CitySpirit May 2010

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Volume 3 Issue 5 May 2010 | Sivan 5770

west coast

Jewish Living

The Wandering Jew

exclusive interview

book feature

Join

Bestselling Author

With

Hershel Lieber

Binyomin Pruzansky

Chuck DeVore

as he takes you on an armchair tour through sunny Greece

brings you a new collection of heartwarming and extraordinary stories of strength and faith

leading Republican contender CA Primary for U.S. Senate

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get get into into the the spirit spirit Editor Tova Klein Contributing Writers Tama Beck Rabbi Gershon Bess Hadassah Esther Rabbi Effie Goldberg Rebecca Klempner Rabbi Boruch Leff Hershel Lieber Manny Saltiel, Pharm. D. Rabbi Gershon Weiss Publisher Mati Jacobovits STAFF WRITER Esti Drebin Food Faigy Grossman kids Spirit Fraydee Mozes

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CITY spirit May 2010

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Dear Readers, Dear Readers, The countdown has begun. After Pesach, the summer seems just around the corner. Children (as well as many parents) can’t wait for school to be over and vacation to begin. Camp is on the minds of mothers thinking what needs to be prepared, pulled out or bought for camp. Graduations are being planned and of course many chasunas (weddings) are hopefully on the calendars.

But everyone is counting down to one of the most important events in Jewish history, if not the most, matan Torah (The Giving of the Torah)! We are counting sefirah and just passing Lag B’Omer with Shavuos on the horizon.

Are we truly preparing ourselves for this big event? We count upwards instead of counting down like with a rocket ship taking off; 10,9,8,7,6.... Each day we count upward, we should try elevating ourselves, if even with baby steps, to get to our own personal next level and strengthen our convictions to be ready to receive the Torah as if for the first time.

It’s so important to work on ourselves and be a walking kiddush Hashem (sanctification of the name of G-d), especially now when the world seems to be out of control with earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, etc. In actuality when the world seems to be running amok, it becomes clearer that humans are not in control. It is easier to understand and more obvious that there is a Being in much greater control than we can imagine, or else how would virtually the whole of Europe be brought to a stand still for about a week in the year 2010?

When the world is relatively calm and

life goes on as usual or without catastrophic interruptions, we feel so much more in control. Today, the “Good old days” are gone. We can’t ignore our neighbors. We can’t be so uninvolved in community affairs and leave it to the next guy. We are on the homestretch to not only Shavuos, but the coming of Moshiach, may it be soon. We all have amazing qualities that we can contribute to our communities near and far on whatever level time-wise or monetarily we can make available. We just have to add it to our priority list. Each person can reach down deeply within and find ways to grow and be ready for Shavuos - not just for the delicious cheesecake (page 42) - while including any type of contribution towards the greater good of our people.

In the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of meeting with Robert Rechnitz, a true example of a person who looks for ways to fill the needs of our communities locally and abroad. He was the Chairman of this past Jerusalem Conference (page 10) in February and has opened my eyes to what can be accomplished on many levels to help our communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

I also had the honor of interviewing Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (page 11), hopefully to become the next U.S. Senator in California. He is a tremendously accomplished man with integrity, family values, and a friend to Israel.

Enjoy all our columnists and please patronize our advertisers - they are the one who make this magazine possible.

Happy Shavuos to all!

Tova

may 2010

contents features

11 Exclusive Interview with

17

Chuck DeVore, leading Republican contender CA Primary for U.S. Senate A sampling of heartwarming stories from the new book Stories That Warm The Heart

by Binyomin Pruzansky

38 Our very own Wandering Jew Hershel Lieber takes you on a tour to sunny Greece

community spirit

in this issue

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26

Letters

Point of View

Rabbi Effie Goldberg

10

Jerusalem Conference

16

The Zechor Foundation

28 Dvar Halachah Rabbi Gershon Bess

30 Inspiration

kid spirit

Rabbi Boruch Leff

44 Shavuos Games

36 Advice from Over-the-Counter

Fraydee Mozes

Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D.

44 The Mystery of the

36 Education

Vanishing Cheesecake

Rebecca Klempner

Hadassah Esther

40 Dining In Again

46 Benny P.I.

51 Tama Tells All Tama Beck

Ari Guidry

Faigy Grossman

on the cover

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he cover image by Fraydee Mozes is entitled Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), and was created exclusively for CitySpirit Magazine. The image illustrates the moment Moshe Rabeinu (Moses our Teacher/Rabbi) presented the Aseres Ha’dibrot (the Ten Commandments) to Benei Yisroel (the Jewish nation). This 100% digital painting was designed to look like it was done using traditional paint. (See page

14 for step by step details.)

Fraydee Mozes (a.k.a., Michelle Mozes) is a recent graduate of Brooklyn College where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Fraydee was the recipient of a first place gold medal for the Shaw Award, a prestigious scholarship prize, in recognition of her outstanding work in cartooning and animation.

Fraydee currently works as a free-

lance artist and has many clients. Her portfolio includes animations, illustrations, comics, sculptures, as well as other media. You can check out her website to view a sample of her incredible portfolio at www.enchantma.com Fraydee’s paternal grandmother, Batsheva Mozes, is a long time resident of Hancock Park in Los Angeles. She is one of Fraydee’s biggest fans and supporters.

A cover fee of $50 includes the cooking class and dinner.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 310-214-4999 or visit www.jccmb.com 2108 Vail Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

CITY spirit May 2010 7

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Dear Tova and Mati, I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful article that you wrote about Touro College Los Angeles. It was so insightful. It was clear that you understood both the community and the school.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and endorsement of our institution. We so value copy from your magazine. TCLA feels that City Spirit is the journal that best represents the frum pulse in LA. May you continue to succeed in bringing outstanding journalism to the Orthodox Jewish population of LA. Esther Lowy, Ph.D., MBA Dean, Touro College Los Angeles Dear CitySpirit, Thank you for the article on The Friendship Circle of Los Angeles and our newest program, a Hebrew School for children who have special needs. We have received many compliments about the informative interview you conducted with Miriam Rav-Noy. We recently began our second class for higher functioning children and still continue to see success on a weekly basis in the class that began in November. The many phone calls and inquiries we received because of your terrific article has once again shown us how important this program is for so many children in the Los Angeles community.

Toda Rabah for sharing this most needed and appreciated addition to an every growing population.

Gail Rollman Director of Public Relations, The Friendship Circle

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Jerusalem Conference

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CITY spirit May 2010

he 7th Annual Jerusalem Conference was recently held in the Regency Hotel in Mount Scopus, Jerusalem. This conference offers a unique Israeli forum each year for debate and discussion of current topics found at the forefront of Israel’s national agenda, including social values, political and national ambitions, and challenges and external threats standing before Israel and the rest of the Western world.

Participants heard directly from experts on topics relating to Jerusalem in particular and Israel in general. The high profile speakers’ roster included Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Knesset Opposition Leader Tzipi Livni, and a number of government and military officials. Common themes discussed in many of the sessions were the future of Jerusalem, Iran, and the growing threat of missile attack.

The Jerusalem Conference came to a close with a keynote speech delivered by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

The Prime Minister, having just returned from a visit with Russian leaders in Moscow, addressed Conference participants as well as senior officials, university students, and lay leaders in attendance.

Netanyahu spoke about the city of Jerusalem, detailing the freedom of movement to all people of all religions within the city, which he says was only made possible once the city of Jerusalem came under the sovereignty of the State of Israel. “In Jerusalem there is freedom of movement and worship to everyone, which was not in existence beforehand.” He

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continued, “We want to deepen the coexistence in Jerusalem.

This is possible on the condition that Jerusalem will not be partitioned again and will not deteriorate and be used as a location for violent struggle and terrorism. This is perhaps a far vision, but it is possible.”

Netanyahu also addressed the growing threat of Iranian nuclear weapon development. "Radical Islam, which is led by Tehran, undermines the very existence of the State of Israel.

This threat is not only on us, but on the entire world. This is a threat on world peace. The arms race threatens us, naturally, but it threatens the entire world as well.” Netanyahu called for the strict sanctioning of Iran by the international community, detailing what kind of sanctions he felt were required to meet the desired ends For more information about the Jerusalem Conference, or to read about or watch videos of the speeches delivered during the conference, please visit the website at www.jerusalemconference.com

L-R: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu together with Jerusalem Conference Chairman Robert Rechnitz

R-L: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Stanley Treitel, Associate VP, NCYI, Jerusalem Conference Co-Coordinator; Shlomo Z. Mostofsky, President, NCYI (in background)

Support and Defend An Exclusive Interview with

Chuck DeVore State Assemblyman Lt.Col. U.S.Army intelligence Officer aerospace businessman fiscal and social conservative pro-Israel advocate

by Tova Klein

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recognized Chuck for his legislation improving childcare (2006).

Chuck served as a City Commissioner for the City of Irvine 1991-96) and was chairman of the city’s Community Services Commission.

A graduate of the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College, his awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and others.

He authored the acclaimed novel, China Attacks in 1999 – which was banned in China when it was translated into Chinese the following year. One of Chuck’s many areas of expertise is China, and he has good relations with Taiwanese government and military leaders.

Chuck and Diane were married in 1988; They have two daughters. Diane is an accredited teacher and a member of the Federation of Republican Women.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking to State Assemblyman Chuck Devore to conduct this exclusive interview for CitySpirit Magazine.

CITY spirit May 2010

huck DeVore is the only candidate who is both a sitting elected official and a decorated U.S. Army officer running in the June 8th Republican primary for U.S. Senate to determine who will run against incumbent Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in the all-important November 2010 Congressional elections.

Since 2004, Chuck DeVore has represented 500,000 Orange County constituents in the California State Assembly, where he is the vice chairman, Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation; serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee, as well as the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.

He has been honored as the Legislator of the Year by several groups, including, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, State Commanders Veterans Council (an umbrella organization of nineteen veterans groups), Southern California Contractors Association, Young Republican Federation, California College Republicans, and the Republican Party of Orange County.

The Claremont Institute named Chuck as a prestigious Lincoln Fellow (2004) and United Way of Orange County

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 community spirit Which leaders have been your role models?

Ronald Reagan is my hero, a great man who believed in the Constitution of the United States and the betterment of mankind. I admire him tremendously and his words, deeds and actions have had a very positive influence on my political viewpoints.

What is your educational background and when did you first go to Israel?

I first went to Israel in 1984, when I was studying at the American University in Cairo. Working my way through school and appreciating the value of a dollar, I joined the Army Reserves and earned a scholarship and finished Claremont College with my major in strategic studies.

In 1983, I enlisted in the U.S. Army, earning an ROTC scholarship that allowed me to attend Claremont McKenna College where I graduated with honors with a degree in strategic studies in 1985. I was commissioned an officer.

Having the opportunity to study abroad, I had to choose carefully as I was an intelligence analyst. Appreciating the strategic importance of the Middle East to America, I chose the English-language American College in Cairo, Egypt. From there, I was able to travel all over the region, gaining knowledge and experience – and even learning to speak some Arabic.

I have since been to Israel four times. My first visit to Israel was not a

culture shock, as I have traveled around the world and implicitly felt more comfortable there than in Egypt. In Israel, I was treated warmly, felt totally accepted and was shown exceptional hospitality.

Each time I go to Israel, I am astounded by the growth and development – the constantly changing skyline, the booming economy, the vibrancy of Tel Aviv, the spirituality of Jerusalem… it is all wonderful!

What do you believe is your greatest contribution to Israel that you made in your career thus far?

I am very proud to have served as a Reagan White House appointee as a Special Assistant for Foreign Affairs in the Pentagon from 1986 to 1988. In that capacity, I was able to be instrumental in helping to start America’s support of the development of Israel’s Arrow antitactical ballistic missile systems. As Special Assistant for Foreign Affairs my duties included working with Congress to advance the President’s foreign and military policy.

(Note: House Panel Boosts Israel’s Missile Defense Funds; see below)

What is your political background?

After more than twenty-four years of active reserve service, I retired from the Army National Guard and continue to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army retired Reserve.

Since age nineteen, I have been an active volunteer for the Republican Party, serving in the leadership of several

organizations. I was elected to the Orange County Republican Party Central Committee in 1992 and reelected four times. I served as chairman of the ethics committee.

I worked in the aerospace industry for thirteen years and was vice president of research before leaving work to begin serving as an elected official.

In the Jewish world, I was the “token goy” on the Orange County JNF’s board of directors.

What is the main idea that you stand for?

Upholding the Constitution is the centerpiece of my values as a candidate.

The new billboards campaign clearly backs up my position by featuring me standing in front of an image of the Constitution with the words from the oath of office, “…Support and Defend,” along with “ChuckDeVore.com” and “U.S. Senate.”

What would be your main objectives as Senator?  The first focus is to reduce America’s debt, which is a huge undertaking.

• California is more dependent on capital formation.

• High federal tax rates on business and capital gains do not serve California well.

• Reducing corporate tax and capital gains tax would encourage investment in our state, especially in the biotech industry in San Diego, the tech companies in Silicon Valley and many small

CITY spirit May 2010

House Panel Boosts Israel’s Missile Defense Funds

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The House Appropriations Committee approved $150 million for Israel’s Arrow and short-range missile defense program, The Jerusalem Post reported. The Arrow program is one of the most advanced missile defense systems around and has been proven to work in tests. The funding includes $25 million for the co-production of the Arrow in the United States, $26

million to explore ways to extend the missile defense shield and $19 million for the short-range “David’s Sling” program, which aims to block missiles traveling distances of more than 40 kilometers. For decades, the U.S. and Israel have maintained a close strategic partnership leading to military innovations of mutual benefit to both countries.)

Excerpted from: Position Paper On Shared Values And Concerns Binding Americans With The State Of Israel

For some 25 years I have this heritage and were influmaintained a deep interest in enced by its values. Thus, the Middle East. I studied for Jewish people do not stand half a year at the American alone in their passion and University in Cairo and, while admiration for the modern in the region, traveled to IsraState of Israel. As America’s el and Lebanon. In 2007, I retime-tested and repeatedly turned from an eight-day trip proven democratic ally in to Israel, deeply impressed a region that often is emby Israel’s emergence, under broiled in strife, ever-changfree market conditions, as a ing alliances, and despotic world leader in technology. fanaticism, Israel’s example Chuck DeVore with the parents of Ehud Goldwasser, the IDF soldier During that trip I met with as a stable, parliamentary kidnapped by the Hezbollah terror group Israeli politicians and milipolity, with an independent tary officers, Arab Muslim citizens of Israel, and grievjudiciary and a robust free press, a melting pot of culing parents of an Israeli soldier kidnapped by the terror tures and ethnicities, religions and beliefs, is admired group Hezbollah. The trip catalyzed my thinking. At the

by Americans of all faiths and ethnicities. For nearly 62 heart of America’s Judeo-Christian heritage, our Foundyears, since its founding in May 1948, and continuing ing Fathers were deeply acquainted with and influenced through the current operations against al-Qaeda and its by the narrative of the Jewish people’s ancient bond allies, America has had no more reliable and consistent to the Biblical Promised Land. They intimately studied friend in the Middle East than Israel.

Isn’t California, especially, a main beneficiary of Israeli advancements?

Absolutely! Besides the obvious ar-

eas in medi-tech, bio-tech, computer technology and security – which not only benefit all areas of California, but throughout America -- California has benefited from the major agricultural techniques that have been developed in Israel. Israel has had many challenging issues in their agricultural sectors, including the constant drought issues, and the tremendous advances it has made are being used here and around the world.

What message would you like to give to the Jewish voters in California?

The Jewish community should open up its horizons and begin to question the commitment to the Democratic Party.

What are President Obama’s Secretary of State Clinton’s policies doing for

California…for America…and for Israel.

Are they reliable friends of Israel?

Everyone should hold them accountable to misguided policies and not let them compromise the security – the very existence -- of Israel.

I have had a solid record with Israel for the past twenty-five years and will be there to continue working towards a secure Israel as U.S. Senator.

Thank you for your time and insightful views, I’m sure our readers will consider your stand when it comes time to vote in the November 2010 Congressional elections.

Thank you, and thanks to all my supporters in the Jewish community.

I appreciate this opportunity to do my job to the best of my ability.

CITY spirit May 2010

business owners.

• Big government tends to injure our liberties.  We also need to push against Obama’s position of continual pressure on Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians -- before the Palestinians even talk about any concessions to Israel.  President Obama should ease up and as a U.S. Senator, I expect to use my established pro-Israel advocacy to fight for • Israel’s right to secure borders • Jerusalem as the Eternal Capital of the Jewish State • continued growth of Jewish communities in the ancient homeland.

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Rabbi Aryeh Greenes Appointed Spiritual Leader of Congregation Bais Naftoli

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planned including a shiur (lesson) ndrew Friedman, President studying the Kuzari. of Congregation Bais NafRecently, a number of revered toli has announced the apRebbes have spoken at the shul, inpointment of Rabbi Aryeh Greenes cluding the Nikolsburger Rebbe and as Spiritual Leader of the Congrethe Biale Rebbe. In addition, the gation. Rabbi Greenes was born in world renowned Kalliver Rebbe will New York City and received his edube delivering a droshe (sermon) on cation at Mesivta Long Beach; Beth the Shabbos before Shavous (ParMedrash Govoha, Lakewood, NJ; shas Bamidbar).

Mirrer Yeshiva, Yerushalayim; and Famous Chazanim, including Reb Kollel Bais Yitzchok, Pittsburgh, PA. Michoel Streicher from YerushaHe was a founding member of Torah layim as well as Yehuda Green from Ohr, a Sephardic Congregation in the Carlebach shul, were recent Los Angeles and also served as Toguests. The world renowned Chazan rah Ohr’s Vice President. Currently, (cantor)- Moshe Schulhof davened he is a Rabbinic Counselor of Law in (prayed) on Shabbos prior to Lag Batei Din (Judicial Courts).

L-R: Andrew Friedman, President of Congregation B’omer (Parshas Emor).

Congregation Bais Naftoli is Bais Naftoli with Rabbi Aryeh Greenes Under the secular leadership of composed of Holocaust survivors Andrew Friedman, the most recent guests of the shul included and modern American professionals. It is the only shul west Gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown, Sheriff Lee Baca, Suof Chicago with a morning Daf Yomi shiur in Ivrit which is pervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, given by Rabbi Pinchos Gruman. With Rabbi Greenes as the Police Chief Charles Beck, and Fire Chief Millage Peaks. new Spiritual Leader, additional shiurim (lessons) are being

Cover Image: Matan Torah Artist, Fraydee Mozes, Explains How It’s Done

CITY spirit May 2010

STEP 1

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STEP 2

The cover image entitled Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah) by Fraydee Mozes illustrates the moment Moshe Rabeinu (Moses our Teacher/Rabbi) presented the aseres ha’dibros (the ten commandments) to Benei Yisroel (the Jewish nation).

It is a 100% digital painting designed to look like it was created using traditional paint.

First, the base colors of the mountain and sky were applied in Photoshop. The details of the clouds, mountains, and people

STEP 3

STEP 4

were then smoothed out and “painted” in Corel Painter. In this program, digital artists draw as if they are handling actual paint, and the result is more painterly than cleaner digital works. For the final steps, the image was then imported back in to Photoshop, and the lighting was drawn in, and some additional shadows were added as well.

Lastly, a slight texture was applied to the overall image to appear as if it was painted on an actual canvas.

The Zachor Foundation Ben Lesser, Holocaust Survivor, Finds a Unique Way To Help Our Children Remember!

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to be done and started the Zachor Foundation. In less than he Fifth Commandment instructs us “To honor thy twelve months, we have manufactured and given out, free of Father and Mother”. As children and families of Holocharge, more than 35,000 pins. Schools and organizations all caust Survivors, this commandment has added meanover the world are calling and requesting these pins and we ing. That added meaning is to honor our parents memory by want to fill every request. However we cannot do this alone remembering the Holocaust; “Zachor.” and need your help.

We honor them by never forgetting their memory or all that they suffered and endured to give us our freedoms, liberPlease join us in this worthy cause and help us continue to make ties and of course, Israel. We owe them much more than honor a difference and have an impact on students around the world. Visit and thanks. We owe them a debt of gratitude that will never us www.ZachorFoundation.org to learn more. be re-paid until all racism, hate and prejudice is erased in this world. Until that day, the Holocaust must be taught and talked about. It must be remembered.

We remember the Holocaust in several ways. We hand down to our children A LATT NTRODUCING the stories we have learned. We teach Holocaust education in our schools. We pause and take time to remember on yartzheits, Yom Hashoah and the anniversary of Kristallnacht. We do many things, but the question is do we do enough? Can we do more?

Here at the Zachor Foundation, we believe that we can do more and that is why we exist. We have discovered that doing one small thing can have a huge impact on Holocaust education programs here and around the world. I know this is true because I am a Holocaust survivor and have been telling my story to audiences around the country for more than sixteen years. But just over a year ago that all changed…for the better.

Just over a year ago I began ending my presentations by handing out a small pin with the Hebrew letters of the word PRIVATE HOMES & OFFICES | WEDDINGS | SHEVA BROCHOS | & MORE “zachor”….”remember”. I never could have anticipated the responses gotten by givHOTELS: WARNER CENTER, LAX HILTON, LAX WESTIN ing out this small, tangible memento.

L G

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CITY spirit May 2010

Students of all ages respond saying “I will never forget what I have learned today”, “I will cherish this pin forever” and “This pin will be handed down to my children.”

My presentations have always generated a response, but never like this.

It was then that I knew what needed

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To Remain A Jew Author: Rav Yitzchak Zilber Publisher: Feldheim In the biting, forbidding winds of Communist Russia, one man staunchly refused to submit.

Not through terrible imprisonment, and not under the threat of mortal peril. In this magnificent story, Rav Yitzchak Zilber’s devotion and sacrifice for Torah Judaism under oppression shines through in the bleakness of what was. The “father” to countless unfortunate Jews in the Soviet Union and Israel, and an extraordinary figure in the kiruv movement in Israel and in the Diaspora, Rav Yitzchok was renowned for standing up for his beliefs and encouraging hundreds of others to do the same.

With photographs, anecdotes, and a compelling tone, this autobiography, comprised of accounts Rav Zilber told during his lifetime, is truly an uplifting read. Translated from the original Russian and Hebrew editions.

Lieber

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A World After This A MeMoir of Loss And redeMption

This is the story of one woman, Lola Lieber, a Hungarian-Polish Jewess, who survived and has chosen during her lifetime to tell the story of the ordeals of her survival and the strength of her faith and courage against all odds. It is also the memoir of a marriage that was a true working partnership, as well as a marital bond of extraordinary depth.

With her husband, Mechel, beside her, Lola defied authority, confronted the devil Eichmann in person, never giving up her faith in God and her belief that she and Mechel would be together at the end. The title of this book comes from a comment Mechel made at a bittersweet time in their lives. His words: “There will be a world after this,” thankfully, would turn out to be true.

You are about to embark on a journey that begins in Hungary, in the town of Munkach, goes forward into Krynica and on into Krakow, Niepolomice, the Bochnia Ghetto, Kosice, Budapest, Debrecen, Bucharest, and finally Munich. It is an adventure of harrowing events and many close calls. It is, in the end, the story of the survival of a woman who will go on in her life to help repair the lost tapestry of Jewish life and to become a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, as well as an accomplished artist.

Uncle Moishy Volume 16

CITY spirit May 2010

Author: Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Publisher: Schocken One of the most admired religious thinkers of our time issues a call for world Jewry to reject the self-fulfilling image of “a people alone in the world, surrounded by enemies” and to reclaim Judaism’s original sense of purpose: as a partner with God and with those of other faiths in the neverending struggle for freedom and social justice for all.

During the last two thousand years, Jews have lived through persecutions that would have spelled the end of most nations, but they did not see anti-Semitism written into the fabric of the universe. They knew they existed for a purpose, and it was not for themselves alone. Rabbi Sacks believes that the Jewish people have lost their way, that they need to recommit themselves to the task of creating a just world in which the divine presence can dwell among us.

Rabbi Sacks’ powerful message of tikkun olam–of using Judaism as a blueprint for repairing an imperfect world–will resonate with people of all faiths.

A WorLd After this

Author: Lola Lieber Publisher: Devora Publishing This is the story of one woman, Lola Lieber, a Hungarian-Polish Jewess who survived and has chosen during her lifetime to tell the story of the ordeals of her survival and the strength of her faith and courage against all odds. It is also the memoir of a marriage that was a true working partnerLoLA Lieber ship as well as a marital bond of extraordinary depth. With her husband, Mechel, beside her, Lola defied authority, confronted the devil Eichmann in person, never giving up her faith in God and her belief that she and Mechel would be together at the end.

The title of this book comes from a comment Mechel made at a bittersweet time in their lives. His words: There will be a world after this, thankfully, his words would turn out to be true.

12/5/2009 9:39:34 PM

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Future Tense

Artist: Uncle Moishy Genre: Children Possibly the longest running children’s series has released yet another amazing album. Suki & Ding present Uncle Moishy Volume 16. This CD features many recent Jewish music favorites, including Lipa Schmeltzer’s smash, Hantalach, sung as “Wash it/Natilas Yadai’im”

A.K.A. Pella CD Volume 4 Artist: A.K.A. Pella Genre: Acapella C.D. Eichler and the boys of A.K.A. Pella are back with their latest masterpiece “A.K.A. Pella – Platinum.” They took the biggest hits of the last year or two and crammed them all into one amazing album in a way that only they can. Some of the guest vocalists featured on the album include Dovid Gabay, Beri Weber, Yossi Green, Shalsheles Jr. as well as a collaboration with another acapella group - Kol Ish. So this Acapella season, you have to ask yourself only one question… when will I buy this album?

(NOTE: No musical instruments were used in the production of this album. Certain sounds were produced using the human voice and may sound like real musical instruments.)

Ben Snof: The Journey Artist: Ben Snof Genre: Israeli One of the hottest new singers now in Israel is this young man, Ben Snof. His vocal range and emotion are incredible.

Ben Snof is being compared to Chaim Yisroel and Meydad Tasa, once you hear him you will be amazed.

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n a world that can sometimes seem cold and harsh, it is comforting to be aware that Hashem is always watching over us.

From the bestselling author Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky of the popular Stories for the Jewish Heart series come the most heartwarming, heart-tugging stories ever!

Stories That Warm The Heart published by ArtScroll/Mesorah is scheduled for release on May 5th, 2010.

In this book Rabbi Pruzansky brings us stories of heroism, of sacrifice for Torah, of extraordinary encounters, and of the strength and faith of Jews all over the world.

Following is a sampling of stories that are sure to inspire and touch us, warm our hearts and our souls and help us find Hashem’s Hand in all that happens.

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Strength to Struggle I once attended a Shabbaton organized by a certain kiruv organization, and I shared several inspiring stories during the Shabbos lunch. Afterward, a woman approached me to share her story — one that she felt would give chizuk to people who face difficult times. She requested that I share it with as many people as possible, and, after hearing her tale of such incredible challenge and faith, I am happy to honor her request. This is Chanie’s story.

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My mouth felt twisted and sour with unhappiness, and my eyes suddenly, alarmingly, blurred with tears.

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rom early childhood, my sister Rochel and I were as close as sisters could be. We talked about everything together, and we each did our best to be a listening ear and a sounding board for the other’s troubles. It was the natural thing, therefore, that she would turn to me as she was suffering through a difficult divorce. I stayed with her through every grueling step of the process, and then continued to stay with her for all that came afterward. After all, her son had gotten engaged, and there was work to do.

From the invitations to the gowns and the hall rental, I was there to see Rochel through all the preparations. We panicked together, we laughed together, and we sat up late, planning and imagining. I did my sisterly best to keep Rochel’s mind off her own recent troubles and refocus it upon the upcoming time of joy. With Hashem’s help, the wedding soon became a reality and, in fact, a great success!

The problems began after the wedding.

My siblings and I had offered to host one of the sheva berachos for the new chassan and kallah, but there was one undecided issue: should we invite Rochel’s ex-husband? Some of us — myself among them — were of the opinion that it would be a terrible injustice to deny a father the right to attend his own son’s simchah. Others felt differently, and thought it would unforgivably mar Rochel’s own simchah if we were to invite the man who had caused her so much heartache and pain.

Although we endeavored to keep this discussion from Rochel, she somehow got wind of what we were debating. She became quite upset at what she viewed as our unwelcome meddling in her affairs and insisted that her ex-husband definitely be invited. She couldn’t believe that any of her siblings would dis-

agree with this and, somehow, she came to believe that I was behind it.

How can I describe the pain of what happened next? I made the effort to visit her — my dear sister — and apologize for the perceived slight. Though I attempted to defend myself, Rochel wouldn’t hear me. Pleas turned to demands, demands to insults, and, finally, she lashed out at me with a deeply cutting statement — one I could not believe would pass her lips. Stunned and in tears, I left her house without another word.

I sat at my kitchen table the next morning, my mind racing furiously. How could Rochel accuse me of saying something I had never said, and how could she speak to me like that? I, who had sacrificed days of my own life to help her deal with her troubles! It wasn’t long before I’d made my decision. I quickly picked up the phone and dialed my brother’s number, fury pounding in my chest.

“Hello?” came his voice, after a couple of rings.

I didn’t bother with formalities. “I’m not going to Rochel’s sheva berachos.”

“What? Chanie, are you serious? Why?” “She has no right to treat me the way she did, and to accuse me of something I didn’t do! I’m not setting foot in that house until she calls me to apologize for what she said!”

“Chanie, listen. I don’t know what happened, but I know that she’s your sister and we are family. If you don’t want to come for her sake, come for the family.”

“No! I’ll never —” “Listen, before you make any rash decisions, just think about what I said. This isn’t for Rochel, okay?

It’s for all of us. I’m going to go now, and I hope we’ll see you later.”

Ultimately, I did end up making an appearance at the sheva berachos. I sat at the table, ate the food, and smiled at the camera. After all, it was for the family. I did not, however, approach Rochel to wish her a mazel tov. Until she apologized for the other night, I would not speak to her.

To my astonishment and pain, Rochel never came over to make amends. She sailed through the evening, all the smiles and well-wishes, without sparing me a second glance, and I returned home burning

with rage. As far as I was concerned, the close bonds of our sisterhood had been severed. Save for her apology, I decided I would never speak to my sister again.

The feud stretched into days, weeks, and months.

Summertime arrived and, with pain still fresh in my heart, I traveled to the bungalow colony, hoping to enjoy the mountain air and find some peace from my troubles. Somehow, though, the greenery and sunshine seemed pale and unexciting that year. I spent most of my summer brooding over the injustice done to me so many months ago, missing Rochel so badly that it hurt, and yet furious with her for never calling, never apologizing.

All the bitterness finally came to head one Friday afternoon in the late summer, as I was driving down the local highway on my way to do some Shabbos shopping. My mouth felt twisted and sour with unhappiness, and my eyes suddenly, alarmingly, blurred with tears. Thus incapacitated, I pulled onto the shoulder and began to cry, pressing my head against the steering wheel and letting the pain-filled tears flow freely at last.

What options did I have? I knew I needed to call Rochel, and yet I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I had been hurt too badly, and I just didn’t have the strength. I needed assistance, and I suddenly knew Who could give it to me. I had an idea.

“Hashem,” I murmured. “I don’t have the strength to call Rochel directly, but there’s a way You could help me do it. My oldest son has been married for several years, and You have not given him children.

Please help him, Hashem, and let me hear good news this month! If I knew I’d soon be a bubby, I could find the strength I need to end this terrible feud. I could have peace.”

I felt drained after this short prayer, and yet … something I couldn’t put my finger on had changed.

I felt inwardly confident, as though I’d just been reassured that everything would be just fine. There was only one thing left to do. Shakily, I picked up the phone …. *** The summer was ending, and I was back in Brooklyn. Much had changed. I had my dear sister again, and we were making up for lost time, calling each other constantly and trying to recapture the ups and downs of the past months. I couldn’t believe we had really spent that length of time angry at each other.

From this end of things, it all seemed so unimportant.

I got the phone call from Chaim as I was shopping for Shabbos on Coney Island Avenue.

“Ma? Are you alone?” was his first question.

My heart began pounding. “Yes, why?”

“There’s something I have to tell you.”

I almost choked. “What? What is it, Chaim?”

“Ma, you’re going to be a bubby ….”

It was only on my way home that, through my tears of joy, I suddenly realized that this Friday afternoon was exactly four weeks since my reconciliation with Rochel and my special prayer to Hashem! But the story doesn’t end there.

It was closer to Shabbos that same day, and I was wrapping up some last-minute preparations. The phone rang, and the caller ID announced that it was my other son, Dovid, calling from Lakewood. I figured it to be my usual “Gut Shabbos” call, so you can imagine how my heart leapt to my mouth at his first words: “Ma, are you alone? I have good news for you!”

It’s hard to describe my feelings that day. Hashem had not just answered my prayers, but He had answered them twofold! He had seen that I truly wanted help in overcoming the challenge He had given me, and He lovingly lifted me up and over the obstacles.

When life besets us with difficulties, there is always Someone there to help us through them. *** After hearing Chanie’s story, I immediately understood the powerful lesson for those who struggle with difficulty. When faced with a personal challenge that you do not believe you can overcome, tell it to Hashem! Ask Him to assist you with the issues that stand in your way, in order to leave you free to deal with your core challenge.

I was amazed when I found the source for Chanie’s approach in the Torah: In Parashas Vayeitzei, Yaakov Avinu sleeps at the site of the future Beis HaMikdash and dreams his well-known dream of the ladder extending to the heavens while angels ascend and descend. Hashem stands atop this ladder, and Yaakov wakes up in fright, realizing that he has stumbled upon a very holy place. He then vows: “If Hashem will be with me, and guard me upon the path that I walk, and provide me with bread to eat and clothing to wear, then I will return in peace to my father’s house, and Hashem will be a G-d to me.”

The Rishonim grapple with this last statement.

What, exactly, was Yaakov suggesting? That only if

When faced with a personal challenge that you do not believe you can overcome, tell it to Hashem!

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 feature G-d were to provide certain things for him would Yaakov be able to acknowledge Him as G-d?

In light of Chanie’s story, I think we can understand this vow.

Yaakov had just beheld a vision of Hashem Himself, and learned that it would be his duty to create a nation of Yisrael to serve Hashem along specified guidelines. It was an enormous, seemingly insurmountable challenge, and Yaakov needed a great deal of strength to accomplish it! That’s why he asked

Hashem to clear a path for him — to see to it that he was always provided with his basic needs in order to allow him the freedom to perform his duty to the world. Only if Hashem would agree to be with Yaakov every step of the way could Yaakov’s mission become a reality.

Chanie never realized that she was using her forefather’s approach to challenging situations, and yet the One Who answered Yaakov answered her, as well.

For Hashem, no challenge is too difficult.

King of the Jungle Am Yisrael has been chosen by Hashem to be a model of an upstanding nation among the nations of the world. It is our duty to live up to this status by learning and living by the laws of the Torah. In this fascinating story recounted

by Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer, we learn how one man discovered what it means to be chosen.

I I made a promise to myself.

I was going to find out what it meant to be part of a chosen people.

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came to daven Maariv one night in a shul in Jerusalem. I often stop in this particular shul to daven, and over a period of time, I became friendly with a young man named Aton Reese,* who heads a night kollel there. Aton learns during the day in a prestigious kollel under the direction of a prominent rav; then, at night, Aton run his own kollel for a select group of men. We had a few minutes until Maariv, so I asked Aton what he had heard from his rosh kollel that day.

Aton replied, ‘‘Today the rosh kollel talked about the berachah we say on the Torah each morning: Asher bachar banu mikol haamim, venasan lanu es toroso [Who chose us from all the nations of the world and gave us His Torah]. The Tur says [Orach Chaim 47] that when you recite this berachah each morning you should think about maamad Har Sinai [the revelation on Mount Sinai], how Hashem chose us from all the nations of the world and allowed us to hear His words from the midst of the fire.”

As Aton continued to talk about this topic, he began to get choked up. I wondered why he was becoming so emotional, and finally I asked him.

Aton replied, ‘‘Rabbi, it’s a long story. You see, I wasn’t always like this. Four years ago, believe it or not, I was living a totally different lifestyle. I was not Name has been changed to preserve anonymity of story subjects.

religious at all. I spent my days hanging out on the beaches of Tel Aviv, and following my heart’s desires.

I traveled the world, seeking out fun and excitement.

I was always searching for new thrills.

“At one point, my travels brought me to the jungles of Africa. I was excited by the adventure. I rented a jeep, took my backpack and a map, and set off for the adventure of my life.

“One day, while I was traveling through the wilds, I saw a young African boy in the distance. As I came near him, he stretched out his hand toward me. This was not an unusual sight, and I had already gotten used to such encounters. When these young African boys see a foreigner, they stretch out their hands in the hopes of receiving some candy. I was prepared for this, so I stopped the car near the boy and signaled him to wait a moment as I stuck my hand in my backpack to find a treat.

“As I took the candy out, I looked up and suddenly, I had the shock of my life. I was totally surrounded by a very large group of threatening Africans. The boy had been part of a ploy to entrap a tourist. The boy would get the tourist to stop, and then the others would pounce on their prey.

“I immediately thought of slamming down on the gas pedal, but realized that in my open jeep and faced by these wild men armed with machine guns and machetes, I would certainly not survive an attempt to escape. My life flashed through my mind and fear gripped my heart as the men made menacing motions and sounds that I could not understand. They were obviously going to rob me — or worse.

“Suddenly, the head of the group began to ap-

proach my jeep as the rest of the men made way for their leader. With a fearsome face and with gun in hand, he came close to me. It seemed that it would soon be all over. This was truly a living nightmare. ‘‘‘Where you from? Where you from?’ said the man in broken English.

“I wasn’t sure what to answer. Should I tell him the truth? He would certainly kill me if he found out I was Jewish. Should I lie? I decided that it was safest to tell the truth, as they would probably find out anyway when they took my wallet and found my Israeli driver’s license. ‘‘‘I am from the land of Israel,’ I said, with fear in my heart. “‘You from Israel?’ he asked incredulously. ‘Israel!’ He seemed to be getting excited about this revelation. I thought that now I was really in trouble as he began to tell his men where I was from. Then he turned to me and said something astonishing. “You chosen people! You chosen people!” He shouted.

“His sinister expression turned into a giant smile and he began to laugh. He seemed to be admiring the fact that I was a Jew. All the men began to jump up and down in excitement. As they repeated his words, “chosen people, chosen people,” I was shocked beyond words. They were ecstatic that they had met a Jew. “And I, in turn, felt lower then ever. Here I was in the depths of the African jungle, and these African men were telling me how special the Jewish people are. I had never viewed myself as part of a chosen people. Truth be told, I didn’t even know why we were chosen or what being chosen meant.

“As I was sent away with blessings — and unscathed — I made a promise to myself. I was going to find out what it meant to be part of a chosen people.

When I returned to Israel I began my search into Judaism. I discovered a shul in Tel Aviv and attended davening and a daf yomi shiur. A few days after I had joined the shiur, the Rav came over to me and introduced himself. I told him my story, and he advised me to begin my studies in a baal teshuvah yeshivah. I did, and the rest is history.

“That is why this berachah means so much to me.

Each time I say it, I remember just how lucky I am to be a part of the chosen people. And I thank Hashem for giving me the opportunity to learn His Torah.” *** When I heard this remarkable story, it reminded me of an incident I experienced when I was a bachur learning in Mir Yerushalayim. One day, I went to

daven at the Kosel. Everyone knows that one can find the most interesting people coming to pray there; all types of Jews from all walks of life flock to the Kosel.

There are also many non-Jewish tourists who converge on this holy site. So it is not unusual to see a group of Russian or Chinese tourists there. However, on this particular day, there were some very unusual visitors there — a group of ten Africans. They were all very tall, at least 6’ 5”, and they were wearing bright robes and matching caps. Bedecked in red, blue, and purple, adorned with wooden necklaces, these men really stood out in the crowd.

I wondered who the men were and what they were doing at the Kosel. To satisfy my curiosity, I walked over to one of them and politely asked him what was going on. This man spoke to me in broken English and shocked me by what he said: ‘‘We come from a village in Africa, and we truly respect you Jews. We pray for you each and every day because we know that you are the chosen people. G-d has chosen you from all the nations of the world and we await the day when the Messiah will come and announce the truth to the world once and for all.”

I could not believe what this man was saying, and was waiting for him to launch into the inevitable Christian portion of his explanation, but no such words were forthcoming. He and his people had the utmost respect for the Jewish nation.

He then made a request. ‘‘Would you mind if we all took a picture with you? It would be an honor to have a picture with a Jewish rabbi.”

I was taken aback. He viewed me as a rabbi when I was merely a yeshivah bachur, I didn’t even have a beard — just a hat and jacket, like any other bachur. I agreed, and stood in the middle of this group of ten men as someone snapped a picture of us. I realized that to these men, every Jew who wears a yarmulka on his head is viewed as a rabbi and must act accordingly.

Indeed, how fortunate we are to be part of the chosen nation!

Vehayah Hashem l’Melech al kol ha’aretz bayom hahu yiheyeh Hashem Echad u’Shemo Echad!

P.S. If you ever have the opportunity to visit some African village and see a picture of a yeshivah bachur surrounded by a group of African men, you will understand why.

Here I was in the depths of the African jungle, and these African men were telling me how special the Jewish people are.

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A Menorah Comes Home H

families were torn apart from each other to be sent to different labor camps.

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arry Jones was the beloved town mechanic of a small suburb in upstate New York. He lived a quiet, peaceful life in the fresh country air with his wife, two sons, and his dog, Chipper.

For all intents and purposes, he was an upright Christian and a pleasant neighbor. Harry was a perfect fit for his sleepy hometown.

There was, however, a locked safe deep in Harry’s heart. Within its confines hid the memory of a young Jewish man in wartime Warsaw named Heshy Miller.* It was the one secret that amiable, friendly Harry Jones would never share: He was Jewish, and a Holocaust survivor.

The Millers were an upstanding Jewish family in prewar Warsaw. Heshy was the youngest of five brothers and three sisters — the pampered baby of the family, whose older siblings were always there to walk him to cheder, teach him games, and help him in times of trouble. Life before the war was calm and peaceful, and Heshy was slowly learning to adopt the ways of his father — the well-known Rabbi Yerucham Miller — in his approach to Torah and mitzvos.

Then came the nightmarish specter of World War II, and fiends known as Nazis flooded the streets of Warsaw, forcing the Jews into a cramped ghetto to isolate them from the general populace. The Millers were crammed into a small apartment with three other families. Food was scarce, and a horrible fear tainted the air all around them. Daily “selections” became the norm, and families were torn apart from each other to be sent to different labor camps.

It was not uncommon to hear gunshots ring out in the street, and the children soon learned not to peer through the window to see what came in their wake.

Through it all, Rabbi Miller and his wife struggled to maintain a semblance of normalcy — Shabbos was still a holy and relatively joyful time, and all food was evenly divided among the hungry children.

But then there was the morning, three days before Chanukah, when Heshy’s life changed forever.

The Nazis barged into their small ghetto quarters, brutally forcing Heshy and three of his brothers from the apartment before anyone had time to think.

Heshy’s father and oldest brother managed to hide in time, and it was all they could do to watch helplessly Name has been changed to preserve anonymity of story subjects.

as, at last, their family was severed.

Thirteen-year-old Heshy tried to be strong. It was right before Chanukah — a time of hope and miracles. Perhaps, he fervently hoped, they all would be together again for that first night of lighting the menorah, when they would sing, laugh, and enjoy the warmth of family. When the cramped cattle-car in which he had been riding finally stopped, the doors opened to the horrendous sounds and smells of the Auschwitz death camp. His dreams were not to be.

The next three years were the most difficult of Heshy’s life. The baby of the Miller family had no choice but to grow up extremely quickly. Death and despair surrounded him daily, and a person had to be fast on his feet to avoid joining the ranks of the skeletal not-yet-dead prisoners who simply stayed where they were, awaiting peace.

Heshy could not understand how any of this could happen. Why wasn’t Hashem rescuing His people? Why were the thousands of voices crying in desperate prayer going unheeded? There was nobody else in the world left to take care of young Heshy, and a small voice inside him wondered why his Father in Heaven would not do so in their stead.

Somehow, Heshy Miller survived the Holocaust and, immediately upon liberation, set to work trying to locate his family. The child within him still envisioned the idyllic scene of the Millers reunited, basking in the glow of the Shabbos candlelight and the warmth of family. Tragically, it soon became clear that this sustaining image would never become a reality. None of his brothers or sisters had survived the concentration camps, and his father, mother, and oldest brother had eventually been caught within the ghetto and killed. Heshy Miller was alone in the world, and his entire life had gone up in smoke.

That was when Heshy’s faith crumbled to ash as well. For years, he had held onto the hope that he could have his family back, and now he felt abandoned by the One with Whom he had shared these hopes. Wounded, he resolved to abandon Hashem in return. When young Heshy reached the shores of America, he left his connection to anything Jewish far behind him.

The newly-minted Harry Jones became an ap-

prentice car mechanic in Brooklyn, earning enough to put himself through college and pay for room and board. It wasn’t many years before he met Stacy, an unaffiliated Jew who had also lost her entire family to the war. The two soon married, and moved as far away from a Jewish population as they could. The Joneses settled in upstate New York, and never revealed their Jewish roots to anyone.

“We are the Joneses now, no matter what we may have been in the past,” Harry cautioned his wife. “It’s our job to act like it.”

And so Harry contented himself with the life he had chosen, far away from the pain and anguish of the war. For 15 years, this life continued uninterrupted — until something remarkable happened.

Little Jason Jones, Harry’s oldest, was turning 13. To mark this milestone, Harry informed the elated boy that the two of them would go to the county mall and choose whatever item Jason set his eyes on.

Excited, Jason immediately agreed to this idea and father and son were soon off on their trip.

The mall was full of marvelous sights, sounds, and smells. Harry figured they would start with the toy store, which was at the end of the building. They had only just begun to walk toward it when Harry was startled to realize that Jason was no longer beside him.

He found the boy a few feet back, his face glued to the window of an antique shop.

“Jason, come on. The toys are just a minute or two from here.”

Jason turned to look at his father. “But Dad, this is amazing! Come see this!”

Harry sighed. “Really, Jason, why would I care about some old junk? Let’s just hurry up, okay?”

“But Dad, look at it! It’s so cool! What is it?”

Harry gave a brief, annoyed glance at the shop window and his heart skipped a beat. His son was staring at a handcrafted wooden menorah. Certain memories swam immediately to the forefront of Harry’s mind, and he looked away, sharply.

“It’s nice, okay? Now we have to —” “I’m gonna go check it out,” announced Jason, and he entered the shop before Harry could finish his sentence.

Harry slipped in quickly after his son, hoping to stop him, but it was too late. The boy was holding the wooden menorah in both his hands, gazing at it as though hypnotized. He looked up as Harry walked in, his eyes shining.

“Dad, I want this for my birthday.”

“Are you kidding me?” Harry exploded. “You could have a bike, or toys, or thousands of other things! You can’t even play with a piece of junk like this! Why on earth would you want me to spend money on it?”

Jason stood his ground. “Dad, you said I could have anything I wanted for my birthday. This is what I want.”

It was surreal. Jason was an all-American boy, and yet something was drawing him to this menorah.

Harry couldn’t understand it, and certainly didn’t like it, but a promise was a promise.

“Okay,” he sighed. “I’ll ask the shopkeeper what he wants for it.”

He took the menorah, with obvious distaste, and then went to ring a bell at the counter. A man appeared behind it a moment later, but he shook his head when he saw what Harry held in his hands.

“That item is not for sale, sir.”

“What?” Harry was confused. “This is an antique shop. Why wouldn’t an old candlestick be for sale?”

“It’s a priceless artifact,” the shopkeeper explained. “You see, it’s actually a ritual Jewish lamp known as a menorah. Jews light it on their holiday of Chanukah. This one was handcrafted from woodchips during the war, and will probably be worth a great deal in historic value, someday.”

Jason had approached the counter, listening to the shopkeeper with widened eyes. He tugged on his father’s sleeve.

“Dad, you said I could have anything, even if it’s expensive. Can’t you ask how much he wants for it?”

Harry stiffened with resolve. He didn’t want the menorah, but one thing he could never do was break a promise to his son. He began to haggle with the shopkeeper, offering him $500 and finally raising his offer all the way to 1,400. At this point, the shopkeeper realized that he couldn’t push his luck much further and agreed to the sale.

Jason was exhilarated, and father and son left the mall with wide smiles on their faces. It was a lot of money, Harry acknowledged, but it was worth it to prevent Jason’s remembering his birthday as the day his father broke a promise.

When they returned home, Jason immediately retreated to his room with his new toy, where he set about trying to determine how to play with it. First he spun it, which didn’t work too well, and then he threw it in the air. This was fun, and so he threw it in the air again. It all happened very quickly after

It was surreal.

Jason was an allAmerican boy, and yet something was drawing him to this menorah.

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that was when he spotted the rolled up paper slipped into a hollowed crevice in one of the candlesticks.

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that: Jason caught it awkwardly, fumbled desperately to get a better grip, misjudged it, and the menorah promptly crashed to the floor, shattering into a mess of wooden chunks.

“What was that sound?” called Harry, from downstairs.

“Nothing!” shouted Jason desperately, trying to fight back tears.

But Harry suspected the worst, and he raced to his son’s room, only to find that his fears had been realized. He sank to his knees.

“Oh no, Jason. No! I told you to choose something else! Do you know what this piece of junk cost me?

And now it’s gone. I can’t believe you broke it!”

But then Harry glanced at his son’s face, and realized how miserable he looked. Jason was punishing himself enough already — and it was his birthday.

“Sorry, Jason,” mumbled Harry apologetically.

“Let me help you clean this up.”

Harry bent over the pieces of the menorah, and that was when he spotted the rolled up paper slipped into a hollowed crevice in one of the candlesticks. Astonished, he unrolled it and found a note in Yiddish.

For a full minute, he read the note intently and then, suddenly pale and swaying, Harry screamed and collapsed onto the floor of his son’s room.

“Call an ambulance!” screamed Jason, running to find his mother.

It was a while before Harry could be revived enough to stay conscious. Even then, he was white, shaky, and openly weeping.

“What does the note say?” pressed Stacy, holding a cup of water to Harry’s mouth.

“I’ll read it to you,” he finally responded, quietly.

He unrolled the note once again. *** The days of darkness have arrived, and the Nazis are

rounding up the Jews of this town. My family was taken from me, and I do not know their whereabouts or even if they are still alive. I survive in a makeshift bunker that could be found any day, and my fate is therefore uncertain.

Still, I have constructed this menorah, which I hope to light on the first day of Chanukah. I don’t know if I will make it through the next seven, or to next Chanukah, but at least I have done what I can. I have concealed this note in the menorah in the hope that whoever finds it will do me a great favor. Please say Mishnayos for my soul, and please try to perform as many mitzvos as possible for me.

It is the only hope I have left.

— Rabbi Yerucham Miller, son of Rabbi Hershel Miller *** “My father was Yerucham Miller,” sobbed Harry, “and I was named Hershel after his father. My father made this menorah!”

“Does that mean we’re Jewish?” asked Jason, round-eyed.

Harry pulled his son close to him. “Yes, Jason, we’re Jewish. And today was a special day for you. It was your bar mitzvah. It’s something I never thought you’d have, but things are going to change, now. This note was sent to me by Divine guidance, and the message couldn’t be clearer.” *** Harry Jones — now Heshy Miller once again — moved his family back to a Jewish community, where they slowly began to observe the Torah and the mitzvos as a united family. Heshy resolved to carry on his father’s legacy, and absorbed himself in limud Torah, eventually developing into a respected talmid chacham.

The Miller family became loyal children of their Father in Heaven, Who had never left their side, after all.

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 point of view

Can You Hear Me Now? | Rabbi Effie Goldberg

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he other day, my wife and I went bowling with several of our friends. As two of us couples entered the bowling alley we noticed that the rest of the group was already there. My friend and I looked at each other and laughed.

It seemed that we had missed the memo telling us to wear baseball caps instead of our usual yarmulkas.

Being the stubborn Jew that I am, I untucked my shirt and let my tzitzis hang down to prove that I am not embarrassed of who I am and what I stand for. We really enjoyed the night out without the kids but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention what happened to me at the concession counter.

I stood near a man who felt the need to speak derogatorily about my head covering. If he didn’t like my kippah, imagine how he felt about my tzitzis! In an attempt to lighten the mood, I jokingly offered to lend him my attire. His response to my generous offer was, “You Jews are the chosen people

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and I am not one of you.” My immediate thought was, “Chosen for what? Target practice?”

This kind of situation is similar to other encounters told over to me by my students. In my six years working for West Coast NCSY I have come across many public school students interested in exMy job is to teach my pressing their Judaism on campus, via a students about the Jewish symbol such as a magen David or power of free will and kippah, yet they find themselves nervous. that actions come with Living in America, consequences. in the 21st century, why should they be nervous to express religion? This is an age old question, and while the world advances each year, in countless ways, the response to this dilemma stays the same: anti-Semitism. This difficulty is not that different for day school students who would like to dress more modestly, but fear embarrassment and ridicule. So, these students make their choice; their peers or G-d? Some of them withstand the peer pressure, and others don’t. Adults often have to make the same decision in the workplace. It’s not an easy choice.

My job is to teach my students about the power of free will and that actions come with consequences. I encourage them to embrace the dilemma, to think it over, imagine the outcome, and come to a conclusion they can be comfortable with.

The theme of Shavuos is acceptance of the Torah. The Jewish nation said   “We will do and we will listen,” they accepted the Torah unconditionally. However, on Purim, we reaccepted the Torah with,   “We will fulfill and we will receive,” the complete opposite. When Malcolm Gladwell published his top selling book Blink, in which he discusses following one’s gut reaction, his competitor, Michael R. LeGault, came out with Think, following a similar aesthetic for the book cover, and argued that taking your time to think is a better approach than following your gut.

So which was the proper way to accept the Torah, by instinct or an educated decision? The term “think” contains the word “in”. When we think about something, it changes who we are, from the inside. Moments of thought, doubt and uncer-

tainty are all valuable. They’re how we come to constructing ourselves, our character. The different arguments among the scholars in the Talmud are meant to encourage us to deliberate the subject matter, to see things from all sides.

That is how Torah really affects us, it causes us to THINK. We originally accepted the Torah at Har Sinai as proof of our faith in the Al-mighty. At the time, the nation had experienced some rough waters (literally) and had seen what G-d had to offer and the nation wanted in. Accepting the Torah was the obvious choice (Blink). Later, we were faced with doubt and confusion, what if we were wrong? What if it’s too much? So, we partied with the Gentiles and we hit rock bottom. Yet again G-d reached out and saved us from extinction, but this time, He was less obvious. So we thought about it and we recognized His hand and we reaccepted the Torah but it was more deliberate this time.

When Shavuos arrives, we have to revisit the subject and again accept the Torah. G-d has chosen us, but on this holiday, we let Him know that we choose Him.

Rabbi Effie Goldberg was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. After attending high school in Baltimore, MD, Effie learned in Yeshivas Bais Yisroel in Jerusalem, where he received a Bachelor’s in Talmudic Law, in Sha’ar Yashuv in Far Rockaway, NY and then in the Ner Yaakov Kollel in Jerusalem.

He was ordained by Rabbi Zalman Nechemya Goldberg (no relation). He has a Bachelors of Science in Management from Touro College and is certified in addiction counseling from the board of Israel Addiction Professionals.

He graduated from two outreach training programs: Talmidei Aharon Institute and Ner Le’elef, both located in Jerusalem. Effie is a long time NCSY alumnus, having been involved in numerous regions as a student.

He volunteered as an advisor for the Long Island region while in college and was later recruited and trained by Rabbi Steven Burg in 2004 as a Director of Education. He became Regional Director of the West Coast in 2006 and now assumed a new role as Executive Director.

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 dvar halachah

Yahrzeit Candles on Yom Tov|Rabbi Gershon Bess

M

any people have the custom to light a yahrzeit candle whenever the Yizkor Tefilah is recited. Yizkor is said four times a year, on Yom Kippur, and on the last day of each of the Shalosh Regalim. In Chutz La’aretz, [where we live B’avonoseinu Harabim,] the last day of each of the Shalosh Regalim is Yom Tov Sheini. Standard yahrzeit candles burn for only 24 hours, so if they are lit on Erev Shavuos, or on Chol Hamoed Succos or Pesach, they will no longer be burning when Yizkor is to be said. The question is, whether it is permitted to light a yahrzeit candle on Yom Tov itself so that it will remain on for Yizkor.

Certain melachos are permitted to be performed on Yom Tov, but the permission is granted only if the melachah is needed for Yom Tov. It is permitted to cook, light candles for illumination, and light a fire for warmth on Yom Tov, since these

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actions provide a clear benefit for Yom Tov. There is also no problem in lighting Yom Tov candles, since their main function is to provide light in the house. Even nowadays, when our main lighting comes from electrical lights, lighting Yom Tov candles on Yom Tov can be justified by reason of having candles lit for the honor of Yom Tov. Lighting a Yahrzeit candle does not seem to fit into the permitted category since it is neither for illumination nor for the direct honor of Yom Tov. The Mishnah Berurah writes (in Biur Halachah to Hilchos Yom Tov: 514) that preferably, one should light the yahrzeit candle in the room where one eats, in order to benefit from the light of the yahrzeit candle and thereby justify its lighting on Yom Tov. He adds that if it is not possible to light the Yahrzeit candle in the dining room, one may light it on Yom Tov anyway, relying on the fact that the candle is lit for the purpose of a mitzvah, namely, the honoring of parents.

The Mishnah Berurah’s suggestion of lighting the yahrzeit candle where one eats does not work for us, inasmuch as our electrical lighting totally swamps the illumination obtained from a candle. One suggestion is to light the yahrzeit candle in the bedroom of a young child who would benefit from having a night light or in the bedroom, during the time one prepares for sleeping. Recently, yahrzeit candles which burn for 48 hours have come on the market, which completely resolves the problem. If all else fails, the Mishnah Berurah’s heter can be relied upon.

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.

 inspiration

The “Week” Link | by Rabbi Boruch Leff

P

assover has its seder. Purim has its megillah reading.

Chanukah has its menorah. Sukkot has its sukkah.

Shavuot, however, seems to be quite a barren holiday in terms of rituals and commandments. True, many have a custom to remain awake the entire night studying Torah on Shavuot, but this is a custom and not an obligatory law. The Torah does not prescribe any particular directive to be performed on Shavuot. This unique aspect of Shavuot, in contrast to the other festivals, is extremely surprising.

Shavuot is certainly a more significant, more inspirational festival than any of the others. The others derive their validity, both legal and spiritual, from the giving of the Torah, which occurred on Shavuot. Why then must we struggle to find meaning in Shavuot? Beyond the special sacrifices brought on the festival, why shouldn’t the Torah assist us, as it characteristically does, by requiring an observance of some kind that would call to mind the giving of the Torah? Why isn’t there an obligation to recount the story of the Sinai Revelation on Shavuot, similar to the commandment on Passover to tell of the Exodus?

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More questions

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The name Shavuot means “Festival of Weeks.” We refer to it as such in the prayers of the holiday. This name is derived from verses in various places in the Torah, which states: “You should count seven weeks... Then you should observe the Holiday of Weeks.”

We see clearly that the name “Weeks” is a descriptive culmination of the 49 days/seven weeks count which began on Passover.

Strange. Wouldn’t it have made more sense for the holiday to be called the “Festival of Torah”? Even if, for whatever reason, that name would be rejected, the name “Weeks” seems quite dry and incidental. True, we just completed a count of seven weeks, but why is it important to call the festival “Weeks”? Are we celebrating the weeks counted, or the day of the giving of the Torah?

In addition, the Torah never refers to Shavuot by a particular calendar date as it does with all other holidays. Passover is described as the 15th of Nissan, Sukkot the 15th of Tishrei, and so on. Yet Shavuot is mentioned as “seven weeks or 49 days after Passover.” The Torah implies that if theoretically

no one would count the seven weeks, Shavuot would not take place that year. Shavuot can only exist when and if the counting preparations have occurred. Why is this so?

PREPARING TO RECEIVE It would appear, evidently, that we are indeed rejoicing in the “weeks.” This is because without the preparatory weeks, we could not accept the Torah.

The purpose of the counting period is to enable us to prepare for receiving the Torah. We cannot expect to accept the Torah without adequate preparation.

In receiving the Torah, we are entering into a marriage with G-d. Any good marriage consists of a man and woman who have grown spiritually and emotionally throughout their lives as individuals, thus preparing themselves for bonding with another person. Without proper preparation, a marriage begins on shaky ground.

Similarly, we must prepare ourselves for G-d’s giving of the Torah. If we would not prepare for receiving the Torah, it would be impossible for the Torah’s goals, directives, and instructions to stick to us and make an impact. We must first become people worthy of hearing the Torah’s sophisticated message. We must work on our character and only then can we utilize and apply the teachings of the Torah. This idea is expressed in the Talmud: “Without proper character, there is no Torah.”

So G-d established a holiday in which we rejoice in the weeks spent in preparation for the giving of the Torah. We revel in the knowledge that we have become beautiful and refined people that we have become as a result of the previous seven weeks, knowing that it is only due to this tremendous self-improvement that we merit receiving His instructions for living, carrying out G-d’s plans for the world through the Torah.

Celebrating the counting and preparations also brings to life the concept of the application of Torah being primary, and not just the intellectual study, even if one studies with sincere and holy intentions. The goal of study is to impact upon all of our actions and thoughts in fulfilling the entirety of the Torah’s 613 laws. On Shavuot we accept and recommit ourselves to the wholeness of Torah.

COMPLETE CONNECTION

with knowledge of the Torah that we can begin to allow it to impact upon us as people. Only through the knowledge of Torah will our character improve, and only through study will we become familiar with all its laws. But we can’t allow Torah study alone to “steal” the day. We must realize that the focus of Shavuot must be to recommit ourselves to the entirety of Torah and its laws.

Excerpted from “Forever His Students” with permission of Targum Press.

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This clarifies a common misconception regarding Shavuot and returns us to our opening question as to why Shavuot has no specific mitzvah or observance prescribed.

Generally, it is understood that the focus of Shavuot is the commandment to study Torah. While this may be true if measured by a standard of time, since we do spend the entire Shavuot night studying Torah, it is inaccurate, nonetheless.

Rather, the focus of Shavuot should be a reestablishment of our connection to the entire Torah, with all of its laws.

Whenever we experience a festival, we are not simply commemorating an event; we are reliving it. Every festival is an opportunity for growth because the festival is infused with spiritual forces that were unleashed due to some historical event.

On Shavuot, the Jewish people received and accepted the Torah. Thus, every year we accept the Torah anew, and we must find ways in our personal service of G-d to strengthen our commitment to all of Torah.

Perhaps it is for this reason that the Torah does not prescribe a specific ritual observance for Shavuot. On other holidays, the Torah gives specific directions both in the letter and the spirit of the laws. At times, one can “get lost” in the performance of the ritual and fail to achieve significant general growth due to a lack of focus on the general meaning of the festival. The Torah accounts for this, but for most holidays allows the fulfillment of an observance to suffice.

On Shavuot, however, the Torah does not want us to become “distracted” by the performance of any specific commandment. The giving of the Torah is far too powerful and all encompassing to enable any expression of specific ritual through physical action to be meaningful. The Torah includes all commandments. A mitzvah ritual obligation would actually detract from, not enhance, the general goal of a recommitment to the entire Torah on Shavuot.

We learn all night and as much as possible on Shavuot to show how precious the Torah is to us and to express our great desire to know all of G-d’s Torah. It is only

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 Travel

The Wandering Jew Hershel lieber

Ω

Gr∑∑c∑

Civilization and the Sun

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I

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can’t say that we did not have any hesitations when we made plans to visit Greece. After all, Jewish history is replete with condemnation of the Greek polytheistic religion. Grecian art and culture, although admittedly beautiful, has been the cause of the loss to Judaism of many of our brothers and sisters centuries ago. The joyous holiday of Chanuka was created only after we became victorious over the tide of Greek assimilation that prevailed at that time.

Yet, these very facts are what intrigued us to see and try to understand our historical connection to Yavon (Greece in Hebrew).

We originally thought of going to Thessalonica (Salonika) with its rich Jewish historical past. After

The Aegean Sea

∑

some research we realized that there was presently very little to see or experience. Time and expense were also a factor in deciding to limit our expedition to Athens and the nearby islands.

Athens is a busThe Jewish Museum tling metropolis has interesting whose hectic pace exudes excitement. displays showing Streets and plazas are filled with cars, busJewish life and ses and thousand of culture which motorcycles. Swarms of pedestrians comdeveloped in one of pete for space to mathe earliest exile neuver from place to place. The stores are communities since brimming with shopthe destruction of pers and the restaurants are crowded the First Temple in with diners. However, Jerusalem. there are many parks and monuments that offer an oasis of peace and tranquility.

The Acropolis, Athens’ most iconic symbol is definitely not such a place. This is arguably the most important ancient monument in the West and is one the most visited tourist sights in the world. The majesty and beauty of this complex is a feast for the eyes. There are numerous edifices in various states of ruin to see, for example the Parthenon, the Beule Gate, the Propylata and the Erechthelon.

Nearby, is the Theatre of Dionysos, the enormous amphitheatre which is a staple of Greek culture. The Agora and the Roman Agora were the marketplaces of these ancient empires and the focal point of civic and social life. Hadrian’s Arch, which took over 700 years to build, is impressive for its sheer size. Both the National Archaelogical Museum and the Benaki Museum feature artifacts from this great civilization.

Jewish sightseeing is limited in Athens. There is one active synagogue, the Sefardic Beth Shalom, where we enjoyed the friendly overtures of fellow mispalelim. Ask, and you will be allowed to visit the Romanite synagogue, Eitz Chaim, across the street, which is used only during the High Holy Days with the distinct nusach of the dwindling Romanite Jewish population. The Jewish Museum has interesting displays showing

Replicas of Ancient Greek Pottery

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Honor Guard at the Parliament

Ancient ruins on the Island of Aigina

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Theatre of Dionysos

Explore The World & Your Heritage Do you have a group of friends or belong to an organization that dreams of travelling to foreign destinations together?

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I have 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. Recently we visited Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Warsaw, Krakow, Brussels, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Madrid, Cordova, Seville, Granada, Toledo, Barcelona and Gibraltar. I have travelled throughout Europe extensively and I can package a journey for your group personalized to your interests. Arrangements for air travel, hotels, food and local transportation do not have to be your concern. Let me have the pleasure of showing you the world in the cozy atmosphere of your friends and members.

Entrance to the Romanite Synagogue

Jewish life and culture which developed in one of the earliest exile communities since the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.

Kashrus in Greece is a challenge, but thanks to Rabbi and Rebbetzin Hendel of Chabad, delicious and piping hot kosher meals can be delivered to your hotel. The food was generous and the prices fair. It is always a good idea to bring along canned fish, cheese and crackers which, combined with fresh fruits and vegetables, makes for tasty and nutritious breakfasts or lunches.

Specialty shopping in Athens includes leather goods, backgammon sets, olive products and souvenirs. We were interested in bringing back a typical piece of Greek pottery like a vase or plate but most of them portray images of the Greek deities which we would not allow in our home. It took time to find one with geometric designs that satisfied our taste.

Greece is truly an all year round vacation spot, but summers can be brutally hot. The Greek Islands are very beautiful to see but activities are limited for the frum traveler to hiking and boating, although one can, with some effort, find secluded areas for swimming.

Today, Greece gives its visitors but a small glimpse of its former grandeur. For the Jewish traveler it teaches the transitory nature of power and glory in contrast to the eternal supremacy of spirituality.

Bon Voyage - vcuy vghxb, Hershel

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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

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 advice from over-the-counter

Think Out of the Box | Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D., FASHP, FCCP

O

ver the course of our lives, we run into a variety of situations that require us to think “out of the box.”

Something slightly out of the norm happens, and we have to re-think how to best approach it. When these out-ofthe-box phenomena involve the world of pharmacy, the game plan to success may not be clear. The following three scenarios are entirely fictitious, but all three are those which people may encounter.

Meet Shmuel Shmuel, a 46-year old businessman, was sitting comfortably in seat 34D traveling from LAX to Jacksonville, Florida, and making final plans for his presentation on his laptop. For some reason, while passing over the Rockies, he realized that he had forgotten to pack his blood pressure medications. “Gevalt,” he muttered under his breath, the gentleman in 34C giving him an odd look. “I’ve never missed a dose before,” thought Shmuel. “What shall I do? I’ve never had any symptoms. Maybe I’m cured. After all, I did cut down on my salt intake, like the doctor told me. And I’m exercising regularly. Well, kind of regularly. Alright, once a week or so. Maybe it’s not such a big deal. After all, I’ll only be gone for three days. Maybe when I get home, I’ll double up for a couple of days to catch up.”

CITY spirit May 2010

What should Shmuel do?

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First of all, taking your blood pressure medications is indeed a big deal. While high blood pressure – or hypertension – is usually not associated with any symptoms (“asymptomatic”), it is an important risk factor for many serious diseases which can strike without warning, such as stroke, heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), and aortic dissection, as well as kidney failure. Shmuel has been a good patient until now, and he should continue to be a good patient. Once the plane lands, Shmuel can call his doctor back in LA and ask him to call in a prescription to any pharmacy in the country (including Jacksonville). Even though his doctor may not be licensed in Florida, such prescriptions can be filled on a onetime basis. Shmuel should also contact the Jacksonville pharmacy to let them know about his situation, as his insurance company may “block” the pharmacy’s efforts to fill the order if

Shmuel is trying to get the order prior to the day that his next scheduled refill is due. This “block” can be readily overcome with a quick phone call from the pharmacist to the insurance company, explaining the problem. Shmuel can also give the local pharmacy a contact number for the pharmacy at which he usually fills his medicines, so that all of his information (including other medicines) can be discussed between the two pharmacists. Finally, Shmuel should definitely NOT “double up” on his medications once he gets home, even if he did not take the medicines on his business trip. Doubling the dose of some medicines may be very dangerous. He should always check with a pharmacist or a physician before doing so.

Oh, and Shmuel should also try to make time to get regular exercise.

Meet Bayla Bayla is a 68 year old woman with recently diagnosed atrial fibrillation, an electrical disturbance in the smaller part of the heart. One of the potential complications of atrial fibrillation is that blood clots can form in the atria (since blood doesn’t flow smoothly as the chambers fibrillate). A clot that forms here can lead to a stroke, R”L. Bayla’s doctor started her on warfarin (Coumadin®) one week ago, and asked her to return to her office today. She picked up the prescription across the street from her apartment and diligently took one tablet daily.

A week later, she returned to her doctor’s office. A quick blood test showed that Bayla’s INR was low, meaning that there was not enough Coumadin in her blood. Therefore the doctor increased the dose. Instead of taking one 5mg tablet every day, she was told to take one tablet Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and take two 5mg tablets on every other day. Additionally, Bayla complained of pain during urination. The doctor took a urine sample for testing and wrote Bayla a prescription for Bactrim. Bayla took the new prescription for the antibiotic to a Sav-On on the way to her grandson’s school, since it was almost time for pick-up. How she looked forward to seeing her grandson.

Did Bayla do anything wrong?

Well, no. Strictly speaking, Bayla didn’t do anything wrong.

However, she didn’t do something best, and – as a result - may have inadvertently put herself in jeopardy now. Because her doctor’s orders to increase her Coumadin dose did not require another prescription, Bayla will just keep taking the same supply, albeit at a higher dose. The pharmacy she visited on this second trip was a different pharmacy than the one that filled her prescription for Coumadin the previous week. Hopefully, the pharmacist or technician will ask her to complete some form asking her for information including others medicines she may be taking. But this is not a required activity and is often not done. As such, no one would catch the significant drug interaction she would likely experience. Bactrim is a fine antibiotic, but it invariably results in a marked increase in INR in patients taking warfarin. Combined with the increase in dose, this can put Bayla at a high risk of bleeding, even a major bleed, R”L.

What should Bayla have done?

Ideally, all of one’s medicines should be filled at one pharmacy, unless there are extenuating circumstances (see, for example, the first case, above). If, for whatever reason, this cannot be done, one should tell the pharmacist what other medicines she is taking and specifically ask if there are any interactions between any of her medications that she should be aware of. Be aware that in most cases, the person you meet “at the window” is rarely the pharmacist. So, you need to ask for the pharmacist. While this may take some waiting, you want to take advantage of the pharmacist’s many years of professional schooling and work, rather than asking a technician.

Meet Devorah

First, let’s all take a deep, cleansing breath together, shall we? While it’s true that penicillin and its cousins, the cephalosporins, of which Keflex is a proud member, are chemically related and therefore cross-reaction can occur, the risk is fairly low, and is trivially low in persons who have typical rashes to penicillin. Cross-reactions are more worrisome in persons who develop anaphylactic-type reactions (when wheezing occurs and breathing is jeopardized) and in persons who develop urticaria (hives). So, even if there are alternative antibiotics, Keflex is a good option here, and the pediatrician was probably aware of the nature of the allergy. If it indeed was a simple rash (called maculopapular in scientific jargon), the Keflex should be fine. Devorah may want to clarify this point with her son’s pediatrician, but she should certainly calm down first.

In the future, we hope to continue this series of scenarios.

If you have any interesting or unusual pharmacy-related story, or a question about a particular issue, please email us at manway613@yahoo.com.

Dr. Manny Saltiel received his doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of California in San Francisco , following undergraduate work at UCLA. He completed a residency in Clinical Pharmacy Practice at the University of Illinois in Chicago . He worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for 25 years , serving in various capacities, including Clinical Coordinator and Drug Information Specialist. Dr. Saltiel also holds a faculty appointment with the University of Southern California. He has received Honorary Fellowships with the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and the American Society of Health-system Pharmacy. Dr. Saltiel has published over 20 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, and has lectured before local and national audiences. He currently serves as a Regional Clinical Director for Comprehensive Pharmacy Services. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children.

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CITY spirit May 2010

Devorah is a busy, 29 year old mother of three who also teaches a large classroom of children several times per week.

Six days after her oldest boy’s knees had an unexpected meeting with an asphalt driveway while riding his bicycle, he developed some red streaks along his leg, spreading from one of his many small (but cry-worthy) injuries. Disappointed that the topical antiseptic that she liberally poured over his wounds didn’t prevent an infection, Devorah maneuvered her schedule and took her son to the pediatrician. “It’s certainly infected,” agreed the doctor, “and since he has a penicillin allergy, I’m going to prescribe Keflex,” he told her, adding that she should be sure to have him complete the entire prescription, yadda, yadda, yadda… Later that day, however, the pharmacist (who already knew that her son had a penicillin allergy – Devorah always uses the same pharmacy) told her that penicillin and Keflex cross-react, that is, that little Ari may have a reaction to Keflex. Since she herself had a bee allergy, Devorah is alarmed at this information. “Well, why did the doctor give me a prescription for this?” she screamed out.

What should Devorah do now?

Who is right? Who is wrong?

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 education

Respecting Children A Teacher’s Point of View Hadassah Esther

Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the water flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the river.

CITY spirit May 2010

C

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hildren see life through clear eyes, they find joy in simplicity. They also quite naturally focus upon and question everything they see, smell, taste and feel.

These attributes show us that they are active learners.

They ask “Why?” “Why?” “Why?” almost continually. Perhaps it is time for us to also ask why. Why then do we, as caregivers and teachers, place them in a passive role educationally?

Whether its sitting them in front of a television or keeping them quiet playing games on an iphone or force feeding them a product oriented curriculum. We have taken away their opportunity to process knowledge and replaced it with regurgitated information that we see as useful. The result in this type of learning is fragile knowledge; it never seeps below the surface.

Our Soul is expressed through thought, speech and action. “Bificha ubilvavcha lasoso.” We are created with the ability to govern our thought, speech and action. To be in control of our expressions requires inner work. The easiest is in the action level and the most difficult is being in charge of our thoughts. This is why our focus is so important when we educate our children. When we are taught through passivity, inner growth rarely occurs. Giving children a safe place to discover ideas and explore concepts provides fertile ground for true knowledge to emerge. Isn’t this what the physical element of Judaism is suppose to teach us? We eat matzoh on Pesach, it’s not about only the matzoh but what it represents.

Children are competent, imaginative and are full of possibilities, we adults are the ones saying “no” and squashing what

is so natural to them. Instead, let’s give them an open canvas to explore and create, and not on our terms, but on theirs.

It is not about the cut out of the kiddush cup decorated with glitter and colored within the lines but about a group of children discussing kiddush and what they want to know about it, what they already know and what inspires them.

Someone once said that kiddush is “A magical bridge from the harried weekday to the day of rest.” Which holds more value, the glitter glue on the cut out, or this concept of a bridge leading away from the norm to a special place? These discussions and long term projects that are process oriented are where meaning making takes hold.

As an educator, I have a choice, I can put out brightly colored foam cut outs for children to glue together or I can put out empty boxes with natural materials to explore - it depends on my image of the child and whether I want him/her to be active or passive participants in the learning process. The way my environment is arranged is also through the same eyes of how I view children. If my classroom is unorganized and dirty, what does that say about my view point on children? But if my room is full of neatly organized materials that spark imagination and is spotless, I am giving respect to every student that walks through my doors.

The schools in a small northern Italian town called Reggio Emilia understand this; they see boundless possibilities with children and work towards allowing these possibilities to become reality. One of the founders of the Reggio Emilia schools, Loris Malaguzzi once said, “Learning is the key factor

in which a new way of teaching should be based, becoming a complementary resource to the child and offering multiple options, suggestive ideas, and sources of support.

Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the water flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the river. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning to learn.”

The great Torah scholar Rabbi I. Z. Meltzer was once asked by a friend to test his son on the talmud he was learning in school. The boy gave the wrong answer, so the rabbi kindly explained the correct meaning and asked the boy, “This is how I understood it, is this was you meant?” The boy repeats his incorrect interpretation. The rabbi keeps trying to gently alert the young boy to the mistake he’s making, but the boy holds fast to his mistake. The rabbi and all those present were becoming increasingly irritated by the boy’s stubbornness.

Whereupon Rabbi Meltzer left the room and began pacing the

hallway, all the time repeating to himself as if reciting a mantra: “Respect for others means children as well. Respect for others means children as well....” Having said this to himself more than a dozen times, he returned to the boy and said sweetly, “So tell me again, how you understand this passage?”

Respecting the child allowed him to enter into discussion about the error made thus resulting into a meaning making experience that the boy probably never forgot. Let’s follow Rabbi Meltzer’s lead and respect the children in our care and not only facilitate their learning but stimulate it!

Hadassah Esther is the artistic Director of A Time for Dances Arts Experience Summer Camp, an arts program that utilize the philosophy of Reggio Emilia. For more information please call 323404-0827. She is currently a classroom teacher and an atelierista in a Santa Monica preschool and will be on staff at Gan Malibu beginning in July 2010.

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 FOOD

Dining In Again: | with Faigy Grossman Ahhh... the sumptuous delight of blintzes and cheesecake. Eating a dairy meal on Shavuot has become a tradition and Dining In Again has some new delicious recipes to make this year’s seudos special and unique. Try these recipes and pick up your own copy of Dining In Again for dozens more dairy recipes that are sure to delight your family and friends this Yom Tov.

Marinated Vegetable & Olive Medley

CITY spirit May 2010

What an absolutely delicious combination of textures and flavors! Sure to be the biggest hit at your next salad bar!

Water, for boiling Salt 2 c. fresh green beans,

trimmed and halved 1 c. broccoli florets 1 c. cauliflower florets 1 c. sliced mushrooms ½ c. cherry tomatoes, (optional) ½ c. black olives, sliced Dressing: ½ c. red wine vinegar 1 T. salt 1 tsp. black pepper 1 T. garlic powder 1 T. dried dill weed 1 c. olive oil

40

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans; cook until tender, 2-3 minutes.

Remove beans from water with a slotted spoon, and rinse with cold water until they are cool. Repeat the above procedure with the broccoli and then the cauliflower. Place the green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower together into a large bowl. Add the mushrooms, tomatoes, if using, and the olives.

Whisk together the vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dill in a sepa-

rate bowl. To create a dressing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. You can use pre-checked frozen broccoli and cauliflower to avoid the problem of bugs or worms.

Baked Potato Soup Garlic bread makes an excellent companion to this hearty, dairy soup 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 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.

Creamy Mushroom Cheese Penne 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 YIELD: 8-10 servings 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.

Chocolate-Stuffed French Toast What a fun (and yummy) surprise to find in your French toast!

12-15 1½-inch-thick slices French bread 1- 3½ oz. milk chocolate bar,

cut into pieces 2 T. chopped pistachio nuts 4 eggs, beaten ¾ c. milk Scant ¼ c. coffee liqueur ½ tsp. ground cinnamon Cooking oil Maple syrup or confectioners’ sugar

(optional) YIELD: 12-15 servings

Cut a pocket in each slice of bread starting from the bottom crust and cutting horizontally to, but not through, the top crust. Fill each bread pocket with 1 piece of chocolate and ½ teaspoon of the chopped nuts. Set aside. Beat eggs, milk, coffee liqueur, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Dip bread into egg mixture, letting bread remain in egg about 15 seconds on each side. Fry bread in a hot skillet or on a hot griddle in a small amount of oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Add additional oil as needed.

Serve warm. If desired, serve with syrup or sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.

See more recipes on next page

New Twists on Popular Favorites!

Yes, the creators of Dining In have done it again with their latest cookbook, Dining In Again!

With over 550 tantalizing new dishes, this marvelous book is simply bursting with fresh ideas.

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

This book also includes Dining In on Pesach, a pull-out “cookbook’ with over 100 delectable Pesach recipes!

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

CITY spirit May 2010

Bonus! Two Cookbooks In One:

41

 FOOD Never-Fail Soufflé Very nice for a milchig supper or a special lunch. Nice with garlic toast and sliced fresh tomatoes.

12 large eggs 2 c. milk Pinch red pepper flakes 3 c. grated cheddar cheese, divided 1 loaf white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes, divided Salt and pepper 6 T. melted butter YIELD: 8 servings Beat together eggs, milk, and red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Sprinkle 1 cup cheese on the bottom of a 9x13-inch greased pan. Add half the bread cubes, then another cup of cheese. Season with salt and pepper; repeat layers of bread and cheese. Pour egg mixture evenly over cheese, then drizzle with melted butter.

Refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350° and bake until puffed and golden, about 45 minutes.

CITY spirit May 2010

Nectarine Cheesecake with Almond Brittle

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This gets rave reviews from all who taste it!

The nectarines are blended in, resulting in a smooth, delicious cake without any pieces.

Crust : 6 graham crackers 2 T. dry-roasted, slivered almonds (unsalted) 1 T. oil Cooking spray Filling: 2 c. pitted, peeled, diced nectarines 1 c. plus 1 T. sugar, divided 16 oz. cottage cheese 12 oz. block cream cheese, softened 1/3 c. plus 1 T. cornstarch 1 c. sour cream 1½ tsp. vanilla extract 2 large egg whites 1 large egg

Brittle: ½ c. sugar 1/3 c. water ¼ c. coarsely chopped, slivered, dry roasted, unsalted almonds Cooking spray Sauce: 2 c. pitted, peeled, chopped

nectarines 2 T. sugar 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice YIELD: 16 servings Crust: Wrap heavy duty aluminum foil around edges of a 10-inch springform pan.

Lightly coat pan with cooking spray. Process graham crackers and almonds in food processor until finely ground. Add oil; process until moist.

Firmly press crumb mixture into bottom and 1 inch up sides of prepared pan.

Filling: Combine diced nectarines and 1 tablespoon sugar in a small saucepan. Cover and cook over low heat until sugar dissolves (5 minutes). Uncover; cook 5 minutes until mixture thickens; let cool. Process cottage cheese in food processor until smooth. Add nectarine mixture, remaining 1 cup sugar, cream cheese, and cornstarch. Process until smooth. Add next 4 ingredients; pulse just until combined. Pour into prepared pan. Place pan in a shallow roasting pan; pour boiling water into outer pan halfway up the side of the springform pan.

Bake at 325° for 50 minutes or until center barely moves when pan is touched. Turn oven off; cool cheesecake in oven with door open for 1 hour. Remove cheesecake from outer pan. Run a knife around edge of cake. Remove foil from pan. Cool completely. Cover; chill for at least 8 hours.

Brittle: Coat cookie sheet with cooking spray. Combine sugar and water in

small saucepan over medium heat; boil.

Cook 1 minute, until sugar dissolves, then 4 more minutes until golden (do not stir). Remove from heat. Carefully stir in almonds. Quickly spread mixture in thin layer onto prepared baking sheet. Cool completely. Break into small pieces, about 1 inch in size. Use to decorate outer edge of cheesecake.

Sauce: Process nectarines, sugar, and juice in blender until smooth. Spoon over or around cheesecake. Chill before serving. Peel and dice the nectarines right before making the cheesecake and right before making the sauce to avoid a dull brown color. The nectarines in the filling and the sauce can each be substituted with 2-15 oz. well-drained cans of sliced peaches or peach halves. For the filling, omit the 1 tablespoon sugar and the cooking step.

Also, you can substitute dry-roasted, unsalted pistachios for the almonds in the brittle.

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CITY spirit May 2010

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43

KidSpirit

by Fraydee Mozes

Who am I?

1. I am not big, but Hashem chose me,

To be the mountain on which the Torah was received.

2. I’m doughy on the outside, but inside me there’s cheese,

Take one bite and you’ll say, “Seconds, please!”

3. I’m full of great insight, and from me you will learn,

I’m read from, and studied, and for me you will yearn.

Answers: 1. Har Sinai, 2. Cheese Blintz, 3. Torah, 4. Rus

4. I am a tznuah, about whom you will read,

And during the harvest, I gathered some wheat.

The Mystery of the Vanishing Cheesecake Written by Rebecca Klempner, Illustrated by Fraydee Mozes

B

CITY spirit May 2010

luma Friedman opened the door of the oven and slid a pan from the rack. Carefully, she placed it onto a trivet to cool. Bluma and her best friend, Esti Tehrani, stepped back and surveyed their handiwork: one fragrant, creamy cheesecake.

Mrs. Friedman stepped into the kitchen. “How did it come out, ladies?” she asked.

“Well, it looks good!” replied Bluma.

“It smells good, too,” added her brother, Shmulie, from the kitchen table where his math book and notes were spread everywhere.

“The real test will be on yom tov, when we taste it,” Esti mused.

“That’s one test I’m looking forward to!” Shmulie countered.

Everyone smiled. They knew Shmulie had a big math test right after Shavuos.

“Mommy,” began Bluma, “Esti wants to see if her mom needs any help with her yom tov cooking. Can I go with her? The cheesecake needs to cool, anyway.”

“Sure thing, sweetie, but can you help me box this food for the chessed committee first?”

44

“O.K.” Mrs. Friedman pulled out an old box from the cupboard. Bluma grabbed some of the challos they had baked earlier and tossed them in the box. Her mother began pulling containers from the fridge.

Esti peered through the lids at the contents: delicious gazpacho, pink salmon, pasta with garlicky green pesto, a cheesy vegetable casserole, and leafy, green salad.

“Wow!” she said. “You made a first-rate Shavuos dinner for the Zimmermans!”

As Mrs. Friedman slipped dessert into the box, she replied, “You’re getting a preview of what the Friedmans will be eating tonight, too. I just doubled everything I made for us.”

“Only we get to eat the cheesecake!” added Bluma.

“That’s right! I’ve sent my special milk chocolate brownies to the Zimmerman’s instead. They’re Mrs. Zimmerman’s favorite, and a new mom deserves a special treat.”

Turning to Shmulie, Mrs. Friedman continued, “Now, Shmulie, Tatti is leaving in a few minutes to run the food over to the Zimmermans. Just show him where the box is when he’s ready. I’m running to the store to pick up a couple things.”

“O.K., Mom!” Mrs. Friedman walked out the door with Esti and Bluma. Then Mrs. Friedman walked towards the store, and the girls walked over to the Tehrani’s house.

Things were pretty quiet at Esti’s house when they arrived.

After helping out for half an hour or so, the friends returned to the Friedman’s.

“Hi, there!” they chirped to Shmulie as they walked into the kitchen.

“Hey,” Shmulie mumbled at them, not looking up from his notebook. Clearly, he was immersed in studying.

The girls walked over to the counter. The cheesecake was gone.

“Shmulie,” Bluma asked, “where’s the cheesecake?”

“Over there, where you left it,” he replied, waving vaguely towards the counter.

“Maybe it’s in the fridge,” suggested Esti.

“Did Mommy put the cheesecake into the fridge?” Bluma asked

Fill in the Blanks

he back yet?”

“He said he was going to pick up the dry cleaning on his way home. He should be here any minute.”

“Thanks, Shmulie. Don’t worry, we’ll find the cheesecake.”

Esti walked back into the kitchen.

“Did you find out what happened?” asked Bluma.

“Not yet, but I have a few questions for your father. Let’s have a snack while we wait to talk to him.”

A few minutes later, the girls heard Mr. Friedman at the door. They rushed out to speak with him.

“Tatti, Tatti!”cried Bluma. “Have you seen the cheesecake Esti and I made?”

“You made that cheesecake? Wow! That’s quite a cheesecake!” Mr. Friedman replied enthusiastically.

“It’s gone, Tatti!”

“Of course it’s gone, honey. I took it with the box to the Zimmermans.”

Esti gasped. Bluma burst into tears.

Mr. Friedman’s face fell. “I guess I wasn’t supposed to take the cheesecake to the Zimmermans.”

Bluma shook her head as she sobbed.

Shmulie, having heard all the commotion, came down from his room. Esti explained what had happened. Bluma sniffed one last time and turned to Shmulie to say, “I’m sorry I said you took it.”

“It’s o.k., sis, I forgive you.” Then, Shmulie said, “Well, maybe we can tell the Zimmermans that we made a mistake and get the cake back.”

“No,” said Bluma as she wiped her eyes. “We can’t do that. It wouldn’t be nice.”

“Maybe you should just buy ice cream and fudge and whipped cream and sprinkles and make sundaes for dessert tonight,” suggested Esti.

“Good idea! Here’s some money,” offered Mr. Friedman.

Esti went home. Together, Bluma and Shmulie walked to the store. They wouldn’t have cheesecake, but at least they had each other.

CITY spirit May 2010

Shmulie.

“Dunno,” mumbled Shmulie, still working away at a troublesome math problem.

Heaving a sigh of annoyance, Bluma walked to the fridge and threw open the door. She shuffled through the refrigerator’s contents, but saw no sign of the cheesecake.

“Let’s check the freezer,” Esti said.

She swung the door open and searched.

Still, no cheesecake.

Bluma spun around and shook an accusing finger at Shmulie. “Did you eat our cheesecake?!”

Now, Shmulie looked up. “Why would I steal your cheesecake?”

“I know how much you like cheesecake, mister!” Bluma replied. There was an edge of panic and anger in her voice.

Esti saw that a fight was impending. “Calm down, guys! Bluma, Shmulie wouldn’t steal our cheesecake! He was going to get some at dinner tonight.”

“Maybe he didn’t want to wait! Maybe he wanted it all to himself!”

Shmulie yelled, “I didn’t take your cheesecake!” and stormed out of the room.

Esti turned to Bluma. “You know, we are supposed to give a Jew the benefit of the doubt.”

“How else could it have disappeared?” whined Bluma.

“Maybe I should do some detective work. You stay here and calm yourself down. I’m going to the other room to ask Shmulie some questions.”

Esti marched into the living room. She found Bluma’s brother sitting in an armchair seething.

“Shmulie, I know you didn’t do it,” began Esti.

“I’m glad someone trusts me,” interrupted Shmulie.

“But someone took the cheesecake. Did anyone come into the kitchen while you were studying?”

“Just Tatti.”

“That’s right, Mr. Friedman took the box to the Zimmermans. Is

Answers: 1. Shavuos, 2. 6th, 3. Sivan, 4. Torah, 5. Bikurim, 6. Rus, 7. Harvest, 8. dairy, 9. Bnei Yisroel, 10. Torah, 11. Shchitah/slaughtering animals, 12. Har Sinai, 13. Greenery/flowers, 14. Learn/study

After 49 days of counting the omer, we reach the yom tov of ___1____ on the 50th day. The Hebrew date falls out on the ___2____ day of ____3_____. It was on this day that Hashem gave B’nei Yisroel the _____4____. Another name we use to describe Shavuot, is Yom Ha’ ____5____. On this chag we read Megilas ____6___ in shul, because the ___7___ season is talked about. This is the same season as Shavuot. There are also some minhagim that we follow on Shavuot.

We eat ____8____ foods. The reason we eat this type of food is because before _____9____ got the ____10___, they did not know about the laws of ____11____.

And to remember how ____12____ was covered in flowers when we received the Torah, some people decorate their homes with ____13____. On Shavuos night, many people, especially men and boys, will ____14____ all night to show our appreciation for the Torah.

45

Benny P.I.

Continued from last issue...

Story by Ari Guidry

CITY spirit May 2010

36

46

37

.

Benny P.I s c mi co Now in stores

38 Please send comments to: Bennypicomics@gmail.com

39 Continued next issue...

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

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

Hospitals Cedars Sinai Medical Center................

310-423-5000 8700 Beverly Blvd.

Children’s Hospital........ 323-660-2450 4650 Sunset Blvd.

UCLA Medical Center.......310-825-9111 10833 Le Conte Avenue

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

Mikvahs

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

Synagogues Los Angeles Fairfax/Hancock Park Agudath Israel of LA-Bais Avigdor.................

323-930-0792 / 323-935-8383 461 N. La Brea Avenue Aish Tamid of Los Angeles.....323-634-0505 5909 West 3rd St Congregation Bais Naftoli......323-936-4827 221 S. La Brea Avenue Congregation Bais Yehuda..... 323-936-7568 360 N. La Brea Avenue Congregation Eitz Chaim/Bais Moshe Yitzchok 323-634-0535 • 303 S. Highland Ave. Congregation Levi Yitzchok/ Chabad of Hancock Park... 323-954-8381 356 N. La Brea Avenue Congregation Shaarei Tefilla...323-938-7147 7269 Beverly Blvd.

Kehillas Yaakov..................... 323-935-8572 7211 Beverly Blvd.

Kehillath Yitzchok.................. 323-932-8694 7709 Beverly Blvd.

Kollel Los Angeles..................323-933-7193 7216 Beverly Blvd.

Kollel Yechiel Yehuda............. 323-939-2041 354 N. La Brea Avenue The Jewish Learning Exchange.....................

323-857-0923 • 512 N. La Brea Avenue Torah Ohr..............................323-933-3111 7200 Beverly Blvd.

Young Israel of Hancock Park.323-931-4030 225 S. La Brea Avenue Young Israel of Los Angeles...323-655-0300 660 North Spaulding Avenue Pico-Robertson/Beverly Hills Adas Torah 1135 S. Beverly Dr.....................

310-552-0460

Aish HaTorah Center..............310-278-8672 9102 W. Pico Blvd.Anshe Emes Synagogue................ 310-275-5640 / . ..................................... 877-ANSHE-EM 1490 S. Robertson Blvd.

Beth Jacob Congregation....... 310-278-1911 9030 West Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills Chabad of Bel-Air..................310-475-5311 10421 Summer Holly Crl Chabad of Beverly Hills...........310-271-9063 409 N. Foothill Rd., Beverly Hills Chabad of Brentwood............ 310-826-4453 644 S. Bundy Dr. Chabad of Cheviot Hills.......... 310-558-8770 3185 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles Congregation Magen David.... 310-556-5609 9717 W. Pico Blvd., Beverly Hills Lubavitch of Beverly Hills....... 310-282-0444 9017 W. Pico Blvd., Beverly Hills West Coast Torah Center.........310-271-1180 322 N. Foothill Rd., Beverly Hills Young Israel of Beverly Hills.... 310-742-3717 8701 W. Pico Blvd.

Young Israel of Century City... 310-273-6954 9315 W. Pico Blvd.

Calabasas The Calabasas Shul .............. 818-725-3118 (at Bay Laurel Elem. School) Calabasas Pkwy. at Paseo Primero Conejo Valley Chabad of Conejo/Agoura Hills 818-991-0991 5998 Conife Street Corona del Mar Chabad of Newport Beach..... 949-721-9800 4720 Cortland Dr. Lomita Chabad of Palos Verdes........ 310-544-5544 28041 S. Hawthorne Blvd.

Chabad of South Bay............ 310-326-8234 24412 Narbonne Ave. North Hollywood Adat Yeshurun ...........818-766-4682 12405 12405 Sylvan Street Em Habanim Cong.................818-762-7779 5850 Laurel Canyon Blvd.

Shaarey Zedek Cong............. 818-763-0560 12800 Chandler Blvd.

Ohr Simcha...........................818-760-2189 12430 Oxnard

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

CITY spirit May 2010

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

Palm Springs Mikvah Chaya Mushka..... 760-325-3212 425 Avenida Ortega (Palm Springs Chabad) San Diego Mikvah Israel.................... 619-287-6411 5170 Ladorna

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

47

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

Laguna Niguel

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

Long Beach

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

Chabad of Laguna Niguel...... 949-831-8475 27655 Niguel Village Dr. Cong. Lubavitch of Long Beach....................

562-426-5480 • 3981 Atlantic Ave. Young Israel of Long Beach....562-427-3163 4134 Atlantic Ave.

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

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

Palm Springs

Huntington Beach

San Diego

Chabad of West Orange County....................

714-846-2285 • 5052 Warner Ave

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

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

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

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

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

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

Griffith Park Traveltown Museum & Railroad .... 323-662-5874 Los Angeles Zoo..............323-644-4200 Observatory&Planetarium...323-664-1191 Pony Rides.......................323-664-3266 Train Rides.......................323-664-6903 Merry-Go-Round............... 323-665-3051 Huntington Library, Art Collections, And Botanical Gardens..................... . .......................................818-405-2125 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino J. Paul Getty Museum..... 310-440-7300 1200 Getty Center Drive Collections include European paintings, drawings, decorative arts, sculptures and illuminated manuscripts.

Long Beach Aquarium Of The Pacific... . ...................................... 562-590-3100 200 Shoreline Drive, Long Beach Marina Del Ray Boat Rentals............... . .......................................310-574-2822 Sailboat, motorboat and kayak rentals.

Museum Of Tolerance.... 310-553-8403 9786 West Pico Blvd.

Hands-on experiential museum that focuses on the dynamics of racism and prejudice in America, and the history of the Holocaust.

Noah’s Ark for children at Skirball Museum 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd....310-440-4500

community & g'mach directory

CITY spirit May 2010

Babies & Children

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

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

Uniforms

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

Clothing

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

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

Bikur Cholim VCR and Jewish Video . .......................................323-304-1359 (L’ilui Nishmas Israel, Amelia, and Ruth Aftergut, and Abba Avrutin).

VCR with Video Moniter, not a television.

Jewish videos intended only for those confined to bed for medical reasons.

Chai Lifeline West Coast Regional Office.310-274-6331 Non profit Jewish organization dedicated to providing support services to seriously ill children and their families.

Etta Israel........................ 818-985-3882 Serving the special needs children of the Jewish Community

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

Hospital Gowns

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

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

CHILD SAFETY

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

Education

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

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

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

2nd Chance Rivky Farber................. 323-931-0224

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

Legal Services Bet Tzedek Legal Services......................323-939-0506 Free legal counsel to the eligible needy and Holocaust reparations assistance.

Criminal/Arrest Guidance LA County Sheriff Department.

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

323-939-9236

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

Mechitzah G’mach Rivka Berkowitz................818-331-3884 Simcha Gemach . ...................................... 323-931-0306 (L’ilui Nishmas Rebbetzin Bella Simcha) 48 mini challah covers, 2 large challah covers, 18 kiddush cups w/trays, 50 bentchers.

Special Occasion Flowers, Centerpieces & Mirrors Alona Horowitz ........... 310-551-1004 Shoshy Klein . .............. 323-937-4954 Mrs. Niehaus................. 323-938-2406 Michal Porati - Yad Simcah...............

310-525-7336 Wedding Shtick Bubby’s Shtick/Mona Riss . .......................................818-761-5077 Rivky Farber ................ 323-997-5968 Nechama Denbo.............310-788-3981

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

Counseling & Health

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

323-653-5781

When In New York...

Naomi Scheier

Make-up Artist & Hair Stylist

Specializing in semi-permanent make-up for Shabbos

(718)692-1588

makeupgal30@aol.com

CITY spirit May 2010

Furniture, Home, Dishes

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

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 tama tells all

Papa and the Shabbos Meal | Tama beck

W

e lived in a city in New Jersey, and almost everyone at the time went off the derech (religious path).

People changed their names, sought professions, and slowly watered down the yiddishkeit that their parents had taught them.

One of the things that was very upsetting to me as a child, was that we religious children would constantly get sneered at. They made us all very uncomfortable. I was ten years old at the time, when one day I asked my father, “You always tell us the importance of Shabbos but it gets lonely on Shabbos.

You know what my friends do? They go to the movies and the beach on Shabbos. Why can’t we do that?”

My father said, “I want you to invite all the girls from the neighborhood to our Shabbos seuda (meal).”

I told him they would laugh and make fun. However he insisted that I invite them. I did and they were all excited. They came to the house nicely dressed and eager to participate. My father spoke to them like VIPs as he told stories. He asked about their hobbies.

They asked me if my mother does this every week? I said

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yes. They asked if my father talked to us every Shabbos. They told me that their parents worked seven days and seven nights and never spent time with them.

My father excused himself to say he was going to take a Shabbos nap. The girls said, “Your father really speaks to you.

Our fathers don’t. We go to a stupid movie that we have seen many times just because it is air-conditioned. Then we go to the beach, it is hot, and we come home so sandy. You are so lucky.”

My father heard them say this. When they left, my father asked me “Who is the lucky one?” That was my first lesson in kiruv (Orthodox Jewish outreach).

Mrs. Beck is a beloved educator and lecturer and has been for over fifty years. She taught at Central and Shulamis high schools for girls and gave weekly shiurim in the Syrian community, often to three generations in the same class!

Mrs. Beck has always sought the advice of Gedolim while working with many families (helping save marriages and keeping children on the derech). Mrs. Beck has also been giving lectures in the Los Angeles Jewish community which is, as she says, her second home!

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Chuck DeVore

State Assemblyman Lt.Col. U.S.Army (ret.) Intelligence Officer aerospace businessman fiscal and social conservative pro-Israel advocate

Chuck DeVore is the only candidate who is both a sitting elected official and a decorated U.S. Army officer running in the June 8th Republican primary for U.S. Senate to determine who will run against incumbent Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in the all-important November 2010 Congressional elections.