com

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west coast directory Continued 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 NORTHRIDGE Young Israel of Northridge.........818-368-2221 17511 Devonshire Street Santa Monica Chabad of Marina Del Rey......... 310-301-9770 2929 Washington Blvd.

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

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

Huntington Beach 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)

Long Beach 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.

Palm Springs Chabad of Palm Springs............760-325-0774 425 Avenida Ortega

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

San Diego Beth Jacob of San Diego........... 619-287-9890 4855 College Ave. Chabad of Downtown................ 619-702-8518 472 Third Avenue

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

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

Laguna Niguel Chabad of Laguna Niguel..........949-831-8475 27655 Niguel Village Dr.

community & g'mach directory Babies & Children

Baby Equipment Port-a-cribs, pack and plays, car seats, infant bouncers, strollers, bassinettes, booster seats, exer-saucers for short and long term loans.

Miriam Hendeles......................(323) 243-7116 ......................................www.lababygear.com Bris Outfits and Bris Pillow Devora Wieder........................ (323) 939-9276 Ruchie Klein........................... (323) 353-2494 Diapers Chumie Unger.........................(323) 932-1094 Penina Frumit Apter.................(310) 557-9726 Dina Kramer............................(818) 985-2493 Ezer Layoledes Strollers, play pens, high chairs, cribs, car seats for short or long term loan.

Bella Greenfield..................... (323) 934-0178

CITY spirit december 2012

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

56

New born baby care packages Sandy Gordon......................... (310) 838-8591 Uniforms Exchange &/or purchase of pre-owned uniforms Toras Emes and Bais Yaakov Rochelle Frankel.....................(323) 896-3335

Clothing

Children’s Costume G’mach Bubby Goldie’s (L’ilui Nishmas Chana Golda Krausz) Abi Katz ................................ (323) 395-7465 Miriam Montag...................... (323) 646-5988 Global Kindness Yaelle Cohen....................... (310) 286-0800 Kehila Shatnez Testing Joe Stoltz.............................. (323) 936-8760 Maternity Clothes Gemach L’ilui Nishmas Chia Miriam bas Zev HaLevi Donations welcome.................. (310) 404-1155

Counseling and Health

Aleinu / Orthodox Counseling Program 24 hour hotline..................(310) 247-0534 Chai Lifeline West Coast Regional Office Non profit Jewish organization dedicated to providing support services to seriously ill children and their families........(310) 274-6331 Etta Israel Serving the special needs children of the Jewish Community............................. (818) 985-3882

Hospital Gowns Tznuis hospital clothing for women Sara Pinter ........................... (323) 931- 1598 Jewish Healthcare Foundation Avraham Moshe Bikur Cholim If you need or would like to donate blood to someone.................................(323) 852-1900 Financial Aid Services Financial Jewish Free Loan Assistance Small interest free loans City ...................................... (323) 761-8830 Valley.................................... (818) 464-3331

Food

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 ................... (323) 851-1000, (323) 997-6500 Tomchei Shabbos Provides Shabbos food packages for families in need. Call to request application. ..............................................(323) 851-1000 Arbis for Shalom Zachor Aviva Maller............................ (323) 931-9420 Continued on page 58

community directory Continued from page 48

Mezuzah Gemach Irwin Lowi...............................(323) 932-1025 Tables and Chairs Steven Oscherowitz................. (323) 937-1194

Legal Services

Bet Tzedek Legal Services Free legal counsel to the eligible needy and Holocaust reparations assistance. .............................................(323) 939-0506 Criminal/Arrest Guidance LA County Sheriff Department.

Shirley Freidman (for women).. (323) 568-4703 Howard Winkler (for men)........(323) 939-9236

Furniture, Home, Dishes

2nd Chance Rivky Farber............................(323) 851-1000 Folding Beds Esti Tendler (Evenings only) ......(310)557-3461 Keilim Mikvah Directory Anshe Emes Keilim Mikva 1490 S. Robertson................. (310) 275-5640 Shaaray Zedek Keilim Mikva 12800 Chandler..................... (818) 763-0560 Young Israel Keilim Mikva 225 S. LaBrea Ave................. (323) 931-4030

Weddings & Special Occasions

Benchers (L’ilui Nishmas Ahron Ben Yissachar) Mrs. Kest ...............................(323) 937-7060 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 Penina Fisher.......................... (323) 933-7292 Hachnasas Kallah Gift Gemach Volume DonationsLibby Lehman......................... (323) 935-3791 Individual GiftsLeba Hertz..............................(323) 574-7054 Chuppah/Simcha Cards Tehillim cards for use at the chuppah Rochel Haberman.....................323)899-5390

Bridal Gowns Esther Braun ......................... (323) 933-2817 Ahuva Goldstein......................(323) 938-8660 Gitty Feingold..........................(323) 933-1197 Malka Breitman......................(323) 938-8008 Sarah Frankel......................... (323) 934-7983 Mechitzah Gemach Rivka Berkowitz.......................(818) 331-3884 Simcha Gemach (L’ilui Nishmas Rebbetzin Bella Simcha) 48 Mini challah covers, 2 lg challah covers, 18 kiddush cups w/trays, 50 bentchers..... (323) 931-0306 Esther Mayerfeld -Al Hamichya Cards in lucite stands..............(323) 933-1891 Special Occasion Flowers, Centerpieces & Mirrors Mrs. Niehaus.......................... (323) 938-2406 Michal Pouraty-Yad Simcah..... (310) 525-7336 Tablecloth Gemach Tablecloths available to borrow (call for hours) Rochel Haberman...................(323) 899-5390 Estie Silber............................ (323) 652-6658 Wedding Shtick Bubby’s Shtick-Mona Riss........(818) 761-5077 Rivky Farber............................(323) 744-1608 Nechama Denbo....................... (310) 788-398

Shadchanim Los angeles, CALIFORNIA Feingold, Mrs. Gitty.................. 323-933-1197 Freeman, Sherry.......................323-934-2013 Giberstien, Mrs. Gila.................323-939-7264 Orloff, Mrs. Yehudis...323-934-2772/833-3346 Lebovics, Mrs. Shirley – Professional coaching/ therapy only.............................. 310-246-0810 Baltimore Berkowitz, Mrs. Ethel................410-484-6209

CITY spirit december 2012

TORONTO, CANADA Grubner, Mrs. Evelyn................. 416-789-9419 ........................................ Fax 416-484-8536 Sussman, Mrs.Malka.. 416-787-5147 p.m. only

58

montreal, CANADA Goldberg, Fraidie...................... 514-344-1307 NEW YORK Five Towns Bane, Mrs................................ 516-371-6657 Sunnenblick, Mrs.Resa............. 516-239-2772

monsey Cherns, Mrs. Ahuva................. 845-290-8722 Katz, Mrs. Ruchy......................845-357-0913 Levitan, Mrs. Rachel.................845-368-2781 Schwebel, Mrs. Tammy.............845-764-3382 BROOKLYN Elefant, Mrs. Lisa.......... lisaelefant@yahoo.com ......................... 718-2567525 Binyan Adei Ad Tafrizi, Mrs. Esther....................718-339-9047 ......................... Syrian Community of Flatbush Grunhut, Mrs. Goldy.................. 718-377-7221 ...................... ggrunhut @yahoo.com Brooklyn Lieber, Mrs. Ellen..........Flatbush 917-749-7426 Schiff, Mrs. Mimi......................718-253-3922 Jacobs, Mrs. Channa Rifka........ 718-2567525 .......................................................... over 25 Richards, Mrs. Sara..................718-435-8071 Rose, Mrs. Channa...................718-253-3827 Rosenberg, Mrs. Goldy..............718-253-3827 Rubinstein, Mrs.Tzirel................718-871-4309 Schonfeld, Mrs. Anita............... 718-692-2452 Yankelowitz, Rabbi....................718-846-3472 ...............................................718-989-4862

LAKEWOOD Brull, Rabbi Meir...................... 443-622-3809 . rabbibrull@gmail.com Kesher organization N.J Katz, Rabbi Tzadok..................... 732-278-146 ......Kesher Lakewood, tzodekkatz@gmail.com.

Friedman, Rabbi Freddy............. 732-9954474 Levi, Rabbi Meir........................732-364-2542 Lewenstien, Rabbi....................732-370-9456 ...................11:15am -2:00pm 732-370-6790 ............................................... 323-351-7648 Pomeranz, Mr. Shui.................. 732-370-7347 Sternheim, Mr. Arie.... 732-364-2450 only p.m.

Yanofsky, Rabbi....................... 732-905-8635

to be added to our directory send detailed info to cityspiritmag@gmail.com

Consumer alert: As of February 2013

Solar Rebates will be Significantly Reduced

Testimonial

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California Preferred Solar Lic. #929364

Member of California Solar Initiative

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Registration for

Spring Semester 2013 Now Open

Spring Semester Begins

February 4th

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Touro College Los Angeles

1317 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood • 323 822 9700

www.touro.edu/losangeles • email: tourola.admission@touro.edu Touro College Los Angeles is a division of Touro University Worldwide, which is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior College and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges: 985 Atlantic Ave. #100, Alameda, CA 94501-6444: Tel. 510-748-9001. Touro College Los Angeles is an Equal Opportunity Institution.