CitySpirit November 2010 by City Spirit

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Volume 3 Issue 2 November 2010 | Kislev 5771

west coast

Jewish Living

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

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CITY spirit november 2010

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

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

Dear Readers,

Here I am sitting at my desk at a loss of what to write about. Chanukah is coming and winter is almost here. I try to reflect on the happenings between the last issue and now, yet so much has happened! The loss of someone dear and near is something that one can never be prepared to accept. It is a long and difficult journey to learn how to cope and keeping your eye on the ball of life can be a challenge at best. Yet, somehow, Hashem knows that we can’t live with such a heavy heart all the time and throws us some simcha to keep us going. In my case, I was blessed, bli ayin hara, with a beautiful grandson just at that time. The nachas from children and grandchildren are truly the happiest moments we all wait for and enjoy to the fullest. My husband, who works so hard and keeps us all going, gets small portions of enjoyment from his “nachas”. He doesn’t have the ability to be back East with the children too much and barely made it in for the bris. Baruch Hashem, he made it, by taking the red eye motzei Shabbos to arrive early Sunday morning to be the sandek at his grandson’s bris. He enjoyed a few hours with the family and had to turn right around to get on a plane and go back home. That evening, he spoke at the shloshim for our dear one that we had just lost. This is Chanukah; just when something seems like darkness is all around, a little light comes shining through. This issue features an exclusive interview with Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D., a world-renowned psychiatrist, respected rabbi and the best-selling author of sixty-one books (page 21). Having re-

cently celebrated his 80th birthday, Rabbi Dr. Twerski commemorates this milestone with his newly released book, Gevurah: My Life, Our World, and The Adventure of Reaching 80, published by Shaar Press. Our Community Spirit section has grown as we are always eager to share with our readers all the wonderful programs available to the orthodox Jewish community of LA (pages 8-20). A very special thank you to Rachel Rosen for taking it upon herself to update our community and gemach directory (pages 48-49), so that we can give you the most current information available. This is what I call Community Spirit! CitySpirit welcomes Rabbi Avrohom Czapnik to our growing list of contributing writers. Enjoy his inspirational article, The Stolen Chanukah. (page 34) In this issue our Wandering Jew, Hershel Lieber, takes us on an arm-chair trip through Italy, with exciting excursions through Venice, Florence, Pisa & Milan (page 36). You may actually decide to see it in person. Congratulations to Rebecca Klempner, author of the Esti & Blumi Series featured in KidSpirit, (pages 44-45) on her recently published story The Lightbulb Dress in the October 27th issue of Mishpacha Magazine. We wish you continued success. Once again, we ask that you patronize our advertisers - as they are the ones that make it possible for us to bring you CitySpirit. From all of us here at CitySpirit - we wish you a wonderful Chanukah. Chag Sameach,

Tova

Days of Prayer and Salvation

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november 2010

contents feature 21 CitySpirit Interviews

community spirit 8

Rabbi Abrahmam J. Twerski, M.D. who at the age of 80, discusses his keen outlook on life and his new book, Gevurah: My Life, Our World, and The Adventure of Reaching 80, published by Shar Press.

Point of View Rabbi Effie Goldberg

32 Dvar Halachah Rabbi Gershon Bess

Aish Tamid of LA

34 Inspiration

Yeshivas Ohev Shalom

Rabbi Avrohom Czapnik

Friendship Circle Of Los Angeles Hebrew School!

44 Puzzles & More

in this issue 30

Letters

10 Slavin Family Children’s Library

kid spirit

Chai Lifeline

36 The Wandering Jew Hershel Lieber

40 Advice from Over-the-Counter

Fraydee Mozes

OVER STOCK

Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D.

42 Dining In Again

44 Lighting Up the Night

Rebecca Klempner

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51 Tama Tells All Tama Beck

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Dear CitySpirit, I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful article about Aleinu in City Spirit. I can’t tell you how much it meant to us here at Aleinu to have the article printed about our services and programming. We were very impressed with the quality of the magazine picture of our office and the placement our logo. I know that it was a particularly stressful week for you when this month’s publication was going to print. Special thanks to Tova, for taking the time to speak to me and in particular for assisting me with the information necessary to submit the article for publication. Warmly, Beth Schoen

Eight Chanukah Lights on “Chinuch” By: Mrs. Shulamith May Menaheles, Bnos Devorah High School Los Angeles, California

Chanukah, the YomTov of light, has at its core the root of Chinuch - EDUCATION. It is, therefore, most appropriate, at this time, to share some of the “highlights” of the Bnos Devorah Chinuch philosophy. Every student is an individual with innate qualities and talents and must be given an opportunity to “shine”. Every student has a special and holy neshama which must and can be “ignited.” Every student has intellectual curiosity with questions and issues which need to be clarified and “illuminated”.

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Slavin Family Children’s Library The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. - Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”

ucked into one corner of the ground floor of the Jewish Federation Goldsmith Building is the Slavin Family Children’s Library, a gem of a resource for families with young children, teachers, and the community. The Slavin library is staffed by two professional librarians, Amy Muscoplat, and Sylvia Lowe, both dedicated to advancing the cause of Jewish children’s literature and promoting Jewish literacy in this city. Together they run children’s story-time programs for infants and toddlers, and have a full complement of Sunday family programs that include events such as singers, puppeteers, and even Jewish origami artists. The library has been located in the current location for

ten years, and is frequented by many in our Los Angeles frum community, having a rather large selection of books and resources from publishers such as Feldheim, Artscroll, Judaica Press, and Israel Bookshop. “We really like to get the current titles that kids and their parents are looking for, and we pride ourselves on catering to the community’s reading interests, even including many inspirational titles that parents like to read.” says Amy. There is also a good-size parenting collection, and Hebrew language selection. The library has recent DVDs in both English and Hebrew, which can be checked out on a weekly basis, with the possibility of renewing for a second week. Books generally circulate for a two-week period. This past summer, the library had a nationwide turnout of readers for its Annual Summer Reading Club, whereby the kids who participate get prizes for reading Jewish books. This event runs during summer vacation until Rosh Hashanah. Next time you’re looking for a Jewish chapter book or biography for your child, or just to satisfy young reader’s voracious reading habits, stop in to the Slavin and check us out! Library hours: Sundays 12-4pm, Tuesdays 11am-6pm,, Wednesdays 12-6, Thursdays 12-6pm. We can be reached at 323.761.8648 or email slavinlibrary@bjela.org. Also, check out the library on Facebook and “like” us! DesiGninG • BUilDinG • remoDelinG

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CitySpirit: Rabbi Hershoff, thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to allow me the opportunity to let our CitySpirits readers learn more about Aish Tamid of LA. May I call you Gavriel? Rabbi Gavriel Hershoff: Yes, of course. CS: Thanks. Gavriel how long have you been involved with Aish Tamid? RGH: I’ve been involved with Aish Tamid for six years, having worked with hundreds of kids and their parents.

Aish Tamid of LA

CITY spirit november 2010

by Mati Jacobovits

For the past decade, Aish Tamid of Los Angeles has served as a safety net for the Los Angeles community’s youth, offering the only comprehensive at-risk program in LA for Jewish teens and young adults. Many of these children have developed a sense of disenfranchisement and a lack of connection from community schools and shuls. By creating personalized relationships, Aish Tamid has provided a bridging of the gap, serving as a comfortable, non-judgmental environment, with the goal of drawing them back into the community. I was given the opportunity to speak with Rabbi Gavriel Hershoff, Director of Aish Tamid to conduct this interview. It is my hope that bringing attention to the issues our children face in today’s society, we will be better prepared to guide them and get them the professional help they desperately need.

CS: What motivated you to get involved? RGH: Necessity. I moved to L.A. ten years ago and was teaching at a local high school. While working there, I always found myself working with challenged, less-motivated youth. I felt that no one was really addressing their needs. Five years into my nine year career in that high school, I met with R’ Avi Lebovic who had started Aish Tamid for post-high school young adults who were returning from Israel, and found that there was a need to reach out to them. They were lost, falling through the cracks, disconnected from the community and often had no direction. R’ Lebovic would spend hours learning with them and giving them direction and chizuk. He would find employment for them and often send them for counseling if needed. Together, we initiated a program for teens that consisted of Friday night onegs and bi-weekly meetings in Coffee Bean (Teen at the Bean), and I have been with the organization ever since. Most recently, Mr. Ronnie Mayer, President of the Board, has seen the need and shared our vision, and enabled Aish Tamid to continue to grow and see success. CS: What is your background when it comes to dealing with these issues? RGH: I spent five years working as a dorm counselor and mentor at Yeshivas Ner Yaakov – a program in Israel for

a large pool table to video games. At the same time, Rabbi Nosson Neuberger and I are available to hang out with the kids in groups, or meet with them individually to discuss personal issues.

Our goal and our success is creating an individualized program for each student who walks in, and helping each one of them become the best that they can be.

CS: Over the last decade our community has grown a lot. What impact has this had? RGH: As our community has grown so have our challenges. We are in constant conflict with the environment we live in and the prevalence of internet usage has only compounded these issues. Being two miles away from Hollywood, with all its counter-Jewish values can be very challenging and confusing for our youth – and often very enticing. Unfortunately, substance abuse, promiscuity and other self-destructive activities have permeated our community. The easiest and least effective approach to these issues is denial. Together, working with the rabbanim, principals and the leaders of the community, we have, and will continue to, reach out to LA’s Jewish youth and their families to effectively deal with the crisis at hand, providing services and support. The growth of the community has also led to greater numbers of youth in need. To answer that need, Aish Tamid purchased a beautiful building, with

the support of caring individuals, to enhance our ability to provide necessary programs. CS: As a mother and yes, grandmother, I can understand the fears of dealing with an at-risk child. What services do you provide for parents? RGH: We provide family counseling and crisis intervention and referrals to therapeutic environments when necessary. It is important to us that parents know they can call anytime for support and guidance with the challenges they face with their children. CS: May I ask, what is your success rate? RGH: Over the years we have seen hundreds of young men walk through our doors and many of them we have sent to yeshiva and Israel, finding them employment, help them get their GEDs and graduate high school and college. Many have needed rehabilitation programs and individual therapy and we have been able to provide them with the proper resources. The majority of the boys we have seen are still in contact with us on a regular basis and have maintained their relationships with us. Our goal and our success is creating an individualized program for each student who walks in, and helping each one of them become the best that they can be. CS: Once again, thank you. I wish you continued success and the strength to keep up this challenging and worthy task you have undertaken. How can Aish Tamid be reached? RGH: Kids or parents who would like to speak to us can call us at 323-6340505 or e-mail gavriel@aishtamid.org. All calls are, of course, strictly confidential. Stay tuned for our upcoming programs to prep for GED certification, and “mini-courses” in music production and web design.

CITY spirit november 2010

at-risk teens before moving to Los Angeles. A few years after we came here, I attended UCLA Extension’s Program for substance and alcohol abuse studies, and became certified as a substance abuse counselor. From there I continued to get a masters in social work from Cal State Long Beach. . CS: Can you specify the services that Aish Tamid provides? RGH: Our goal is two-fold: First, to reach out to those teens and young adults who for various reasons feel they have been rejected by the mainstream community, and to reconnect them both to Yiddishkeit and the community in a way that speaks to them. To that end, we have created a non-judgmental, loving, accepting, Jewish environment for our youth which enables them to grow at their own pace. We try to find the right yeshiva or alternative high school program that will best suit their religious, social, and emotional needs. As they finish high school, and if they feel they are ready, we help them explore the various post-high school programs in Israel and help them and their parents evaluate if that is an appropriate option. In order to help the boys feel more comfortable in a Shabbos setting, we offer a Shabbos morning minyan that is tailored to their “style,” and often the boys are invited to a staff member’s home for Shabbos lunch. Second, we provide necessary services that will enable our young men to maximize their potential. We provide counseling and referrals for other mental health services when necessary. We do crisis intervention and case management. We provide a safety net for teen and young adult males between the ages of 15 and 21. Every night, Sunday through Thursday from 7:45-10:15pm, 25-30 boys come to eat and hang out at Aish Tamid’s Drop-In Center. Dinner is served, and the boys can make use of our many forms of entertainment from

ď Ž community spirit

Yeshivas Ohev Shalom

CITY spirit november 2010

Filling a Void in the Community

Baruch Hashem the Los Angeles Orthodox community has been growing and flourishing. Over the past decade many new Yeshivas have opened their doors, availing a wide variety of options to local high school students. Although each and every Yeshiva offers their own distinct hashkafah and unique style of learning, they are all for the most part structured around the classical Yeshiva mold, with an extensive intense Torah program geared for the exceptional Yeshiva bochur. Their long hours, fast paced shiurim, and high academic standards make them the optimal environment for highly motivated, gifted young men to reach their full potential in Torah and yiras shamayim. Unfortunately, due to many factors that every parent is aware of, more and more boys are graduating from local yeshiva elementary schools unequipped or lacking the necessary motivation to excel in the typical yeshiva. These boys are normal, well behaved, Torah observant young men who have great potential to succeed in their learning and character development. When these boys are placed under the pressure of a rigorous yeshiva program they struggle to succeed, oftentimes losing their confidence and self esteem, sometimes even affecting their attitude towards Torah and mitzvos. In September of 2009, after almost a decade of observation and experience with yeshiva high school education as a rebbe and as a principal, Rabbi Chaim Tropper co-founded Ye-

shivas Ohev Shalom to fill this void in our community. Ohev Shalom offers a standard yeshiva curriculum of indepth study of Gemara with slower paced, more interactive, personalized shiurim that engage and stimulate the talmidim without overloading them with unnecessary pressure. The more frequent breaks, shorter school days, and less competitive environment are some of the ways that the yeshiva ensures the happiness and success of the talmidim without compromising the highest standards of structure, discipline, and yiras shamayim. The Yeshiva places a strong emphasis on middos and character development, and spends a lot of time and effort creating an atmosphere of achdus amongst the talmidim. The monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfasts, Shabbatonin, onegs, school trips, and other frequent events are some of the ways that the Yeshiva enhances the closeness amongst the students, and the relationship between the students and the rabbeim. This trusting rebbe-talmid relationship or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;kesherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is so vital in order to be able to guide teenagers who face daily challenges in our tumultuous society. Yeshivas Ohev Shalom also offers a second track of Torah classes for students who are academically below average or less motivated to study. Instead of a full morning of in-depth study of Gemara, this track has shorter classes in Mishna, Navi, Hashkafah, and Halacha to enhance the interest of the students

“Our mission is to cultivate the potential of each talmid to blossom into a refined, well rounded, educated, and happy Ben Torah.” - Rabbi Chaim Tropper

Yeshivas Ohev Shalom, only in their second year, has already earned the respect and admiration of the Los Angeles Torah community. This is evident by their Rabbinical Advisory Board, all distinguished Rabbonim of shuls and heads of local yeshivos. Fifteen students are presently enrolled in the yeshiva. Five of these students are out of towners from Northern California, Arizona, Texas, and Israel. The yeshiva provides supervised comfortable boarding in a warm, frum, family environment. The local students include graduates from the Cheder, Emek, Etz Jacob, Toras Emes and Yavneh. The Yeshiva constantly strives to accomplish the goal of their mission statement “to cultivate the potential of each talmid to blossom into a refined, well rounded, educated, and happy Ben Torah” For more information visit their website at yeshivasohevshalom.com.

and to expand their opportunities for skill development. Rabbi Dovid Tropper, who has been an educator for close to forty years, utilizes his wisdom and experience to motivate and inspire these bochurim. In just a short period of time Ohev Shalom has already seen unbelievable progress in many of their talmidim. There is something else that is very unique about Yeshivas Ohev Shalom. They are the first and only Yeshiva high school worldwide to offer a complete on-line secular program, which is fully funded by our tax dollars. This enables the Yeshiva to charge very affordable tuition, less than half the price of any other local yeshiva high school. The virtual secular program offers a full 120 course public school curriculum with full access to all honors and AP courses. Through its broad selection of courses and various levels, this virtual program affords each student with the opportunity to receive a tailor made secular education.

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CITY spirit november 2010

A Time for Dance theater division will be holding auditions for “Alice in Wonderland” the 7th annual dance and musical performance for women only. Girls ages 7- teen are invited to audition and join the theater company. Auditions will be held November 21 and December 5 at 7269 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles. Since 2004, A Time for Dance has provided the Jewish Community the opportunity to study and perform the fine arts in a serious yet heimishe environment. For more information about auditions or classes offered please call: 323-404-0827 or www.atime4dance.com

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t s r i F y Happ o T y a Friendship Circle Of Birthd

Los Angeles Hebrew School!

CITY spirit november 2010

fter nine months of careful planning, Friendship Circle Hebrew School opened its doors in October 2009, to a group of parents and students, eager and ready to experience the flavor and fun of a structured Jewish education. These boys and girls, ranging from ages 5-13, are currently enrolled in various nonJewish schools where they are able to obtain all the costly, specialized services so vital to their development. In this short, yet very productive year, we have Baruch Hashem grown into a program encompassing three full classes, two for boys and a separate one for girls. These classes run simultaneously every Sunday morning from 9:45 to 11:15 AM followed twice a month by an optional Sunday Circle Social Program from 11:30 to 1:30 PM. In addition to their formal education, the youngsters can socialize and experience Jewish life to the fullest in a loving and accepting environment. Under the able leadership of Mrs. Doonie Mishulovin, a veteran educator with a masters in Curriculum Development, the students are exposed to a variety of subjects such as

Hebrew reading, Parsha, Mitzvos, prayer, Jewish holidays and the beauty of Jewish life. The most up to date educational tools and modalities, incorporating music, movement, arts & crafts, food and much more are utilized to address the different levels and abilities of each individual student. With an emphasis on proper class decorum and a positive, relaxed learning environment, Friendship Circle Hebrew School is privileged to have on board a staff of highly professional educators, a behavior therapist, and a group of enthusiastic volunteers. This group of dedicated teenagers not only provide support in the classroom but also a special friendship so vital to the overall development and self esteem of the child. After the first week of opening its doors, a mother enthusiastically reported to Mrs. Mishulovin how her son, who never before made it past Kiddush on Shabbos, sat through the ENTIRE Shabbos meal, so eager to experience at home all the wonderful things he had learned about Shabbos in the first week of attending Hebrew School. Just last week, a mother shared with us how special it was for her son, who had been learning everything about Halloween in public school, to be exposed to his own Jewish heritage by attending Hebrew school, where he had the opportunity to learn Aleph Bais and enjoy painting his own menorah in anticipation of Chanukah. Another grateful mother shared with us that her five year old son excitedly talks about Hebrew School and Sunday Circle ALL WEEK LONG. We at Friendship Circle are committed to keeping up and expanding this most important service to our community and we count on your continued friendship and support. If you know someone who could benefit from our many programs or would like to volunteer, please contact us at (310) 2773252. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help!

Root, Root, Root for the Dodgers and Chai Lifeline

Miriam Hendeles

ur family entered the park and headed to our seats in the stands of Dodger Stadium. We were all set to watch the LA Dodgers take on the San Francisco Giants on a balmy Wednesday night. As soon as we found our seats and sat down, a yarmulke clad fellow tossed a hot dog and some chips to us. Whoa!! We were given a sticker to wear identifying us as part of one large family or team – and we were. We were part of Chai Lifeline’s team. For this night, two full sections of VIP seats were reserved for families and siblings of children with serious and chronic illness – 125 people in all. Hot dogs were donated by Jeff’s Gourmet, and the seats were donated by the Dodgers. Thus began a night of 3 hours of fun, watching the game, enjoying the camaraderie, and marveling at the well-planned event run by Chai Lifeline West Coast. The sky’s the limit when it comes to Chai Lifeline and

bringing joy and happiness to kids and families dealing with serious illness. I turned around and looked upward at the rows and rows of happy Jewish kids, munching on food, relaxing with family, and enjoying the cool night air. Some were pointing to something taking place on the field, and others were simply just staring at the game, with a look of pure contentment on their faces. I left my family watching the game and keeping score while I went to the upper bleachers to talk to some of the families. As I edged up the stairs, I was overtaken by a huge cheer from the crowd. Everyone was standing up and cheering for the run that the Dodgers had just scored. To me, it was a cheer for the tremendous behind the scenes work of the staff and volunteers of Chai Lifeline West Coast. Randi Grossman, Director of Chai Lifeline West Coast, Sohacheski Family Center, introduced me to Ilene, a friend of Chai Lifeline, just as the volunteers began to pass out and toss brownies. As kids were enjoying their new treats (more to come!), I became acquainted with Ilene. Ilene, who recently moved to LA from Chicago speaks about how CL provides her daughter, Jessica, with many exciting activities throughout the year. During the summer, JesContinues on page 18

CITY spirit november 2010 17

 community spirit Chai Lifeline

Continued from page 17

sica attends Camp Simcha. Ilene shares, “Jess talks about Camp Simcha every day of the year, while at home and at school. She even celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Camp. Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha give her opportunities to be connected to others going through similar experiences.” Randi says, “Chai Lifeline is a family. We try to anticipate the needs of all of the family members who are affected by their loved one’s illness. It is about so much more than the medicine and medical treatments.” Chai Lifeline has a program for every season of the year. Families look forward to holiday events like the annual Chanukah party and Purim festival. Recreational programs, art workshops, and siblings programs give kids a chance to get together for an afternoon or a weekend. And parents receive an incredible amount of support through Chai Lifeline. Seasons of Respite gives mothers four days during the year to relax and spend time with other mothers. Retreats offer a chunk of time and friendship with others also battling a child’s illness. Kids and parents alike look forward to family days like this event at Dodger Stadium.

Yocheved, a friend of Chai Lifeline for several years now speaks passionately about the work of the organization. “They do this event at the ballgame every year, making sure to dot every “I” and cross every “T.” This is a total break away from reality for parents, children, siblings and cousins of children suffering from illness. Everyone looks forward to joining because it is such a special time for them. There are kids here who bring their own food, administered by a tube – but they wouldn’t miss this event year after year.” I turned around just as a volunteer with a painted face came up to me and asked if I wanted another hot dog. I said no, and I saw him throw a bag of twizzlers to a couple of eager kids watching the game. Often the siblings of children who are suffering with illness feel that their attention from parents and others are being usurped by the sick child. Resentment builds up and these children’s issues need to be addressed. When Chai Lifeline treats the entire families to a fun time at the ball park or other venue, the resentment fades away and is replaced by joy. Speaking of joy, twizzlers and peanuts and chips and hotdogs were already passé. The treat of the hour was now bubble gum. Everyone around us was chewing hard on pink bubble gum. Continues on page 20

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 community spirit Chai Lifeline

Continued from page 18

Chai Lifeline West Coast has a team of volunteers led by the director of volunteer services, Sheryl Katzovitz, who leads and trains the volunteers to do the dedicated work with the kids. In addition, Alyssa Wiesel serves as social worker and art therapist; the region employs a second social worker, Gila Sacks. One of the volunteers, Shuli L., shares with me how she has been with Chai Lifeline as a volunteer for seven years. At first she worked weekly at home with kids, helping them with their homework. Shuli would devote time to lend a helping hand to the parents at home in the evening hours. Once she graduated high school and began college, it was hard for her to put in that weekly time. Now, she participates at events. “I find the work incredibly rewarding,” says Shuli. “The energy is high, it is fun-spirited and we get close with each camper. I really don’t feel like I’m doing a chesed. I just hang out with the kids, and we enjoy each others’ company, texting each other and being there for them.” Just when I thought I heard enough and when I was sure I saw enough, I watched as the volunteers gave out Dodger bracelets, fruit roll ups and wafers. I made my way around the rows and rows, and found a young lady who agreed to be interviewed. She spoke in a

meaningful way about how she, as a Chai Lifeline beneficiary, perceives the organization. “Many people out there don’t ‘get it.’ But by being around others who are going through similar situations found with acute illnesses, I find relief with the camaraderie,” shares this young women, who asked not to be identified. “Just because you are part of Chai Lifeline doesn’t make you a “nebbich” case. It is just a matter of having others who speak the same language as I do, having others who know what you mean, who don’t have to ask an interpreter to explain the terms.” As we were leaving amid cheers and shouts of “Go Dodgers, Go Dodgers!” Randi Grossman pulled me aside and introduced me to April Thompson, Director of Community Affairs and Family Services at the Park. Ms. Thompson seemed shy as Randi praised Ms. Thompson’s tremendous help in being liaison for Chai Lifeline to work all the planning out, taking care of logistics at the stadium and making the event a reality. We said good-bye to our friends, heading back to the parking lot at the end of the game. The Dodgers won 1-0, but in our opinion, it was a bigger win for the people at Chai Lifeline, who bring so much joy, camaraderie, relief, and respite to families who are in need. For more information on Chai Lifeline West Coast, please call (310) 274-6331 or go to www.chailifeline.org.

Mashu Mashu Asian Bistro

CITY spirit november 2010

Reviewed by Tova Klein

alking into Mashu Mashu off Burbank and Whitsett, the Jewish hub of the Valley with all its typical hustle and bustle of Western daily life, you are easily transplanted into a calm and cozy Asian environment created by the décor of rust and brownish tones and hues. We were greeted by the owner, David, who graciously seated us at the table which afforded us a central view of the restaurant. Moshe, the manager, who doubled as our waiter that night, immediately offered us a refreshing drink. As my friend and I were waiting for the first course to ar-

rive, I noticed the cleanliness of the place and the distinct lack of fried odor associated with many Chinese establishments. Within a short while, Moshe indulged us with an assortment of inviting appetizers. The tasty fire poppers, chicken lightly fried in a crispy batter topped in a spicy sauce served on top of coleslaw and Chinese noodles, had a pleasant kick. The next delicious choice was a pastrami egg roll filled with fresh and crispy vegetables laced in a zesty mustard sauce. It reminded me of a pastrami wrap crunchy style and was a definite favorite! Godzilla onion rings named for its “sixteen wheeler truck size” were both large in radius and width. Not to worry about your waistline, though, as to my great surprise none of the fried dishes had any detectable grease. We then continued with the main course. An enticing sectional tray was brought to us with a variety of Mongolian beef, General Tsao’s chicken, and my all time favorite, Portobello beef. This original dish was made out of charbroiled beef and Portobello mushrooms served over a bed of rice - a definite must try! Our meal would not be complete without our chocolate chip cookie dough eggroll dessert, a most unique “shidduch” where East meets West in the culinary arts. This warm chocolate chip cookie dough stuffed into a crispy egg roll shell and topped with swirls of chocolate literally melted in our mouths and would in yours, too! Try it once and you’re sure to go back again and again.

“Life is a great teacher. The longer you've lived, the more you’ve learned and the more you can teach.”

The rabbi. the doctor. the man. Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. speaks to cityspirit about his newly released book Gevurah: My Life, Our World, and The Adventure of Reaching 80 by Mati Jacobovits

ounger people may indeed have more energy, but we oldies may have invaluable knowledge from the University of Experience. We should look for ways to make it available. I have spent forty years treating alcoholics. I have learned most from people who have been sober for many years, much more than I have derived from educated, trained professionals. The former are constantly on guard because of their propensity to drink. I must be constantly on guard because of the wiles of the yetzer hara (evil inclination). It’s as simple as that. Life is a great teacher. The longer you have lived, the more you have learned and the more you can teach. Chapter 2 Just What Is Gevurah?

’m glad that I am 80. I’m happy that I am no longer responsible for the welfare and well-being of my descendants — but I daven constantly that my grandchildren and greatgrandchildren negotiate these troubled waters safely. Chapter 13 Raising Children In Today’s World

think it is safe to say that there is seldom a member of the larger Jew-

ish Orthodox community who has not heard of Rabbi Abrahmam J. Twerski, M.D. A world-renowned psychiatrist, respected rabbi and

the best-selling author of sixty-one books, Rabbi Dr. Twerski is a household name. Having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, Rabbi Dr. Twerski commemorates this milestone with his newly released book, Gevurah: My Life, Our World, and The Adventure of Reaching 80, published by Shaar Press. Gevurah tell his story: the young American being raised in Milwaukee in a home steeped in Chassidic tradition; the medical student at a time when a shomer Shabbos doctor was a rarity; the author who honestly and wryly admits that writing is his addiction; the psychiatrist who changed the way we look at mental disorders. More than an autobiography, Gevurah offers Rabbi Dr. Twerski’s wide-ranging perspective on our own concerns. Whether discussing the contemporary challenges of child rearing, the importance of prayer in our lives, or how to achieve authentic Torah values, Rabbi Dr. Twerski is articulate, often funny, and always very wise. I had the privilege of speaking with Rabbi Dr. Twerski to discuss his new book and give our readers insight into his personal life and professional endeavors.

Excerpts used with permission, ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.

CitySpirit: Happy 80th Birthday. You have reached a milestone: the age of gevurah – strength. In your book you state that gevurah may be referring to boldness, stamina and courage to continue with life after 80. Are you up to the task? Rabbi Doctor Twerski: I certainly hope so. CS: In your book you speak of the fond memories you have of your childhood. What was it like growing up in Milwaukee in an orthodox chassidic family? RDT: In retrospect, at the time, there was nothing remarkable about it. At the time, it was just normal. CS: You also talk much about your family and extended family, as well as many gedolim that visited your home. What about your contemporaries – did you have any special friends? RDT: There was one young boy who was shomer Shabbos. I didn’t get to see him too often, but otherwise, I had no friends. CS: That seems sad. RDT: But look, there were the kids in school. I went to public school, because there was nothing else, but I don’t recall it as having been any kind of lonely experience. All of my memories of childhood – except for the fact that there was one kid in school who was a bully – other than that, all of my memories of childhood are great. CS: We are to some extent a product of our upbringing. What were some contributing factors that you can give credit to for making you the man you are today?

RDT: Well, I suppose I have to start off with genes. I mean genetics is an important thing. And I think I was blessed that I inherited some good genes from my parents and from my ancestors on both sides. So that’s a beginning. Secondly, I made a point there, that being the only frum kid and going to public school, right at the beginning I knew I was different. And that was important because there are so many things that happen when people give in to peer pressure and try to mix in and conform. That was never an issue because I knew I was different. And that sort of followed me all through the rest of my life. I went to Marquette University Medical School which is a Catholic school. I became medical director at St. Francis Hospital which is a Catholic hospital, and none of these things ever posed any kind of problem, because from my childhood on, I knew I was different. CS: Different as in special? RDT: Different as in different. Other people’s practices did not in any way impress me or have any kind of influence on me. I had to live my life the way I was being taught, and the fact that others weren’t like that, well, that’s their business, not mine. CS: Do you think that if grew up in New York your life would have taken the same direction? RDT: Probably not. CS: You were a medical student in a time when Shomer Shabbos doctors were a rarity. How did your appearance and your customs as a Torah Jew affect your treatment in medical school? RDT: Well, several things happened.

described my wonderful childhood in Generation to Generation, growing up in a Chassidic home, with all the rich traditions of Chassidus and inspiring stories of tzaddikim. Although we lived in Milwaukee, which is off the beaten track, my father did host several gedolim. I remember Hagaon Rav Reuven Grozovsky spending Shabbos with us, as did the Ponevezher Rav. Hagaon Rav Eliezer Silver visited us, as did Hagaon Rav Mendel Kaplan. There were numerous great rabbanim and Chassidic Rebbes at our home. I was fortunate to meet and interact with several truly great individuals. Although I may not have understood it at the time, I also learned middos (character traits; behavior characteristics) from the people in my father’s shul. Many of them were relatively unlearned, but were simple and sincere in their Yiddishkeit. Chapter 3 Octogenarianism

am frequently consulted about a shidduch where a family member of the prospective chassan or kallah is known to have or to have had a psychiatric problem. Each case must be evaluated individually. The fact is that psychiatric disorders are very common, and one either does a shidduch with a family where there is a known psychiatric problem, or one where the problem has been covered up........ The apprehension about psychiatric care is increased when there is a need for psychotropic medication. ... Knowledge about psychiatric problems is increasing, but there is unfortunately much misinformation. .... Fortunately, more rabbanim are being trained to recognize psychological problems, to make referrals and to be supportive in therapy. Chapter 11 Kashering Psychiatry and Psychology

es, children require discipline, but from infancy on, they resent being controlled. Proper parenting results in children wanting to please their parents, rather than obeying out of fear. Chapter 21 Intellect and Imagination

First of all, in the second year of medical school, pathology was the main course. And it was the course that separated the men from the boys. If you’ve flunked pathology – you’ve had it. The lecture would start at 8:00 and the doors were locked at 8:00. And if someone came at 8:01, they didn’t get in and they missed the lecture. That year Rosh Hashana and Succos fell out on weekdays and I was going to miss six lectures. It’s very hard to miss six lectures in pathology and survive. So what happened was, the summer before, during summer vacation, I got the pathology textbook and I studied it like crazy. It turned out, that on that pathology exam, I had one of the highest grades. If it wasn’t for Yom Tov, I probably would’ve gotten an average grade.

CS: You mentioned that a lot of the students would fall asleep during lectures. RDT: That was pediatrics. The lecture was given on Shabbos by Dr. Peterson- who was really a great, great doctor- but a terrible lecturer and the students would fall asleep. They depended on the lecture for the knowledge of the material, and they didn’t get much out of it. I used to see what the subject of the lecture was, read up on it, and got one of the highest grades in pediatrics. So Shabbos and Yom Tov never really posed a problem. CS: Were your parents involved in your career decisions?

Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.

A brief Biography

r. Twerski, an ordained rabbi, held a pulpit until 1959 when he graduated from Marquette University Medical School and went on to complete his psychiatric residency at the University of Pittsburgh Western Psychiatric Institute. For 20 years, he served as clinical director of the Department of Psychiatry at St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, and was an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine. He has been awarded honorary degrees from St. Vincent’s College, Duquesne University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania based on his scientific contributions and community efforts. Dr. Twerski stems from a long line of Chassidic greats, of the Chernoble and Sanz dynasties, and traces his ancestry to the Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement. The author of more than 60 books, including collaboration with the late Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts characters, Dr. Twerski has been a guest on many television and radio programs and featured in hundreds of magazines, newspapers and publications around the world. Among his many books are Living Each Day, daily inspirational messages, Twerski on Prayer, Lights Along the Way, a commentary on Mesilas Yesharim (Path of the Just), Angels Don’t Leave Footprints, Life’s Too Short and Ten Steps to Being Your Best on issues of self-esteem,, and Getting Up When You’re Down on depression and related conditions. Dr. Twerski’s books with the Peanuts characters, When Do the Good Things Start and Waking Up Just in Time have been translated into several languages. His

RDT: Not really, but they certainly approved of it. I have a feeling that my father really – not overtly but subliminally – encouraged it and I think he was very happy that I became a doctor. CS: What led you specifically to psychiatry? RDT: Truthfully, I foresaw that if I go into other specialties, I would have shailas about Shabbos. In psychiatry that’s not likely. So that was one of the reasons. Secondly, I wanted to do the kinds of things in my life that my father was doing – and my father was the world’s greatest therapist. So I wanted to do that. Somewhere along the way, I had a professor of surgery who was so tre-

mendous, I became enamored with surgery and was really thinking of specializing in that. But I decided to stay with psychiatry. CS: At what stage of your career did you get married? RDT: I was 21. I had just gotten semicha and had not yet decided on a career. I ended up becoming a rabbi. CS: As a woman and a wife, I’m most curious as to what role your wife played in your career choices? RDT: Well, first of all, she was extremely encouraging. And there was a lot that she had to put up with, being the wife of a medical student. In addition to be-

mastery in story telling can be seen in Not Just Stories, a collection of inspiring Chassidic stories. Happiness and the Human Spirit is Dr. Twerski’s take on spirituality. Soon to appear is Formula for Proper Living, a guide to psychologically-sound living based on Torah sources. His popular weekly Seeking Solutions column in Hamodia has resulted in two volumes of Dear Rabbi, Dear Doctor, providing guidance on a wide spectrum of problems. His book, Addictive Thinking is a primer in the field of addiction. Dr. Twerski courageously pioneered awareness of spouse abuse among Jews in The Shame Borne in Silence, and addictive gambling in Compulsive Gambling, It’s More than Dreidel. Just released is, “Without a Job, Who Am I?,” which offers a system of support designed to help individuals develop and sustain a true sense of self-worth and identity after being shaken by professional or economic upheaval. Click here to see this site’s full list of Dr. Twerski’s books. Dr. Twerski has lectured extensively on chemical dependency and other topics such as stress, self-esteem and spirituality. In addition, Dr. Twerski has traveled the world as a spokesperson for recovery on behalf of the millions who have achieved it and with goals that inspire, encourage and challenge those still finding their way. Dr. Twerski first opened Gateway Rehabilitation Center in 1972 as a 28-day alcohol and drug dependence treatment center. A 2008 James W. West, M.D. Quality Improvement Award winner, Gateway Rehab also has been named one of the nation’s “top 12 rehabilitation programs” in a survey conducted by Forbes magazine and called one of the “best treatment centers” in both Rehab magazine and The 100 Best Treatment Centers Guide to Addiction Care. Gateway has since expanded to a network of facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and its staff provides services to more than 1500 clients daily.

here are a number of problems that occur among Jews that have been swept under the rug, and people have suffered greatly because these were not addressed. I chose to bring them to the attention of the Jewish community; namely, alcoholism and drug addiction, compulsive gambling, internet addiction, and spouse abuse. There has been great resistance in acknowledging these problems and providing the necessary help. These conditions are considered a shonde (disgrace), and people would rather not be aware of them. After I published The Shame Borne in Silence on spouse abuse among Jews, I had to have police protection at my lectures. Chapter 30 What Is The Most...?

ddictions are ruinous and even fatal. At this time, I am unaware of ways other than the 12-step programs that are anywhere near as effective. That is why I am supportive of them. Chapter 30 What Is The Most...?

cannot resist conveying something I heard from a patient. He told me that at one point, his marriage was in deep trouble. “My wife and I had frequent spats,” he said. “I never wanted to yield. It was a matter of pride. I was right even if I was wrong. “Then one day it occurred to me that if I win an argument, that means that my wife lost it. But I didn’t want to be married to a loser, so we stopped fighting.” Perhaps it was still a matter of pride that he did not want to be married to a loser, but it certainly is a much healthier result of pride than insisting on being a winner. Chapter 42 Shalom Bayis & Who I Am

riting about my eighty years initially seemed to be a formidable challenge. Initially, I wondered why anyone should be interested in my experiences. As I began writing, I realized that some of my experiences may serve as material that others might find useful in their lives. Chapter 6 Ask Your Elders

ing a medical student, I still was a rav on weekends, so it was like burning the candle on both ends. She had to put up with a great deal. CS: Did she have any career outside the home? RDT: Not in Milwaukee. She was a Bais Yaakov teacher in New York before we were married. And later when we moved to Pittsburgh, she began teaching again. CS: Did any of your children follow in your footsteps? RDT: My second son is a psychologist. CS: How did your career evolve into dealing with addictions? RDT: I happened to get a patient in my first year of residency who was a sober recovering alcoholic. She had a fascinating history, and I did not understand how she was able to stay sober – because what we were being taught was – that there was nothing that psychiatry had to offer for the alcoholic. And she stayed sober because she went to Alcoholics Anonymous. I was curious about Alcoholics Anonymous, so I started going to meetings to find out what it was all about and I was very impressed. In fact, if you go on torahweb.org, on this week’s d’var Torah, you’ll see what I wrote about mussar and the twelve steps. CS: You mention in your book that founding Gateways Rehabilitation Center is one of your greatest professional achievements. Did you train the doctors on your staff? RDT: I trained one doctor in residency. He was a resident when I was in practice in St. Francis. He was the only medical doctor that we had on the staff. All the others were therapists, either with

degrees in psychology, social work, or nursing. And half of them were in recovery themselves which was very important – they understood what the clients were going through. CS: In your book, in the chapter on “Hashkafa and Psychiatry” you give an example of a patient who had animosity toward her mother, and they had not talked for several years. Several rabbis tried to bring about a reconciliation, but failed. In one session the woman reported a dream and you gave her an interpretation that you wanted her to believe. That information led to a reconciliation. Do you promote this kind of therapy –where the end justifies the means? RDT: In that case, I think the end justified the means. CS: I enjoyed the story you relate in the chapter, “Grape Juice for the Masses”. You seem to have a close relationship with the cardinal and you set up a treatment program for priests and nuns. What motivated you to get so involved? RDT: I had a close relationship with the Cardinal. I set up a program for treating priests and nuns with psychological and psychiatric problems. CS: Was it something you felt would eventually help you understand and deal with issues in the Jewish community? RDT: No, not really. I never thought about it, and I don’t think it did. CS: You have done so much in your lifetime. As a writer, as a doctor and let’s not forget family obligations. How do you have the time? Is there a secret time management

trick you can share with our readers? RDT: I don’t know that there are any tricks. It’s just to be respectful of time and to realize that if you waste a dollar it’s bad, but you can make another dollar, but if you waste five minutes, you’ll never get them back. So my concept of time is that time is unbelievably precious and irreplaceable, and I just can’t tolerate wasting it. I can relax, and that’s fine, but I know what I’m doing, but just to kill time and that kind of stuff, uh uh. CS: In the chapter “Growing Wiser”, you state “As an octogenarian one cannot avoid the awareness that one’s time may be running out”. You see death as a reunion with so many people you knew, your father, your Zeide... If they asked you to describe the world as it is today, what would you tell them? RDT: Well, first of all I don’t know that they are going to need me to describe it, I would think from up there they know. But, I’m certainly going to tell them that this is absolutely the craziest world that ever existed. The world today has gone completely crazy, partially because the wonderful advances in science and technology has given people so much that they’d never had before. We’ve just gone head over heels into materialism, and unfortunately, spiritually as I see it, we are very lacking. People are completely into living for comfort, living for enjoyment, living for fun, because science has made it possible.

rabbanim to become more knowledgeable in these conditions. They are the people who are often consulted first, and they have a responsibility to learn what these conditions are like, so that they can offer proper advice. CS: And are they doing that? RDT: Not anywhere near enough. There is still too much lack of knowledge, and unfortunately some responsible rabbanim are going by what they understand and believe without having adequate knowledge. CS: What path of education would you recommend to an orthodox Jew today who wants to become a psychiatrist? RDT: This is a question that frequently comes up. Today’s field of psychology is much different than it was when I went to college in the 1950’s. At that time, Freudian psychoanalysis was the authoritative thing and there was a lot of problems with Freud in psychology and religion. Today, that’s no longer so. Today, we practice mostly cognitive psychology – the kind of psychology that does not have much conflict with religion. So my advice is, go to the best school you can, make sure that you have a rav – a monitor with whom you can check in with periodically, just in case questions come up. CS: Today, at eighty years old - how do you spend your days. Have you slowed down at all?

CS: You often lecture about addictions and abuse found in Orthodox families. What advice can you give our readers in dealing with these issues?

RDT: I spend my days primarily writing and learning and doing a little bit of lecturing.

RDT: The first advice that I have is for

RDT: I had to cut traveling back to a

CS: Any traveling?

hen there was poor Mr. Wobeck. As a child, I used to sit on Mr. Wobeck’s lap and he told me fantastic stories about the kings and princes he had known. Wobeck had been a very wealthy person, but lost everything in the crash of 1929 and became insane. He wore a large glass ring and glass studs in his shirt. In better times, these had been diamonds. He sported a fancy cane. In his delusional mind, he was still a millionaire, and as a five-yearold child, it made little difference to me whether his ring was glass or diamond. I was the only human being who was interested in what he had to say. Chapter 3 Octogenarianism

his is my sixty-first book. I can’t believe it. I wrote my first book during my psychiatric training and asked my mentor to review it. He said, “Abe, put it away for ten years.” I valued his opinion and did so. Ten years later I looked at it and was thankful that I had not tried to publish it. It was terrible. Chapter 7 I Can’t Believe It!

ut we are mortals, and our dreams tend to be for earthly gratifications rather than spiritual achievements. We should recognize our limitations and ask Hashem to help us rise above them. Chapter 59 Hopes and Dreams

f you have a complicated piece of machinery and you want it to operate efficiently, you will be wise to read the “owner’s manual” provided by the manufacturer. The Torah is our “owner’s manual” provided by the Manufacturer. Hashem created man and gave him the Torah, the instruction book that will enable one to achieve true happiness by fulfilling the purpose of one’s creation. If we are wise, we will follow instructions. Chapter 40 Are We Nearing Rock Bottom?

am grateful to Hashem that He has allowed me to reach 80, so I ask Him to let me reach 81. Chapter 59 Hopes and Dreams

minimum because I’m not in such good condition to travel. CS: In closing, any advice you can give our children today – growing up in these trying times? RDT: I would like our children to know,

      Ask your father and he will relate it to you, your elders and they will tell you. Sefer Devorim, Perek 32, Pasuk 7

In spite of the fact that science and technology has made such enormous advances – so there’s a great deal of respect for the human mind – but remember that when we look at ourselves, we are not smarter than the generations that came before. If we look back at pre-

vious generations, we realize that there were gedolim who’s greatness is essentially unreachable and we have a great deal to look up to achieve – and not to think of ourselves as being the smartest in the world. Now it’s true, my grandchildren can program my cell phone and I can’t, so our children and our grandchildren are smarter technologically then we are. But they should realize that because they have that technological knowledge, that does not make them philosophically and hashgafically smarter. They must still look back to the hashgafic teachings of their parents and grandparents.

To learn more about Rabbi Abrahmam J. Twerski, M.D. visit www.abrahamtwerski.com.

Beginning with the most recent, the following is a timeline of Dr. Twerski’s remarkable achievements: 2008_ _______________________________ Received 50 Years of Service award from The Allegheny County Medical Society Featured in the book, “Pittsburgh Born, Pittsburgh Bred” as one of “500 of the most memorable Pittsburghers who have shaped the region and the world in the past 250 years” 2006_ _______________________________ Received the Michael Q. Ford Journalism Award from the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. 2005_ _______________________________ Received Gateway Rehabilitation Center’s inaugural Hope Award, now known as the Twerski Hope Award 2002_ _______________________________ Received the Nelson J. Bradley Lifetime Achievement Award, given annually by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) to an individual whose lifetime has been committed to furthering the cause of addiction treatment 2001_ _______________________________ Received Health Care Hero Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Pitts-

burgh Business Times, Allegheny County Medical Society and the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Council 1998_ _______________________________ Received the Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh’s Caritas Award for Service Received the American Psychiatric Association’s Oskar Pfister Award 1997_________________________________ Received the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Distinguished Service Award, the Society’s greatest honor given to an individual for his or her dedication to work in the chemical dependency field 1991_________________________________ Named a “Real Pittsburgher” by Pittsburgh Magazine 1980_ _______________________________ Earned citation for “Contribution to the Integration of Religion and the Behavioral Sciences” 1975_________________________________ Received the Martin Luther King Citizen’s Award

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 point of view

What Kind of Impact Can We Make? | Rabbi Effie Goldberg

CITY spirit november 2010

hat is it about a flame that captivates the eye of the onlooker? I think that everyone related to a flame differently, connecting it with different personal experiences. It may remind you of the bonfires you sang around in camp or even California forest fires. How about the weekly experience watching the torch like light leaping from the havdalah candle? I am certain that there are dozens of examples one could think of, but for our purposes, let us examine the candles on the menorah as our vision of flame. I want to point out the beauty of the (up to) eight single flames flickering in the dark. I love turning the lights off in my dining room and getting lost in my thoughts about the miracle of Chanuka and its implications on my life. Ultimately, it is the single flame, not the torch, that won the battle and gave us the celebration of Chanuka. (Disclaimer: This article is not meant to cover any areas of halacha. Please refer to your local rabbi in regards to location of menorah and using the light of the candles.) What do you think about? Picture the moment: you have just set up the candles and are standing inside your home surrounded by friends and family or even by yourself. What goes through your mind as you are about to perform this holy mitzvah? The week of Chanukah symbolizes victory and power; the ideas of overcoming spiritual and physical battles surround us. Everything mentions miracles, the blessings, the songs... but what is it that holds our attention during this Chag besides for the obvious latkes and donuts? One of the fascinating arguments discussed among the commentaries is the amount of candles lit per night. Do we light one a night and add to it each of the following nights or should we start with eight and remove one per night. If you look a little deeper at the disagreement there is an underlying theme. Do we focus on the individual in a community or the community which is made up of individuals? Either way, the theme is still victory but how do we get there? Last week I was walking to shul with a respected Rabbi in our community who informed me of a t-shirt being worn by the youngest miner in Chile. There was a quote on his shirt from Tehillim 95:4, “Porque en su mano están las profundidades de la tierra, Y las alturas de los montes son suyas.” “In whose hands are the depths of the earth; the heights of the moun-

tains are His.” There were millions of people who were following this difficult situation and this one miner was communicating something to all of them. This occurrence gave the people present, and the millions of people watching the updates on television, a moment of hope and a realization of the existence of a Higher Power. The rabbi and I discussed the possible impact this miner, an individual, had through his publicized message to the masses. Our conversation then turned to a more unfortunate state of affairs, that I won’t get into, and we recognized how often the individual does not impact at all. While this often may be the case, we have but to refer back to the miracles of Chanuka when the few conquered many, the individuals moved the group and the world became a different place. The bottom line is that a community is made up of individuals who each have the ability to inspire one another. I will conclude with a story about an NCSYer, a junior in high school, who had tremendous leadership potential but she lacked self esteem. Having wavered for several months, she finally chose to attend an NCSY leadership summer program called JOLT (Jewish Overseas Leadership Training). The itinerary of the camp includes a two week program in Austria with Jewish children who have little or no understanding of what it means to be Jewish, practically or spiritually. One evening, as she was conversing with one of her Austrian campers, she learned that the camper had never had a bat mitzvah. Another young girl, having overheard the conversation, chimed in that she too had not celebrated her bat mitzvah. Not only did these two Jewish girls not experience a bat mitzvah, but they didn’t even have Jewish names! She immediately sought a way for these girls to attain Jewish names and to celebrate their bat mitzvahs. As news of her plan spread throughout the camp, two adult visitors approached her and asked if they too could participate in the celebration, for they had not had proper bat mitzvahs either. The event was rather emotional for the members of the camp. It was a small moment yet it held a considerable victory for those in attendance. This is just one example of one person impacting the community and making all of the difference. It inspires us to wonder, what kind of impact can we make? Happy Chanukah!!

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.

CITY spirit november 2010 31

 dvar halachah

Festival of Lights |Rabbi Gershon Bess

How Many Candles to Light When we perform a Mitzvah, the Torah highly recommends that we do our best to “beautify” the Mitzvah. This is derived from the passuk –    – “This is my Hashem and I will beautify Him” (when I perform His commandments). Pursuant to this, for example, we are required to buy a “beautiful” pair of Tefillin or a beautiful Mezuzah. However, we are typically not provided with specific guidelines or instructions on how to “beautify” the Mitzvah. The Mitzvah of Chanukah, however, is unique. We can fundamentally and simply fulfill the Mitzvah by lighting just one candle each night, on behalf of the entire household. However, Chanukah is the one Mitzvah which provides specific guidelines incorporated into the very act of the Mitzvah in order to “beautify” the Mitzvah. These include the lighting by each household member, with an additional candle lit each night. On Chanukah we celebrate the incredible victory of the outnumbered Chashmonean soldiers against the mighty Syrian-Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of the small vial of pure oil, which allowed the Jewish nation to once again light the Menorah in the Bais Hamikdash. By enabling the nation to fulfill the Mitzvah with undefiled oil, Hashem demonstrated His beneficence to the victors. We, in turn, now demonstrate our appreciation by lighting the Chanukah lights

in as generous and beautiful a manner as possible. We even utilize a beautiful Chanukiah for the candle lighting process.

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Time to Light The Talmud states that candle lighting should be performed “when the sun sets until foot traffic ceases from the streets” (i.e. thirty minutes). The Rambam interprets “sunset” to mean conventional sunset (when the sun sinks below the horizon). According to the Rambam, we should light our candles immediately at sunset. (For the sake of brevity we use the word “candles”. In fact, the preferred method is to use olive oil for the Mitzvah.) Other Poskim understand “sunset” to mean at the completion of sunset; (i.e. when stars become visible). According to this opinion we should light candles somewhere between twenty and seventy two minutes after sunset, depending on the latitude and the various opinions of ,  (visibility of three stars). While most follow the latter opinion, (lighting when the stars become visible), many prefer to light between 10-20 minutes after sunset and have the candles burn until a half hour after the stars become visible. In this manner, they attempt to also fulfill the opinion of the Rambam. Where to Light During Talmudic times, candle-lighting was performed

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outside the home at the entrance to the street or the courtyard.   (the publicizing of the miracle) was for the benefit of passersby. However, when it became unsafe to light outside, Chazal instructed us to light in the home.   then was for the benefit of the members of the household. Outside of Israel, virtually everyone lights in the home, while in Israel it is still common for one to light outside (as was done in the times of Chazal). When lighting indoors, it is preferable to light at a window which faces passersby, if the candles are located in a room heavily trafficked by family members. Others prefer to light on the left side of the doorway of a heavily trafficked room, thereby surrounding themselves with a Mezuzah on the right door post and the Chanukiah at the left. [If that doorway does not have a Mezuzah, the Chanukiah should be lit on the right side of the doorway]. There are certain distinctions in lighting requirements depending on whether the   is for the benefit of the passersby or for the household: 1. If one cannot light at the proper time and will arrive home when passersby cease to traffic the street. In Israel, one should appoint his wife (or an agent) to light at his home at the proper time and he thereby will fulfill his Mitzvah. However, for those who light in the house, the main   is for the household. It is therefore still considered the “proper” time to light when the husband comes home, and the husband can light when he returns home, in the presence of the household members. 2. If the husband is home at the proper time but his wife is not home yet. In Israel, he should light at the proper time, since all the other members of the household still will fulfill the Mitzvah with the lighting by the husband. However, if the main   is for the household members, he should wait for his wife and the other household members to be present, and then light.

Rabbi Gershon Bess is Rav of Congregation Kehillas Yaakov and serves as the Halachic authority for the Los Angeles Kollel and Yeshiva communities. He gives a slate of highly regarded lectures on Talmud and Halacha and is the Rosh HaVaad of Vaad L’Maan Yahadus which has published Halachic bulletins for many years. He is a graduate of the yeshivos of Philadelphia, Ponovez, Lakewood and the Kollel of Los Angeles and serves on the Bais Din of the Rabbinical Council of California.

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CITY spirit november 2010

How One Lights On the first night of Chanukah we light one candle, and add another one each successive night. On the first night, the oil/candle is set at the extreme right side of the Chanukiah (as the person faces the Chanukiah). The second night, we light an additional oil/candle to the left of the first one. We always light the added oil/candle first and then proceed to light the others, from left to right. On the first night of Chanukah, we recite three Brochos including . There is a Minhag to light a Chanukiah in Shul between Mincha and Maariv. However, one cannot fulfill his obligation with the lighting in Shul. Even in Shul, on the first night, all three Brochos are recited. The Chazan who lights in Shul and recites the  does not repeat that Brocho when

he lights at home [to fulfill his obligation] unless he is being  his wife or other members of the household. During the rest of Chanukah, we do not recite  (but we do recite the other two brochos.) If the lighting is performed in Shul after the congregation already lit at home, the first two brochos are recited but not the brocho of . The Chanukiah is placed south of the Aron HaKodesh (positioned in an east – west direction). When lighting, the chazzan places himself between the south wall and the Chanukiah, facing north. The first night we light the easternmost oil/candle. Each night we add another oil/lamp adjacent to the first light. As usual, each night we light the western most candle first, and then continue lighting from left to right.

 inspiration

The Stolen Chanukah|Rabbi Avrohom Czapnik

CITY spirit november 2010

s we gear up for Chanukah, with Menorahs, dreidels, latkes, and gelt, I wonder if we realize that Chanukah was stolen! Hopefully, we will enjoy the Festival of Lights - the candlelighting, the family time, the delicious foods, and yes, even the Chanukah Gelt. But do we know what Chanukah is really all about? Of course, many of us will say it is about fighting for freedom. Others will talk of the miracles of a few Jews battling and defeating the Greek army, and of the miracle in which one jug of oil for the Bais HaMikdash (Temple) Menorah that would normally only burn for one day lasted for eight! Although these reasons are true I am referring to something else: the purpose of Chanukah and what it really commemorates. This is what was stolen from us. Chanukah was not about physical freedom. In fact, the Jews of Eretz Yisrael that adopted the customs and lifestyle of the Yevonim (Syrian-Greeks) had relative freedom and were not persecuted. Chanukah was about fighting for religious freedom. The Maccabees were not macho weight lifters as the coloring books depict –rather they were scholars and rabbis! Throughout our history the Jewish People have unfortunately endured many perse-

cutions from before the time of the Purim story through the Holocaust until today. In the vast majority of them it made no difference whether we were secular or religious. It was simple; if we were Jews, we were persecuted. But Chanukah was different. The Syrian-Greeks wanted us to adopt their lifestyle, their mode of dress, and their customs. And if we did, they left us alone. The “problem” for the Greeks was those stubborn Torah and Mitzvah-observant Jews! So the Greeks banned the observance of Shabbos, the performance of Bris-Milah (circumcision), the celebration of Rosh Chodesh (the new month) and the study of Torah, hoping to break the Jewish people spiritually, not physically. Some of the Jews, the Misyavnim, succumbed to the temptations of Greek Hellenist culture, others however, held fast to Jewish religious life and observance. There were many that were even willing to give up their lives to continue observing the mitzvos (the commandments). Then, under the leadership of the Maccabees, the observant Jews fought to restore Jewish religious life. By understanding what really took place at that time our appreciation of the miracles of Chanukah is deepened. We all know that physical selfpreservation is a natural human response. Therefore, for people to put themselves in physical danger to preserve Hashem’s Torah and mitzvos is quite extraordinary. Rav Dessler described the Jews who battled against the Syrian-Greeks as having “Holy Chutzpah”. And because they transcended human nature (self-preservation) to uphold Yiddishkeit (Judaism), Hashem responded by transcending nature. He allowed the few to beat the mighty and the oil to miraculously last eight days. The Chassidic masters teach us that the eight days of Chanukah also remind us of what the Syrian-Greeks tried to destroy. We should remember the eight days of Chanukah correspond to the eight days from birth when

we do Bris Milah. And that every eight days have a Shabbos in them and there is always a Rosh Chodesh during Chanukah. So now is the time! We need to steal Chanukah back! I would like to suggest that this year, as we celebrate Chanukah, let us remember its deeper significance: • As we spin the Dreidel we should remember that it was used to disguise the Torah study of children under the Greek’s rule. So too we should commit ourselves and our children to greater Torah study. • As we eat the Latkes fried in oil we should remember the miracle of the oil that transpired because of the commitment to fight for the light of Torah. So too we should take a stand for Torah and mitzvos. • When we think of the oil, we should remember that just as oil floats to the top and doesn’t stay mixed, we should be inspired to remain distinct from the society we are in. Not every fad or gadget needs to be ours to “fit in” to American society. We need to feel and project greater pride in what is unique about us and rise to the top, as the oil teaches. • As we count eight days with Shabbos in it, we should count ourselves to greater Shabbos observance. How about getting ready earlier? And making our Shabbos meals more meaningful and joyous? • As we spend time with our families and light the menorah let us reflect and ask, are we doing enough to light the flames of Yiddishkeit and Torah learning within our communities, homes, lifestyles and selves? Are we brave enough to put our spiritual existence above our physical one? If we can even just contemplate this question then Chanukah can be stolen back and truly be ours! Rabbi Avrohom Czapnik (Chapnick) is the Director of the Jewish Learning Exchange and a Pre-1A Rebbe at Yeshiva Rav Isacsohn Toras Emes Academy. He has been involved in teaching adults and children for over twenty years. For comments or class information please contact us at 323-857-0923 or at info@jlela.com.

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ď Ž Travel

The Wandering Jew Hershel lieber One of the thousands of street bridges over the Venetian canals.

Holiday Italiano Venice, Florence, Pisa & Milan

CITY spirit november 2010

orthern and Central Italian cities share many similarities and yet are uniquely different. Discovering their individual treasures combined with their Jewish connections; can turn these tourist destinations into meaningful and satisfying experiences. This is especially true concerning Venice (Venezia) and to a lesser extant Florence (Firenze). Most major European cities had or still have a center of Jewish life. The history of our people is spread over the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;four corners of the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Reading and studying about our legacy as it pertains to the countries and cities where Jews lived, enhances the spiritual momentum of a visit. Pesi and I just returned from a five day visit to these cities where we enjoyed the local atmosphere as well as their Jewish heritage.

Milan (Milano) the most important business center in Italy is not a particularly beautiful city. There are few important must see sights, and they can all be seen in one full day. As with most old European cities the center is graced by the cathedral which is its most significant monument. Nearby the Galleria Vittorio Emanuela is a stunning shopping arcade which leads to the nearby La Scala Opera the most famous in the world. Tours as well as seasonal tickets to events are available. The 15th century Castello Sforzesco is quite interesting and has a group of museums dedicated to art, sculpture, archeology and music. The best feature for the observant Jewish traveler to Milano is its wealth of synagogues of every diverse nusach and

an array of kosher restaurants and food stores. We ate at the upscale Carmel, serving delicious dairy Italian cuisine under a reliable hashgacha. Traveling from city to city by train is the most dependable and fastest way. You generally arrive in the most central vicinity of the city. This is the way we traveled from Milan to Florence which took less than two hours. Seats are assigned and the train cars are clean and comfortable. Florence the city most associated with the Renaissance is a museum lovers dream come true! The Uffizi Gallery has the greatest collections of Renaissance art and sculpture in the world. Other great works are in the Galleria dell ‘Academia. True that many art pieces are of Christian subjects, yet we were surprised at the vast amount of paintings depicting scenes from the Torah and general themes. The Ponte Vecchio Bridge over the picturesque Arno River is unique in that it is flanked by goldsmith shops on either side. For the Jewish traveler the Great Synagogue designed in the Moorish style architecture is imposing and breathtaking. The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Great German Synagogue of Venice

CITY spirit november 2010

Set in a beautiful garden with pomegranate trees it is still being used on a weekly basis. A guided tour of the synagogue and the adjoining museum affords the tourist a glimpse of the history of Florentine Jewry. Kosher dining is not readily available but we bought provisions in Milan and we were well satisfied. Pisa is only a one hour train ride from Florence. Although it truly has only one sight for the visitor, it is well worth the trip. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is truly a marvel and one can ascend to the top. Tickets are scarce but can be ordered beforehand. The ‘piece de resistance’ of any trip to Northern Italy, both for the general tourist as well as the Jewish traveler is Venice. The beauty, the serenity and yes, the excitement is indescribable! We walked for hours and we could not have enough. Every turn and literally at every corner there are scenes that beg to be eternalized by an artist or a least by a photographer. The canals, the bridges, the plazas, the buildings, the winding streets, the beautiful shops and even the displays of food are thrilling. Shopping is an immense allure and a great pastime in this tourist mecca. Touring is possible only by foot or boat as there are no cars in Venice. Water ferries taxi passengers all over the hundreds of islands that make up this city. Cruising on the Grand Canal allows the spectator a panoramic view of the major sights of Venice. A private sail by gondola on the quiet smaller canals makes for an enchanting evening. Sights are plentiful. Piazza San Marco with its Campanile (bell tower), Palazzo Ducale and its Museum, the Rialto Bridge and its shops, other famous Galleries and the island of Murano where one can buy and see the production of the world famous Venetian glass are only a partial list of what one can do and see in Venice. Venice is a treasure house for Jewish historians and tourists alike. There are five synagogues to tour each representing the different streams of Orthodox traditions, (Sefardi, Continues on next page

 Travel Continued from page 37 Italian, Ashkenazi, Levantine and Venetian). They are all located in the first Ghetto formed in Europe. Two of them are used only for Shabbos services in addition to the daily minyan at the Chabad House. We stayed at the new boutique hotel, Giardino del Ghetto where the rooms are modern and spotless. Our room had a scenic picture window view of the canal. The hotel serves a kosher breakfast and has a great restaurant “Balthazar” in their garden. There are two more places to eat, the “Gam Gam” with seating on the canal and a pizza shop. To summarize; a five day trip which enables one to experience the best of these grand cities can make for a highly enjoyable and memorable vacation. Bon Voyage - vcuy vghxb, Hershel

CITY spirit november 2010

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 advice from over-the-counter

Asthma, Allergies, and the Flu | Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D., FASHP, FCCP

Tehilla is a 16 year old girl, a junior at her Bais Yaakov, and everyone’s best friend. She has an older sister, two younger sisters, and three younger brothers, all intelligent and popular. Her parents are well-respected in the community. In fact, Tehilla’s life is a blessing. She has only one problem. Tehilla has asthma, a challenge she has had since she was 6 years old. She was doing very well for several years, with only one attack per year, and she had even stopped taking any medicines. But this year, the problem has gotten worse. Much worse. In the spring, her allergies acted up, requiring her to take antihistamines every day. And she had four separate attacks in April alone. Then, in the summer, she developed an allergy to cats, which she discovered at her friend Raizy’s house. And more asthmatic attacks. Now, in the fall, it seems that every time she runs, she starts wheezing. Of course, her concerned mother had taken her to the doctor several times. But maybe it was time to see a specialist.

Asthma and Allergy Dr. Breatheasy explained that asthma and allergy are closely related. Both involve the body’s immune response, and both are often managed by fine-tuning the immune response by suppressing part of it. Since histamine is a chemical the body creates during allergic reactions, antihistamines often work to treat or prevent allergic reactions. However, antihistamines do not possess a broad enough degree of immune suppression to manage asthma. Therefore different medications are needed.

CITY spirit november 2010

Airway Medicines (Bronchodilators)

“In general, there are two types of medicines we use for people with asthma,” explained Dr. Breatheasy, “immune suppressors and bronchodilators. The small airways in the lungs are called bronchioles, and bronchodilators are medicines that dilate or open up those airways. That way, they allow more oxygen to flow.” Tehilla could relate to this. “We learned about oxygen in Mrs. Sayintz’s class. It’s what keeps all of our cells living. And we get it into our bodies through our lungs. So, is that the medicine I need, a bonkodyrater?” “Bronchodilator,” corrected Dr. Breatheasy patiently. “But I’m afraid bronchodilators are not adequate for many patients with asthma, Tehilla. In asthma, the bronchioles become con-

stricted – or tightened – because of some immune or allergic stimulus. Only persons with very mild asthma, with attacks only once per month or less often are treated with bronchodilators, which are to be taken only when symptoms appear. But when asthmatics experience more frequent attacks then they need some sort of immunologic therapy, like inhaled steroids, to reduce the power of the stimuli. Do you understand?” “I think so,” answered Tehilla, “but aren’t those medicines – steroids – dangerous? Don’t baseball players get suspended for taking steroids?”

Steroids and steroids The doctor smiled and explained: The word “steroid” describes a chemical family, and it’s a large family. The kind of steroids in asthma inhalers do not build muscles, the way anabolic steroids do. They inhibit part of the immune response that’s involved with inflammation. That’s why they’re called anti-inflammatory medicines. The really good news is that the inhalers deliver a very small dose of these chemicals directly to the bronchioles. Very little gets into the rest of the body. So there’s very little in the way of side effects. But do remember to gargle with water after every use. Some of the steroids deposit in the back of the throat. Gargling will get rid of that, so there won’t be any problems.

Short-Acting versus Long-Acting Bronchodilators Tehilla told the doctor that in the past she only used her inhaler when her asthma got really bad. “Why do I need to use it all the time now, even when I’m doing well?” Dr. Breatheasy explained: “Short-acting inhaled bronchodilators work quickly and are designed and intended to handle symptoms when they come (or if anticipated). The long-acting agents, however, are designed differently. Since they sometimes take several hours for maximal effect, you can’t use them when you need quick relief. Rather, they are intended to be used as maintenance, dosed regularly (usually twice a day), to keep your bronchioles dilated. However, they are used secondarily to steroids, in patients who need more maintenance.”

Risk factors and stimuli to avoid “Finally, Tehilla, remember that asthmatic exacerbation

can be prompted by any one of a variety of triggers. Everyone is different, and some of these may have absolutely no adverse effect on you, but the triggers I’ve written on this list are the most common. Be alert to them, and you will discover which are your personal triggers and which are perfectly safe.” He handed her a piece of paper with the following: • Wood smoke • Cockroaches • Known allergens like cat or dog dander • Grasses, herbs, pollen • Dust mites • Exercise • Cold weather

That Night “How was your visit with the allergist, Tehilla,” asked her father. “Great! I learned all about bronchioles, the immune system, and anti-inflammatory medicines,” she answered with

enthusiasm. Tehilla’s mother and father looked at each other in stunned silence. Finally, her father asked her mother, “Did you send her to an allergist or to a science tutor?” 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.

CITY spirit november 2010 41

 FOOD

Dining In Again: | with Faigy Grossman Planning a Chanukah dinner party? Make it special with these deliciously festive recipes from Dining In Again. Your guests are sure to enjoy - and you’ll be surprised how easy these are to prepare. For more ideas pick up your own copy of Dining In Again with over 550 recipes that are sure to delight your family and friends. Taco Chip Salad

CITY spirit november 2010

Fresh garlic gives a zesty tang to the salad but if you do not have any available or are not a garlic fan (gasp!), you can use the powder for a gentler touch of garlic. If you love garlic, use 2 crushed cloves!

1- 16 oz. bag Romaine lettuce 1 yellow pepper ¼ c. purple onion, thinly sliced 1- 10 oz. box mushrooms Handful grape tomatoes 6 oz. taco chips ½ c. toasted slivered almonds 1 avocado, sliced, optional Dressing: ¼ c. sugar ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. mustard ½ c. oil ¼ c. vinegar ¼ c. ketchup ¼ tsp. garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, crushed

Place lettuce in large bowl. Slice pepper into half-rings and add to bowl with purple onion. Slice mushrooms, halve grape tomatoes and slightly crush taco chips; add to bowl with remaining salad ingredients. Combine dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and mix well. Immediately before serving salad, pour dressing over salad and toss.

Corned Beef Potato Latkes These latkes are great for a fleishige Chanukah party! 1 T. oil ¼ c. chopped onion 2 c. flaked corned beef 2 c. cooked potatoes, cut into ½ inch cubes or coarsely mashed 1 egg, slightly beaten ¼ tsp. pepper 1 T. water ¼ tsp. salt (optional) oil for frying

YIELD: 9 patties Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over moderate heat; add onion and cook just until soft. Put flaked corned beef into a medium size bowl; add potatoes, cooked onions, pepper, and water and mix well. Taste mixture and add salt if needed. (This much can be done a day ahead.) Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet (enough to grease pan). Scoop up the corned beef mixture, 1/3 cup at a time, and form into 3-inch patties. Add to hot oil and cook slowly until heated through and brown on both sides.

Filled Chicken Rolls Beautiful. Really quite easy for such impressive results. 4 large chicken breast halves, pounded thin 1 egg, beaten with ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ c. cornflake crumbs Filling: 1 small onion, diced

2 T. oil 1- 4 oz. can mushrooms 1 T. bread crumbs Pinch salt YIELD: 4 servings Filling: Sauté onion in oil until golden; add mushrooms and sauté another 5 minutes. Place onions, mushrooms, bread crumbs, and salt in food processor and process with steel blade until mixture is chopped into very small pieces, yet not pureed. Working with one piece of chicken at a time, place ¼ of the mushroom mixture lengthwise down the center and wrap each side over, forming a log with mushroom filling. Dip chicken logs into egg mixture and then roll in cornflake crumbs. Place seam down in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan and bake 15 minutes covered and 20 uncovered, at 350°. To serve, you can use whole pieces or slice into one inch rounds. Place on lettuce-lined plates and drizzle with mustard sauce.

Chocolate Almond Cookies A sophisticated classic that has withstood the test of time. 1- 4 oz. bar high quality chocolate 4 oz. (generous ¾ cup) blanched almonds 1 c. sugar, divided 1¾ c. flour 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 1/3 c. cocoa 1 egg ½ c. less 1 tsp. oil 1 tsp. vanilla extract ½ c. apricot preserves YIELD: approx. 6 dozen cookies Chop chocolate and process with the almonds, using the steel blade of your food processor. Add ½ cup sugar and process for half a minute until chocolate and nuts are in tiny pieces. Set aside.

Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa; set aside. In a separate bowl, beat egg and remaining ½ cup sugar together. Add oil; beat. Add vanilla and apricot preserves; beat until well-mixed. Add sifted dry ingredients and chocolate-sugar mixture and beat on low speed, only until combined. Do not over-mix. Batter will be stiff; stir by hand, if necessary. Divide dough in half. Roll out each half on plastic wrap, smoothing dough into 2 strips, each about 9 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1 inch high with squared ends. Wrap and freeze for at least 1½ hours. When ready to bake cookies, preheat oven to 350°. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Unwrap frozen dough and cut slices ¼-inch thick. Place at least one inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake about 11 minutes. Reverse sheet front to back once during baking. Do not over-bake. Cool on wire racks.

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

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

CITY spirit november 2010

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

KidSpirit by Fraydee Mozes

Fill In the Blanks Chanukah takes place during the Hebrew month of __1__ on the __2__ day. It celebrates the miracle of how the __3__ burned for __4__ days and nights. To commemorate this miracle, we light the __5__. We also have a custom to eat jelly __6__ and fried potato __7__. There is also a fun game which involves pennies, called __8__. When you spin it, you hope to land on the letter __9__ to win the jackpot. Some children might receive __10__ during one or more nights of Chanukah. Did you get anything special for Chanukah this year? Answers: 1.Kislev, 2. 25th, 3. Oil, 4. Eight, 5. Menorah/Chanukiah, 6. Donuts, 7. Latkes, 8. Dreidel, 9. Gimmel, 10. Presents/Gelt

Lighting Up the Night

CITY spirit november 2010

Written by Rebecca Klempner, Illustrated by Fraydee Mozes

“It’s so exciting when rosh chodesh Chanukah happens on Shabbos!” said Tehilla in the lunchroom on the second day of Chanukah. “Well, the bentching is exciting…the longest of the year!” said Shayna. “We’re expecting a lot of guests,” said Bluma. “We have cousins that just moved to town, and my mother invited them.” “I wish I had cousins in town! Mine are still in Chicago,” responded Shayna. Esti arrived at their table. “Hi, everyone! Bluma, my mother said to say thank you for showing her how your mother makes her potato latkes. They came out really Ashkenazi!” said Esti with a wink. “I thought I owed her one after she taught me how to make ta’adik without scorching the bottom!” laughed Bluma. The other girls giggled, too. They had seen Bluma try to make ta’adik the first time. The bottom of the rice turned out as a blackened, inedible mess. After lunch, the girls returned to class. By the time Friday rolled around, Bluma had forgotten all about her relatives coming for Shabbos. When she walked in the door, she immediately went to the kitchen. She helped her mother with the gefilte fish and mixed the cake batter. As she waited for it to bake in the oven, she handed the spatula to her mother, and began to lick the whisk herself. “There’s something I’d like to talk about with you, Hun,” began Mrs. Friedman. “You remember that our cousins are coming for

Shabbos dinner?” “You mean Debbie and Skylar?” asked Bluma. “That’s right. My mother and Debbie’s are sisters. Well, my aunt didn’t marry a religious man, even though she grew up in an Orthodox household. They didn’t keep Shabbos, didn’t keep kosher outside of their house, didn’t…” Bluma was so upset, she interrupted, “Mommy,you mean she’s not frum anymore?” Mommy nodded. “And neither are Debbie and Skylar. Debbie just got a job here in L.A.—that’s why they moved here. They’re coming to dinner tonight, but don’t expect them to know what to do, especially Skylar. Do you think you can help her out?” “How, Mommy?” “Maybe you could show her how to wash her hands, warn her to wait quietly for hamotzi, that kind of thing.” “I think so,” said Bluma, a little hesitantly. Two hours later, Bluma had just finished dressing for Shabbos. The phone rang. “Hello, Friedman residence,” she began. “Hi, Bluma! It’s Esti.” “I’m so glad you called!” cried Bluma. “What’s going on?” asked Esti. “You know how I told you that we had family coming for Shabbos?” “Yeah.” “Well…” Bluma lowered her voice and stepped into the den. She shut the door. “It’s my mother’s cousin. She’s not frum! I’m

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(323) 9

hummed along, too. When Skylar asked about the divrei Torah shared at the table, Bluma explained them with real pleasure. “I think I understand them better since I’m explaining them to you, Skylar,” she said once her cousin understood the vort. Over dessert, Skylar looked intently at the flickering flames of the chanukiah. She told Bluma, “I’ve always enjoyed watching the menorah. Mom and I light one at home, too.” Bluma was relieved to know that her cousins lit their own Chanukah candles despite their secular lifestyle. “Skylar, dinner’s almost over. Would you like to stay and play Parcheesi or, maybe, checkers?” Skylar smiled. “I’d love to!” Bluma and Skylar discovered they both preferred Parcheesi, but they played several games of each. They chatted about school and friends as they played. Bluma noticed that Debbie and Mrs. Friedman seemed to enjoy talking, too. Eventually, the evening had to end. “Thank you so much! It reminds me of going to Bubbie and Zeyde’s house or Aunt Mimi’s when we young,” said Debbie as she put on her jacket to leave. “I’d like to come back again.” “Me, too!” said Skylar. “Let’s make it soon,” said Mrs. Friedman as she embraced Debbie. “Yes, soon,” echoed Bluma, hugging Skylar goodnight. Silently, she added, Esti was wrong…It turned out better than alright!

CITY spirit november 2010

1. Latkes, 2. Dreidel, 3. Olive oil, 4. Romans, 5. Yehuda Maccabee, 6. Candles, 7. Menorah, 8. Singing, 9. Antiochus, 10. Jelly Donuts

supposed to help out her daughter at dinner, but I’m worried I’ll say the wrong thing. Doesn’t your family do a lot of kiruv? What should I do?” “If she’s your cousin, just treat her like family…scratch that, be nicer to her than you are to Shmulie. Don’t yell at her if she flicks a light switch or wears pants. Don’t make faces at her, either. It’s a mitzvah to love your fellow Jew, and she is one.” “Aren’t I supposed to try to teach her about Yiddishkeit?” “If she asks a question, you should answer, but don’t expect her become frum just because she comes to your house for one Shabbat. Be yourself. Judaism is so wonderful, she’ll see it’s beautiful as long as you don’t shove it down her throat.” “Okay, Esti. I guess I’d better go. Gut shabbes.” “Shabbat shalom, Bluma. It’ll be alright, you’ll see!” Bluma doubted it when she hung up. She doubted it again when she heard the doorbell ring twenty minutes after candle lighting. But she forced herself to smile and say nothing about it when she welcomed her cousins at the door. Skylar didn’t wear pants, but she did wear short sleeves. “How can it be seventy degrees in December?” she remarked. Bluma kept reminding herself not to holler at Skylar’s mistakes, or to correct her too many times during the meal. Soon, Debbie and Skylar were tapping the tabletop to the beat of the zmiros sung by Mr. Friedman and Bluma’s brother, Shmulie. Bluma

- --

Rebecca Klempner Author of the Esti & Blumi Series on her recently published story The Lightbulb Dress

1. TLSKAE 2. EEIDRDL 3. LIVOE ILO 4. ONSMRA 5. EDYUAH AEECMABC 6. ASDCLEN 7. HONRAEM 8. IIGNSGN 9. NUIHOCSAT 10. ELYJL NOSUTD

Number Challenge

------------- --

the following words below that are associated with Chanukah:

Eight Days and nights we celebrate Chanukah. 2. Chanah and her seven sons. 3. Four sides to a dreidel. 4. One shamash lights all the other candles.

Unscramble

| Computer | Networks | HomeAnswers Theater to contest | Security Cameras Sept 2010 --------------- issue What do the following----| -Hardware --numbers have to do--with | Software Installation Chanukah and its history? | Wiring

EXQUISITE BALLROOMS FOR YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS AT IAJC

Neman Hall Sapper Hall

KOSHER KITCHEN FACILITIES • ACCREDITED KOSHER CATERERS ACCEPTED ANNIVERSARIES ANNUAL DINNERS BAR/BAT MITZVAHS BABY SHOWERS BRIDAL SHOWERS BRIT MILAH CHARITY EVENTS ENGAGEMENT PARTIES HENNAHS LUNCHEONS & BOUTIQUE MEMORIALS SHABBAT LUNCH SHEVA BRUCHAS... WEDDING RECEPTIONS CEREMONY & DINNER DANCE

FOR VIEWING OF VENUE PLEASE CONTACT: IRMA SMITH, DIRECTOR OF EVENTS IAJC 1317 N. CRESCENT HEIGHTS BLVD. WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046 DIRECT LINE: 323-656-2142 • IAJC@SBCGLOBAL.NET • WWW.NEMANHALL.COM

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 Ahavas Yisroel Synagogue 731 N. La Brea Ave............... 323-937-1247 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.

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

CITY spirit november 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.)

Ohr Simcha...........................818-760-2189 12430 Oxnard NORTHRIDGE Young Israel of Northridge..... 818-368-2221 17511 Devonshire Street Santa Monica Chabad of Marina Del Rey......310-301-9770 2929 Washington Blvd. Venice Pacific Jewish Center.............310-392-8749 505 Ocean Front Walk Young Israel of Venice........... 310-450-7541 1014 Vernon Ave. Westwood Westwood Kehilla..................310-441-5288 10537 Santa Monica Blvd. Huntington Beach Chabad of West Orange County.................... 714-846-2285 • 5052 Warner Ave Irvine Beth Jacob of Irvine.............. 949-786-5230 3900 Michelson Dr. Chabad of Irvine................... 949-786-5000 5010 Barranca Pkwy Young Israel of Orange County..949-300-8899 5319 University Drive (#122) 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. Laguna Niguel Chabad of Laguna Niguel...... 949-831-8475 27655 Niguel Village Dr. Long Beach Cong. Lubavitch of Long Beach.................... 562-426-5480 • 3981 Atlantic Ave. Young Israel of Long Beach....562-427-3163 4134 Atlantic Ave. Mission Viejo Chabad of Mission Viejo.........949-770-1270 24041 Marguerite Pkwy. Palm Springs Chabad of Palm Springs........ 760-325-0774 425 Avenida Ortega San Diego 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 Babies & Children

CITY spirit november 2010

Baby Equipment Port-a-cribs, pack and plays, car seats, infant bouncers, strollers, bassinettes, booster seats, exer-saucers for short term loan. Miriam Hendeles...................(323) 243-7116

Bris Outfits and Bris Pillow Devora Wieder.....................(323) 939-9276 Ruchie Klein........................(323) 353-2494 Diapers Chumie Unger...................... (323) 932-1094 Penina Frumit Apter............. (310) 557-9726 Dina Kramer........................ (818) 985-2493

Ezer Layoledes Strollers, play pens, high chairs, cribs, car seats for short or long term loan. Bella Greenfield.................. (323) 934-0178 Nursing Pumps Andi Shochet...................... (818) 753-9562 Dassi Weiner...................... (818) 509-7791 New born baby care packages Sandy Gordon......................(310) 838-8591 Uniforms Exchange and/or purchase of previously owned uniforms Toras Emes and Bais Yaakov Rochelle Frankel................. (323) 896-3335

Clothing Children’s Costume G’mach Bubby Goldie’s (L’ilui Nishmas Chana Golda Krausz) Abi Katz ............................. (323) 395-7465 Miriam Montag.................. (323) 646-5988 Global Kindness Yaelle Cohen..................... (310) 286-0800 Kehila Shatnez Testing Joe Stoltz........................... (323) 936-8760

Counseling and Health Aleinu / Orthodox Counseling Program 24 hour hotline.............. (310) 247-0534

Chai Lifeline West Coast Regional Office Non profit Jewish organization dedicated to providing support services to seriously ill children and their families..... (310) 274-6331 Etta Israel Serving the special needs children of the Jewish Community...............(818) 985-3882 Hospital Gowns Tznuis hospital clothing for women Sara Pinter ....................... (323) 931- 1598 Jewish Healthcare Foundation Avraham Moshe Bikur Cholim If you need or would like to donate blood to someone............................. (323) 852-1900

Furniture, Home, Dishes 2nd Chance Rivky Farber........................ (323) 851-1000 Folding Beds (Evenings only) Esti Tendler ......................... (310)557-3461 Keilim Mikvah Directory Anshe Emes Keilim Mikva 1490 S. Robertson..............(310) 275-5640 Shaaray Zedek Keilim Mikva 12800 Chandler..................(818) 763-0560 Young Israel Keilim Mikva 225 S. LaBrea Ave...............(323) 931-4030 Mezuzah Gemach Irwin Lowi............................ (323) 932-1025

Financial Aid Services Financial Jewish Free Loan Assistance Small interest free loans City . ................................. (323) 761-8830 Valley................................. (818) 464-3331

Tables and Chairs Steven Oscherowitz..............(323) 937-1194

Hachnosas Kallah Financial assistance and/ or guidance to needy kallahs in planning their wedding........ ......................................... (323) 938-8074 The Tzedakah Fund Small Interest-Free Loans.... (323) 939-0862

Benchers (L’ilui Nishmas Ahron Ben Yissachar) Mrs. Kest ........................... (323) 937-7060

Food Masbia (L’ilui Nishas Chaim Yosef ben Aron Aryeh) Share your simcha – call for info or to arrange pickup of leftover food from your simcha .......................................... (323) 851-1000 ..........................................(323) 997-6500 Tomchei Shabbos Provides Shabbos food packages for families in need. Call to request an application. .......................................... (323) 851-1000 Arbis Arbis for Shalom Zachor Aviva Maller.........................(323) 931-9420

Legal Services

Criminal/Arrest Guidance LA County Sheriff Department. Shirley Freidman (for women).(323) 568-4703 Howard Winkler (for men)..... (323) 939-9236

Special Occasion Flowers, Centerpieces & Mirrors Mrs. Niehaus.......................(323) 938-2406 Michal Pouraty-Yad Simcah.. (310) 525-7336 Tablecloth Gemach Tablecloths available to borrow (call for hours) Rochel Haberman............... (323) 899-5390 Estie Silber......................... (323) 652-6658 Wedding Shtick Bubby’s Shtick-Mona Riss.... (818) 761-5077 Rivky Farber........................ (323) 744-1608 Nechama Denbo....................(310) 788-398

Weddings & Special Occasions

Chupah candle holders, poles, Kallah chair Mrs. Lebovics . ...................(323) 933-3377

Counseling & Health

Clothing for Relatives of Chosson & Kallah For women and children Mrs. Dena Wolmark ............ (323) 934-4151 Penina Fisher.......................(323) 933-7292

Dr. Navideh Levy-Failer, PSY. D.

Hachnasas Kallah Gift Gemach Volume DonationsLibby Lehman......................(323) 935-3791 Individual GiftsLeba Hertz.......................... (323) 574-7054

When In New York...

Chuppah/Simcha Cards Tehillim cards for use at the chuppah Rochel Haberman................. 323)899-5390 Hachnasas Kallah Bridal Gowns Esther Braun ...................... (323) 933-2817 Ahuva Goldstein.................. (323) 938-8660 Gitty Feingold...................... (323) 933-1197 Malka Breitman.................. (323) 938-8008 Sarah Frankel......................(323) 934-7983 Mechitzah Gemach Rivka Berkowitz................... (818) 331-3884

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CITY spirit november 2010

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

Simcha Gemach (L’ilui Nishmas Rebbetzin Bella Simcha) 48 Mini challah covers, 2 large challah covers, 18 kiddush cups with trays, 50 bentchers. (323) 931-0306 Esther Mayerfeld -Al Hamichya cards in lucite stands........... (323) 933-1891

 tama tells all

A Humble Rabbi| Tama beck

abbi Gustman asked me to speak to the mothers of the boys in the yeshiva. Afterwards, he thanked me profusely. I said that I should thank him. He said, “Thank you is an acknowledgement, but yasher koach is a bracha.” He came to see a brother of mine in the hospital who was a talmid of his. We drove him. He said that his wife told him to bring candy and chocolate covered almonds for his gashmiyus, in addition to two seforim for his ruchniyus. My brother was very excited to see him. When Rav Gustman came to me and my family to give his condolences, he said to me, “Your daughter is getting married soon and you had this terrible tragedy of losing your brother. Speak to your sisters, wash your face and put on makeup and greet your family with simcha.” I knew that this Rav had been through hard times himself. He was holding his baby son and a Nazi came over and killed him. If he could be happy, so could I. If he could be so pleasant despite this, I must try as well. I did that. He told me that in life, one has to be an actor. I asked him,

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“Do you think I can so quickly overcome this grief?” He said, “No, you have to work on it, but you are making a simcha, and have to make your house happy.” He stayed in touch all of shiva. After shiva, he told me that I must focus on the simcha. He asked me what is with the gown for the chasunah? I burst into tears. He said, “Fine, but start working on the simcha.” I did what he said. When I greeted my husband and children, they were delighted. I remembered his words so carefully. He was heaven sent because I didn’t have my own father then. He left such an impression on me how to help people through tragedies. This was one of the greatest gedolim of our century and I believe that the greater the man, the more humble!!! 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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Now Accepting Spring 2010 Applications Spring 2010 Semester Begins January 24th. *For those who qualify

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