Oct 25 Issue by City Spirit

137 SPRUCE STREET

516-569-2662

— See page 5, 62 & 63—

Around the Community

THEJEWISHHOME A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY october 25 - october 31, 2012 | Distributed

kly KIn The Five Towns, Queens & Brooklyn WeeWEE

Yeshiva Darchei Torah Celebrates Alumni Dedication

Page 31

Gilad Shalit and His Platoon Visit Local Schools Page 47

Local Schools and YU Head to D.C. for Israel Lobbying Mission

Page 55

Candidate David Sussman Honors Local Leaders Page 70

Yeshiva Har Torah Hosts 7th Grade Bar Mitzvah Workshop Page 66

The State of Housing in the Five Towns Where people are buying, the push to new neighborhoods and the desire to live here Page 90

Susie Fishbein

Kosher Food Guru Extraordinaire

Page 74

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

THE QUEENS CONSERVATIVE PARTY ENDORSES THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATES IN THE 2012 ELECTION: MITT ROMNEY

for President

THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY ERIC ULRICH

BELIEVES THAT

15th Senate District

THESE CANDIDATES

for State Senate

ARE BEST SUITED TO PROTECT THE TAXPAYERS OF NEW YORK STATE AND WILL FIGHT FOR: • LOWER TAXES • TUITION TAX CREDITS • TRADITIONAL VALUES

PHILLIP GOLDFEDER 23 Assembly district rd

THOMAS M. LONG Chairman, Queens Conservative Party

MICHAEL SIMANOWITZ 27th Assembly District

for New York State Assembly

VOTE ROW C

ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH Paid for by Queens Victory Fund

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

>>Letters to the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 >>Community Community Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Cover Story: The State of Housing in the Five Towns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

>> News Global. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 National. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Political. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Odd-but-True Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

>> Israel Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Fall of Yad Mordechai in 1948. . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

>> People Gardening with Good Taste: TJH Speaks with David Rabinowitz of Elegant Lawns & Landscaping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Susie Fishbein: Kosher Food Guru Extraordinaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Eric Ulrich: Ready to Tackle Albany… and Arm Wrestling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

>>Parsha Parsha Parables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Shmuz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

>> Jewish Thought

7 Dear Readers, Although I am originally from Brooklyn, I moved to Lawrence five years ago and have never looked back. Yes, my parents and some of my siblings live in Brooklyn, but living in the Five Towns has allowed my husband and I to live a more stress-free life. Here, my children play outside with our wonderful neighbors after school, parking is never a problem, shopping is convenient, and honking is almost non-existent. The convenience of an eruv has also enhanced our life. My husband and I love having guests over in our home and visiting family and friends over Shabbos. Without an eruv, this would be almost impossible as I have small children at home. My siblings consider it a “treat” to come to my house for Shabbos; when they’re here, they can take their children out to the park and on walks on long summer Shabbosim. Apparently, many other people share my adoration for the Five Towns and Far Rockaway. When I speak with people, both professionals and people looking to move here, I am struck by how many people are looking to purchase homes in our area. No longer are people living in Lawrence or Cedarhurst, now the communities of Inwood and North Woodmere are growing exponentially, as families looking to move to the area find more affordable homes in these wonderful and growing neighborhoods. Malky Lowinger spoke with many people about this phenomena and wrote an informative piece on the state of housing in the Five Towns area. Take the time to read it; I’m sure you’ll be glad you did. This week, I was privileged to be invited to a special presentation by world-renowned cooking guru Susie Fishbein. The presentation was in celebration of her newest cookbook, and it was delightful to watch Susie and hear her answer the audience’s questions. I was taken with her. She has written many best-selling cookbooks and has somehow managed to balance her family and professional life (although, I am not sure she finds it challenging to have supper ready for her kids when they come home from school!). She knows what the Orthodox woman juggles in her life: a growing family, a career, Shabbos meals, three-day yom tovs, homework… It was refreshing to hear her tips and her stories. Baila Rosenbaum was able to speak with Susie and some of her stories are captured in this week’s issue.

Ask the Rabbi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

As always, we love hearing from our readers. Please feel free to email me at editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

The Observant Jew—The Importance of Mitzvah Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

The Editor

Achieving Greatness Through Unity . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Yitzy Halpern

Our Mama Rachel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

>>Health Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Live Better, Live Longer, by Aliza Beer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 That’s Fine in Theory, Dr. Deb, But…, by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Publisher

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetowns jewishhome.com 443-929-4003

>> Food & Leisure Recipes: The Perfect Pear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Travel: Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

>> Lifestyles

ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis

Nechama Wein Copy Editor

Rachel Bergida Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production

Editor

P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857

Shabbos Z’manim Friday, October 26 Parshas Lech Lecha — Candle Lighting: 5:41 Shabbos Ends: 6:39 Rabbeinu Tam: 7:09

The Cooking Yeshiva Bochur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Recipes: The Aussie Gourmet: Soups to Sip on Chilly Nights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Shoshana Soroka

Editorial Assistant

>> Parenting Social Smarts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Yosef Feinerman

managing editor

fri. Oct 26

sat. Oct 27

mostly cloudy

cloudy

Weekly Weather sun. Oct 28

mon. Oct 29

tues. Oct 30

wed. Oct 31

thurs. Nov 1

cloudy / wind

SHowers wind

SHowers

few SHowers

cloudy

The Splendor of Autumn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Your Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Roll with the Punches, by Rivki Rosenwald. . . . . 118

>> Humor Centerfold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Some Things I Just Don’t Understand. . . . . . . . . . 115

>> Art From My Private Art Collection: Colorful Tidbits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

>> Political Crossfire Notable Quotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

>> Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

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The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Contents

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Readers Poll Compiled by Jannah Eichenbaum

Elections are fast approaching. Are you a registered Democrat or Republican? Democrat 38% Republican 43% Not registered 19% Will you be voting Democrat or Republican in the upcoming Presidential election? Democrat 7% Republican 68% Don’t know yet 25% Every week, TJH will be printing the results of a poll conducted in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway. *Each question answered by a minimum of 50 people.

Let your views be known! If you’d like your opinions to be included, please email editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

Letters to The Editor Dear Editor, In response to the letter you printed about long lines at the pizza shops over Succos and the bad eating habits of our community, I am not really sure why the writer of that letter is so bent out of shape about it. Would she prefer to have our children hang out at malls or the bowling alley or other places? Whereas I agree that sometimes our community turns to food as entertainment, that is not entirely bad as long as it is kept within reason. And most of us are concerned enough about our health to keep it balanced. I don’t think there is anything wrong with going out to eat “just for fun” every once in a while. And the beautiful thing about Yom Tov is that we spend time together and do these sort of fun things. So, yes, the pizza shops may have been crowded, but that is a good thing, it means that people were having a good time over Yom Tov and want to continue the fun. I know that your letter is well-intentioned and that you are concerned about our eating patterns turning into negative habits, but the truth is, sometimes you have to just “live and let live.” Sometimes things become a big deal because we over-analyze them and are too concerned about worse case scenarios. So my philosophy is simple: enjoy the pizza, enjoy your family, enjoy your exercise and enjoy your life! Karen Roth Dear Editor, In general, I listen to the news on

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my way to work, and this week I was saddened and shocked to learn of the death of two dedicated Long Island policemen. The first officer to die on duty, Joseph Olivieri, was doing his job and was slain by a drunk driver while investigating a car accident. The second officer, Arthur Lopez, was brutally murdered by a cold-blooded felon who was on parole for attempted murder. Both of these killings were senseless killings and both of these killings should be avenged. They should be avenged by our justice system that should start to put convicts behind bars for longer periods of time and not just “slapping people on the wrist” when they commit such terrible acts. Drunk driving should be considered a serious offense; it kills people. And one who pleads guilty and is convicted of attempted murder is a true danger to society unless he is truly rehabilitated. This particular killer ran away from police, shot and killed another driver and stole that person’s car while hiding from police. I am sure he was on drugs and crazed. Does that sound rehabilitated to you?! Election Day is our only true opportunity to have our voice heard. It is then when the politicians are forced to LISTEN to what we’re saying. Let us begin by telling them that we want a safer New York. We want felons off the streets. And we want true justice for these killers. Arthur Goren Bayside, NY

Correction In our cover story in last week’s issue interviewing Bobby Jacobs, we inadvertently left out two important people who had a tremendous role in building beautiful Mekomos HaTorah. Archie Rabinowitz, Bobby Jacob’s partner for years, has devoted his life to building many beautiful shuls and yeshivos in our community and throughout the greater tri-state area. These mammoth projects came together under the tireless management of David Elephant.

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Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home. Please send all correspondence to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

Global Plot to Kill Saudi Arabian Ambassador Manssor Arbabsiar, 58, a resident of Texas, pleaded guilty to plotting to assassinate Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States. He confessed to hiring someone who he thought was a drug dealer in Mexico for $1.5 million to carry out the attack with explosives at a Washington D.C. restaurant. Arbabsiar entered the plea to two conspiracy charges and a murder-forhire count in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Judge John F. Keenan repeatedly asked Arbabsiar whether he intended to kill the ambassador. Arbabsiar, a U.S. citizen who holds an Iranian passport, said he did. “I take responsibility for my ac-

tions,” Arbabsiar said. Arbabsiar, who lived in Corpus Christi, Texas for more than a decade, said he went to Mexico last year to meet a man named Junior “who turned out to be an FBI agent.” He said that he and others had agreed to arrange the kidnapping of Ambassador Al-Jubeir, but Junior said it would be easier to kill the ambassador. When Arbabsiar was arrested last year, the Obama’s administration accused the Iranian government of being behind the planned assassination of Ambassador Adel al-Jubeir. Iran called the accusation “baseless.” “Mr. Arbabsiar’s plea today confirms what our investigation had already uncovered: that he plotted to murder the Saudi Ambassador with members of Iran’s elite Qods Force,” said FBI Acting Assistant Director Mary Galligan. “The FBI remains ever vigilant toward acts of terror both here and abroad.”

In News Sentencing is scheduled for January 23; Arbabsiar faces up to 25 years in prison.

Fidel Castro: Alive & Well or Almost Dead & Sick?

Although last week it was reported that Fidel Castro was on his deathbed,

several people, including the former vice president of Venezuela, claim to have seen him out and about in public on Saturday. The Cuban government referred all requests for comment to the stateowned Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana, where hotel officials said guests and staff chatted with Castro after his car dropped off former Venezuelan Vice President Elias Jaua. Jaua told NBC News that he met with Castro for five hours on Saturday. He showed reporters a photograph that he said was taken at the meeting. It’s not immediately possible to confirm when the photo was actually taken. There were rumors circulating that Castro, 86, suffered a massive stroke and was on a respirator, unable to talk or feed himself. His family denied those rumors. Prior to this spotting, Castro last’s public appearance was in March, when he met with Pope Benedict XVI in Havana. Perhaps he has as many lives as a cat… Continued on page 10

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week 7 Convicted For Failing to Predict Earthquake

Apparently, Italy takes their weathermen very seriously. This week, a court in the central Italian city of L’Aquila sentenced six scientists and a government bureaucrat to six years in jail for failing to predict a 2009 earthquake. The natural disaster left more than 300 people dead. The trial was an emotional one, as family members of those who perished

were allowed to testify. But some say that modern science is not able to predict earthquakes with absolute certainty. Scientists now have a better understanding as to why earthquakes occur and which areas are more prone to them, but they have still not been able to accurately predict their occurrences. Sometimes tremors, smaller earthquakes, lead to major ones, and they may be useful indicators that major trouble is heading our way. But this is also not guaranteed. Those who have been convicted are appealing their case. They hold that they cannot be convicted of predicting the earthquake as scientific evidence is not yet at that point. Additionally, some maintain, even if they would have predicted the possibility of a quake, it is unlikely that the whole town would have been evacuated from their conjecture.

In News Britain’s Deputy PM Visits Auschwitz

Lessons from Auschwitz Project is a charity run by the Holocaust Educational Trust. Its objective is to enlighten students and deepen their understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust while exploring the results of unstoppable baseless hatred and prejudice. This past session, Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg joined students from high schools and colleges from across the Southeast of Britain on a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. This visit marked the 100th visit by UK students since the launch of the program in 1999. The London-based charity organizes trips for 3,000 students from the UK to visit the concentration camp in Poland each year. The program begins with the trip and then an orientation seminar and follow-ups. Since the implementation of the program, students have organized anti-racism conferences, public exhibitions, written articles for local media, and led school assemblies. Clegg and the students saw the barracks and crematoria at Auschwitz, witnessing the piles of belongings seized by the Nazis. They also visited Birkenau, the main extermination center, and concluded the trip by lighting candles and taking time to reflect and remember all those who perished. The deputy prime minister read an extract from Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel’s speech on accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. “Forgetfulness is the surest way that hatred, violence and prejudice carries on and repeats itself, and so to teach generations who don’t have any direct contact with what happened in the war by showing them places like this is an antidote – against forgetting and against anti-Semitism of course, but it’s also a

great antidote against extremism and prejudice more generally,” Clegg recited.

An Insult to Mursi is an Insult to Egypt This week, an Egyptian talk show host was convicted of insulting President Mohamed Mursi. Tawfiq Okasha faces a four month jail term and can appeal the sentence after paying 100 Egyptian pounds, which is approximately $16. Nasr El-Din Mahmoud Maghazy was the one who filed the case against the host. Apparently, an insult to Mursi is an insult to the whole country. “Mursi is the President of all Egyptians and insulting him is like insulting the whole nation,” he said.

Okasha is known for making antiIslamic statements on-air. He was close with security officials in power during Mubarak’s regime and is facing another lawsuit on accusations of inciting people to kill Mursi.

Prince of Luxembourg Gets Married Have you ever heard of the country The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg? No, it’s not a made-up country from the game of Risk. It’s an actual independent country that is smaller than the state of Rhode Island (which is the smallest state in America). It would fit into its neighbor Germany about 138 times. This tiny state hasn’t won an Olympic game since 1952 and has a population of just a little over 500,000. However, this week, the tiny entity had its 15 minutes of fame. Prince Guillaume, the heir to the throne, married Belgian Countess Stephanie de Lannoy. The grand affair lasted two-days with fireworks, concerts, a gala dinner at the grand ducal palace, a civil wedContinued on page 14

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

T H E I S R A E L L U X U RY H O U S I N G FA I R , M A K E YO U R D R E A M C O M E T R U E !

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

13 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week ding, and a religious ceremony. The guest list included kings, queens, princes and princesses from across the world from Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Lichtenstein, Denmark, the Netherlands, Romania, Morocco, Japan, Jordan, and Britain, which sent Prince Edward, Queen Elizabeth’s youngest child, and his wife, Sophie. “It’s good for Luxembourg,” said Nadine Chenet, a 46-year-old street cleaner who was picking up garbage from in front of the grand ducal palace. “Many people will come now.” Luxembourgers in general have a warm sentiment towards the royal family. The official language of the country is Luxembourgish, which is similar to German. The language is used more in spoken conversation than in written communication. In elementary school, classes are given in German and in high school, classes are converted to French. Throughout all of school, English is studied. Luxembourg is an important financial center in Europe’s economy. It is home to the world’s largest steel manufacturer. The country has the secondhighest gross domestic product per

capita in the world, more than $80,000.

Israel

Israel’s Baby Boom These past few months have heralded many births in Israel. Hospitals across Israel reported as much as a 20 percent increase in births in August and September of this year over last. Thousands more babies were born at the close of this summer than were born at

In News the same time in 2011, creating a mini baby boom. One of the main challenges some say Israel faces is demographics. Some politicians argue that Israel will have no choice but to surrender its biblical heartland because otherwise the Jewish state would face demographic demise. However, recent studies show that the Jewish birthrate is far outstripping the Arab birthrate. And that’s without the thousands of Jews that make Aliyah each year. Mazal tov!

Arab Woman Speaks Up for Israel It takes a strong, brave, and confident woman to publicly stand up against her people for what she truly believes.

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Boshra Khalaila’s story is representative of the obstacles many IsraeliArabs must overcome if they wish to freely speak their mind regarding the Jewish state. Khaliala admits, “You need a lot of strength and perseverance. As a woman from an Arab town it is more difficult to stand up and it takes a lot of courage. Not everyone is capable of doing it.” She adds, “But to be accused of treason is the price you have to pay to make a difference,” Boshra said, summarizing Continued on page 18

Mendy Worch mendy@bayridgeautoleasing.com

Zack Schwebel zack@bayridgeautoleasing.com

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The Times of Israel published an intriguing interview with a courageous young Arab woman from a small town in the Galilee region who has dedicated her life to defending Israel in the public arena.

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15 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

‫רה‬

‫שב‬

‫כינוס עול‬ ‫ה‬ ‫ת‬ ‫ת‬ ‫ו‬

dxy iig zyxt zay b"ryz oeyg e"k-c"k NOVEMBER 9-11,

Join Dirshu for a truly inspirational “Shabbos Kinnus Olam HaTorah” – which will mark the momentous achievements of many thousands who have learned with accountability in an unprecedented way – by Yidden from all segments in Klal Yisrael. The event will be graced by Gedolei Yisrael, Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbonim from across North America and abroad – all gathered for an uplifting maamid of Kiddush Shem Shomayim and Kavod HaTorah.

2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, OR TO RSVP, PLEASE CONTACT THE DIRSHU OFFICE AT: Phone: 888-5-DIRSHU ext. 115 Fax: 732-987-3949 email: siyum@dirshunj.org

17 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL GUEST:

HaGaon HaRav Berel Povarsky, Shlita 'faept zaiyi , daiyi y`x

The overall program will c"qa be graced by the presence of Gedolei Yisrael, Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbonim, shlita, including*:

Shiurim in lomdus, drush and chizuk from Gedolei Yisrael and leading Rabbonim

HaGaon HaRav Chaim Bressler, o`hpxwq ,dyn zia zaiyi ,daiyi y`x HaGaon HaRav Reuven Feinstein, cplii` ohrhq'c daiyi ,daiyi y`x HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zalman Gipps, `wpitq ,sqei awri zx`tz ,llek y`x HaGaon HaRav Asher Anshel Katz, oriee ,mi`xi zcr ldwc n"xe c"a` HaGaon HaRav Avrohom Yehoshua Katzberg, flra iciqgc zcd iwifgn ldwa u"nec HaGaon HaRav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, deab yxcn zia ,daiyi y`x

Shirium in Halacha from leading Poskim and Dayonim

HaGaon HaRav Moshe Mordechai Lowy, ehpxeh l`xyi zceb` fkxn ,`xz`c `xn HaGaon HaRav Dovid Olewsky, xeb, l`xyi zia zaiyi ,daiyi y`x HaGaon HaRav Yeruchim Olshin, deab yxcn zia ,daiyi y`x HaGaon HaRav Yisroel Reisman, zrce dxez daiyi ,daiyi y`x

Tefillos and zemiros led by R’ Abish Brodt & sons

HaGaon HaRav Fischel Schachter, zrce dxez daiyi ,xeriy cibn HaGaon HaRav Zev Smith, dxez ixeriy oebx`e ,dklda ineid sc ,xeriy cibn HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Sorotzkin, ce`eewiilc `zaizn ,flh daiyi y`x HaGaon HaRav Yechiel Mechel Steinmetz, `xieewq ,sqei awri zeclez ldwc ,u"nec

Roundtable sessions and presentations

HaGaon HaRav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, dyn oexkf dlecb daiyi ,daiyi y`x *list in formation

RECEPTION:8:15PM

ycew zay i`ven HIGHLIGHTS

PROGRAM:8:45PM

dklda ineid sc - 'c wlg a"n meiq / dkld oipw meiq / q"yd meiq

HaGaon HaRav HaGaon HaRav Berel Povarsky Elya Ber Wachtfogel Shlita daiyi y`x 'faept zaiyi

Presentation of the highlights from the Dirshu World Siyumim, featuring:

Shlita daiyi y`x dyn oexkf dlecb daiyi

Admor M’Belz, Shlita HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, Shlita HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Wosner, Shlita and many other Gedolei Yisrael

The w"yven program and grand siyum / melava malka is open to the public at no fee. RSVP required. TEL: 888-5-DIRSHU ext. 115 • Email: RSVP@DirshuNJ.org Bus transportation will be available from Brooklyn, Lakewood and Monsey

Grand siyum / melava malka catered by Parkway Glatt Kosher Caterers, Gedalya Jacobowitz HASHGACHA BY NIRBATER RAV, SHLITA Shlomei Daskal accompanied by CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA LED BY RUVI BANET

TRAVEL INFO: 15-30 minutes from Monsey, Monroe, and New Square 30-45 minutes from Edison, Elizabeth, Passaic, Union City and Teaneck 1 hour from Brooklyn, the Five Towns, Queens, and Staten Island 1 hour and 30 min. from Lakewood

Bottom Line Marketing Group: 718.377.4567

Address from:

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week her ordeal. “Bottom line: you need to believe in your way and what you are doing.” When Ms. Khalaila was asked why she feels the compelling need to stand up for Israel in the public sector, she responded, “To sacrifice from myself for the country that I live in and that gives me rights, that’s a natural price.” She went on to say, “I am a liberal, free woman, with all the rights that I could enjoy,” stated Khalaila. “I compare myself to other women my age in Jordan, the [Palestinian ruled] territories, Egypt, any Arab country. They don’t have the rights that I have: freedom of expression, the right to vote. They are forced into marriage at a young age, and religious head covering, despite their own convictions. With me it’s the opposite; I have everything.”

Israeli Women Choose Children over Career In a world where traditions and values are rapidly disappearing, this survey may offer you solace that some amount of normalcy remains... According to a survey released this week by Young Na’amat, a leadership program for volunteers fostered by the Na’amat women’s organization, Israeli women continue to choose their children over their careers. The survey was conducted among 500 women across the country who have at least one child aged 10 years old or younger. Fifty-four percent of the respondents said they changed careers with the birth of their children. (Only 12 percent of their husbands did so.) About 18 percent of women reduced the number of work hours after the birth of their children, 11 percent temporarily stopped working, and 7 percent traded their job for one that would be more compatible while fulfilling the role of caregiver as well. The survey also reported that the higher the income of couples, the greater the unequal distribution of tasks when it comes to taking care of the children. In true reflection of the unmanageable demands of the modern world, some 56 percent of women feel that they are not fully fulfilling their aspirations and expectations both in family life and in the professional sphere. “The findings of the survey indicate that women are still the primary caretakers both for the home and the children,” said Orly Bitty, a board member and founder of Young Na’amat.

Iraqi Cleric Says One Cannot Trust Israel Egypt has appointed Atef Salem AlAhl as the new ambassador to Israel. Of course this announcement was welcomed with much outrage. Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr urged Egyptian President Mohammad Mursi not to reopen the Egyptian embassy in Israel, calling the move “disgraceful” to Egypt and Islamists. In a statement to Mursi, the cleric urged him to “refrain from reopening the Egyptian embassy in Israel,” adding that “one can never trust Israel, neither by good words or by politics.” He feels that opening an embassy in the Jewish state “will harm Egypt and the reputation of the Islamists at the same time.” Supposedly in a letter from Mursi to Shimon Peres dated back to July 19, Mursi addressed the Israeli president as a “great friend” which sparked major controversy in Egypt. It was within this letter that Mursi’s conveyed news of the appointment of Atef Salem Al-Ahl as Egypt’s new ambassador to Israel. Al-Ahl formally assumed his post on Wednesday, October 17. He said his country’s new Islamist government remains committed to achieving and maintaining peace with the Jewish state. Tensions between Israel and Egypt intensified last year when Egyptian protesters ransacked offices of the Israeli Embassy in Cairo, dumping Hebrew documents out of a window and trapping six Israeli staff inside for several hours. Last week, supreme leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohammed Badie, called on Muslims worldwide to defend Jerusalem, saying, “Zionists only know the way of force.” He said that Jews were spreading “corruption” and had slaughtered Muslims and desecrated holy sites. Mursi made no public comments about Badie’s remarks. It’s difficult to decipher our enemies from our friends but as they say, keep your friends close but your enemies even CLOSER…

IDF Teams Up With American Army The IDF is set to begin a major military exercise together with U.S. forces stationed in Europe. The AC12 Exercise (“Austere Challenge 12”) is the largest exercise ever between Israeli

In News and American forces. The exercise will involve the deployment of Patriot missile batteries and other air defense systems, including surface-to-air missiles deployed on naval ships. The joint exercise will focus on defensive maneuvers, not on offensive actions, and is aimed at responding to threats against Israel including rockets, mortar shells, and both short and long-range ballistic missiles.

The exercise is part of a long-term agreement between EUCOM (the United States European Command) and the IDF that calls for cooperative exercises on an annual basis. It is expected to last about three weeks, during which cutting-edge technology will be tested for the first time. Both armies will review and examine the Iron Dome batteries and the new Magic Wand (David’s Sling) anti-missile system in real-time. Preparations and plans for the exercise began over two years ago, and it is unrelated to the current situation in the Middle East. An IDF source explained that the exercise is not in response to a specific threat, but a general scenario regarding broad regional trends. “The scenario will focus on multiple areas and its goal will be to learn how to deal with various threats in the area,” said the source.

Palestinians of the West Bank Vote

In the first local election since 2005, Palestinians in the West Bank voted on Saturday. PA leaders described the event as a “true celebration of democracy.” Chairman of the Central Election Commission Hanna Nasser said that the rate of participation for Palestinians in

the West Bank elections stood at 54.8 percent. Nasser said 277,000 out of the 505,600 eligible voters had cast ballots. “The elections went very smoothly,” WAFA quoted Nasser as saying. There were about 4,700 candidates in the elections, 25 percent of them women. The polls were boycotted by Hamas and only held in 92 out of 353 municipalities and local councils in the West Bank. In the remaining municipal and village councils, candidates were chosen by acclamation. Hamas’s decision to boycott the elections left Fatah running against independent figures and representatives of three Palestinian organizations: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Palestinian Democratic Union. Some of the independent candidates were dissident Fatah officials who have been dismissed from the faction. The most prominent figure is Ghassan Shaka’a, a former mayor of Nablus who enraged Fatah by running as the head of an independent list. He belongs to a large clan in Nablus and ran against Fatah’s Amin Makboul, despite attempts by the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah to dissuade him from the move. It’s interesting to note that even though its main rival, Hamas, did not join in the elections, Fatah still failed to receive a majority in at least 5 out of the eleven major municipalities.

National Google’s Big Mistake It’s ironic that the leader in Internet search, Google, that prides itself on organizing the world’s information, lost control of its own data when a contractor released its third-quarter earnings report more than three hours before the numbers were supposed to come out. This mistake came with large repercussions. The results alarmed investors because the company’s earnings and revenue fell well below analysts’ projections which triggered an 8 percent drop in Google’s stock price that erased about $20 billion in shareholder wealth. (Someone’s getting fired!) “This is a monumental failure of epic proportions,” said Michael Robinson, an executive vice president for the Levick Strategic Communications,

which specializes in financial crisis management. “This was bad news compounded by bad process. It came out in the worst way possible.”

Google Inc. pointed fingers at their printer R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. for filing the company’s quarterly statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission more than three hours ahead of schedule. “We are fully engaged in an investigation to determine how this event took place and are pursuing our first obligation, which is to serve our valued customer,” R.R. Donnelley said in a statement. The disconcerting mix-up prompted Google CEO Larry Page to preface his review of the quarter with an apology during a conference call with analysts. “I am sorry for the scramble earlier today,” Page said. He continued on an optimistic tone in the hopes of calming investors, saying, “Every day, I wake up and I am delighted about our opportunities to keep growing.” Initially Google’s stock plunged more than 9 percent. Then trading was suspended for three hours to allow time for the information to be digested. Shares recovered slightly even so the stock wound up dropping $60.49, or 8 percent, to close at $695 down from $755.49.

A Vote of Inspiration A photo of a World War II veteran voting for what may be his last time has inspired and warmed the hearts of many Americans. Frank Tanabe, 93, is in the final stages of inoperable liver cancer but did not let that deter him from exercising his right to vote. You see, the loyal patriot has fought for this country and believes that it “is very important” to vote. He has never missed a presidential election and so when his absentee ballot arrived, his daughter, Barbara, helped him complete it and read aloud the candidates and issues on the absentee ballot for him. “I helped him,” she said. “He either nodded ‘yes’ or shook his head ‘no’. He didn’t always vote for my candidate.”

A photo of this touching moment went viral and Americans across the nation have expressed their sentiments about this amazing show of patriotism. Barbara says that her father “always told us it was very important to vote, because he saw his comrades in arms fight and die for American rights.” She added that clearly one of those rights is our right to vote.

Watch Your Cellphones!

Guess what pickpockets seem to favor these days? No, it’s not your wallet or your Metrocard—it’s your cellphone! In this tech-savvy city teeming with commuters and tourists, the cellphone has become a top target of robbers who use stealth, force and sometimes guns to get what they want. According to police, about half of all robberies in San Francisco this year were cellphone-related. Most instances occur on the busy transit lines. It was reported that one thief snatched a smartphone while sitting right behind his unsuspecting victim and then quickly got off the back of the bus. Another robber grabbed an iPhone from an oblivious bus rider while she was still talking. In Oakland, City Council candidate Dan Kalb was robbed at gunpoint of his iPhone. Ironically he was returning home from a neighborhood anti-crime

In News meeting. “I thought he was going to shoot me,” recalled Kalb, who had dropped his phone during the stickup. “He kept saying, ‘Find the phone! Find the phone!’” New York City police reported that more than 40 percent of all robberies now involve cellphones. And cellphone thefts in Los Angeles, which account for more than a quarter of all the city’s robberies, are up 27 percent from this time a year ago, police said. “This is your modern-day purse snatching,” said longtime San Francisco Police Capt. Joe Garrity, who began noticing the trend here about two years ago. “A lot of younger folks seem to put their entire lives on these things that don’t come cheap.” A note to consumers: You may want to think twice before you store personal photos, private emails, or account numbers. Police are trying to crack down and are urging citizens to be vigilant. In San Francisco, police launched a transit ad campaign, warning folks to “be smart with your smartphone.” In St. Louis,

city leaders proposed an ambitious ordinance requiring anyone who resells cellphones to obtain a secondhand dealers license. Resellers also would need to record the phone’s identity number and collect detailed information including the seller’s names, addresses, a copy of their driver’s license and maybe even their thumbprints. “It will take a national solution to make this problem go away,” St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said of the phone thefts.

George McGovern, 90, Dies George McGovern, former U.S. senator and Democratic presidential nominee who ran against Richard Nixon in 1972, died early Sunday at the age of 90. His family reported the death, saying, “Our wonderful father passed away peacefully at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, S.D., surrounded by our family and life-long friends,” his children said in a statement. “We are

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week blessed to know that our father lived a long, successful and productive life advocating for the hungry, being a progressive voice for millions and fighting for peace. He continued giving speeches, writing and advising all the way up to and past his 90th birthday, which he celebrated this summer.”

McGovern served as senator from South Dakota for three terms. He ran an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 1972, grabbing only 17 electoral votes on an anti-war platform and losing every state except for Massachusetts. Nixon took 520 electoral votes, one of the biggest victories in American presidential election history. Years later, McGovern joked, “Ever since I was a young man, I wanted to run for the presidency in the worst possible way — and I did.”

Many remember McGovern as the “ambassador to the hungry.” He served as U.S. ambassador to the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization under President Bill Clinton and was later appointed by the U.N. as its international emissary to the hungry around the world. Although today it is something that we have in schools across the country, McGovern was the pioneering force behind the school lunch program. In 2002, he said that we would be better off spending military money on nutrition, health, education and the environment around the world. It was his thought that by clothing and educating Americans and people around the globe, our need for military spending would decrease.

Less Than $500 in Savings If you have more than $500 saved, then you’re better off than half of America. A recent study done by CreditDonkey.com showed that of the 1,100 Americans that were polled, 41 percent reported having less than $500 in cash savings. This study only highlights

In News the economic difficulties that so many Americans are facing. Back in March, it was estimated that less than a third of American workers had savings of $1000 or less. Now it’s even less. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, with no finances available to bail them out in an emergency.

This may be why so many are concerned about retirement, even from a young age. They fear not being able to save much money at all and are concerned about if the Social Security system will still be working by the time they reach retirement age.

Most Expensive Zip Code: 10065, Upper East Side, NYC

34 East 62nd Street is a vacant lot that will one day house the most expensive home listed for sale in Manhattan’s 10065 zip code. Developer Janna Bullock is planning to build a six-level Modernist limestone townhouse designed by architect Preston Phillips. The blueprints include a subterranean indoor pool, a glass-enclosed elevator, and a waterfall-bedecked private courtyard. The pricey soon-to-be house joins about 25 other eight-figure single-family mansions that embellish the treelined streets of the Upper East Side. The Upper East Side earned the top spot on Forbes’ annual list of the Most Expensive zip Codes. This is the first time that a Big Apple neighborhood topped the list. It pushed 2011’s priciest zip code, Alpine, New Jersey’s 07620 to No. 2, followed in third place by another usual suspect: Atherton, California 94027.

Tour de Fraud In the latest chapter of the story that is the meltdown of Lance Armstrong’s career, the cyclist has lost three major endorsement contracts. Nike, Anheuser-Busch and Trek bicycles all said they would no longer use Armstrong as a spokesman for their products. Each of the companies issued a statement terminating the deals they had with Armstrong. Nike announced, “Due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade, it is with great sadness that we have terminated our contract with him.” Anheuser-Busch, the giant beermaker, took a similar tack, saying in a statement that it decided not to renew its relationship with Armstrong, which expires at the end of this year. Trek Bicycle of Waterloo, Wisconsin said it was also terminating its relationship with Armstrong, citing the voluminous evidence against him published last week by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Armstrong is set to be stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after the USADA concluded that he had taken “part in and organized an elaborate and sophisticated doping scheme on his way to his unrivaled success on the Tour.” The cyclist has always denied taking any performance-enhancing drugs but has refused to challenge the USADA’s charges against him. Armstrong also announced that he will be stepping down from his position as chairman of the Livestrong foundations which he founded in 2003 to provide support to those suffering with cancer.

Phelps, Fittest Man of All Time During the London Olympics Michael Phelps became the single Olympian to win the most gold medals in history. Now Phelps has been named as the fittest man of all time. Men’s Health magazine gave Phelps the crown based on his achievements and his daily five hour workout regimen. Phelps spoke with the publication about some of his workouts during the height of his swimming prowess. “I was doing 10 workouts a week in the pool, three weight workouts plus three core workouts,” he said. “It was totally intense.”

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Sunday, November 25, 10:00 a.m. Due to overwhelming response, note change of location!

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Principal General Studies

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Tichon Meir Moshe

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week

I’m sweating just thinking about it. Oh, wait—do you sweat underwater?

Political Bloomberg in the Middle New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg—the Democrat who turned Republican, who turned Independent— has launched a super PAC to support… you guessed it, candidates who are, well, in the middle, or as they are usually called, “moderates.” Bloomberg, who is worth an estimated $25 billion and is the tenth richest man in America, will spend $10 to $15 million on helping candidates who support gun control and redefining marriage as well as education reform.

“I’ve always believed in the need for more independent leadership, and this new effort will support candidates and causes that will help protect Americans from the scourge of gun violence, improve our schools, and advance our freedoms,” Bloomberg said in a statement. Although Bloomberg has not endorsed a presidential candidate, he has waded into some hotly contested races. For example, he is supporting Republican Scott Brown in the neck-to-neck Massachusetts senatorial race. Although

he explained that he likes Scott Brown’s position on gun control, there are certainly other considerations as well. Regarding Brown’s opponent Democrat Elizabeth Warren, Bloomberg said, “You can question, in my mind, whether she’s G-d’s gift to regulation, close the banks and get rid of corporate profits, and we’d all bring socialism back or the U.S.S.R.” In an interview with the New York Times, Bloomberg chimed in on the presidential election and opined that both candidates’ economic plans are not real. “I think that’s clear,” he said. Regarding Romney, he stated, “I do think that Romney’s business experience would be valuable, but I don’t know that running Bain Capital gives you the experience to run the country.” Regarding Obama, he said, “This business of ‘Well, they can afford it; they should pay their fair share?’ Who are you to say ‘Somebody else’s fair share’?” Take these comments and study them if you want to learn how to come out right in the middle on every topic. And who wouldn’t have thought that this man would get involved in national politics? After all, he got involved in what type of soda I drink while whapping down a burger.

Hoping This Blimp Is Not A Prophet?

Romney may be surging, but his blimp is doing anything but that. In fact, while flying over Florida’s Broward County on Sunday, a blimp with an ad for Mitt Romney was forced to make an emergency landing. No one was hurt. Upon signs of trouble, the pilot saw a large, open area in a housing development and landed the airship. Hours later, the 160-foot airship was deflated, flat and sprawled along the grass. We are still waiting for political pundits to point out that “Romney can’t even fly a blimp,” to which Romney would certainly retort, “I would rather run a blimp to the ground than our economy to the ground, which is what President Obama has done.”

In News Roasts & Toasts at the Al Smith Dinner As is the custom during election years, both President Obama and Mitt Romney took a break from beating up on each other and attended the famed Al Smith dinner, held in New York City’s Waldorf Astoria last Thursday night. The Al Smith dinner, a black tie affair for the who’s-who of American

elites, raises millions of dollars for charitable causes and has become a forum for humorous, tongue-in-cheek speeches by both candidates. Mitt Romney addressed the audience first and noting the fact that he was supposed to give a funny speech, said, “I was actually hoping the President would bring Joe Biden along this evening. He’ll laugh at anything.” He predicted that the media would certainly report that he broke bread with Obama at the Al Smith dinner (which

Debate III: Candidates Play It Safe

The candidates met for their third and final debate last Monday night in the hotly contested state of Florida. The debate, held in Boca Raton, focused on foreign policy. Although the topics included Libya, Iran, the Arab Spring, Israel and terrorism, both candidates largely played it safe and appeared wary of making any gaffes which their opponent could utilize in the homestretch of the race. In fact, they appeared to be largely in agreement about the overall objectives of the United States’ foreign policy and the methods which it should utilize to achieve those objectives. However, Obama clearly came packing a stronger punch. When Romney pointed out that our navy has declined in recent years, Obama retorted, “You mention...the fact that we have fewer ships than we did in 1916. Well, governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets,” Obama said. “We have these things called aircraft carriers and planes land on them,” he added. Israel loomed large in the debate and was mentioned 32 times. Both candidates seemed cognizant of the fact that the debate was taking place in Boca Raton, where more than 50%

of the population is Jewish. Obama boasted about unprecedented military cooperation with Israel while Romney rebuked President Obama for going to the Middle East shortly after taking office and apologizing for America’s actions in the region and not visiting Israel on that trip. “You skipped Israel, our closest friend in the region,” Romney said. “But you went to the other nations, and by the way, they noticed that you skipped Israel.” In the end, both candidates sought to make their views on the economy the focal point of the debate. Obama pointed out that Romney’s plan would add five trillion dollars in deficits due to tax cuts to the wealthy, and Romney argued that Obama’s policies have failed over the past four years. After the debate, instant debate polls showed a slight edge to Obama, with a CNN-ORC post-debate poll showing that Obama won the debate by a 48 to 40 margin. Instant polls after the second debate showed that Obama won that debate by a similar margin, yet it did not provide President Obama with a bounce in the national polls. It remains to be seen whether this debate will sway voters in either direction.

is attended by many Catholics), but that the headline would be: “Obama embraced by Catholics, Romney dines with rich people.” Surveying the crowd of wealthy participants, Romney pointed out, “We’re down to the final months of the President’s term…You have to wonder what [Obama is] thinking: So little time, so much to redistribute.” President Obama rose to speak next and told the applauding audience, “Everyone please take your seats. Otherwise Clint Eastwood will yell at [you].” He spoke about his lackluster performance at the first debate, which took place on his anniversary, and said, “I learned that there are worse things that can happen to you on your anniversary than forgetting to buy a gift.” He explained that he was better in the second debate because he “felt really well rested after the nice, long nap I had in the first.”

That’s Odd Own a Piece of History

If you’re looking to own a piece of American history, now’s your chance. National Geographic Society will be auctioning off a selection of their massive archive of 11.5 million photos and original illustrations. These 240 pieces that span from the 1800s to the present, will be sold at Christie’s in December— this auction will be first time any of the institution’s collection has been sold. Some of what will be auctioned off are among the most famous items that memorialize American and world history. Many remember the indelible photograph of an Afghani girl in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion, a roaring lion in South Africa and the face of a Papua New Guinea aborigine. The institution says that these gems are being auctioned off “to celebrate our legacy…and to give people a chance to

buy a little part of this great institution’s history.” Steve McCurry’s photograph of the Afghan girl is expected to generate $8,000 to $12,000. An Edward Curtis’ 40-volume photo portfolio and book, “The North American Indian,” which is believed to have been owned by Alexander Graham Bell, is expected to generate more than $700,000.

Doorstop Falls From Space This doorstop is out of this world. Donna and George Lewis’ doorstop is pretty special to them—this rock has been in their family since the 1930s. But only after putting a metal detector to it and having it read off the charts, were they aware of how special it really is. Jerry Cook, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Eastern Kentucky University, tested the rock and found conclusive evidence that their doorstop was way more than just a rock—this was a meteorite that “was probably part of a known meteorite strike that had first turned up evidence in Tazewell in 1853.” Now the doorstop is famous and on display on the university. “We don’t want to lock it up somewhere,” Cook said. “We want kids to be able to touch it, lift it, and understand what it is. Part of our job is to get kids interested in science, and this…will stir their curiosity.” This makes Donna, a school secretary, really happy. “I saw how excited kids at our school got when they saw it. It’s good to know that Eastern will keep it in one piece and students will be able to study it,” she commented.

Youngest Ever to Ride the Subway Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Police Officer Loyd Rodgers and his partner got quite the shock after a female passenger approached them at the Olney station on the Broad Street Subway line informing them that she had just given birth aboard a northbound train. There, cushioned in her clothing, the officers saw a newborn baby boy, umbilical cord still attached. Mom was on her way to an appointment with her doctor when she suddenly went into a fast labor. Rodgers, a 12-year veteran, immedi-

In News ately assisted the new mother, wrapping the little boy in a blanket and calling for medics. He described how all the busy activity in the station suddenly halted. Many passengers shouted congratulations to the new mother. “It was a celebration,” said Officer Rodgers, “a real celebration.” SEPTA cashier Cynthia Leaks said the little boy had lots of hair and was “beautiful.” Roger said that as they waited, the mother and her baby were both calm. Both baby and mom are now doing fine at nearby Einstein Medical center. I’d have to guess that this little boy is the youngest passenger to ride the subway.

Lions and Tigers and Bears…Give Me More! Here’s one thing that I guarantee the average person doesn’t have on their bucket list…be photographed with every member of the animal kingdom— barrier-free! Tallon Nightwalker, 16, a Colorado teenager, is on a mission that began when he was 5 years old.

He has already been photographed with 840 different types of wild animals and he is going strong. To date, he’s said “cheese” with everything from a bull snake to a spider monkey to a black bear, all in the wild. “We set goals every year to get another 100 or however many, and we’ve been able to achieve that goal for most of the years,’’ Tallon said. “I can foresee it going even further, if not to all of them.’’ To be fair, Tallon does have some connections to wildlife. Nightwalker’s father, Bob, is the manager of the Larimer (Colorado) Humane Society’s wildlife rehabilitation department. Continued on page 26

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

COMING NEXT WEEK FROM

SUSIE FISHBEIN

MORE THAN “JUST ANOTHER COOKBOOK” Here are the best tips and techniques I’ve used and taught over the last ten years.

new recipes 120 superb Over

photographs 400 full-color

Kosher by Design Cooking Coach features Susie’s top kitchen secrets through 10 practical coaching sections, including: » Your most essential kitchen equipment and ingredients » Prepping salad components » Pictorial guide to cuts of meat

» How to make can’t-miss side dishes » In-depth guide to buying and preparing fish » Playbook of budget-stretching ideas

OTHER TITLES IN THE KOSHER BY DESIGN SERIES

Available now at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)

November 11, 2012 www.yu.edu/jhome

remarkable journeys nowhere but here

As a 2012 Stern College graduate and a graduate student in accounting at the Sy Syms School of Business, Gabi knows firsthand that a YU education is instrumental in launching a successful career: next year she will join Deloitte. In fact, more than 97% of YU students who graduated with an accounting degree were employed in their field in 2011.* Call our Office of Admissions at 212.960.5277 to schedule a preliminary consultation and start your remarkable journey today. *Source: Yeshiva University Career Center survey

Yeshiva University | 500 West 185th Street | New York, NY 10033 | 212.960.5277 | yuadmit@yu.edu

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Meet Gabi from Los Angeles. YU educated, Deloitte bound.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week In News The rule is that the animal must be alive, and Tallon has to be holding it, standing right next to it or in the foreground or background from it. The animal also has to be barrier-free. “Anyone can stand in front of a cage and get a picture with an animal,’’ Bob Nightwalker said. “There are some animals that are just too dangerous, but we’re pretty safe. We have our handling skills that we rely on, and if we go to other facilities to take pictures of other animals, we have those handlers to rely on.’’ “It gives it such a uniqueness,’’ said Tallon, who is a junior in high school. “It gives the picture some more edge to it and people can say, ‘Wow that’s incredible.’’’ There’s still thousands of photo opportunities out there with innumerable variations of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians so their mission is not nearly accomplished just yet.

Early Intervention Services For children birth - 3 years with special needs.

Services Provided l

Evaluations

Feeding Therapy

Special Education

Nutrition Counseling

Service Coordination

Family Support/Counseling

Speech/Language Therapy

Physical & Occupational Therapy

The boys’ mother, Wasa Ashkar, said her husband, Neyef, sold the winning ticket to Andy at the couple’s Green Ale Market, but she couldn’t remember the exactly date. She and her husband are Palestinians from Jerusalem who immigrated to United States nearly 40 years ago and have owned the store for 12 years.

World’s Oldest New Dad

Winner Waits Six Years to Claim $5M

ABA Program – Center & Home Services Routines Based Interventions & Collaborative Coaching l

Far

Ser Roc

ving

kaw

TO REFER YOUR CHILD TO THE EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM CALL 311. This Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program for children under the age of three who are either suspected of having or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. EIP is funded by NYS and NYC. All EIP services are provided at no cost to parents. Health insurance may be used for approved services. A child’s eligibility for the program can be determined only by state-approved evaluators under contract, and all services must be authorized by the NYC Early Intervention Program.

For more information about CHALLENGE call:

718.851.3300

In 2006, Andy Ashkar, 34, of Camillus, NY, and his brother Navel Ashkar, 36, of Cicero, NY, bought a scratch off lottery ticket at their parents’ Syracuse store. And now, six years later, the two have come forward to claim their $5 million prize, just 11 days before the prize would have expired. Andy Ashkar officially purchased the ticket and decided to generously share his winnings with his brother. Now the big question is: why did he wait so long to claim his prize? According to Andy, he waited so long to claim his prize because he was concerned the windfall could “negatively influence” his life if he didn’t plan properly before being publicly introduced as the winner. He also told lottery officials that he didn’t want the windfall to influence his engagement and subsequent marriage. As is routine whenever a winner is related to the owner of the store that sold the ticket, the agency conducted an investigation. The inquiry determined that Ashkar’s scratch-off ticket was bought legitimately, Hapeman said.

On October 5, Ramjit Raghav and his 52-year-old wife, Shakuntala Devi, who live in Haryana, India, 31 miles northwest of Delhi, welcomed baby Ranjeet. The reason this is newsworthy is because the healthy baby boy’s father is 96-years-old—making him the world’s oldest new dad, for the second time. You see, two years ago Ramjit and his wife welcomed their first son together, Vikramajeet. Ramjit was 94-yearsold at the time. The world’s previous oldest dad was said to be Indian farmer Nanu Ram Jog, who reportedly had his 21st child at the age of 90.

Homeless Man Saves Baby It’s baby season! Talk about being in the right place at the right time… A homeless man was hitchhiking a ride to Memphis at a truck stop near Oklahoma City when Keaton Mason and her husband were rushing to the hospital because Mason was in labor. Continued on page 30

November 18, 2012 www.yu.edu/jhome

remarkable journeys nowhere but here

As a Yeshiva College graduate, and current rabbinical student at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), Yair knows firsthand that a YU undergraduate education is an excellent foundation upon which to launch a successful career: in 2013 he will enter Harvard Law School. In fact, 97% of law school applicants from Yeshiva University were accepted to a law school of their choice last year, far surpassing the national acceptance rate.* Call our Office of Admissions at 212.960.5277 to schedule a preliminary consultation and start your remarkable journey today. *Source: The Law School Admissions Council

Yeshiva University | 500 West 185th Street | New York, NY 10033 | 212.960.5277 | yuadmit@yu.edu

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Meet Yair from Queens. YU educated, Harvard Law bound.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

28 Your Friends. Your Choice. Your Pace

of Far Rockaway/Five Towns Join us & see is what Peninuim all abo t!

Sponsored by:

H riveting eaacr a near tracgoeuntâ&#x20AC;Ś transform dy s lives

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Rabbinical Committee : Rabbi Yaakov Bender Rabbi Y.M. Blumenkrantz Rabbi Moshe Brown Rabbi Saul Chill Rabbi Eitan Feiner Rabbi Yaakov Feitman Rabbi Eliezer Feuer Rabbi Avrohom Halpern Rabbi Naftali Jaeger Rabbi Yehoshua Kalish Rabbi Yaakov Reisman Rabbi Dovid Weinberger

FAR F AR R ROCKA ROCKAWAY/LAWRENCE O

LEGACY CAMPAIG Far Rockaway/ Lawrence friends of YESHIVAS MIR VERUSHALAYIM

Reception Committee : Mr. Nochum Aber Mr. Howard Balter Mr. Ari Bergmann Mr. Yitzchok Bodner Mr. Moshe M. Feuer Mr. Yitzchok Ganger Mr. Yaakov Goldfeder Mr. Shlomo Z. Gutfreund Mr. Matis Nayman Mr. Shloma Nayman Mr. Yisroel Neuberger Mr. Yussie Ostreicher Mr. Mendy Wolff Mr. Aaron Wolfson Mr. Moshe Wolfson

invite the community to join us at the ANNUAL BENEFIT BREAKFAST welcoming

‫הגאונ הרב בנימינ קרלבכ שליט’’א‬ ‫מראשי ישיבה דישיבת מיר ירושלימ‬

‫הגאונ הרב ני�נ קפלנ שליט’’א‬ ‫מגיד שיעור בישיבת מיר ירושלימ‬

‫ י”ט חשונ תשע’’ג‬,‫יומ ראשונ בבוקר‬

Alumni Committee :

Sunday morning • November 4, 2012 9:30 am

Ariel Aber Yaakov Aber Baruch Ber Bender Zvi Y. Bloom Eli M. Bobker Mendy Edelstein Sruly Edelstein Nussy Feiner Akiva Garbacz Yanki Herzka Dov Lebovic Elie Lowy Ephraim Lowy Moshe Majeski Adam Mirzoeff Yosef Nussbaum Ephram Ostreicher Aroni Parnes Eli Rubin Dovid Saﬁer Yaakov Saﬁer Nechemia Salzman Dovid Scharf Asher Schoor Yaacov Spinner Yitzchok Aron Steg Yoav M. Taub Moshe Nosson Wolff Daniel Wolfson

At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok Ganger 34 Herrick Drive • Lawrence, NY FAR ROCKAWAY / LAWRENCE SHABBOS OF CHIZUK ‫פרשת וירא‬ With the participation of

Hagaon Harav Binyomin Carlebach Shlita Hagaon Harav Nissan Kaplan Shlita November 2-3, 2012 ‫ י”ח חשונ תשע”ג‬- ‫י”ז‬ ■

Oneg Shabbos will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Scharf Friday Night • 8:45 pm 15 Keewaydin Road • Lawrence, New York Young Alumni Melava Malka at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ariel Aber Motzoei Shabbos • 8:45 pm 86 Harborview West • Lawrence, New York 5227 New Utrecht Avenue

■

Brooklyn, New York 11219

■

P: 718-972-0500

■

F: 718-851-1999

■

E: info@themir.org

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

‫נו כבוד ל‬ ‫ת‬ ‫ו‬ ‫ר‬

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Week They didn’t make it in time, and Mason gave birth in their white Honda at a truck stop along Interstate 40. Mason’s baby girl was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. “The lady was screaming, ‘My baby, my baby’s blue…She’s not breathing,’” said Jennifer Morris who was at the truck stop and called 911. Then Gary Wilson appeared. Wilson kept Mason calm and removed the cord from the newborn’s neck. “Her angel was there,” paramedic Sandra Lesperance later said. “He did everything perfectly right.” Mason said, “He kept me pretty calm…He said, ‘Everything’s OK. She’s OK, she’s breathing.’” Tatum Brown was born four weeks early, weighing 4 pounds, 11 ounces, and doctors say she is doing fine. Mazal tov!

Boeing 777 Helps Rescue Yachtsman

These passengers were flying to their vacation but ended up participating in a rescue mission. An ordinary commercial flight helped locate a yacht in trouble off the coast of Australia. The Air Canada Boeing 777 bound for Sydney from Vancouver diverted from its course to check on the distressed yacht. Air Canada reported that its plane swooped down about 1,200 meters while the crew peered out using binoculars borrowed from passengers. A solo yachtsman left Pittwater, on Sydney’s northern beaches, two weeks ago heading for Eden on the New South Wales south coast. An emergency beacon was activated early Tuesday with the man reporting that his boat had been drifting away from land. Because of the remote location, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority asked two airliners passing over the man’s GPS position to confirm his whereabouts. Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the crew and a number of passengers aboard flight AC033 spot-

ted the boat and advised authorities of its location. The yachtsman was subsequently rescued. He said the airline commends the crew and passengers.

Man Finds Watch Half a Century Later

Fifty-three years ago, Ed Grigor’s gold watch was stolen while he was in the Navy. Grigor, of Endicott, NY, claims that the timepiece disappeared in 1959 while he briefly left it unattended on a sink at a base in Virginia. At the time, he cut his losses and assumed his valuable watch was gone for good. Last month, Girgor got an unexpected phone call from a Las Vegas man who had found the watch in a box of unclaimed items that sailors had pawned years ago at his late mother’s guest house in Virginia Beach. The man was able to track Grigor down because his name was engraved on the back. He must have recited the prayer of Rabbi Meir Ba’al Haness…

Man Asked to Leave Library Because of His Smell They say these days you can sue for almost anything and this story solidifies that claim… George Stillman, 80, filed a $5.5 million lawsuit against the Upper West Side’s New York Public Library in the Manhattan Supreme Court. He claims that more than three years ago he was forced to leave the building after being accused of reeking of dreadful body odor. Stillman considers himself a loyal library user, saying he has gone to the St. Agnes branch on Amsterdam Avenue for 20 years without incident. He says he was extremely humiliated when a manager requested that he leave because of the smell coming from his direction. Stillman insists the problem

In News stemmed from the library’s restrooms, not him. Stillman claims in court papers that he “found the branch manager to be giving off an odor but never objected, understanding that such a challenge to the senses was just a fact of life in the city.” Stillman thinks the library was just being snobbish, since New York City was recently declared the “smelliest city in the country,” according to his court papers, which note that “individuals with different diets from different culture often emit an odor that is alien to others outside the group.” “It’s not about the amount of money; it’s about standing up for your rights,” he declared to The Post during a recent interview in his small West 83rd Street apartment. Stillman, who is representing himself in the case, denies anyone has ever complained of body odor. “The only time I had an odor was when I was doing long-distance running and I was sweating,” Stillman declared. “I’ve got no body odor.” A library spokeswoman said Stillman prompted numerous complaints, “The library manager asked him to leave the library, citing our rules and regulations,” spokeswoman Angela Montefinise said. “Mr. Stillman was not barred from the library and has returned several times since without incident.” This case “SURE” sounds interesting.

Man Completes Marathon Wearing Flip-flops This isn’t the first time Keith Levasseur ran the marathon but it’s the first time he completed a marathon wearing flip-flops. Last Saturday, Levasseur ran Baltimore’s Marathon in 2:46:58 while wearing flip flops. Levasseur placed 29th among 3,024 finishers. Levasseur says his fellow runners “were supportive of the effort and after a ‘you’re crazy’ comment or two, they wished me luck. I heard a number of spectators saying, ‘Hey, that’s the flip flop guy!’ as I passed.” In training for the marathon, Levasseur said that focusing on his form was key. “I knew it was all about maintaining a very efficient and balanced stride,” he said. “There were times when my feet and ankles would get tired from maintaining a more rigid stride than I might

otherwise have and I would start landing more on the outside of the my foot and cause my heel to slip off the sandal. It only happened a few times and when it did, it would refocus my concentration on my stride and posture.”

Levasseur said the biggest challenges along the way were cobblestones and railroad tracks, as well as up-hills “since all the up-hills were run more like stair stepping instead of fluid running.” The rules Levasseur had worked out with Guinness for record purposes required that he cover the entire course in flip flops; if one came off, Levasseur was to go back to it, put it back on, and then resume running. “They never fell off,” Levasseur said. “There were times I would have to drive the front of my foot into the ground to re-secure the fit if they started to slide off. There were also a few times my heel would slip to the side, though they never touched the ground.” By the following day, Levasseur said, the balls of his feet were “quite sore.” I bet! Levasseur will file paperwork with the Guinness Book of World Records to have the feat (no pun intended) acknowledged as a world record for a marathon in flip flops. “Many friends have asked if I’ll do it again and my answer has been a resounding ‘no,’” Levasseur said. “If someone breaks the record, I will simply congratulate them.”

NEWS

Community

Yeshiva Darchei Torah Celebrates Alumni Dedication Photos by Tsemach Glenn

Yeshiva Darchei Torah recently held an Appreciation Breakfast to express its thanks to the alumni who joined its successful “Alumni Classroom Campaign.” The campaign’s goal was for alumni to collectively dedicate a classroom in the Yeshiva’s new complex. After the successful conclusion of the campaign—an initiative of the Alumni Association’s devoted committee—the Yeshiva invited the campaign’s participants to an exclusive breakfast and tour of the new complex. At the breakfast, Rav Yaakov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva, and Rav Shlomo Avigdor Altusky, Rosh Yeshiva, both lauded the alumni for their clear demonstration of Hakoras Hatov to the Yeshiva and for accomplishing what had seemed daunting at the outset of the campaign. Alumni relished the chance to revisit their alma mater, consult with their rabbeim, and catch up with old friends. A plaque listing all the alumni who

participated above a minimum threshold has been affixed outside the classroom, which is located on the first floor of the new complex. Yeshiva Darchei Torah, founded in 1972 as an elementary school, started its Mesivta Chaim Shlomo division in 1995 and Beis Rav Shlomo Avigdor Altusky (left) with Yaakov G. Shapiro; Rav Moshe Bender (right) with Asher Gross Medrash Heichal Dovid four years later. It is only in recent years that alumni of those latter two divisions have married, joined the workforce, and begun supporting the Yeshiva. The Alumni Association, founded four years ago, keeps the alumni connected to the Yeshiva and each other with ongoing shiurim, reunions, e-newsletters, the Alumni Chesed Fund, and various fundraising initiatives for the Yeshiva. Rav Yaakov Bender with (L-R:) Yehuda Schwartz, Dovi Safier, Yosef Goldberg and Tzvi Sussman

Inside the classroom that they helped dedicate, L-R: Yona Tepper, Chesky Abramsky, R’ Baruch Rothman, Avi Taitz, Moshe Weiss, Eli Abrin, Yaakov Bier, Yehuda Schwartz, Eli Friedman, Mendy Joseph, Yossi Hartstein, Shelomo Sarway, Yaakov Gedalya Shapiro, Tzvi Sussman, R’ Moshe Benoliel, Moishe Singer and Shimmy Sussman

Rabbi Jonathan Rietti Comes to HANC On Sunday, October 21st, the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County and the Kohelet Foundation were extremely excited to co-sponsor an evening of learning for the Kohelet Fellows and the entire HANC parent body at HANC Plainview. The evening was also generously sponsored by the Korori Family, in memory of Ashraf ben Avraham. Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, who received smicha from Gateshead Talmudical Academy and has a MA in Education, spoke about happiness in a lecture titled “Is Happiness a Moving Target?” Rabbi Rietti’s inspiring, informative, and entertaining lecture challenged the audience to think about what happiness is and what it isn’t, and what it means to

be happy. Rabbi Rietti spoke about the media’s negative influence on consumers and how we are trained by the media to constantly want more and more and more, without ever stopping to appreciate and celebrate what we do have. Rabbi Rietti explained that although it is easy to look at happiness in terms of what we don’t have and still want, true happiness is “having gratitude for the good already in our lives.” Rabbi Rietti further explained that although it is OK to continue to reach for more out of life and our relationships with the people around us, he challenged every member of the audience to always take the time to count the many brachot that they are already blessed with.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Around the

LOCAL

Rambam Teams-Up for Chessed Rambam Mesivta and Brandeis held a truly tremendous chesed event. It began meaningful with words of inspiration from both Rabbi Yotav Eliach, Principal of Rambam Mesivta, and the Principal of Brandeis, Rabbi Tomer Grossman. It then commenced as everyone, both Rambam and Brandeis, students, alumni, teachers, and parents all packed into the gym to listen to the phenomenal singing of the Rambam Harmonodies choir who delivered a stirring and original version of “Achanu.” The song was especially poignant as it echoed Rabbi Eliach’s clarion call for more achdus and understanding between the Jewish community. The assembled crowd then went next door to the other side of the gym where some of the biggest and most renowned chessed organizations of the tristate area and beyond had set up information booths. Chai Lifeline, OHEL, Keren Ohr, Emunah, YALEH, Yad Sarah, Mitzvah Market, JEP, ReSurf,

Sharsheret, JCC of the Five Towns and RockCanRoll manned by Rambam’s own Max Hersh were just some of organizations that set up tables seeking to get the motivated crowd involved. Present at the event were a number of Rebbeim and faculty members including Rambam Rosh Mesivta, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, and Rabbi Noam Horowitz. Additionally, members of both Rambam Mesivta’s Drive Committee and Chessed Club were actively seeking out new organizations and projects to work with and on. Rambam’s NCSY JUMP Team and Project Rebuild were also present and scouting for the next big area where they could lend a hand. Everyone diligently learned from each booth about the uniqueness of each organization and how they can donate or perhaps help out. Rambam has extended itself to assist in hosting one-ofa-kind event to present unique chessed opportunities as well as entertainment.

BYQ Students Discover New Ways for Old Tasks Appearances can be deceiving and tasks such as slicing an apple are not as easy as it seems. Mrs. Mendlowitz’s 8th Grade class at Bais Yaakov of Queens was assigned a very unique task. They were instructed to cut an apple without a knife. The girls were amazed to find that this Technology Design Process included the use of devices that were not electronic, as well. In order to concoct a plan to successfully slice this fruit, the girls used chopsticks, rocks, and even school supplies such as a ruler, stapler, and scissors.

NEWS

Community HAFTR AP Scholars Announced

The Advanced Placement program has announced this year’s AP Scholars awards from the Class of 2012 and Class of 2013. Advanced Placement students take the highly rigorous exams in May of each year. The National AP Scholar designation is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Eric Hirsch is HAFTR’s AP National Scholar, an impressive feat. The AP Scholar with Distinction designation is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams. HAFTR’s AP Scholars with Distinction are Michelle Charnoff, Hillel Friedman, David Korff, Gabrielle Lovett, Eric Miller, Wade Miller, Felicia Scharf, Stacy Schlesinger, and Rebecca Slochowsky. The AP Scholar with Honors designation is given to students who re-

ceive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams. The AP Scholar designation is given to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams. HAFTR’s AP Scholars and Scholars with Honors recipients are Moriel Bareli, Diana Bienenfeld, Adam Bistritzky, Aliza Blond, Hannah Cohen, Ben Dubow, Austin Feit, Avery Feit, Sara Fruchter, Lora Goldberg, Mia Goldstein, Jonathan Grossman, Eden Hoffman, Benjamin Horowitz, Rebecca Jedwab, Adam Lifshitz, Andrew Lifshitz, Jonathan Margareten, Matthew Maron, Justin Merkin, Rachel Nierenberg, Jennifer Shamsian, Michael Sosnick, Jonathan Spiegel, Talia Rosenbloom, Samantha Weissman, Nicole Wengrofsky, Allison Wanderer, and David Yedlin. THE HAFTR Family is very proud of all of the AP Scholars, and congratulates these HAFTR students on their outstanding academic success.

What’s Good for the Jews? Debate Program in Queens On Tuesday evening, October 30 at 7pm, Lander College for Men’s auditorium will be the scene of the ultimate debate of this political season. Dr. David Luchins, Chair of the Department of Political Science at Lander College for Women and former senior advisor to the late Democratic New York Senator Daniel P. Moynihan, will debate Michael Fragin, financier, JM in the AM political commentator and expert on the Jewish Community and the Jewish vote. A veteran Republican political operative, he

served as both Governor Pataki’s and Mayor Bloomberg’s point man on Jewish issues. The debate is jointly sponsored by the Queens Jewish Community Council and the Department of Community Programming of Lander College for Men and Lander College for Women. The Lander College campus is located at 7531 150th Street in Kew Gardens Hills. Off-street parking is available. For information, call (718) 5449057.

33 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Around the

LOCAL

HANC High School Takes Washington D.C.

From Left. Maya Neiman, Leora Weiss, Erum Ibrahim, Myra Cohen, Judah Wolkenfeld, Sender Gross, Benjamin Hill, and Max Kahn.

This past week, HANC High School students, along with History Department Chair, Mrs. Myra Cohen, joined Yeshiva University on their first twoday Israel Lobbying Mission for High School Students. The mission began on Sunday with a training seminar. At the seminar, students heard from world-renowned activist and director of The Lawfare Project, Brooke Goldstein. Students were also educated about current issues related to American-Israeli affairs. Early Monday morning, the students traveled to Washington D.C. and met

with Senator Richard J. Durbin’s (IL) legislative aid, Erum Ibrahim. They discussed foreign aid and efforts to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Students had the advantage of attending a special meeting at the White House to discuss policies regarding the American Jewish community where they met with Jared Bernstein, the Jewish liaison to the White House. This meeting was arranged by the joint efforts of Yeshiva University, the Orthodox Union, and NCSY. Students look forward to sharing their experience with their fellow students at HANC.

NEWS

Community We’re Moving In! By Chana Kastlebaum

Anticipation is building at Machon Basya Rochel Seminary as the finishing touches are being completed at its beautiful new facility in the Five Towns. The project, which has been completed at lightning speed, will enable the school to flourish and grow well beyond its current space and give girls from across the area the opportunity to experience the unique MBR education. Mr. Alex Edelman, who founded the school in memory of his mother, Rose Edelman, is thrilled with the results. “This new campus is equipped with virtually every amenity available and is most appropriate for a worldclass seminary like Machon Basya Rochel!” Menahales, Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner, explains the school’s success: “From the start, we set out to rethink and redevelop a rich and refreshing kind of program that will give talmidos a solid foundation for life beyond seminary. Every part of the program is designed to be inspiring and meaningful in ways that few girls have ever experienced. “B’ezras Hashem, we have seen so much Hatzlacha! Our students are literally blown away by the power and impact of it. It is so enriching to be a part

of a school where you can watch them growing and developing their Yiddishkeit every day.” That hatzlacha is clearly seen when you look at the school’s amazing growth. In just three short years since its doors opened, MBR already has an impressive enrolment of 45 girls and that number continues to grow. Both the Shana Alef and Shana Bet tracks have become popular choices for girls of this age. “Now, with our move into the new campus,” says Mechaneches Mrs. Debra Green, “we will be able to attract even more young women and turn MBR into a landmark of chinuch in America.” To mark the momentous occasion, MBR is holding a Chanukas Habayis Breakfast Reception for the entire community to visit the beautiful new building and take part in the building campaign. The reception will take place this Sunday, October 28th at 10 am at the new campus, 137 Lawrence Avenue in Lawrence. Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, a pioneer in the world of chinuch, will be the guest speaker. Please join Machon Basya Rochel and celebrate this important milestone this Sunday!

Tichon Meir Moshe/Bnos Bais Yaakov High School Leading the Way A group of highly motivated, mathematically-adept students have been taking the advanced math track offered by

BBY/TMM since 8th grade. These students, now seniors in our high school, are ready and eager for this newest chal-

lenge: they are enrolled in an engineering class sponsored by CIJE (Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education). Tichon Meir Moshe has the distinction of being the only Bais Yaakov High School that offers this advanced course. It is taught by our very own Mrs. Michelle Bistricer, who holds a Masters in Biotechnology from Columbia University and who has taught science on all grade levels in BBY and TMM, including the Touro-accredited advanced biology class for 12th graders and the advanced physics

class for 11th graders. Mrs. Bistricer attended five days of training over this summer to learn how to most effectively impart the knowledge of this specialized engineering class. Support and training will be ongoing as a CIJE representative is scheduled to come to TMM once a week throughout the year to work with Mrs. Bistricer and monitor the students’ progress. By synthesizing the basic principles of electronics, computer programming and physics, the girls will design, plan and execute an engineering project of their own choosing. Once the class has selected its project, CIJE will provide the materials necessary for its construction, as well as laptops and Lego® robotics. This is a classic case of applied science at its most exciting and both the students and Mrs. Bistricer are eager to use their prodigious skills to create their scientific masterpiece!

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HAFTR’s National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

The National Merit Scholarship program has announced the 2013 semifinalists and commended students. The semifinalists are being recognized for scoring in the top 1 percent of the approximately 1.5 million students who took the 2011 PSAT exam. This year, HAFTR’s semifinalist is Benjamin Dubow. Benjamin has completed his application for becoming a

National Merit finalist, and he is now eligible for merit awards from corporations and colleges. The selection index (the total of the critical reading, math, and writing scores) for a semifinalist in New York this year was 215 out of a total possible score of 240. Commended students score in the top 5 percent of PSAT test takers in the country. HAFTR High School’s commended

students are Michael Sosnick and Samantha Weissman. The selection index for commended scholars is 200 or above. These students represent some of the best and brightest minds in the country as demonstrated by their exceptional performance in this highly competitive program. Congratulations to these students and their families on their outstanding performance.

Midreshet Shalhevet Welcomes Prospective Students By Devora Scott-Thoennes, 12th Grade The air was filled with excitement this past Sunday as 8th grade girls and their parents filled the halls of Midreshet Shalhevet High School for its annual open house to overflow capacity. After mingling and enjoying refreshments, the visitors filled the spacious Beit Midrash and were addressed by members of the Shalhevet Community. Rabbi Friedman, the Rosh Yeshiva at both Midreshet Shalhevet and Rambam Mesivta, Shalhevet’s brother school, discussed the school’s philosophy: helping students reach high academic goals in both Judaic and Secular studies in order to further their understanding of Hashem’s infinite chachma, preparing them to navigate the world within a Torah framework. His address was followed by various members of Shalhevet’s fac-

ulty and student body who shared with the audience aspects of their Shalhevet experience. From the stories told, the visitors felt the warmth of the Shalhevet family and learned of the various engaging courses at the school. As the school has expanded, it has come to offer nine Advanced Placement courses as well as numerous electives, many of which were directed by student interest. Prior APs have been very successful, with 85% of students earning a 4 or 5. Mrs. Eisenman, the school’s Menahelet, concluded the first part of the gathering by emphasizing the unparalleled achdus of Shalhevet’s students and the challenging and nurturing environment fostered by their dedicated educators. During a portion of her talk, 12th grader, Philly Korman, and 10th grader, Dani-

ella Azose, stood beside her, signing her words verbatim, a skill they learned in their Sign Language elective. Next, the visitors had the opportunity to taste a bit of Shalhevet’s academic excellence by attending miniclasses given by faculty members. The halls buzzed with chatter as parents and students enthusiastically rushed from one class to another, excited about what they were learning. Filled with knowledge, the visitors gathered once more in the Ballroom to shmooze over a light lunch catered by Qcumbers and meet the Shalhevet educators and families in a more personal setting. The day was enjoyed by all, and Shalhevet looks forward to welcoming a wonderful group of girls into the school next year.

Special Shiur in Great Neck for the Yahrtzeit of Rachel Imeinu Don’t miss this special opportunity! Be part of an inspiring evening for ladies and girls with Rabbanith Ruth Menashe on the anniversary of Rachel Imeinu: “Our Beloved Matriarch - Rachel Imeinu”. Lecture to be held on Saturday Night, October 27th at 8:30 p.m. at 33 Great Neck Road, Great Neck (upper level). Admission is free. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 516.487.6676 or visit www.midrash. org.

Succos with the Rambam Family By Shai Yastrab (11th Grade) Over Succos, a beautiful Simchas Beis Hashoeva was held at the Lazari Succah. Guests were introduced by Ovadia (11th grade) and Gavriel (10th grade) Lazari upon their arrival. They then were escorted into the lovely Succah, complete with a see-through tarp! The highlights of the night came in the form of divrei Torah from Rosh Mesivta Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman and 10th grade Gemara Iyun Rebbe, Rabbi Ahsher Stern, who stressed the importance of recognizing the transitory nature of material possessions. BBQ, conversation, zemiros, divrei Torah, and a general positive atmosphere were the highlights of the evening. Keep in mind that all this was done in spite of the rain which only an hour before the scheduled Simchas Beis Hashoeva threatened to derail the evening. Mr. Lazari, however, was not deterred and declared, “Rain will not stop our simcha.” With good times like this, it is very hard to say anything but “I had a great vacation.”

35 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

36 ‫בית‬ ‫מדרש‬ ‫גבוה‬

Moreinu HaRav

Yartzeit

Aharon Kotler

Commemoration

50th Yartzeit Azkarah Program

At Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood, New Jersey Additional Azkarah Events (Lakewood Community)

ukxf ‘c ouhk rut

/ Thursday, Nov. 15

Program: vchahv kfhvc iurfz hrcsu rugha yhhmrth Location:

Israel Henry Beren Hall 617 Sixth Street

Time:

5:45 - 7:45 pm, followed by chrgn

Main Yartzeit PrograM: Join in a major mr aexa dtiq` in the presence of Gedolei Torah from America and Eretz Yisroel

ukxf ‘s

/ Sunday, Nov. 18

rugha yhhmrth by The Rosh HaYeshiva, t”yhka rkyue kthfkn ’hrt ‘r d”vrv ubhrun iurfz hrcs by irvt crv hshnk, hbez from the United States and ktrah .rt

,usku, ,arp asue ,ca / Nov. 16-17 Program: Lakewood Community vrfzt ka ,ca Location:

,ca dbug locations, guest speakers, and ohrnzn to be announced

Times:

,ca khk, with specific times for each location to be announced

The Lakewood community and honored guests of all ages are invited to join the hcvutu hmhcrn vru, of our generation from around the world, irvt crv hshnk, hbez, vchah hatr and ohkkuf hatr for inspirational ,u,ca dbug, vru, hrcs and cr vagn accompanied by ,urhnz in neighborhoods throughout Lakewood. Please note: We will attempt to accommodate out-of-town guests who want to participate in the ,ca program. If you need accommodations, please call 732-367-1060 x 4275 or email Eventinfo@bmg.edu.

,usku, ,arp ,ca htmun Program: vfkn vukn and x”av ouhx Location:

Israel Henry Beren Dining Hall 617 Sixth Street

Time:

8:30 to 11:00 pm

The entire Lakewood okug and honored guests are invited to participate in a special x”av ouhx, k”eumz irvt crv ,nab hukhgk and a vfkn vukn with uplifting euzhj hrcs by irvt crv hshnk, hbez from the United States and ktrah .rt along with ,urhnz, vbhdb and cr vagn.

irvt crv hshnk, hbez ,up,,avc vrfzt ohkkuf hatr • vchah hatr • ktrah hkusd vchahv hshnk, • vrucj hatr • ohrunst ktrah hpkt ,uccru • vchahv hrduc Location:

Seventh St., Corner of Private Way Site of former Bais Eliyahu

12:45 pm:

vjbn

1:00 - 2:45 pm:

50th Yartzeit vrfzt Program with Special Guest Speakers

2:45 - 3:30 pm:

,uh,ut ,ch,f ;ux for vru, rpx k”eumz irvt crv ,nab hukhgk Groundbreaking for New arsn ,hc Building

3:30 - 4:00 pm: vru, rpx ,xbfv procession accompanied by ,urhnz and ohsuehr Please allow the following driving times to Lakewood on Sunday morning: Boro Park or Flatbush: .................................... 1.5 to 2 hours Monsey, Lawrence, Manhattan: .................... 2 to 2.5 hours Detailed information on directions, travel, and parking will be forthcoming.

Live the Legacy – Join Us!

The Batei Medrash of Rav Aharon l"wevf av Aharon’s struggle for Torah primacy was a lifelong battle waged on many fronts. Fierce clashes with the Maskilim that began in his youth, dangerous years of Communist oppression and brutality in Slutsk and Kletzk, the cataclysmic devastation of the oaxeg and the decades of upheaval that followed left him singularly determined to rekindle Torah’s light and ensure the long term survival of Klal Yisroel spiritually as well as physically. The quintessential Torah architect, Rav Aharon not only rebuilt what was lost, but reset Jewry on a strong Torah foundation upon which future generations could build. As the dhiltd zix`y sifted through the

Kletzk, 1930

ashes, he directed Vaad Hatzala’s resources to the formation of yeshivos and batei medrash in the DP camps and survivor colonies of Europe. In embattled Eretz Yisroel, he spearheaded the establishment of Chinuch Atzmai. In America, as the melting pot simmered and consumed, he stood at the forefront of the Torah Umesorah movement. Concurrently, he founded a Yeshiva in Lakewood, New Jersey, where Torah would be learned dnyl – a concept foreign to American Jewry at the time. The generations of talmidei chachomim who have since gone forth from Beth Medrash Govoha to build Torah worldwide, the vibrant yungeleit who are filling its batei medrash by the thousands today, along with all Bnei Torah around the world are Moreinu HaRav Aharon’s ultimate oegvp and legacy.

A letter from Rav Aharon dated Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan ‫תרצ"א‬, October 1930, states the imperative of convening a great gathering for the fortification and expansion of a Torah institution. He invites Rav Yosef Shub, head of the Vaad HaYeshivos of Europe and secretary to Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzienski, and Rav Meir Karelitz, brother of the Chazon Ish, to the Chanukas HaBayis of the Etz Chaim Yeshiva in Kletzk, underscoring the honor and support due to Torah.

Kletzker Yeshiva building

Above: Groundbreaking for the Kletzker Yeshiva took place in May 1927. Left: Builders and townsfolk pose in front of the near completed Yeshiva building which opened three years later.

First bais medrash building, 1943

Lakewood, 1940’s

Right: List of the original talmidim who joined Rav Aharon’s fledgling Yeshiva in Lakewood during the difficult early years and were moser nefesh for the sake of Torah Lishma

Second bais medrash building on Seventh Street, 1947

Dining room building, 1965-1998

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

A LIFETIME OF BUILDING TORAH:

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

38 Mesorah Lakewood, 1960’s

A Tradition of Building and Rebuilding Great dxez inewn

Mr. Irving Bunim zt”l addresses the olam at the Chanukas HaBayis for the new bais medrash building started by Rav Aharon in 1958 and completed by Rav Shneur in 1964.

Chachmei Lublin, 1930

The Rosh HaYeshiva, Rav Meir Shapiro zt”l and his talmidim standing on front steps of the Yeshiva on the opening day. Left: Groundbreaking for the first dining room building, 1963. L to R: Dr. Marvin Zuravin, Messrs. Irving Bunim, Michael Gertner and Martin Klein. Rav Shneur and Rav Mordechai Gifter visible in background.

Above: Rav Shneur zt”l, accompanied by Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, the Kapishnitzer Rebbe zt”l, Rav Nosson Wachtfogel zt”l and others, leads the procession of Sifrei Torah to the new bais medrash.

Ashdod, c. 1944

The Mashgiach, Rav Nosson Wachtfogel zt”l, is carried to the dais by talmidim

Mr. Martin Klein zt”l, far left, cuts the ribbon on the new dormitory building that will later bear his name, 1969

Rav Shmuel Rozovsky zt”l pours cement for the Even Hapinah of the Grodno Yeshiva (Ponovezh)

Lakewood, 1990’s

Yerushalayim, 1939

HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l at Hanachas Even Hapinah for Yeshiva Kol Torah

1998: above Thousands gather at the Hanachas Even Hapinah of Beren Hall and the Friedman Chaburah Center, celebrating the Yeshiva’s first new construction in more than 20 years

A distinguished dais of Gedolei Yisroel graces the 1998 Hanachas Even Hapinah

2000: Hachnosas Sefer Torah of the Kalter Sefer Torah marks the dedication of Bais Shalom

Lakewood, 2000’s Cleveland, 1957 Rav Aharon at Chanukas HaBayis of the Telz Yeshiva in Cleveland with Rav Yaakov Ruderman zt”l, Rosh Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, Baltimore & Rav Chaim Mordechai Katz zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Telz

2009: A crowd of thousands joins in the Hachnosas Sefer Torah celebration marking the pesicha of the Kleinman Family Campus

Above: R’ Elly Kleinman and R’ Aaron Kotler escort the new Sefer Torah into the bais medrash

2010: Hanhala and yungeleit celebrate the Chanukas Habayis of Bais Aron

Philadelphia, 1959 Rav Aharon at a shtender in the Philadelphia Yeshiva after delivering a shiur at the Chanukas HaBayis

Bais Eliyahu, opened 1987-2012

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

efer Ezra, b wxt, discusses the foundation celebration for ipy zia, which took place 52 years after oey`x zia oaxeg. As the Kohanim and Leviim with trumpets and cymbals praised Hashem zecedae llda, the elders of the nation lifted up their voices and wept, because they knew that the second Bais Hamikdash would never replicate the first one. Their cries blended with the rejoicing of the younger generation in one great, reverberating drexz lew. 50 years ago, when Moreinu Rav Aharon was niftar, the Olam HaTorah cried aloud for the devastating loss of its preeminent Torah manhig. Today’s generations of talmidim and askanim worldwide continue his passionate mandate to build Torah and uphold its primacy, keeping Rav Aharon’s visionary legacy alive and ensuring that it permeates our lives and anchors Klal Yisroel.

Maon Zafir/ Bendheim Bais Medrash, opened 1964 Dedicated as Adolph & Ethel Beren Building in 1992

Israel Henry Beren Hall, opened 2001

Hershey & Raisy Friedman Chaburah Center, opened 2001

Bais Shalom, opened 2003

Bais Aron, opened 2010

Forest Avenue Bais Medrash on the Kleinman Family Campus, opened 2009

Carey Street Bais Medrash on the Kleinman Family Campus, opened 2011

Artist’s rendering of the future bais medrash to be built on Seventh Street and Private Way on the site of the former Bais Eliyahu, and whose groundbreaking will fittingly be held in conjunction with Rav Aharon’s 50th Yartzeit Azkarah.

Bottom Line Marketing Group: 718.377.4567

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Mrs. Kopolovitz’s first grade at Yeshiva of South Shore “eating” their math!

Students at HANC celebrated Rosh Chodesh with a spirited breakfast and magic show.

Photo credits: Tsemach Glenn

Bochurim of Mesivta Chaim Shlomo after davening together with Mashgiach Rav Don Segal shlita

41 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

A SUPERIOR EDUCATION

For Those Who Love To Learn LANDER COLLEGE FOR MEN / BEIS MEDRASH Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TALMUD

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2012, 1:00 PM

75-31 150th STREET, FLUSHING, NY 11367 Small classes taught by award-winning faculty A warm inspiring Torah environment Extraordinary rates of acceptance to professional & graduate schools Learn about our Honors Program for outstanding students Scholarship and financial aid opportunities for those who qualify For further information, please contact Rabbi Barry Nathan: Phone: 718.820.4884/4904 Email: bnathan@touro.edu

Lander College for Men A Division of Touro College

Touro College is an Equal Opportunity Institution

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

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Four Yeshiva University Alumni Share Their Journeys Daniel Rosen is going places. More specifically, he’s riding the shuttle from his Cambridge apartment to the Harvard Medical School campus and back every day. It’s a half-hour trip – but Rosen isn’t just looking to pass the time. During his commute, he tunes into an online broadcast of a daily shiur delivered by Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky, a rosh yeshiva at Yeshiva University. Both the shuttle and the shiur bring him a little closer to his dream: “I want to be the best doctor I can possibly be, a strong community leader, someone who is very involved in the Jewish and scientific communities at large and who will make a lasting contribution,” Rosen explained. Professionally and spiritually, these are journeys he – and three other new graduates featured in an ad campaign YU launched last month – began as students here. Rosen, who is from Teaneck, NJ, was initially intrigued by the school’s access to cutting-edge scientific research and deep Jewish thinkers alike. “It was a place where I could learn Torah from the top religious minds of our generation and conduct research in an environment like the Albert Einstein

College of Medicine as part of the Roth Fellowship, as well as shadow physicians in a hospital setting,” he said. But he discovered that YU was also a community of friends and mentors, growing, learning, and sometimes just being together. “My favorite memories are of the celebrations on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, hanging out with all my friends at the barbeque and listening to the band playing in the background,” said Rosen, a graduate of the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program. “Or my time on the fifth floor of the library, nurturing my intellectual curiosity with other students who came there regularly to work really hard, study really hard, daven, and sometimes play jenga.” Gabrielle Moskowitz of Los Angeles, CA, who studied accounting, recalls a similar warmth and excitement. “In a Jewish environment, I could be fully involved in many different clubs, whether that was the accounting society or the environmental club or even the soccer team,” she said. “And Stern College is right at the heart of the city that never sleeps. I could go to class on Thursday, study for exams, go to a concert with my friends, and then all of us would

stay together in the dorms for Shabbos. It was all there, and I was able to dive right in.” For Moskowitz, now pursuing her masters in accounting at the Sy Syms School of Business, YU was a place of self-discovery – and a place to belong. “You can be you,” she said. “You have the freedom to figure out what and who you want to be in a place where there are people to guide you, in a Jewish environment. It’s somewhere to go, to meet new people, to always want to be a part of.” Yair Frankel of Hillcrest, NY has called the University home for six years. As an undergraduate, he studied computer science, interned in the legal department at a hedge fund and soaked up the top-level learning available to him through the Mazer Yeshiva Program. “I didn’t seriously consider going anywhere else,” he said. “I thought about Columbia or Harvard, but realized that my goal was to attend a great university and a great yeshiva—my goal was YU.” His hedge fund internship sparked an interest in the legal field that became a fascination, and Frankel applied and was accepted to Harvard Law School – but first, he hopes to complete the

semikha process at YU’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. “After I graduated, I wanted to learn more, and this was the place to do it,” he said. While he isn’t yet sure how his rabbinic and legal careers will intertwine, Frankel knows the combination will be eyeopening: “Something that is definitely interesting to me is seeing where secular and Torah law differ,” he said. “You can gain a lot of insight into American and Jewish values by contrasting them.” Debra Strashun of Hillside, NJ found that fusion of ethical perspectives deeply meaningful as she pursued her psychology degree at Stern College for Women. “I took some terrific biology and psychology courses taught by scientists and medical professionals who were also rabbis, like Dr. Richard Weiss and Dr. Aharon Fried,” she said. “It was an extremely interesting and advanced level of learning that prepared me for my graduate work at New York University while offering me a Jewish lens into the topics we studied. I liked having that duality.” Strashun’s multi-layered experience at Stern helped her develop her own multi-layered identity. “Judaic studies courses like Nechama Price’s ‘Marriage in Halakha’ and Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter’s ‘Acts and Emotions’ class felt extremely relevant to my life and I couldn’t have taken courses like that anywhere else in the world,” she said. “But I also started a Zumba class at Stern last semester with an instructor from the New York Sports Club. I really liked that Stern was the kind of place where I could do both of those things.” Now enrolled in NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development and on her way to becoming an occupational therapist, Strashun is taking that duality with her into a career she hopes will enable her to work with children suffering from sensory processing disorders. It also infuses her view of occupational therapy and Judaism. “Both provide people with tools to live their lives to the fullest, emotionally, physically, and spiritually,” she said. “That’s the goal.” To find out how you can start your own remarkable journey, stop by the Undergraduate Women’s Open House on Sunday, November 11th, and the Undergraduate Men’s Open House on Sunday, November 18th.

Bi-Partisan Support For Israel’s Environmental Minister

KOLLEL CHATZOS the Segulah with the Power of Torah

Lech-Lecha

AVOIDED A DIFFICULT OPERATION In the Kollel Chatzos Office Archives the following story is documented: A respected and intelligent business owner, who has the merit of being a year-long partner with “Kollel Chatzos” and makes monthly contributions to the respected kollel members who learn and pray for his well-being and safekeeping, had recounted how he had seen clear and obvious results of his generous donations to “Kollel Chatzos”!

Photo credit: Robbie Koppel

American Friends of Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai hosted Israel’s Minister of Environmental Protection, MK Gilad Erdan (2nd from right) at a dinner meeting at Colbeh in NYC, proposed by Ateret Cohanim Founder Mati Dan and co-ordinated by Shani Hikind, Executive Director, American Friends, and Dr. Joe Frager (2nd from left), Chairman of the Board. Minister Erdan has been instrumental in resolving numerous crucial environmental issues which greatly impact the heroic work

of Ateret Cohanim in the Old City of Jerusalem and its environs. The meeting was attended by supporters of Ateret Cohanim who gathered to express appreciation for the Minister’s efforts. They included Dr. Paul Brody, Executive Council, American Friends of Ateret Cohanim, at left: Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Little Neck), Congressional candidate in Queens’ 6th District, center; and Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn), at right.

Ska Merit Scholars

Raquel Glickman, Leeza Hart, and Avigael Sosnowick. Five students are Commendees: Shira Aharon, Rachelli Baruch, Miriam Pearl Klahr, Sara Kornblau, and Mikki Weinstein. We wish mazel tov to all of these girls on this wonderful accomplishment.

SEGULAH OF KETORAS The only Segulah written in the Torah! MISHNAYAS & SHAS According to your specicationsfor the soul of a loved one

He related that about two months prior his wife VACHTNACHT was scheduled for a serious surgery. He called The Torah learning will into our office and said: “Please…I beg you... Don’t protect the ask that the operation should be successful, but newborn rather pray that the surgery should not be necessary at all! I am positive that with the undeniable value that the Expansion Plans power of Torah at Chatzos on the Table! warrants, their prayers and my wish will be answered!” A few days ago one of the Kollel staff met this individual in Shul, and, with tears in his eyes, he shared the following; “A true miracle transpired against all odds…B”H I have once again witnessed the unquestionable power of Torah from the esteemed learners at “Kollel Chatzos” and what a mighty influence it has up above! In the last moment, the doctors acknowledged that the operation was “not” necessary!

TOPIC SOURCE The Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls is proud to announce the students who are being recognized for their academic promise by the Merit Scholarship Competition. Three students are Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists and will continue in the competition for the National Merit Scholarships in the spring:

CHATZOS PARTNERSHIP Become a partner And experience miracles!

Through the Power of Learning Torah at Chatzos All Health Problems Will go Away! (‫ קאלאמייע‬- ‫)תשובות בית הלל‬

Currently, serious planning is going into the notion of expanding “Kollel Chatzos” for the good of the Klal Yisroel and expanding and opening branches in Jewish cities throughout the world …..where honored kollel learners will spend their holy nightly hours absorbed in prayer and learning, pleading for health, wealth and peace on your behalf. There exists a tremendous opportunity for those looking to contribute, and be privy to the ultimate protection against evil. By sponsoring a Kollel in your area, you will be blessed with kindness and favor in Hashem’s eyes. “Kollel Chatzos” will assume responsibility for the running of the kollel. If you feel that you can be a positive factor in this venture, please call us today.

CALL 24 HOURS TOLL FREE

1855-CHATZOS 2 4 2 - 8 9 6 7

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

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NY NCSY Epic Shabbat Success By Hanna Schlager On the Shabbos evening of Parshas Bereishis, October 13-14, an enthusiastic and energetic crowd of almost 100 people gathered in a Lawrence home to sing, dance, and speak Divrei Torah at the NY NCSY Epic Shabbat oneg. This crowd was made up of public high school students, yeshiva day school students, NCSY advisors and staff, as well as a number of NCSY supporters and Lawrence community members. With zmirot in the air, hot chulent on the table, and a warm community atmosphere all around them, the crowd was able to focus in on the two inspiring speakers of the evening – Sabrina Sandler and Adam Freilich, both Jerusalem Ambassadors and recent inductees into NY NCSY’s Regional Board. Sandler and Freilich, both public high school students, engaged the crowd as they described their life-changing experiences traveling throughout Israel on an NCSY Summer Program. As the evening came to a close, the participants walked back to their host homes throughout the Lawrence area. Epic Shabbat is a highimpact program created to harness the energy and excitement that is generated on NCSY Summer Programs. Each year, NCSY sends hundreds of public schools teens to Israel for the summer of a lifetime. When they return,

Epic Shabbat is there to provide a comfortable Jewish setting for these participants to reunite with their peers and advisors and to introduce teens to a genuine Shabbos experience in the heart of a vibrant Jewish community. Arielle Mendelson, a TJJ participant and public school student from Old Bethpage, Long Island, commented, “Epic was an incredible experience for me. I met up with old friends and even made many new friends. The hosts were extremely accommodating and I was able to continue to expand my Jewish identity.” Congregation Shaaray Tefila and the Lawrence Jewish community generously opened their doors to the public school teens for home hospitality and

meals. For many of the teens, Epic Shabbat was the first time they experienced the sights, smells, and tastes of Shabbos

in a private home. Throughout Shabbos, the teens attended a Tefilah Workshop, heard an inspirational shiur given by Rabbi Dovid Weinberger, shlita, and participated in an engaging town hall meeting with Rabbi Steven Burg, International Director of NCSY, amongst a number of other unique events and programs. As another successful NY NCSY Program came to a close, the teens gathered for a spirited and musical havdalah, which served as the culmination of an incredibly moving Shabbos experience for both teens and supporters alike. If you would like to get involved in future NY NCSY events, please contact the NY NCSY office at (516) 569 – 6279 or email nyinfo@ncsy.org.

Breslov Research Institute Marks 30 Year Siyum of Rebbe Nachman’s Lessons at Terrace on the Park On Sunday evening October 28, the Breslov Research Institute (BRI) will host a gala Grand Siyum Dinner at Terrace on the Park to mark the long-awaited completion of the English edition of the Likutei Moharan, the compendium of teachings by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. Work on the fifteen-volume project, representing over 6,500 pages of translation and commentary, has taken thirty years. While BRI has published over 100 titles in the last 33 years, the English rendering of Likutei Moharan is by far its most significant and laborintensive achievement. Chaim Kramer, director of the Jerusalem-based Breslov Reseach Institute,

said, “This evening will be a fast moving, multi-tiered event, along with some very special people to help us commemorate it – including Elie Wiesel, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Woodmere’s Aish Kodesh and Rabbi Jonathan Rietti.” While previous BRI events have downplayed a spotlight on honorees, this siyum dinner is an exception, with Mr. Seymour Stein, Rabbi Gil Bashe, Mr. David Assoulin, Mr. Stan Kopel, and the late Manny Plotsker a”h being recognized for their major contributions to the advancement of BRI’s several core projects. Kramer notes that he himself was introduced to Breslov thought by Tzvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l, who played

a major role in bringing Rebbe Nachman’s teachings to the shores of North America. He also was the first to send Americans to pray at Rebbe Nachman’s tziyun in Uman. (Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan z”l was among the many personalities influenced by Rabbi Rosenfeld’s teachings from Rebbe Nachman.) Speaking to radio host Gavriel Sanders in a recent interview, Chaim Kramer explained that the Likutei Moharan is no ordinary compilation of “vertlach”. “Rebbe Nachman’s teachings have substance, impact, and transforming potential for the layman and scholar alike. His lessons from 200 years ago range from very simple to profoundly

complex. But they all distill to a common theme based on how each of us can know and serve Hashem closely, daily, practically,” Kramer commented. BRI’s Grand Siyum Dinner at Terrace on the Park will attract a wide spectrum of Jews from the tri-state area, across North America and from abroad. Persons interested in attending this one-of-a-kind event can obtain more information on the Web at www.breslov. org/siyum or by calling 800-332-7375. Email inquiries may be sent to siyumdinner@breslov.org.

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Community

LATCP and KULANU Partner for 2nd Annual Girls High School Varsity Basketball Inclusion Clinic LAPCP (Let all the children play) and Kulanu are teaming up once again for its 2nd annual inclusive girls basketball tournament with Ramaz, HAFTR, HANC, and Yeshiva Central Queens teams. From Thursday night, October 18th– Saturday night, October 20th, a

competitive tournament will take place. Friday morning, at FST Sports Facility in Westbury, NY, nine Kulanu students with special needs will participate in an inclusive basketball clinic with team players, followed by lunch with new friends. On Friday night, the inclusive spirit

continues, with a Shabbat dinner at Young Israel of Lawrence/Cedarhurst, in Lawrence, NY. Dr. Beth Raskin, Kulanu’s Executive Director, will run a sensitivity training seminar. This annual event culminates on Saturday night, with an exciting Championship Game at Haftr High School

from 8:00 – 10:30pm. To explore meaningful inclusion opportunities and community events with Kulanu, please call Jonathan Cooper at 516-569-3083 x135 or email Vicki@ kulanukids.org.

A Boy’s Dream Come True! A glimpse into a few days of fun in Camp S’dei Chemed By: Ronnie Sugerman Har Sedom is a very big and vast mountain that looks like it is made out of sand, but is actually made out of pure salt. The jagged mountain made for a strenuous, yet thriling hike. For starters, the terrain made it easy for us to have a good time: whenever we walked a thick puff of powder would form, giving us the means for some good old-fashioned fun (after all, pranks are clearly allowed in Sdei Chemed). It was also really cool that we were able to carve words and pictures in the mountain’s walls without even breaking a sweat, not to mention the fact that we could disintegrate the mountain’s rocks with our bare hands. After posing for lots of pictures, in which we used the beautiful view as our backdrop, we headed down the dozens of steps back to the bus. Although for some reason Har Sedom is not a popular hike, it was a great hike and an awesome way to start our trip. We then headed straight for camel rides. Camel rides are classic and are always a lot of fun, but the place that we went to had an extra aspect that added to the whole experience. Like usual, there were two people per camel, but the cool part was that every camel was attached to the other by a string, so once we started to move, a single-file line of

twenty camels formed. As we were led through the desert path, it was so cool to see all the camels walking one by one in what looked like a never-ending chain. Seeing the camels’ shadows lined up next to each other was also a

remarkable sight and made for great photos. After about fifteen minutes, we all climbed off our camels’ backs and headed to the place where we would be staying for the night, where we had a delicious barbecue and went to bed early in preparation for our early wake up the next morning. Once dressed, davened, and fed that very next morning, we loaded onto the bus to finish the remaining hour and a half drive we had left until we would eventually reach Eilat. When we finally arrived, we headed straight for The Eilat Aquarium. There we saw almost all of Eilat’s aquatic life: many different types of rare fish, seahorses, jellyfish,

giant turtles, sting rays, and sharks (just to name a few). With so much to do, time flew and soon enough the entire camp headed to the aquarium’s auditorium to catch the 4-D movie playing thereAfter the conclusion of the movie, we headed to the pier for our very own boat ride. When we got to the pier we boarded Captain Phillip, a boat with three floors, a hot tub, two bathrooms, a mini-bar, and several couches. We immediately blasted music and sang and danced along. After sailing and relaxing for a while, the boat’s anchor was lowered and then the fun really started. The inflatable slide and trampoline that were attached to the side of the boat got blown up and rafts were released into the water. Right away, an intense game of King of the Hill broke out on the trampoline. People were jumping from one raft to another, trying to make their way to the upside-down trampoline, where once close enough would ultimately take that final leap as they aimed for the trampoline. The twist: the trampoline was being defended the lucky few campers who got there first, who would push off anyone attempting to join them on the trampoline. After such a tiring game, lots of guys just calmly swam in the crystal clear water simply enjoying themselves. Some brave campers even took the 30 foot jump off the boat’s top floor

straight into the water below (including Mordy Hershcowitz, who did the jump countless times). After about an hour in the water, everyone got back onto the boat, where we once again listened to music and had some quality chill time, until the boat eventually docked and we all bid farewell to Captain Phillip. We then had an hour to walk around on the boardwalk, until we were picked up in a new bus, now driven by the famous Kobe, who took us to the mansion where we would be staying for the night. After davening mincha and eating dinner we took complete advantage of the mansion and all that it offered: a swimming pool, jacuzzi, pool table, and air-hockey table. After a night of non-stop fun (we blew the fuse at least a dozen times) we went to bed so that we would have enough energy for our last day in Eilat. The next morning, we headed to our own private beach for snorkeling and water sports. Everyone was able to go for one round of tubing, and if they wanted could pay extra for scuba diving, parasailing, wake-boarding, and jet skiing. Every single activity done that day was amazing. Looking at the coral reefs while snorkeling was beautiful and lots of fun. Holding on for your dear life in tubing was not only challenging but also thrilling. Scuba diving was mesmerizing. Parasailing was relaxing yet exciting. The entire camp also got treated to Big Apple Pizza. It was truly a spectacular day. The three day Eilat trip definitely became a highlight of the summer, which just goes to show that in Sdei Chemed there is always room for more fun.

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Exciting New Development Spurs Dozens to Make Aliyah A brand-new development geared specifically for frum American Jews is inspiring dozens of families to commence the process of aliyah with the goal of making Israel their one and only home. The beautiful future neighborhood in pastoral Ramat Givat Zev is already being lauded for its emphasis on spiritual quality coupled with the warmth and friendliness of an Englishspeaking community that reflects the values, needs and mentality of frum olim. Located in the outskirts of mountainous Jerusalem, only fifteen miles from the city center, Ramat Givat Zev is the ideal solution for American olim. The development is designed for 400 housing units, including 140 houses and 260 spacious apartments. Answering the immediate needs of Torah families, a Vaad HaRabbanim was formed to arrange for all chinuch needs in Ramat Givat Zev. Mosdos chinuch, already in the planning stages, will be specifically geared to fit the spiritual and academic aspirations and goals of Americans

Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein To Speak in Queens

On Sunday night, November 4th, 2012 CHAZAQ presents renowned lecturer R’ Zecharia Wallerstein LIVE in Queens! Refreshments will be served at 8:00 PM. The lecture is scheduled for 8:30 PM. Men & women are welcome! Admission is Free! The lecture will be held at Beth Gavriel Community Center, 66-35 108th Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375. For more information, call or text 917-617-3636 or email: Info@ Chazaq.org.

living in Israel and will offer special programs to help new immigrant students acclimate to the vast changes in their lives. The schools, set to be built on beautiful, spacious campuses, will boast sports fields and other amenities favored by American students. A second committee was likewise established to guarantee that the needs and desires of frum olim are met. From the primary planning stages, the developers focused on ensuring that the neighborhood encompasses all possible elements, ranging from the spiritual necessities of shuls and schools to the conveniences and luxuries of shopping centers and a swimming pool. Developer Chanoch Kass proudly asserts, “Ramat Givat Zev is outstanding in the fact that it will be the very first neighborhood in Israel specifically developed for an American Torah community.” Ramat Givat Zev’s list of buyers includes frum families from Monsey, Flatbush, the Five Towns, and Miami who are excitedly preparing for imminent aliyah. Many houses were also purchased by American families currently residing in the Ramat Beit Shemesh area. One buyer, Dovid Weinstein, explains that, for him, a main motive in moving is the fact that his current neighborhood lacks what he feels are fundamental elements for Americans living in Israel. Although hundreds of Americans have settled in Ramat Beit Shemesh in the past two decades, the neighborhood was initially planned and constructed for an Israeli public, a fact that understandably presents many a hardship and challenge to American olim, young and old. The concept of Ramat Givat Zev was inspired by a partnership between a party of Americans living both in Israel and the USA and a group of sympathetic developers in Israel who joined forces to answer the cry of Americans who aspire to make aliyah, but are daunted by the seemingly insurmountable challenges entailed. Together, they determined to overcome these obstacles by providing these families with all they

lacked. Thus began the lengthy process of slating plots for spacious villas with assorted construction and design options, inviting esteemed Rabbanim to spearhead the kehilla, and engaging respected mosdos chinuch and admin-

Hundreds of housing units in the neighborhood have already been sold. A company spokesperson remarks, “The overwhelming response that we’ve received has only proven to us how great is the thirst for a community of Ameri-

istrators who understand the American mentality to establish roots in the neighborhood. Ramat Givat Zev is being marketed by Chish Nofei Yisrael, a construction and development company in Israel that has already sold thousands of housing units in Israel and is regarded as the leading development company in the country dealing with the chareidi-National Religious public. The company is on the brink of concluding the sale of 1000 residential units in Givat Zev, with Ramat Givat Zev designated as its flagship project due to its unique status as the first-ever neighborhood in Israel specifically formed for a frum American community.

can shomrei Torah u’mitzvos of this kind in Israel. We foresee that this development will swiftly become one of the most desirable areas for Americans wishing to settle Israel, a fact that will cause the prices of homes in the neighborhood to skyrocket. A leading real estate agency in Jerusalem maintains that within two years, it will be difficult to purchase a home in Ramat Givat Zev. Once the concept of this neighborhood infiltrates the conscious of the Torah community, thousands will add their names to the waiting list of those seeking homes in this neighborhood.”

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Rambam Students Have a Morning with Gilad Shalit By: Avi Gross The most surprising thing about meeting Gilad Shalit is how unremarkable he looks. Despite being at the center stage of the world’s attention for a number of years, he looks like almost any other 26-year-old kid. A small group of other students from my Zionism course at Rambam and I were able to meet Gilad and members of his Pluga (company) through the courtesy of Magen David High School who organized a special program around Gilad’s visit to the U.S. Gilad and his company are currently touring and speaking at a number of U.S. institutions, Jewish and non-Jewish (such as Yale University), but it was truly special for a group of Jewish teens to meet and hear him and his comrades first-hand. Magen David’s Principal, Rabbi

Saul Zucker, introduced the program with warm words about the importance of Israel to the lives of Jews in America. Following him, two soldiers spoke about Israel’s uniqueness as a small country surrounded by enemies that had nevertheless emerged as a successful nation. At the question and answer session that followed, we gained important insights into the minds of Israeli soldiers. The visitors were asked if their ethical code had ever stood in the way of their obeying an order. One soldier recounted how, while controlling the main gun for a tank, he was once ordered to fire upon a walled structure with several enemy combatants behind it. There were, however, children nearby who would also have been injured or killed.

Healthy Eating at Bnos Malka

This week, as part of Bnos Malka Academy’s healthy initiative program, the 1st and 2nd grades had the chance to learn what they should put onto their plates and into their bodies. Students are encouraged to bring healthy snacks every day and eat a balanced lunch. A new addition to our lunch room is a GIANT plate that has four sections on it. Every day for lunch we make sure that a protein, a grain, a fruit and a vegetable are represented on the plates the girls get and on our giant wall plate as well. To help educate our girls about healthy eating, Dr. Roya Samuels, mother of Eliana (Grade 2) and Daniella (Grade 4), a pediatrician

at North shore- LIJ, came with other hospital nutritionists and medical residents to talk about healthy food choices. Pam and Ann (the nutritionists from the hospital) spoke about the different food groups, which foods fall into those groups, and why they are important for maintaining a healthy diet. The girls then designed their own “healthy plate place mats,” and played a game with fake foods. The students also received a goody bag, but this bag didn’t contain candy or chocolate! Instead, it had an informative coloring book about all of the ideas we learned. Many thanks to Dr. Samuels for her dedication to keeping our students happy and healthy.

Despite his commander’s orders, the soldier refused to fire upon the structure until the children had left the vicinity. They waited until the children had run from the site before commencing to fire. Among the audience, one could not help but feel overwhelming respect and admiration as they listened to this tale of moral propriety in the face of danger and uncertainty. Another soldier, when asked what motivated the average fighter in the Israeli army, spoke of how some were motivated by a strong Zionist or nationalistic belief, but others acted out of a more immediate sense of loyalty to their comrades. These soldiers fought not for their country but for their friends. Indeed, seeing the soldiers joke with each other reinforced the idea that these men had formed a special bond between them, and it was this bond, perhaps more than anything else, that motivated them to fight. During this portion of the program, Gilad simply sat amongst his comrades, joking lightly when one of them mispronounced a word in English, occasionally leaning over to whisper something to another. But then a question was addressed specifically to him: How did you survive during captivity? The room became noticeably silent, as if all the oxygen had suddenly been sucked out. The moderator told Gilad that he didn’t have to answer if he didn’t want to, but he stood and began to answer softly and slowly. As he spoke, there was a marked change in his demeanor: his face grew morose and his eyes were pained. His free hand nervously tapped against his left pocket, and his face flinched slightly with each difficult memory. He described how he had a blindfold on for weeks, not knowing where he was or who was around him. Contact between him and his captors was limited to a few curses or a jeering remark. After a while, his blindfold was removed, but he then spent

months in isolation without any lasting or meaningful human contact. After what seemed like an eternity, his guards felt comfortable enough to talk with him about sports. He was careful never to discuss politics. His news of the outside world was restricted to teams and games. Months later, he earned enough trust to receive a radio. At this, he stopped, unable to continue, and slumped back down in his chair, seemingly crushed by the weight of his memories. As an army psychologist discussed PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and its effects on soldiers, it seemed uncertain if Gilad, though certainly functional, would ever fully recover. He was home now and even had a job, but in a way it felt that a part of him had been left behind in captivity. The questions ended soon after, and we broke into discussion groups with a moderator helping to guide the conversation. Our Principal, Rabbi Eliach, led a group that discussed Israel and its distinctive position on the world stage. He distributed informational documents, some which we knew from our Zionism class, and recounted some of his personal experiences in Israel and in the Israeli army. We emerged with a reinforced sense of Israel’s unique cultural identity and history. Overall, the experience was certainly a unique and dynamic one, allowing students to interact, engage in issues, and delve into ideas about Israel. The need for greater Israel-consciousness in American Jewish schools is one of vast importance, and the event only helped to reemphasize this point. Gilad’s story is now a part of the larger story of Israel, and it is a story that needs to be shared with all American Jewish students. On behalf of Rambam Mesivta, I’d like to thank Magen David High school for accommodating and allowing us to join in their discussions.

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

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HAFTR Students Learn About Noach’s Ark Firsthand Last week, HAFTR students learned about Noah and the famous ark he built to save his family and various animals. HAFTR’s Early Childhood children sang all about how the animals “came in two by two” and could be heard in every classroom. As a special treat, the children were visited by some special animals from Petland Discounts. The

animals didn’t necessarily come in two by two but the children were fascinated as they were exposed to this wonderful lesson in zoology. The children petted the bunnies, snakes, and lizards, just to name a few. The animals were all in fine form and everyone had a great time and, of course, everyone had animal crackers for snack!

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Community BYQ Learns About Seasons

In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. This could not be more evident than in the first grade at BYQ where students are learning about the various seasons of the year. Autumn is known as a time for harvest and gathering any food which has grown over the summer. To illustrate this concept

and bring it to life for these girls, their teachers arranged for them to touch and feel the inside of a pumpkin. The first grade girls really enjoyed this activity as they were able to experience what a pumpkin not only looks like, but feels like as well.

51 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

WE NEED ERIC ULRICH IN THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE

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Rav Aaron – And the Men Who Knew Him Best By Rabbi Nachman Seltzer Every one of our gedolim plays an irreplaceable role in our world. Pirkei Avos says it best. “Moshe kibel Torah mi’Sinai, u‘misara le‘Yehoshua, v’Yehoshua l’zkaynim, v’zkaynim l’Neveim...” Moshe received the Torah at Sinai and handed it over to Yehoshua, who transmitted it to the elders who then taught it to the prophets etc.... First things first. The Torah’s transmission to the Jewish nation has always been in the form of a chain. From one legendary man to another, to a number of great men, to the prophets of the Jewish people...the Torah moving fluidly from one holy and pure individual to the next, always ensuring that the Torah remains a constant, in a world filled with change. This chain is our “Mesorah,” and it is the job of our gedolim to transmit that “Mesorah” and keep it pure, unsullied and impervious to what society demands from the rest of the world. The guardians of the chain must keep our one jug of oil pure. Every one of our “guardians” is precious and imbues their followers with confidence and emuna. And every guardian’s loss fills our hearts with pain and leaves us inconsolable. Such was the feeling that gripped world Jewry 50 years ago when Rav Aaron Kotler zt”l, the great Rosh Yeshiva of Lakewood and Manhig haDor, was niftar and an actual link in the chain of our Mesorah was taken to Olam Habaah. It was at that time, that the Rosh Yeshiva’s fellow gedolim said it best. Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky spoke at Rav Aaron’s levaya, a weathered look of sorrow in his eyes. “I’ve known Rav Aaron since childhood,” the venerable Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath told the multitudes who had assembled to pay their final respects to the Gadol Hador. “When my mother z”l first saw Rav Aaron as a child, she wanted to know who he was, since ‘es root oif em di shechinah!’ the Divine Presence rests on him!” Rav Yaakov was in a unique position to eulogize Rav Aaron. They had known one another for so long and been so close, from their youthful years in cheder, to yeshiva in Slabodka, over the ocean to the United States and a lifetime of Harbotzas Torah. He mentioned the Rosh Ye-

shiva’s relationship with the Alter of Slabodka saying, “The Alter knew that Rav Aaron was his ‘shtultz – his pride and joy.’” Although many of us were born after the Rosh Yeshiva passed away, we recall hearing about the Rosh Yeshiva’s legendary fire, the “bren” that never dimmed, and we fondly imagine that he must have been in fine physical stamina to have exerted so much strength for the klal, but Rav Yaakov told us otherwise. “Physically, he was one of the weakest in our group, yet he overcame it! “People used to love watching Rav Aaron from the back of the room as he asked Rav Boruch Ber his complex kushyos on the shiur. The ‘milchamto shel Torah’ would come alive at that point with both of them fighting in learning back and forth...Rav Shlomo Heiman would attempt to calm Rav Aaron down while explaining his Rebbi’s viewpoint. It would get become quiet for a short while and then a few minutes later, everything would erupt again!” The foremost Torah authorities in Klal Yisroel mourned and eulogized the Rosh Yeshiva. Each with their own unique viewpoint and personal memories. Rav Yechezkel Sarna of Yeshivas Chevron extolled Rav Aaron with all his heart. “We knew he was going to be gaon

hador, but who knew that he was going to be the tzadik and manhig hador as well? I wonder,” Rav Sarna continued, “what was worth more to Rav Aaron, the fact that he was the gaon hador, or the fact that he was the tzadik and manhig hador?” In 1915, Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, the great leader of all of European Jewry, whose home in Vilna was the nerve center of Yahadus HaTorah, called all the Rabbonim, Rebbes and Roshei Yeshiva of Europe to a convention of Torah leaders. At the convention, Rav Chaim Ozer spent the vast majority of his time talking to one young, 24-yearold Rosh Yeshiva – Rav Aaron. When asked why, Rav Chaim Ozer responded, “Rav Aaron is the Rav Akiva Eiger of our generation.” Rav Chaim Ozer then added, “Not only in anava – humility, but in tzidkus — righteousness just the same!” Rav Aaron’s relationship with Rav Boruch Ber was especially close. As a former talmid recalled, “Everyone in the yeshiva realized that Rav Boruch Ber was grooming Rav Aaron for a unique future. Rav Boruch Ber spent hours and hours with him, speaking in learning and paying close attention to every aspect of Rav Aaron’s spiritual development.” Rav Chaim Brisker put his entire heart and soul into his shiurim and was extremely worn out upon their conclu-

sion. Yet, the yeshivaleit couldn’t help but notice that despite his obvious exhaustion and fatigue, Rav Chaim did not head home after giving the shiur, but rather remained in the Beis Medrash immersed for hours and hours in deep Torah conversation with Rav Aaron. “Why does the Rebbe remain after the shiur,” they asked him, “when he’s so clearly exhausted?” Rav Chaim’s priceless reply was never forgotten. “Do iz einer vos oif em vet shtein a halbe velt, un tzulib dem iz kedai. (Half the Torah world will one day rest on this bochurl’s shoulders, and for that it’s worthwhile.” Truer words were never spoken. The Alter of Slabodka used to walk his young charge back to his room. He once saw an exhausted Rav Aaron dozing off on his shtender late one night. The Alter kissed Rav Aaron on the forehead and was heard whispering to himself, “A living Sefer Torah, a living Sefer Torah!” One another occasion, the Alter remarked that maintaining this yeshiva with its three hundred bochurim would have been worth all the effort, if only to provide a place for “‘Ahrele’ to shteig in Torah.” Rav Aaron lived up to their expectations. He was a living Sefer Torah and did carry “half the Torah world” and more on his shoulders. Those in the know remarked that “the Jewish people hadn’t seen such an ilui in five hundred years.” All that was part and parcel of our Rav Aaron, the man who never slept even when he was weak, the man who loved his talmidim with a gigantic heart, the man who cried and hugged a nonreligious Jew when he saw the pintele Yid in him, the man who never ceased learning and teaching – the Divine Messenger who carried the chain of our Mesorah, of Torah and Yiras Shamayim, across four of the greatest chasms in history – that of the early 1900’s maskilim, the 1920’s Communists, the 1940’s Nazis and through America’s goldene Medina assimilation, until his final moments on earth. That was our Rav Aaron.

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YU Leads 12 High Schools to Washington, D.C. on Israel Lobbying Mission More than 100 high school students headed to Capitol Hill on October 15 to lobby on behalf of Israel. The mission, organized by Yeshiva University, was directed by Matthew Schwartz, YU’s assistant director of recruitment and high school programming, and Ethan Wasserman, last year’s president of YUPAC (Yeshiva University Political Awareness Club) and a current YU presidential fellow.

The lobbying mission came about after Rivka Abbe, a senior at Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central), approached Rabbi Kenneth Brander, David Mitzner Dean

dox Union and international director of NCSY. “They agreed that it would be ideal to run this as a joint program between the OU and YU.” “We saw this as a great and creative opportunity to enrich high school students’ curricula and experiences,” said Schwartz, who reached out to several high schools to participate. In all, 12 high schools took part in the mission, including Central, Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA), Jewish Educational Center High School, Hillel Yeshiva of Deal, Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls, Hebrew High School of New England, North Shore Hebrew Academy High

of the Center for the Jewish Future, with the idea. Abbe became passionate about politics and lobbying after working closely with former YUPAC president, Dina Muskin, who organized lobbying training for students at Central. After hearing Abbe’s idea, Brander asked Schwartz to lead the event. “I approached Rabbi Brander last year because I heard about all the things CJF does for Jewish communities around the world,” said Abbe, who also shared the idea with Rabbi Steven Burg, managing director of the Ortho-

School, Bruriah High School for Girls and Ma’ayonot Yeshiva High School for Girls. Students prepared for their trip by learning about issues ranging from foreign aid to Iran, and heard from prominent speakers including Brooke Goldstein, director of the Lawfare Project, and Rabbi Steven Burg. On the day of the mission, students were buzzing with excitement as their buses pulled up to Capitol Hill, engaging each other in intellectual and political debates, while practicing their

lobbying tactics. The students then divided up into groups to meet with 15 congressional offices before meeting in the White House with Jarrod Bernstein, Jewish liaison to the White House. Bernstein addressed the group—discussing his background, how he got to his current position and what his job entails—

before answering questions from the students. “I learned that it is easier to function in Washington as a frum Jew than I originally thought,” said Yehoshua Zafranski, a student at MTA. “It was also a great experience to meet other kids my age that share the same passion.”

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Gilad Shalit Visits DRS Yeshiva High School Last Friday, the DRS Yeshiva High School had the tremendous privilege of hosting Gilad Shalit along with the thirteen fellow members of his Tzahal platoon and their Commanding Officer, Captain Yoav Belkes. Over the last five years, this platoon experienced the loss of two Chayalim, as well as the kidnapping of Gilad, an event that continues to present challenges to all the members of the unit today. The program gave a chance for these special Chayalei Tzahal, who put their lives on the line each day for Achainu B’nai Yisrael, to process and speak about the challenges that they have experienced. DRS was also graced with the presence of Mrs. Miriam Peretz, the “unofficial mother” of the IDF, who lost two sons in combat, and has a third son serving now. DRS Menahel, Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky, opened the program by addressing a room full of DRS Students, members of the platoon, as well as the

seniors and juniors from SKA High School, and some invited guests from HAFTR High School. After introducing each of the Chayalim to the crowd, Rabbi Kaminetsky directed his words towards the special guests: “We always pray for our chayalim, we love our chayalim, you are our brothers, and the Jewish people will always stand by the soldiers of the Tzahal...We have tremendous hakarat hatov for your sacrifice on behalf of Jews all over the world to protect our beloved Medinat

Yisroel. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” Rabbi Kaminetsky also took a moment to address Gilad Shalit specifically. Rabbi Kaminetsky told Gilad that for five years after Shacharit every day in DRS, he would announce to the Talmidim of DRS, “We will now say a prayer for the health and safety for Gilad ben Aviva Shalit.” Speaking face to face with Gilad, Rabbi Kaminetsky continued, “I cannot describe to you the feelings I now have being able to look at you, and to know you are home safely. You have been a model to the world to never give up hope; you symbolize the strength and courage of a chayal tzahal, and of a Jew, who always believes ‘yeish tikva,’ ‘there is always hope.’ Thank you for your strength and courage, and we give thanks to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for answering our heartfelt tefilot on your behalf.” Several DRS and SKA students received the opportunity to ask questions to the chayalim regarding their service in the Tzahal. Each of the chayalim addressed the crowd, recounting emotional stories, and expressing their feelings on the importance of serving in the Is-

raeli Defense Force. Finally, Gilad Shalit had a chance to speak to the crowd, as he extended his gratitude to all those who have prayed for him, stating, “I so appreciate the warmth you and Jews all over have shown me. I don’t take it for granted.” Both the students in the audience and the chayalim gained a tremendous amount of chizuk from the event and from each other. The students learned to appreciate both the physical and emotional strength of our soldiers, while the soldiers appreciated the opportunity to continue to therapeutically speak about, and process their thoughts and feelings from all that they have been through. DRS is indebted to the amazing ba’alat chesed, DRS parent Dr. Chagit Hadar, for her incredible dedication to the Shalit family, for arranging the amazing event, as well as DRS parents, Phil and Malkie Rosen, for their support of this visit. Just as Hashem has heard the tefilot of Klal Yisrael and delivered Gilad from captivity to freedom, may Hashem deliver all who are experiencing darkness into light, and the Jewish people from bondage to salvation.

Morah Dana’s Doves at Bais Yaakov of Queens

NEWS

Community Mesivta Yam Hatorah Welcomes in Chodesh Cheshvan

Mesivta Yam Hatorah kicked off the month with an inspirational Rosh Chodesh breakfast. The boys listened to speeches from Rabbi Shmueli (10th grade Rebbi) and Eitan Bedziner (12th Grader) while enjoying a sumptuous meal. During the breakfast, awards were given to those students who participated in the Mesivta’s Sukkos learning program. Although there were many students who participated, the Mesivta would like to give special recognition to Yoav Aburus (Bayswater), Shlomo Zalman Lava (Brooklyn), and David Semel (Belle Harbour). Each of these boys learned at least 15 hours over their Sukkos vacation. The Mesivta is very

Parshas Noach came to life when Morah Dana introduced the Pre 1-A children to her pet doves. The girls watched in fascination as Morah Dana took the birds out of their cage and held them and stroked them. They learned a great deal about doves, and were especially fascinated with the way the parent doves care for their young. Equally

proud of all those who participated. For further information, please call Mesivta Yam Hatorah on 781-471 7471.

captivating was Morah Dana’s description of how she feeds them on Pesach when their regular food is chametz. The children peppered Morah Dana with questions and listened intently to the answers. This experience was a wonderful example of the real life, hands- on learning that the children will remember for a long time.

Rambam Converges on West Hempstead for Tisch/Siyum On Shabbos Parshas Noach, over 60 talmidim of Rambam Mesivta packed into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Goldman in West Hempstead for a Friday night tisch that epitomized the deep kesher between student and administrator/teacher. Mr. Hillel Goldman, Rambam Mesivta’s Assistant Principal, and his wife, Deena Chayne, not only opened their home to the boys, but rearranged it! “Just a few hours before Shabbos, we had the sense that something like a third of the school was coming and that it was going to be a packed house,” Mr. Goldman explained. “From the Five Towns, Plainview, Great Neck, Queens, Brooklyn, guys were pouring in from all over!” The West Hempstead community was eager to host the boys, and families were dropping off candy dishes to add to the festivities. “It was pretty obvious that our dining room was not equipped for a third of the school so my

wife and I did the only sensible thing: we swapped the living room for the dining room!” Within minutes of placing a call, Rambam students inundated the house to move couches, roll carpet, and set up as many chairs benches as they could muster. The students were happy to help as this night was not only a tisch, but a celebration of learning. Having been inspired by his attendance at the Siyum HaShas this past summer, Mr. Goldman heeded Rav Yissocher Frand’s call to “Make a plan” and committed to doing Daf Yomi in an effort to finish Meseches Berachos. The topic of Mr. Goldman’s address at the previous month’s Schoolwide Shabbaton at Camp Seneca Lake was “to make a plan,” and here was Mr. Goldman, only a month later, practicing what he preached. The night was filled with joyous singing and divrei Torah told over by at least a dozen different talmidim, and de-

licious food including four pots of cholent made by Mrs. Goldman as well as her signature mandelbread. A surprise was then in store for sophomore Avi Martin and freshman Evan Edelstein when the boys erupted in “Happy Birthday” and they were served a homemade cake (again by Mrs. Goldman) in honor of their respective birthdays. The tisch began at 7:45PM and didn’t end until 12:45AM when the remaining chevra who did not stop singing and sharing divrei Torah stayed an extra 30 minutes to clean-up, despite the protestations of Mr. Goldman. “To have my 4-year-old daughter in my arms while I stood on a chair and shouted ‘Ivdu es Hashem B’simcha’ and to see my 1-and-a-half year old son bang his hand on the table in unison with the boys as they chanted the words back to me was a profoundly moving experience,” related Mr. Goldman. “To look around and see young men who appre-

ciate Torah and achdus, who displayed such wonderful midos, I felt it was appropriate that we were in the living room because that night was what living was all about.”

We’d Like to Hear From You Please send all correspondence to:

editor@ fivetownsjewishhome.com.

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Dirshu to Hold “Shabbos Kinus Olam HaTorah” In Tarrytown, NY With Participation of Gedolei Yisroel; Grand Siyum on Motzoei Shabbos By Chaim Gold It promises to be a most memorable Shabbos, one of the most powerful spiritual experiences and demonstrations of kovod haTorah and dedication to limud haTorah ever seen on American shores. On Shabbos Parshas Chayei Sara, the Shabbos Kinus Olam HaTorah, will bring together Dirshu participants from across the United States and Canada at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tarrytown, NY to celebrate the accomplishments of the thousands of participants in Dirshu’s myriad programs of accountable limud haTorah. The Shabbos will be graced by an august gathering of Gedolei Yisroel representing the entire cross-section of Klal Yisroel. The enthusiastic participation of so many Gedolei Yisroel from across the spectrum reflects the varied and diverse members of Klal Yisroel

who are participants of Dirshu…and it is that which perhaps makes Dirshu the Klal Yisroel movement that most personifies the concept of achdus as, through its power of dedication to limud haTorah, it unites Yidden from every walk of life, from every culture and every geographic area. Special Guest from Eretz Yisroel, Hagaon Harav Berel Povarsky, Shlita The Shabbos will be graced by a special guest from Eretz Yisroel, one of the venerated, senior Roshei Yeshiva of the Ponovezh Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Berel Povarsky, shlita. In addition, numerous Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbanim and Dayanim from America will spend Shabbos with the Dirshu participants and their wives in recognition of their phenomenal achievements in limud

haTorah as Dirshu’s participants. According to Rabbi Aharon Gobioff, director of Dirshu’s operations in America, “When I call a prominent, senior Rosh Yeshiva or Rav to invite him to Dirshu’s Shabbos Kinnus Olam Hatorah, it was not suprising to get an answer, ‘How can I not come?! Dirshu does so much for Klal Yisroel! Dirshu has been so instrumental in spreading Hashem’s Torah and enriching the limud haTorah of Jews worldwide, I feel compelled to come express my support and hakoras hatov!’” Honoring Dirshu Participants: Klal Yisroel’s Unsung Heroes Why is Dirshu making this unprecedented Shabbos Kinus Olam HaTorah, a Shabbos that promises to be the premiere Torah event on the annual calendar? Rabbi Aharon Gobioff explains, “It was the natural progression. For several years now, we have been making a National Melave Malka for all North American participants with hundreds of Dirshu learners flocking to Lakewood from the Tri-State area and beyond to attend. Each year, this truly remarkable maamad of kavod haTorah, has grown in size and scope until there were nearly 1000 attendees. “This past year has truly been a watershed year for Dirshu. Thousands finished Shas and finishing Shas through Dirshu means taking tests on the entire Shas. There was an elite group of more than 200 who also took cumulative tests on the whole Shas at once! In Eretz Yisroel, Dirshu held an absolutely massive World Siyum with thousands participating. The entire Eretz Yisroel and beyond was swept up in the holy fervor of Dirshu. The World Siyum put into focus the accomplishments of Dirshu’s participants, the wide ranging knowledge of Torah that they had acquired and retained by being in Dirshu’s programs and it was reflected in the simply unprecedented enrollment in the new machzor of Shas with some 15,000 people taking tests worldwide. “In America too, enrollment increased exponentially requiring new and expanded testing centers to open across the country.

“Now it is time to honor Dirshu’s North American participants for their amazing accomplishments. The Shabbos Kinus Olam HaTorah will offer a unique opportunity to make a Siyum HaShas honoring the Shas Yidden of America and the throngs that continue to take Kinyan Torah tests on the Daf Yomi each and every month. It will be the special occasion to honor the many Dirshu Kinyan Halacha participants, the future poskim of Klal Yisroel for their recent completion of a 5½ year machzor of in-depth limud halacha of all halachic areas necessary to become a posek. It will also mark the phenomenal accomplishments of the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha participants with a siyum on Chelek Daled of Mishna Berurah. Chelek Daled has long been considered the ‘orphaned’ chelek of Mishna Berurah with few people learning it, but over the past few months, thousands of Dirshu participants have learned it from cover to cover, mastering the complex halachos of Eruvin. What a nachas ruach the Chofetz Chaim must be having in shomayim!” Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita, Nasi of Dirshu, related that, “The Shabbos Kinus Olam HaTorah where an elite group of talmidei chachomim will gather and their accomplishments will be hailed is a time for hodaah al ha’avar and zaakaah al ha’asid, to give thanks for the extraordinary siyatta diShmaya and bracha that has been showered on Dirshu until now and to look forward to the future.” Day by day more Yidden are undertaking the yeoman task of becoming Shas Yidden, of mastering the Shulchan Aruch; of incorporating daily halacha in their lives and knowing the 6 volumes of Mishna Berurah and of participating in any of Dirshu’s 23 other programs of accountable Torah learning. Enthusiastic Support and Participation by Gedolei Yisroel One of the most exceptional things about Dirshu is the enthusiastic support it has from Gedolei Yisroel. The Shabbos Kinus Olam Hatorah will be graced by America’s most venerated gedolim. In addition to Rav Berel Povarsky, the special guest from Eretz Yisroel who will address the massive Melave Mal-

ka, HaGaon HaRav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Zichron Moshe of South Fallsburg will also address the Melave Malka. Other prominent Roshei Yeshiva participating over the weekend include: HaGaon HaRav Chaim Bressler, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Beis Moshe of Scranton; HaGaon HaRav Reuven Feinstein, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Staten Island; HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zalman Gipps, shlita, Rosh Kollel of Tiferes Yaakov Yosef of Spink; Hagaon HaRav Shea Heschel Katzburg, shlita, Belzer Dayan; Hagaon HaRav Asher Anshel Katz, shlita, Vienner Rebbe; HaGaon HaRav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha; HaGaon HaRav Moshe Mordechai Lowy, shlita, Mara D’Asra of the Agudas Yisroel of Toronto; HaGaon HaRav Yeruchim Olshin, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha; HaGaon HaRav Yisroel Reisman, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas; HaGaon HaRav Zev Smith, shlita, Maggid Shiur for Daf HaYomi B’Halacha and Irgun Shiurei Torah; HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Sorotzkin, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Telz

Cleveland and Mesivta of Lakewood; and HaGaon HaRav Yechiel Mechel Steinmetz, shlita, Dayan of Kehal Toldos Yaakov Yosef of Skver.

The entire Shabbos will be a kiddush Hashem and kavod haTorah of proportions rarely seen. There will be shiurim by prominent Gedolei Yisroel, Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbonim and Poskim, as well as zemiros by Reb Abish Brodt and his sons. The Climax of The Event, Grand Siyum Melave Malka Open to the Public The climax of the entire event will be the beautiful Melave Malka held at the main ballroom of the DoubleTree Hotel in Tarrytown. Whereas for Shab-

NEWS

Community

bos there are only a limited number of slots still available on a first come, first serve basis, the Motzoei Shabbos Dirshu Program and Grand Siyum is open to the public. RSVP required. Please contact the Dirshu office at 888-5-DIRSHU ext. 115. That program will honor the accomplishments of Dirshu’s dedicated talmidei chachomim, their wives and families who help facilitate those remarkable accomplishments. Included among the program highlights will be 3 siyumim, one on the entire Shas which was completed in the last machzor of Dirshu, another on the Kinyan Halacha machzor and a third on Chelek Daled of Mishna Berurah. All participants will have the opportunity to hear Rav Povarsky and Rav Wachtfogel. They will then be treated to see highlights from the most remarkable Dirshu World Siyum in Eretz Yisroel including Rav Wosner’s inspiring address and haschalas Shas, Rav Shteinman’s words of mussar and siyum haShas, Rav Chaim Kanievsky’s Kaddish, the Belzer Rebbe’s words of bracha and numerous other highlights

that provide insight into the size, scope and magnitude of the Dirshu revolution that has swept Klal Yisroel in its holy wake. The Grand Siyum will be tastefully catered by Parkway Glatt Kosher Caterers and will feature wonderful zemiros by Shoimie Daskal accompanied by a choir and orchestra led by the famed Ruvi Banet of Eretz Yisroel. The DoubleTree Hotel in Tarrytown is centrally located and easily accessible from all major Jewish centers in the tri-state area. Dirshu will be providing buses from many major centers such as Lakewood, Boro Park and Williamsburg. The Dirshu Shabbos Kinus Olam Hatorah: A Defining Moment in the Growth of Torah in North America The Dirshu Shabbos Kinus Olam Hatorah marks a truly defining moment of Torah in America. It signals a new level of kiddush Hashem and kavod haTorah as the thousands of Dirshu participants, the choice members of the olam haTorah gather together b’achdus, k’ish echad b’lev echad under the guidance and leadership of Gedolei Yisroel from across North America join to hail the accomplishments of Dirshu members and to dedicate themselves with even greater commitment and perseverance to learn Torah, to chazer and to be koneh, to review and to acquire Hashem’s Torah in a heretofore unprecedented way!

Ska Welcomes Eighth Graders At The Annual Open House An exceptional turnout of prospective parents and students were welcomed to the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls on Sunday, October 21! The auditorium was completely filled during the introductory remarks by Head of School, Mrs. Helen Spirn, and the enthusiasm was contagious during the parent and student tours as faculty members described their subjects and goals. The richness of the curriculum and the warmth and dedication of the staff were apparent throughout the morning. Student volunteers added energy to the tours as the girls eagerly shared their insights of the excellent academic program of SKA and the outstanding extra-curricular experiences they are offered. Pointing out the state of the art classroom smartboards, the computer lab, and the modern biology and chemistry labs, the SKAers were excit-

ed to share their school with the future students. They highlighted the very popular Art Academy and electives such as sign language, forensics, and creative writing, while also mentioning the extremely successful Chesed program that is such an integral part of the school.

Serenaded by chamber music performed by several members of SKA’s bank under the direction of Production director, Mrs. Terri Wagner, the eighth graders were given SKA totes filled with informational brochures about the school. Following the program, parents and students had the opportunity

to converse with the administration and faculty members of SKA. Celebrating 20 years of educating the whole girl, SKA offers its students spiritual growth and personal development! We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2017!

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

join us in a community-wide effort to inspire and uplift us Wednesday, October 3131 Wednesday, October 8:00 pm 8:00 pm an evening for women only

Thursday, November November 1 1 Thursday, 8:00 pm 8:00 pm an evening for men only

Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, The renowned speakerWallerstein and founder , Rabbi Zecahariah

Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, The dynamic and , Rabbi Moshespeaker Tuvia Lieff

an evening for women only

of Ohr Naava Women’s Centerof Ohr The renowned speaker and founder Naava Women’s Center Mrs. Chavi Bauman, A young mother Bauman passionately Mrs. Chavi , describes her incredible experience A young mother passionately describes her incredible Remarks by experience

Rebbitzen Aviva Remarks by Feiner to follow. Rebbitzen Aviva Feiner

an evening for men only Rav of the Agudas Yisroel the dynamic speaker and Rav of the Agudas Yisroel Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein,

The renowned speaker and founder

Rabbi Zecahariah Wallerstein, of Ohr Naava Women’s Center

The renowned speaker and founder of Ohr byCenter NaavaRemarks Women’s

Rabbi Dovid Weinberger Remarks by from Cong. Shaare Tefilah

Rabbi Dovid Weinberger to follow. Congregation Beth Sholom 390 Broadway, Lawrence, NY

from Cong. Shaare Tefilah to follow.

Op e n H ouse

Ms. Naomi Lippman Principal, General Studies

Novem ber 11t h 10:00 A M

nalippman@haftr.org

Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen Principal, Judaic Studies geoppen@haftr.org

Bais Yaakov of Queens

Op en HOuse Wednesday, November 14th, 2012 Meet our loving staff, observe our inspiring chinuch, experience our students’ happiness and love of learning! 9:00 a.m. – Meet the administration 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Tour the school

Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School 635 Central Avenue Cedarhurst, NY 11516 516-569-3807 · haftrinfo@haftr.org

1:00 p.m. – Meet the administration 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tour the school

124-50 Metropolitan Avenue, Kew Gardens, New York 11415 If you require additional information please contact Mrs. Yocheved Granek at 718 847 5352.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

HAFTR HIGH SCHOOL

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STORE HOURS: SUNDAY 7-7PM MONDAY 7-7PM TUESDAY 7-8 PM WEDNESDAY 7-10 PM THURSDAY 7-12 AM FRIDAY 6:30 AM UNTIL 2 HRS. BEFORE CANDLE LIGHTING

We reserve the right to limit quantities. No rain checks. Not responsible for typographical errors.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

SALE DATES OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3, 2012

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR NEW YORK’S FUTURE PROTECT MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES

David Sussman will fight Albany’s addiction to unfunded mandates that are crushing our local communities and will ensure that our schools receive their fair share of state education funding.

PROVEN TAX CUTTER

As Trustee of the Lawrence School Board, David Sussman cut taxes by nearly 11% and property taxes in his district have not gone up since 2006. Sussman will say “NO” to higher taxes, out of control spending and make New York more job-friendly.

BUDGET REFORMER

David Sussman helped cut the Lawrence School Board budget by over 7% since 2005 — while still delivering a quality education for our children.

RESPECTED PHYSICIAN

Dr. Sussman has been healing people for more than 30 years. He knows how to make New York healthy again.

NEW YORK CAN DO BETTER.

DAVID SUSSMAN FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6th Paid for by Sussman for Assembly

65 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

7th Grade Bar Mitzvah Workshop At Yeshiva Har Torah This past Motzaei Shabbos, the 7th grade boys, along with their parents and Rebbeim, gathered for a truly inspirational and fun-packed evening at the school. The bar mitzvah workshop was an opportunity for the parents and future bar mitzvah boys to learn about the great significance and importance of reaching this milestone, while also sharing in some of the practical aspects of the celebration itself. The program began with a melava malka seudah with a message from the Menahel, Rabbi Gary Menchel, followed by three concurrent workshops. Rabbi Efrem Schwalb presented insights into the meaning of being a bar mitzvah, Azamra DJ and company showed the boys how to dance, and Rabbi Moshe Gantz, the Mezuzah Doctor, presented a fascinating tefillin demo. At the conclusion of the workshops, all the boys, fathers and Rebbeim gathered in a big united circle as they danced together as if it were their own simcha. Of course, the night

wouldn’t have been complete without a grand finale which included a full ice cream bar and prizes. It was all smiles

as both parents and children left the evening with a deeper appreciation of the upcoming bar mitzvah. For this

night, all the 7th graders gathered together and shared the spotlight each as their own future bar mitzvah.

Expanded & Newly Renovated Kosher Kitchen at Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is Now Open! Exciting changes are taking place at Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center! Margaret Tietz has completely expanded and renovated their kosher kitchen. Please join us on Thursday, October 25th at the Kosher Kitchen’s Grand Opening. Area Rabbis, distinguished Legislators, Board Members and Executive Staff of CenterLight will be in attendance, as well as representatives from many Jewish organizations, Hospitals, Hospices, and local media. Zev Brenner of Talkline with Zev Brenner will be recording his radio show at Margaret Tietz. Valet Parking is available for your

convenience. Until now, Margaret Tietz had a full-service kosher kitchen under the supervision of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, as well as a non-kosher Kitchen. Now they have eliminated the non-kosher kitchen and expanded and renovated their kosher kitchen to include state-of-the-art separate meat and dairy – all Cholov Yisroel – sections. The entire facility, including the cafeteria is now completely kosher. This step will help the facility better serve the needs of the Jewish community, providing patients and their families with a new level of comfort.

Now anyone can join their loved one for a meal in the cafeteria, and feel secure in the knowledge that the food and premises are fully kosher. This is just the next phase in a journey that began seven years ago, when Margaret Tietz joined the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, now CenterLight Health System. Originally established as a non-kosher facility, Margaret Tietz installed a separate kosher kitchen upon becoming a part of Beth Abraham. Three years ago, Chef Yossi came aboard – upgrading the caliber of the kosher cuisine even further. And now, as their Jewish clientele keeps grow-

ing and the demand for kosher has increased – Margaret Tietz has moved to an entirely new level by transforming their main kitchen and implementing the highest kashrus standards and stringencies. “There’s so much outreach activity going on as Margaret Tietz reaches new heights,” says Linda Spiegel, Director of Public Affairs at Margaret Tietz. “This is another step towards making our facility the premier choice of the Jewish community.”

NEWS

Community

Highlighting the Beauty of Tzinius A group of neighborhood women sit around a dining room table graced with light refreshments. There is the easy camaraderie of friends about them as they casually speak. A great discussion ensues and the give and take creates an almost palpable excitement. A broad horizon unfolds in front of their eyes as each woman gives over her own insight, creating unity of spirit – the Peninim support group. “Joining a group made me realize how uniquely individual tznius is for each woman,” says Chanie, an appreciative member. Leah agrees: “I had alwaysthought that tznius puts you into a cookie-cutter mold. You know, everyone has to wear exactly the same type of clothes… But at a Peninim session, I started to realize how the full scope

of tznius actually allows you to express yourself as an individual, and, rather than being locked into just following fashion blindly, like a sheep, I am empowered to make choices that reflect who I really am inside.” Today, the outside world and its philosophies creep closer and closer to the doorsteps of our homes. It can be hard to shield oneself from the influences of a world that has turned upside down. In the warm, convivial atmosphere of a Peninim group, members appreciate the opportunity to explore and discuss today’s issues, using the original, multifaceted material that the program provides. How does a Peninim session run? An inspirational, audio message starts each session and sets the mood. This is followed by reading together from a se-

fer according to a designated schedule. The spotlight challenges and invigorates the group with its contemporary focus on today’s issues and how they affect us. This leads to animated discussions with ideas shared all around. “Talking through these issues one by one with the group really makes me think,” says Suri. “And because I am part of Peninim, I feel I’m better prepared to deal with challenges as they come up.” Sessions focus on the depth and breadth of the subject of tznius as an integrated attitude on life, rather than a list of negatives. Each session ends off with an upbeat message of encouragement. “It adds tremendous meaning and satisfaction to the things we do every day,” says Chaya. “It really gives me

chizuk and helps me feel that I can persevere.” This tremendously positive response to the group experience is something that in turn pushes Peninim onward. Surely, Hashem derives great pleasure as we come together to grow closer to Him. In Peninim, women of all ages have found a place where they can comfortably work through crucial issues that affect them all. Among friends, they gain strength from one another’s insights. You, too, can be part of this incredibly enriching program. Pull up a chair and find your seat at the table for an extremely rewarding experience. Your Friends. Your Choice. Your Pace . ...I am empowered to make choices that reflect who I really am inside.

Rockaway Citizens Safety Patrol Ends Its First Year Off With A Bang! After a successful first year, the Rockaway Citizens Safety Patrol (RCSP) would like to update the community on the state of affairs. Since its inception, the RCSP has 95 patrol volunteers that maintain nightly patrols in both Far Rockaway and Bayswater. The RCSP works closely with other organizations like yourcaris.com, bayswatch.com, and the NYPD to collaborate on ways to best serve the Community. Recently, the RCSP was instrumental in the arrest and prosecution of a menace to the community. For over a month, Far Rockaway and Bayswater experienced a rash of car break-ins, most of which occurred on Friday night. These car break-ins were perpetrated primarily by one individual. The RCSP Security Alerts Department immediately compiled a list of complainants after each incident was reported. In meeting with the complainants and working closely with bayswatch.com, volunteers collected and analyses hours’ worth of private surveillance camera footage. It soon became clear that although there is more than one culprit out there, one particular man is responsible for breaking into at least 30 vehicles. Once the evidence was gathered, Police Officer Anthony Zeke and the Anti-crime team of the 101 Precinct were able to positively identify the perpetrator and begin a search for this menace Immediately, the RCSP set up emergency patrols between the hours of 3-6

am (in addition to the regular shifts that have been going out daily). In coordination with, and help from, Police Sargent Gallagher, the patrol was able to move resources fast enough to assist in the search. When Officers Villata and Chavanne found and arrested the perpetrator at 2 am on October 19th, the RCSP was able to provide the evidence and list of complaints needed to hold him and prosecute him in Queens Criminal Court. In addition to dealing with crimes as they occur and collecting evidence to successfully prosecute, the RCSP has been responding to missing persons reports and neighbor disputes. Additionally, the RCSP sends out Security Alerts via email on a regular basis that informs the community of various safety concerns. Since its inception, the RCSP was instrumental in assisting police in arresting 8 criminals who have all been actively destroying the quality of life in Far Rockaway and Bayswater alike. Patrols have been actively patrolling the streets of Bayswater all throughout the year and has expanded to Far Rockaway and successfully serving that part of town for the past two months. After a great first year, we look forward to the next year of successful service to the community. To receive security alerts, feel free to join the RCSP Security Alerts Department by sending an email to securityalerts@rockawaypatrol.org. If you

wish to join either the Far Rockaway or Bayswater Division of the patrol, send an email to dispatch@rockawaypatrol. org If you view any suspicious activity

in the area or in case of emergencies please call 911 then our 24 hour hotline 1-917-RCSP-306 To donate to the RCSP call the hotline.

Benjie Stern, Ph.D. Specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression and OCD in children and adolescents Years of experience creating positive changes in the lives of young people

Dr. Stern is the school psychologist at Magen David Yeshiva, an adjunct college professor, has developed school prosocial anti anti--bullying programs, has written, lectured and conducted workshops on a wide variety of child psychology topics.

For a free phone consultation or to schedule an appointment, visit www.drbenjie.com or call 917.864.6274 OFFICES LOCATED IN L LAWRENCE AWRENCE AND BROOKLYN

67 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

You Gotta be

Riddle

Kidding!

Submitted by Naftali Greenberger One day, Jimbo goes into a store. He gets an item and walks up to the cashier and says, “I’d like to buy this computer.” The cashier says, “Sorry, we don’t sell to rednecks.” But Jimbo is determined because he feels like that is the computer he has been looking for forever. The next day, Jimbo cleans up takes a haircut and goes into the store to try and buy the computer. But once again the cashier says, “Sorry, we don’t sell to rednecks around here.” Jimbo can’t believe it. He thought he looked so good. Now it is personal. So he takes his life savings of $3,000 and gets dental implants. Now he has a full set of teeth. As he prepares to go into the store, he checks himself in the mirror one last time and he looks great...a perfect haircut, sharply tailored suit and a full set of teeth. Brimming with confidence, he walks up to the cashier to buy the computer. But once again the man refuses to sell it to him. He says, “Sorry, we don’t sell to rednecks around here.” Jimbo says, “How in the world do you know I’m a redneck?” He replied, “First of all, that’s a microwave.”

Submitted by Zali Roden A man has just finished painting his house and needs something. He goes to a hardware store and asks for help in finding what he needs. The clerk shows him where the objects are and tells him that they cost $1 each. The man says: “I’m taking 600, so here’s $3.” What did he buy? Answer on next page

– If at first you don’t succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried. – A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. – Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it. – For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism. – He who hesitates is probably right. – No one is listening until you make a mistake. – Success always occurs in private, and failure in full view. – To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research. – Two wrongs are only the beginning. – Work is accomplished by those employees who are still striving to reach their level of incompetence. – The sooner you fall behind, the more time you’ll have to catch up.

3. Match the amount of regular season homers with the players

2. Which Yankee had the highest regular season batting average this year? a. Melky Mesa b. Jeeet c. Bret Gardner d. Ichoro Suzuki

4. Match the pitchers with the correct amount of wins in the regular season

5. Match the player up with the correct amount of errors made

a. A-Rod

a. 43

a. Mr. Caption

a. 8

b. Curtis Granderson

b. 15

b. A-Rod

b. 6

c. #2

c. 18

c. Robinson Cano

c. 1

d. Nick Swisher

d. 24

d. Mark Teixteira

d. 6

e. Mark Teixteira

e. 24

e. Russell Martin

e. 10

a. CC Sabathia

a. 16

b. Hiroki Kuroda

b. 7

c. Phil Hughes

c. 12

d. Ivan Nova

d. 16

e. Freddy Garcia

e. 15

6. How much money was A-Rod paid by the Yankees in 2012 and what was his post-season batting average? a. $13 million / .330 b. $18 million / .312 c. $ 23 million / .282 d. $28 million / . 267 e. $30 million / .120

                      

2. A- Granted, Melky Mesa only played 3 games, but he had a .500 average. (Hey, this is a numbers game, you got to think out of the box... money ball). Out of the guys who played 100 games or more, El’ Kopitan would have to be the batting average king with an average of .316. 3. A-Rod

Curtis Granderson

Nick Swisher

Mark Teixteira

CC Sabathia

Hiroki Kuroda

Phil Hughes

Ivan Nova

Freddy Garcia

5. Mr. Caption

A-Rod

Robinson Cano

Mark Teixteira

Russell Martin

6. E- Oh, but he wasn’t that bad—his OBP (if you don’t know what that is, stop playing) was .185. Think it’s time to get rid of him? Scorecard: If you can figure out a way to score this trivia— with all the questions within questions—then you are one of those guys who sits by the game with a pencil and game card, barely looking up as you record the game (and getting annoyed when “fake fans who don’t understand baseball” get up to get an ice cream, or even worse, to go to the bathroom during the inning)...Like one day you are going to get a knock on your door: “Hey, do you remember that game from 18 years ago, on a Monday August 27th? Would you happen to have the game card in your basement, we are trying to figure out how many strikes Andy Petit threw that night in the 3rd inning?” But here may be a simple way to keep score this week:

Answer to riddle: His house number.

Answers: 1. B- The team batting average in the postseason was .188, which is lower than any other team in MLB history. Not bad for a team with a combined salary of $196,000,000.

If you got all of them wrong, you are certainly like A-Rod, and if you got all of them right, you are certainly not a Yankee, because nobody on that team did everything right this year.

Got funny? Let the Commissioner decide. Send your stuff to

centerfold@fivetownsjewishhome.com

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

1. How did the Yankees make history this season? a. They had the most homeruns in Yankee history b. They had the lowest team post-season batting average in MLB history c. They sold the most seats in their history d. They played such bad ball in the post-season that they wouldn’t have qualified for the Centerfold Commissioner’s pickup softball game

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

David Sussman Honors Local Leaders While attending a fundraising event this past Sunday morning, Rabbi Binyamin Kamenetzky, founder and Rosh Yeshiva Emeritus of the Yeshiva of South Shore, joined Dr. David Sussman, Lawrence School District 15 board trustee, and Republican candi-

date for NYS Assembly, to present an award to Senior Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony J. Santino in recognition of his tireless service on behalf of the families and institutions in the Five Towns.

Dr. David J. Sussman, Lawrence School District 15 board trustee, and Republican candidate for NYS Assembly, at a campaign fundraiser this past Sunday presenting an award to beloved Cedarhurst Mayor Andy Parise. The award was presented in honor of

Left to right: Councilman Anthony J. Santino, Rabbi Binyamin Kamenetzky, Dr. David Sussman

Mayor Parise’s selfless leadership and lifetime commitment to the beautification and betterment of the Village of Cedarhurst, which enhances the quality-of-life for all those who live, work, and visit the village.

Left to right: Dr. David Sussman, Mrs. Sondra Sussman, Cedarhurst Mayor Andy Parise

Helping Our Neshamos Grow in the Fall Moving from summer to fall, full days of Yom Tov to full days of school, eating without stop to dieting is a shock to the system. Let’s face it. Change is hard. But change is also good. The lower temperatures and beautiful scenery of autumn are welcome, getting into a school schedule is rewarding, and dieting, well, we all have to fine tune ourselves to improve our health. Shifting gears isn’t always a physical necessity. When we attempt to grow out of our usual mindset, we have the capacity to become great. Wednesday evening, October 31st, and Thursday evening, November 1st, are two days when our community will have the opportunity to be inspired and uplifted to strengthen ourselves. With today’s challenges, how do we infuse Kedusha into our lives? On Wednesday, the women of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway environs will enjoy the words of Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, renowned speaker and founder of the Ohr Naava organization. That same night, Mrs. Chavi (Samet)

Bauman, a young mother and makeup artist, will speak passionately about her incredible journey of change she had following an unusual and life-altering dream. Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner of the White Shul will be giving closing remarks at the end of the women’s event. The men of our community are invited the next night, Thursday, the 1st of November. Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, dynamic speaker and Rav of Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin, will be inspiring us with his words of Torah and encouragement. The men will also enjoy the Chizuk and Divrei Hisorirus given by Rabbi Wallerstein. Both events are intended to uplift the community in areas of infusing holiness in our lives. These events will take place at 8:00 pm at Congregation Beth Sholom, 390 Broadway in Lawrence. Rabbi Dovid Weinberger, Rav of Congregation Shaaray Tefila, is a supporter of the initiative and will be introducing the men’s event with opening remarks. “ I’m overjoyed our community is taking a leadership role in addressing

the topic of Kidushas Yisroel, a serious universal problem in our communities at large. I have no doubt that those that will participate in the Kinnusim will go forward with an elevated sense of self, family, and of Klal Yisroel.” Rabbi Bender, Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah agrees, “The Chofetz Chaim used to say that Kedu



sha in our homes will bring the Shechina into our homes.” The winter weather creates the reality of the plants and trees and grass to lie fallow. Let’s not chas veshalom do the same to our neshomos. Join us on the nights of these events to add growth and change for the positive into the lives of our families and friends.





  

TJH Staff

Gardening with Good Taste TJH Speaks with David Rabinowitz of Elegant Lawns & Landscaping

TJH: David, thank you for taking out some time to talk to us. Can you briefly describe your business and what you offer? DR: Elegant Lawns & Landscaping is a full service landscaping business. We offer landscape design, new installations of trees, shrubbery, complete gardens and flowers, as well as weekly maintenance of the existing garden, lawn and property. In addition, we install pavers, driveways, patios, stamped concrete walkways and retaining walls. TJH: Did you grow up in a family with ties to construction or home design? DR: Yes, in fact, since I was three years old I loved going to work with my father, Archie Rabinowitz. I grew up on construction sites, as my father, a contractor, built anything from houses and mikvaos to shuls and yeshivas. The bigger the job site was, the more I was fascinated by it. To see what begins as just a gaping hole in the ground and then ends as a new, beautiful building still impresses me to this day. I even went to work for my father at his company, All Boro Construction. A few years ago, there was a small strip mall he was building in Huntington, NY, and he didn’t want to travel to the site every day so he decided to make me project manager on the job. I argued back and forth with him before accepting the position: I felt I did not know enough to run that job, or any other construction job, for that matter! My father believed in my abilities and replied, “You’ve been watching me do this work your whole life, David, you’ll figure it out.” It is now many years later and that building is still standing, so I guess my father was right! TJH: As a frum man, not the average demographic for a landscape company owner, how did you get into this field? DR: That’s an excellent question!

After working for my father on that project, I decided I wanted to go back to Yeshiva University and get smicha. While I was there, this landscaping business basically “fell into my lap.” I knew the previous owner of the company, Do-

menik Barilli, practically my whole life, and he wanted out of the business so I took over the landscaping end of his business. Initially, I can honestly say that I knew nothing about landscaping! But as is true of any situation where “necessity is the mother of invention,” I learned how to run things pretty quickly. In addition, taking Landscaping classes in Cornell University, Farmingdale University and Rutgers University definitely helped me with this new business as well. I know of only one other frum landscaper. I think the reason that there are not too many frum guys doing this is because unless you take over an existing landscaping business, it is very hard to build up a clientele base. With so much other

competition out there, you really need to be maintaining the gardens and lawns of at least 150 properties to just break even. TJH: What role does landscaping play in the value of a house? Do you have examples of a house that sold for more due to high end landscaping? DR: Landscaping plays a very important role in the value of a house, as one’s landscaping is the first impression someone gets when they see your house. Far more people see the outside of your home than do the inside of your home. Not only that, but proper landscaping can protect a house from the elements. It can provide proper absorption of rain water, which prevents water from getting into basements. Another benefit that people might not realize is that strategically placed trees

and shrubs provide shade to cool off a house in the warmer spring and summer months, as well. TJH: Do you do commercial landscaping as well? DR: Elegant Lawns & Landscaping does provide commercial landscaping as well. We also maintain the lawns and gardens of many shuls and mikvaos.

TJH: What do you do in the winter when landscaping is “frozen out”? Do you do snow removal? DR: In the wintertime, as long as the ground is not frozen, we are still able to do concrete work, pavers and all masonry work. We have debated whether or not to get into the snow removal business but we have had some really mild winters lately and I’m still trying to finish obtaining smicha from YU first! TJH: Any ideas for something to spruce up the garden for winter? DR: Now is a great time to clean up your flower beds and to plant cabbages and pansies. They should give you a bright burst of color in your gardens all the way up to spring. TJH: Is there an affordable way to have a really nice garden? DR: Sure there is. We at Elegant Lawns & Landscaping always try to provide the best service at the most affordable prices. Planting some annual flowers, such as begonias, impatiens and/or carnations every season, will really go a long way in making your home garden stand out. Perennials don’t often provide color for long enough periods like annuals will. TJH: Lastly, what can someone do to explore using your company for their landscaping needs? DR: They can call us at 877-591LAWN (5296) or email me at David@ ElegantLawns.com. I’ll be more than happy to meet with someone to discuss how to improve or maintain their lawn and landscaping. We at Elegant Lawns & Landscaping are passionate about our work and are always ready to help our clients spruce up their lawns!

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Focus on People

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

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s e il M e n li ir A r u o Y m e e Re d

Points rd a w e R rd a C it d re C d an

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

74 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Cover Story Baila Rosenbaum

very good cook relies on trusted recipes to prepare their Yom Tov meals, simcha menus and for general entertaining; and most kosher kitchens include a shelf of familiar, dog-eared cookbooks. The most worn-out cookbooks on my kitchen shelf are those authored by Susie Fishbein; so it was a special pleasure to speak with her and find out how she got where she is today, and what’s she has on tap for the future. Susie has edited seven groundbreaking cookbooks to date – with number eight just recently published. I asked her where it all began and got a surprising answer. “The nicest compliment I ever got was from my sister. Someone asked her if she was surprised that I was so successful and she responded that even if I had chosen to be a sanitation worker –I’d have been the best one out there! I was brought up in a regular home, we weren’t pushy, high achievers. I went to Queens College, not an Ivy League school. But my parents taught me that you always have to do your best. They were hard working people with a strong work ethic and taught me that whatever you do, you have to give it your all. I always say, ‘It’s not aptitude, its attitude!’ I have no culinary background; I’m self taught. I’m not a trained chef. But I am a person who wants to be great at what I do.” Susie continued, “Often when people hear that I have no formal background in the kitchen they’re shocked. But then they think ‘If she can do this, I can too!’ It’s an inspiring message – that your destiny depends on you. You can make things happen by caring, trying and working hard. Of course you also need integrity, honesty and a good measure of mazal!” she reflected. Susie certainly enjoys a hefty measure of these qualities. Her career as a kitchen-guru began when she offered to co-edit a cookbook for her children’s school. Nobody expected the results to be such a smashing success. The Kosher

Palette cookbook was a game-changer. It opened up a new world in kosher cuisine and exposed Susie to a profession that she loved. After its publication, Susie was busy pitching the book to booksellers across the country, while simultaneously pursuing a cookbook project for the Midtown Business Improvement District, promoting the newly renovated Grand Central Terminal. The events of 9/11 put an abrupt end to the project as the city reallocated its funding from promotions to security. “In the blink of an eye my prospects were gone!” Luckily for all of us, a bookseller that Susie was working with connected her with Artscroll Publications. Thus began twelve years of what Susie describes as a “fantastic relationship” that has graced the kosher cooking world with classic cookbooks including Kosher by Design, Kosher by Design Entertains, Short on Time, Passover by Design, a Kosher by Design cookbook for kids, teenagers and young adults and for dieters. Today Susie does her own writing, recipe research and prop styling. She hires a photographer and food stylist. Grocery store owners are wont to contact Susie before the holidays to find out what ingredients there will be a run on. For the last ten years, Susie’s been doing book tours and cooking shows across the country. Her audiences include a wide spectrum of kosher consumers, Hadassah groups, Conservative, Reform, Orthodox and Chabad. Susie’s most recent event took her to Tuscany where she hosted a culinary tour of the provinces, visiting regional food markets and reproducing the local cuisine for her kosher guests. Susie gets to meet a lot of people at shows and book signings and describes her most startling encounter. Once after a cooking demonstration and the following book signing, two young women hesitantly approached her. After their worn and splattered cookbooks were signed, they told Susie

their story. They were singles, rooming in the city together and had received Kosher by Design as a gift. They’d fooled around with the recipes and decided to host some guests. After reading a little about Shabbos they decided that instead of just making a party, they would host a Friday night meal. It was the first of many. “With your pots and pans, you carry my soul on your back,” the young woman told her. “Now I’m Sabbath observant.” “It was a breathtaking moment,” Susie shares. “It’s stayed with me. Now I’m always aware and very careful when I speak in public. There’s a vast audience out there and you never know whose life you’ll touch.” One of Susie’s more memorable cooking classes took place in Baltimore. She arrived and unpacked her gear and, with a group of volunteers at the ready, started to prep for the class. Suddenly all the lights in the neighborhood went out! Baltimore had endured a six day blackout the previous summer, so her hosts were well seasoned. Out came the yartzheit candles and they continued preparing for the presentation, singing slow songs as befitted the “kumsitz” atmosphere. Shortly after, some husbands turned up with generators and the class went off as planned. They didn’t even have to start late! Susie’s kids, now ages nine to eighteen, as well as her husband, love what she does and are proud partners in her career. Susie started her professional journey when she had two young children and has kept up the pace as her family has grown. “My kids love what I do. Even though I have to travel, I try to keep it at a minimum. I mostly work from home: writing, distributing and prepping for shows. My husband and I are a good team and we make it work.” Having a cookbook writer in the family has its advantages and the Fishbein’s regularly preview and enjoy some of the won-

derful dishes that end up in Susie’s books. Their daughters’ current favorite is a Roasted Kale recipe from her upcoming book, alongside a helping of Popcorn Cauliflower from Kosher by Design Entertains. With all that Susie’s involved with, what do we have to look forward to next? Susie explains, “As I’ve grown and become more experienced with food, I feel like my readers have evolved and grown along with me. These days when I do a cooking show I don’t focus so heavily on the actual recipes but on technique and procedure.” Artscroll has just released Susie’s newest effort, The Cooking Coach. It includes 120 new recipes and, more importantly, concentrates on cooking basics. “The purpose of this book is to make you an intrinsically better cook. To teach readers about the look and feel of food. It highlights method, organization and equipment and breaks everything down for you. Every section of this book is an education. For example, the meat section describes the different cuts of meat, what they look like, where they come from. When you know what kind of meat you’re working with you can apply a rule. Tough meats have to be cooked slow, low and wet. Whether you choose water, wine or any other liquid, the procedure is the same. This book teaches you to use what you have; to choose the ingredients that call to you and to apply your skills to the unfamiliar. The book describes what equipment you’ll need to run a functional kitchen; what’s a luxury and what’s a necessity.” Susie Fishbein has touched a lot of lives and enriched many a kosher kitchen. Her passion for good food, her sincere desire to share her knowledge and her hard work has translated into beautiful and savory kosher tables across the country and around the world.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Cover Story

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Focus on People

Nate Davis

Eric Ulrich

Ready to Tackle Albany…and Arm Wrestling Nate Davis sat down with Eric Ulrich who is running for State Senator in District 15, which includes Far Rockaway, Kew Gardens, Kew Garden Hills, Ozone Park, Howard Park, Middle Village and numerous other neighborhoods in Queens.

TJH: Eric, it is a pleasure to meet you. I understand that you are running for New York State Senate; what do you do now? Eric: I have been in the City Council for three and a half years and before that I was a teacher in a Catholic highschool in Brooklyn. I actually taught

the Old Testament...Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Numbers. I know all of them.

cilman I get paid $30,000 more than I will be making as a State Senator. And I will have to travel to Albany.

TJH: Really? So who is your favorite character in the Old Testament? Eric: I don’t want to say Moses or Noah, because everybody picks them. How about David—chosen at a young age to keep the kingdom of Israel.

TJH: Yes, I have been to Albany a couple of times; I have fonder memories of going to the dentist...You are wearing a ring so I presume you are married. Do you have children? Eric: I am expecting my first child next week.

TJH: Okay, I get it...you are going to Albany to slay Goliath... How old are you? Eric: 27. TJH: So you are quite ambitious? Eric: No. Successful. I just try to work hard, be honest and make people proud of me.

TJH: Congratulations to you and your wife! As a Councilman, what is your position on Bloomberg’s soda ban? Eric: It’s “nanny state” nonsense... Bloomberg encroaching on the rights of individuals and small businesses. I have a big problem with governments dictating to people how they should live their lives.

TJH: Is the natural next step for a councilman to try and get elected to the State Legislature? Eric: Not really. As a City Coun-

TJH: What is one accomplishment that you are particularly proud

of?

Eric: I would say securing funding to restore the Bayside Jewish Cemetery. For years it was an issue for the Chevra Kadisha. But we were able to get the money to restore it. Actually, many local kids helped clean it up, which was very nice, because it was an opportunity for them to give back to the community in an uncommon way. TJH: You are campaigning heavily in the Jewish community, why should the Jewish community vote for you? Eric: Because I believe in the things they believe in. I am going to fight for the things that are important to them. For example, tuition tax credits. That is very important; I went to Catholic school. Tuition tax credits will help alleviate the burdens on parents who send their kids to yeshivas and parents who send their kids to any type of private schools. TJH: Tuition tax credits is a different idea than school vouchers, correct? Eric: Yes. I, too, favor vouchers but realistically it is never going to happen; it will never come up to the Legislature because of the situation in the Assembly. But tuition tax credits are doable and they accomplish the same thing—they provide financial assistance and relief to parents who send their children to religious school. TJH: New York State is hardly in a position to give tax cuts or credits to a small segment of the population. Wouldn’t it be hard to get such a bill passed? Eric: Well, this actually affects tens of thousands of parents. It’s not just people who send their kids to Yeshivas. It will affect kids going to Catholic schools and many other types of private schools. What I would like to see is a $1,000 dollar for dollar tax credit for each child that you have, with maybe a

TJH: So a family with five kids in private school would save $5,000 on taxes. Now, obviously parents around here spend—on average— upwards of $40,000 on tuition a year, but I guess that is a step in the right direction. Eric: Exactly, it is a step in the right direction. The point is, right now these people are getting nothing. And Senator Skelos and the Republicans in Albany support such measures. TJH: You are out there knocking on doors, what are people talking to you about? Eric: Across the board, the average person—whether they live in Far Rockaway, whether they are from the frum community or not—is concerned about the same things: taxes, the local job market for themselves and their children, they are concerned about safety in their communities and making sure the NYPD has the resources it needs to protect their neighborhoods....I go door to door and talk to voters and want to know what are they concerned with and these are the things that people talk about the most.

TJH: How are we going to create more jobs in New York? Eric: Small businesses are the economic backbone of every community, whether it is Central Avenue, 116th Street, Beach Channel Drive, Main Street, Queens Boulevard. So we need to cut regulations and the tax rate for small businesses so they can stay in business and expand their businesses. And we should have tax credits for small businesses as well. We all know that when businesses have more money they hire more. TJH: What do you think the down-ballot effect of the presidential elections will be for you? Eric: People are very excited about the presidential race; they want to get rid of Obama. They ask, “Are you running on the same ticket as Romney?” and when I say, “Yes,” they say, “Okay, great, I’ll see you on election day.” TJH: How is this race shaping up? Eric: This is going to be a close race. Every vote will count. And this is the “Super Jewish district” there are more Jews in this district than any other district in Queens. We expect 60,000 to 70,000 cast and with the Jewish community having 10,000 votes in this

district, it will play a critical role in the election. TJH: So you are going to be the “Super-Jewish-district Catholic guy.” Eric: Sure, that will be my Mitzvah for the day. TJH: How do you think Governor Cuomo is doing? Eric: I think he is doing an excellent job. He is showing that he can work bi-partisanly with both houses in the legislature to still pass a balanced budget on time and to get done what other governor’s couldn’t get done. TJH: What is the strangest thing that has happened to you during the campaign? Eric: When someone threw a chicken wing at me, just kidding. Well, you know, tonight while going door to door, I happened to knock on Phil Goldfeder’s door. TJH: Do you know Phil? Eric: Sure, he’s a good guy, even though he is a Democrat... Nobody is perfect. TJH: Well, I’m a Republican for Phil. What is one political view that

Phil has that you agree with? Eric: I think we are both pro-life and it takes a lot of courage in the Assembly to be a Democrat and pro-life and I applaud that. TJH: If you win the election, I think we should have an annual charity arm wrestle between you and Phil...Don’t tell him I said so, but I think you would win… Eric: Well, I think we should set up a card game in Albany, I will definitely beat him. TJH: In closing, what would you tell a voter who agrees with you on the issues but is simply too busy to go vote? Eric: This will be a close race and every vote counts. And even more importantly, it is important for our communities to remain a strong voting block and we only accomplish that when we actually vote. This is a grassroots campaign; I am trying to meet as many individuals as possible and I hope that we get all those individuals to come vote. TJH: Okay Eric. Good luck on Election Day...and with the new baby...and with the Phil arm wrestle.

79 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

max of $5,000. And I think that having an extra $5,000 in the pocket will go a long way. It would apply to any school that is accredited by the State.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Parsha Parables

Ask the Rabbi Yehoshua Levi

A New Slant on Mezuzah Dear Rabbi, I have always wondered about this but have never asked why. Why is the Mezuzah put on a doorpost obliquely (slanting and not straight)? The Rabbi responds: Your question is an excellent one and is the subject of much discussion. The Talmud deals with the proper positioning of the Mezuzah on the door but is somewhat vague. The foremost two classic Talmudic commentators from the Middle Ages disagree as to the proper interpretation of the Talmud. Rashi (11th century) understands the passage to mean that the Mezuzah should be placed vertically, and if placed horizontally, it is invalid. Tosafos (a group of commentators who lived during the 12th -14th centuries, many of whom were descendants of Rashi) disagree and understand the Talmud’s conclusion to be diametrically opposed to Rashi’s approach. They maintain that the Mezuzah should really be placed horizontally, and if vertical, it is invalid. Most authorities rule in accordance with Rashi’s understanding, that the Mezuzah should be placed vertically on the doorpost, and this is the prevailing custom among Sephardic Jews. The practice today of Ashkenazi Jews is based on later authorities who devised a compromise between these two opinions, namely to place the Mezuzah on a slight angle with the top towards the entrance. They explain Rashi’s position that the mezuzah is only invalid if mounted perfectly horizontal. Tosafos maintains that although the Mezuzah should be perfectly horizontal, it is still valid if not placed

vertically. As a result, by placing it on a tilt, we are able to satisfy both positions. It is unique that in order to accommodate both opinions, a ruling is devised that fails to satisfy the ideal position of the mezuzah according either approach. After all, if Rashi’s position is that the Mezuzah should be vertical and Tosafos’ position is that it should be horizontal, by placing it at an angle, we are not fulfilling the mitzva in the ideal fashion according to either opinion! There is a beautiful thought here expressed that adds an additional dimension from a hashkafik (Jewish outlook and values) perspective. Every time one enters his home and raises his hand to touch the mezuzah and kiss it, he should be reminded that the position of his mezuzah is based on a compromise. Although it is not the ideal of either opinion, it is satisfactory to both. This is a very apropos concept to keep in mind when entering one’s home. Sometimes there may be differences of opinion between a husband and wife. (So I have been told.) In order to maintain a happy and holy Jewish home, one must be committed to shalom and willing to compromise, even if it means making concessions. When both parties are committed and willing to be flexible, it is nearly always possible to find an acceptable solution. (I assume that Sephardic families never have disagreements, hence, compromise is never necessary.) Yehoshua Levi, a teacher of Torah, is a writer and lecturer who dares to think outside the box to bring his thought-provoking insights and facts to his readers. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at editor@ fivetownsjewishhome.com.

Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky

“A

Parshas Lech Lecha

nd Hashem took Abraham outside and said, gaze toward the heavens and count the stars if you are able! And He said to him, so shall your offspring be!”(Genesis:15:5) With those words, the Torah tells us G-d’s promise, “Jews will be like the stars.” Something is troubling. Why was it necessary for Hashem to take a field trip with Abraham in order to impress upon him the vastness of the universe? At the time Abraham was 100 years old. Surely he knew that one cannot count the stars! Rashi, therefore, explains the verse on a deeper level. Abraham had been told by soothsayers and astrologers that he and Sara would never bear children. Hashem, however, took him outside. “Go outside of your pre-ordained destiny,” He exclaimed. “You are no longer governed by conventional predictions. I am taking you outside that realm.” It’s quite interesting to note that Abraham’s great-grandson, Yosef, followed literally in Abraham’s footsteps. He too ran outside. Yosef was about to be seduced by the licentious wife of his master, Potiphar. She claimed she had a vision that a union of Yosef and her would produce prestigious offspring. (She did not know that Yosef would legitimately marry her daughter.) In Genesis 39:12, the Torah tells us that “Yosef dropped his coat and ran outside.” Perhaps he was saying, “I am not governed by your visions and predictions. I must do what my faith and morality teach me. Like my forbearers Abraham and Sara, I go outside your visors.” Reb Yosef Chaim had studied under the Chofetz Chaim before he settled in America. He had a very long and tranquil life until tragedy struck. His son Hirschel was in a terrible car accident, and the doctors feared the worst. The family did not know just how to tell the news to the aged, yet very coherent, 87-year-old father. The hospital chaplain, Rabbi Schapiro, was asked to drive the old man to the hospital and slowly break the news on the way. This would be the last time Yosef Chaim would probably see his son alive. When he broke the terrible news, however, the Rabbi was shocked at the old man’s indifference. “Perhaps I didn’t explain the severity of the situation,” he thought. He figured that the scene at the bedside would speak for itself. It

didn’t. Reb Yosef Chaim walked up to the bedside, saw his son connected to a maze of tubes protruding from all over his body, and said to the surrounding physicians, “I guess he’s not up to talking right now. We probably should come back a little later.” The entire family was stupefied. They knew their father had an astute grasp of almost every situation, yet in this instance he could not face reality. The doctors predicted that Hirschel was not going to survive. Yet his father was not even fazed. Reb Yosef Chaim looked at all the shocked faces in the crowded ICU. “You doctors think you know the future? I know that Hirschel will be just fine. Let me explain. Many years ago the Chofetz Chaim wanted to make sure that his writings were understandable for the layman. He asked me to read the galleys and point out any difficult nuances. He was very appreciative of my efforts, and before I left for America he promised me, ‘Yoseph Chaim, if you remain a faithful Jew and Shomer Shabbos, I promise that you will have a long life filled with nachas. You will not lose any one of your children or grandchildren in your lifetime.’ Now gentlemen,” Reb Yoseph continued, “who should I believe?” Needless to say, within weeks, Hirschel was out of the hospital. (Reb Yosef Chaim lived to the ripe age of 96 and all his children and grandchildren did outlive him!) The Jewish people are not controlled by the soothsayers of conventional wisdom. Predictions of defeat were abound when Israel’s army was outnumbered 10 to 1 and yet we survived. The dire predictions of mass assimilation amidst despair after World War II faded into a rebirth of a Jewish community and renewed Torah education on unparalleled levels. Conventional wisdom had lost hope for our Russian brothers and sisters, yet new embers of Torah Judaism began to glow out of the former bastion of atheism. We are not ruled by conventional wisdom. Like our forefather Abraham, we Jews are just outsiders. Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim at South Shore, a weekly columnist for Yated Neeman and AMI magazine, and the author of the Parsha Parable series.

81 Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

The Importance of Mitzvah Notes The following article was written several years ago, but its message is timeless.

ntil a few years ago, I had never heard of a Mitzvah note. Growing up in New Orleans, we didn’t have such things as a Mitzvah note. Nor did we have Pirchei, Paskesz, or Uncle Moishy. The closest thing I can remember was when Shlomo Carlebach came to town. I can still recall the struggling expression on his face trying to explain what a Chassid was to a group of kids who thought of Purim as “The Jewish version of Mardi Gras.” When I did hear about Mitzvah notes, I didn’t understand the concept. You are supposed to do mitzvos, why do you need a bribe to get you to do them? Kids should be good because that’s what they’re supposed to do. Isn’t it the wrong message teaching them that you have to be rewarded for every little thing? That’s what I used to think. But then I got a little older…a little wiser…a little daughter. OK, at first, I still thought that way. When my daughter asked me for Mitzvah notes I grudgingly gave them. Of course, sometimes I wanted to give her notes because she did exceptional things. But for run-of-the-mill stuff, like brushing her teeth and sharing, I didn’t jump to do it. What was the big deal? I mean, all that happened was that the Morah would look at it, maybe give her a smiley face sticker, and that’s that, right? At the end of the year, when I went to her class graduation, the teacher had arranged a special display of each child’s Mitzvah notes. It was clear for everyone to see who had notes. Some had bunches; one unfortunate child had only one. Boruch Hashem, our daughter was somewhere in the middle, but that stark sight of the lone Mitzvah note struck me. What message would the child take from it? That his or her parents didn’t have time for him or her? (I’m not giving any hints; if it’s your child, you know who you are.) Maybe Chas V’Shalom that there was only one time in the year when Mommy and Daddy were proud enough to write? It was heartbreaking. This year, my second daughter entered Nursery and the teacher sent home

special Mitzvah note paper. I dutifully scribbled notes for my girls for the first few days of school. Then I saw her class schedule and was startled. During snack, the kids eat and listen to Mitzvah notes from the other chil-

something wrong? “How else will she learn?” I think we all know the answer. So let’s get this straight – every time our children do wrong, we tell them. When they do right, we expect it and remain silent. That doesn’t seem fair to

We all need the reassurances of others that we’ve done a good job or made them feel good or that they’re happy we exist in their lives.

dren! Oh my goodness! What if I didn’t send any notes? What if all year my child listened to everyone else’s notes and never her own? How terrible would she feel? Forgetting about the negative feelings, this means that the notes are really important in another way. Not only will my daughter hear her note read by her Morah, whom she looks up to (she has to, I mean, she’s only two feet tall), but her friends will hear it too. They will know that her parents think she is worthy of complimenting and her esteem will likely go up in their eyes. This is such an awesome responsibility to have. I have to ensure that she is getting enough positive reinforcement and open expression of the deep love I have for her. Back to my original premise. I said that a note was merely a bribe to get a child to do something and there was no reason to have to write a note and compliment for things they are supposed to do anyway. Let’s look at the flip side. If my child did something wrong, would I say, “Nu, she’s a kid, she’s supposed to write on the walls,” or would I chastise her and let her KNOW she did

me. If anything, when they do wrong (childish mistakes, spilling things, accidents, etc.), we should expect it and remain silent, or perhaps even encourage them, reassure them, and tell them that things will get easier as they grow up. When they do what they’re “supposed to do” we should compliment them, tell them how proud we are, and yes, write Mitzvah notes. Now, let’s ask ourselves – does this need for approval ever go away? Do we ever get to the point where we don’t at least like to hear that others love us, appreciate us, and admire us? The answer is obviously no. We all need the reassurances of others that we’ve done a good job or made them feel good or that they’re happy we exist in their lives. It would make sense, then, that while we don’t write Mitzvah notes for grownups, we should be in the habit of telling our spouses, friends, co-workers, and neighbors when they do things right. Come to think of it, we can write Mitzvah notes. If someone gives you a gift, write a thank you note instead of just calling. (Of course you were going to say thank you, weren’t you?) If a co-

worker sends you a document that’s well-written, why not respond with a compliment and cc the others to whom it was sent? Writing a note or e-mail to a spouse about something nice they did for you will mean a tremendous amount to them, and will probably result in them doing even nicer things. Continuing with this theory, it would also make sense to overlook the shortcomings of others and chalk it up to their being human. NEWSFLASH: Human beings have flaws. If they were perfect they wouldn’t be human, they would be flawed. (Circular reasoning is always such fun…) So, if someone does something insensitive to you, assume they weren’t maliciously trying to hurt you. They’re people. More than likely they weren’t even thinking about you. Maybe one day they’ll grow up and change, but until then, don’t sweat it. If someone does something stupid, I bet they already know it and don’t need you to point it out. If you hold your tongue, odds are next time they need help or advice you’re the one they will turn to because you aren’t judgmental to them. Yes, Mitzvah Notes are very important. Whenever you get the chance, focus on what’s “write” in the world, and pretty soon you will notice a whole lot more smiley faces around you.

Jonathan Gewirtz is a frequent contributor to these pages whose mission is to inspire and make people think. If you are inspired, act on it! Find a way to make this world a better place for yourself and those you share it with. One way Rabbi Gewirtz does this is by publishing a weekly Dvar Torah in English called the Migdal Ohr, now in its fourteenth year. Subscribe for free by e-mailing info@ jewishspeechwriter.com and writing subscribe in the Subject line. Have a simcha coming up? Wow the crowd with thought-provoking, entertaining words. To order a custom speech for your next simcha, visit www.JewishSpeechWriter. com © 2012 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Observant Jew

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

The Shmuz

R’ Ben Tzion Shafier

Parshas Lech Lecha

The Five Star Hotel Called Life “After these matters, Hashem appeared to Avram in a dream and said, “Do not fear, Avram. I will guard you. Your reward is great.” Bereishis 16:1 When Avrohom Avinu was informed that his nephew, Lot, was captured, against all odds and in a most courageous manner, he waged war against the combined armies of the four kings. Miraculously, he was victorious and freed Lot. After these events, Hashem appeared to Avrohom and said, “Do not fear; your reward is great.” Rashi explains that Avrohom was afraid that since this great miracle had been done for him, he had used up all of his merits and had no reward waiting for him in the World to Come. Hasehm allayed those fears by saying, “Everything that I have done for you will not cost you. Do

not fear; your reward is great.” This Rashi is very difficult to understand. How is it possible that a man as great Avrohom could have thought that he used up all of his reward? After years and years of serving Hashem, surely the reward waiting for him was phenomenal. The answer to this is based on viewing life from a different vantage point.

Sedona, Arizona. This is the ultimate Pesach extravaganza. No expense is spared; the guests are showered with every imaginable luxury and amenity. A five-star hotel, French chefs, an 18hole golf course on premises – the best of the best. You graciously accept and are ready to have the time of your life. But as it turns out, by the time Pesach comes around, things at work aren’t going well, and lately you’ve been fight-

Everything that Hashem gives to us is because He wants to share His good with us. Pesach in Arizona Imagine that your father-in-law invites you to join him for Pesach in

ing with your wife, as a result, you’re in the worst mood you’ve ever been in. For the nine days that you are there, you barely leave your hotel room. When the vacation is over, your father-in-law approaches the hotel manager, and says, “My son-in-law hardly ate the entire time he was here. He didn’t come to a single gala Kiddush. He didn’t use the golf course. Not once did he step foot in the spa. Normally, I am not the type to complain. But I just can’t see paying the regular rate, so I’ve decided to pay half the bill, and expect you to waive the other half.” How do you think the hotel representative would respond? Earth: A Five Star Hotel This planet that we occupy is a fivestar hotel. We have every imaginable pleasure and amenity available to us. We enjoy majestic sights and experiences that constantly surround us. From magnificent floral scenes to exotic sea life, from the glory of the night sky to the clear aqua green of the ocean, from a flower in bloom to the plumage of a jungle parrot, all of the pomp and ceremony of a sunrise – a world created in Technicolor. And more than that, we were given the tools with which to enjoy it. We have legs with which to walk and hands with which to hold. We have ears, a tongue, a nose, and fingers that bring us an astounding array of pleasures from the world around us. We have foods that explode with a burst of different fla-

vors, aromas, textures, and colors. We are surrounded by untold pleasures and riches. But more than anything, we have been granted the extraordinary privilege called life. We were given this golden opportunity to shape ourselves into what we can be for eternity. Is there any way to measure the value of life? Is it worth a million dollars? Ten million? A hundred billion? Is it even possible to put a value on our existence? Whether we recognize it for its extraordinary value or not, we are the recipients of an unfathomable amount of good. And as such, we owe. From the moment that we are born, the clock starts ticking and the debt begins. For every breath that we breathe, for every pleasure we enjoy, for every moment of our being, the bill increases. We owe our Creator for that which He has given us. No Free Lunch Somehow, we assume that all of the pleasures of this world are free – on the house. I certainly won’t be charged for them. However, the Chovos Ha’Levovos explains that in reality, we do owe for them. They were given to us by Hashem, and as a result we owe for them. For this reason, Avrohom was afraid. He made a calculation based on what he received from Hashem versus what he had given in return, and he came out only slightly ahead. “Now that Hashem has brought this great miracle for me,” he thought, “what possible reward do I have left? Surely it has been all used up, and there is nothing left for me in the World to Come.” Avrohom Avinu wasn’t out of touch with reality. Quite the opposite, he was highly attuned to a part of the calculation that we rarely think about—we are not entitled to anything. Hashem didn’t have to create us. Hashem isn’t obligated to shower us with good. Everything that Hashem gives to us is because He wants to share of His good with us. Because of this, we owe a debt to Hashem that can never be repaid. This perspective should be a major driving force in our serving Hashem – prompting us to attempt as much as we can to pay back the astounding good that Hashem constantly bestows upon us.

83 Rabbi Dov Silver

Achieving Greatness Through Unity

here is an everlasting message that HaRav Yitzchok Hunter, z”tl said after every Yom Tov. Instead of saying that Yom Tov has passed, we should say that we have acquired another Yom Tov. We shouldn’t just travel through the year and anticipate Yom Tov and then it’s gone. Rather, we need to realize that every Yom Tov offers much spiritual wealth and gives us the opportunity to stop and reflect. In the same vein, Moed, the Hebrew word for Yom Tov, derives from “M” which means “from” and “od” which means “to where”. Moed is the time for us to reflect upon from where we are coming and to where we are going. It is time to take a moral and spiritual inventory. At Madraigos, once again, we observed Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur together with families and young adults alike where we had a wonderful opportunity to step back and reflect. Our participants from different backgrounds with different customs and different levels of religious observance all came together with a common goal: a desire to elevate themselves, grow spiritually and come closer to H-shem, each on his or her level. In fact, the overwhelmingly popular feedback from our participants was the same, “I was with so many different kinds of people, yet I felt so comfortable.” Some participants expressed the feeling that this type of setting was actually more conducive for them to connect to Hashem. They never experienced that level of spirituality before. Succos, which quickly followed, represents the time of year when we celebrate the harvest. On a personal level, we take a look at all of our hard work and see how much reserves we can set aside for future use. As our Rabbis explain, Succos comes in the autumn when it starts to get cold outside so we can show that despite our wealth, we are doing G-d’s will and not our own. To leave the comfort of our homes demonstrates that all of our work and effort is nothing without Hashem’s will Who allows everything to happen. As I took hold of my lulov and esrog only several weeks ago, I was reminded of a well- known chazal which called out to me because it related so

beautifully to our recent Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur programs. Chazal tell us that the four species, lulov, esrog, hadasim, and aravos, represent the different facets of klal Yisroel, from those who are extremely observant all the way to those who unfortunately do not observe Torah or mitzvohs at all. If we take a deeper look, the esrog has a smell and taste, representing those who have Torah and mitzvohs. The lulov only has taste, representing those who have Torah but not mitzvohs. The hadasim have a smell but no taste, representing those who

times, society highlights our differences which serve to divide us, rather than unite us. However, despite this pressure, we can strive to listen to the enduring teachings of our Gedolim who encourage us to reach a higher standard of compassion and tolerance. It is up to us to actively work on ourselves to reach this level. Acceptance is a skill that can be learned. The essential factor as to whether or not you will be an individual who genuinely accepts the differences in others is based on your attitudes toward life, toward yourself, and toward other people. It might re-

We are part of a much bigger entity. We are not complete without klal Yisroel in totality.

have mitzvohs but do not learn Torah. And, finally the aravos, which have neither taste nor smell, represent those who don’t learn Torah or do mitzvohs. We are instructed to take them in both hands and bless Hashem with this exalted mitzvah. If even one of the four species is missing, it will render the whole mitzvah invalid. So too, every part of klal Yisroel, comprised of individuals like all of us, is important, unique and special to Hashem. If one person or group is missing, we are all not complete. We find in this week’s parsha, parshas Lech Lecha, Avraham Avinu starts to build klal Yisroel. Each and every one of us comes from this beginning. We are part of a much bigger entity. We are not complete without klal Yisroel in totality. Unfortunately, our society doesn’t always live with this perspective. At

quire hard work, but it can be done. When that happens, with the help of

Hashem, we can better appreciate the beauty and serenity of achdus, unity. The Yomim Tovim help us see how far we have come. But, by the same token, it also helps us to understand how much more we have to accomplish. May we all remember the message of unity and acceptance as we journey through the winter so that we can be proud of who we are, individually and collectively. When we recognize that we have an obligation to live in unity with others despite our differences, then we can find the strength to develop a sincere acceptance and true love for them. In this way, we can elevate ourselves to greatness knowing that we are part of something spectacular and very precious to Hashem. May we all practice in our daily lives the lessons of the arba minim, uniting us and bringing us closer to Hashem. Wishing all of you an inspired winter. Rabbi Dov Silver is the Founder and Executive V.P. of Madraigos. Madraigos, a 501c-3 not-for-profit organization, offers a wide array of innovative services and programs geared towards helping teens and young adults overcome life’s everyday challenges one step at a time. Our goal is to provide all of our members with the necessary tools and skills to empower them to live a healthy and productive lifestyle and become the leaders of tomorrow.

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‫ שלא לאכל טרפה‬:‫מצוה עג‬

)‫ואילך‬

/ ‫ משפטים‬œ 58

‫י ַהּגְ ָמ ָרא (שם דף מ“ו ע“ב‬ ‫ִפי ַה ְּכלָ ל ָהעֹולֶ ה ְּביָ ֵדינּו ִמ ִּד ְב ֵר‬ ְ‫טֹור ִפין ל‬ ְ ‫ֵהן ַה ְּמקֹומֹות ֶשׁ ָה ִר ִירין‬ , ‫ְט ֵר ָפה וְ ֵאינָ ּה נִִנ ֶתּ ֶרת ִּב ְב ִד ָיקה‬ , ‫רּוכה‬ ָ ‫ּכל ָמקֹום ָּבעֹולָ ם ֶשׁ ָה ֻא ָּמה ְס‬ ָ , ‫ּטֹובים‬ ,‫יֹוצאת ִמ ְּמקֹום ַה ַּמ ָּכה‬ ִ ‫שׁים ַה‬ ‫רּושׁ‬ ִ ‫ִעם ַה ֵּפרּו‬ ֵ ‫ַמ ָּכה ַּבּד ֶֹפן וְ ַה ִּס ְר ָכא ֻּכּלָ ּה‬ ‫שׁ‬ ‫רּוכה לַ ּד ֶֹפן וְ ֵיֵישׁ‬ ָ ‫זּולָ ִתי ְּב ִענְ יָ ן ֶא ָחד ִאם ְס‬ TRANS 38

Chinuch explains the laws of sirchos pertaining to each type of lobe, beginning lobe): with the uma (caudal ‫טֹור ִפין‬ ְ ‫ּלּו ֵהן ַה ְּמקֹומֹות ֶשׁ ָה ִר ִירין‬ ‫ — וְ ֵא‬These are the places render the animal tereifah, where fibrous adhesion s found there ‫ּטֹובים‬ ִ ‫שׁים ַה‬ ‫רּושׁ‬ ִ ‫ינּו ִמ ִּד ְב ֵרי ַהּגְ ָמ ָרא ִעם ַה ֵּפרּו‬ ing to the rules we have ‫ — לְ ִפי ַה ְּכלָ ל ָהעֹולֶ ה ְּביָ ֵד‬accordarrived at from analyzing the words of the Gemara with the finest commen taries:[36] (46b ff.) together ‫רּוכה‬ ָ ‫ָמקֹום ָּבעֹולָ ם ֶשׁ ָה ֻא ָּמה ְס‬ ‫ — ָּכל‬If the uma is discovered soever within the chest to have cavity,[37] ‫ — ְט ֵר ָפה‬the animal is tereifah, adhered to any place whatit cannot be permitte ‫ — וְ ֵאינָ ּה נִ ֶתּ ֶרת ִּב ְב ִד ָיקה‬and d through examination and declared kosher,[38] cept in one case. ‫ — זּולָ ִתי ְּב ִענְ יָ ן ֶא ָחד‬ex‫רּוכה לַ ּד ֶֹפן‬ ָ ‫ — ִאם ְס‬The exception is the case where [the the wall of the chest cavity, uma] is adhered to ‫שׁ ַמ ָּכה ַּבּד ֶֹפן‬ ‫ — וְ ֵיֵישׁ‬and there is an injury ‫יֹוצאת ִמ ְּמקֹום ַה ַּמ ָּכה‬ ֵ ‫ — ֻּכּלָ ּה‬and the entire in that wall, ‫וְ ַה ִּס ְר ָכא‬ sircha (adhesion) stems from the area of the wound, NOTES

36. It should be noted that the laws of sirchos are among the most complex subjects in the entire field of halachah, and an enormous body of Rabbinic literature exists re regarding them. The notes in the following section are limited to explaining Chinuch’s view, and are far from a complete treatment of the subject matter. Moreover, one must bear in mind that Chinuch’s view is not always the one recognized as the final halachah by Shulchan Aruch and Rama. Hence, what follows should be viewed as an introduction to the subject of sirchos, not as halachically conclusive. © 2012, MPL. Reproduction prohibited. 37. E.g., the trachea, or 47a) refers to each of the another lobe of the lung, five cranial lobes as an ‫אּונָ א‬, una (earlike lobe), and or the fat surroundin to the intermediate lobe g as the heart, or the abdominal wall ‫יתא ְדוַ ְר ָּדא‬ ָ ִ‫ ִעינּונ‬, inunita d’varda (the (see Yoreh Deah 39:7 small roselike lobe) for additional [perhaps because of examples). its reddish color and floral shape]. In the Gemara we do not find any particular 38. As shall be explained in the following note, name for the main lobe; it sometimes is possible to perform however, in post-Talmu an examination to dic determine that a literature (and in Tikkunei sircha is not of the type Zohar §25) each of cause a perforation that would the main lower lobes is called an ‫אּומא‬ of the lung. When the ָ , uma (lit., the uma, sircha is on mother). it is generally assumed to be a problematic sircha, so there is no basis for examination.

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Seasons

Susan Schwamm

The Splendor of Autumn Some of My Favorite Things…

Falling Leaves

Hearing the crunch of the leaves as we walk down the street is a sound we associate with fall. Spend some family time in the fall raking the leaves. It’s a fun exercise and children love to play the part of the gardener. Have your children to pick out their five favorite leaves to bring inside. They can trace them and use them in projects at home.

Cold, Crisp Air

Although the temperature is dropping, the fall is still a wonderful time to spend outside. The air is fresh and bracing; a brisk walk is all you need to warm up! The days are still warm when spent in the sun and the air feels refreshing.

Bright Foliage

Autumnal colors have inspired many an artist. The brilliant yellows, deep reds, dark browns and burnt orange of the leaves are striking. Sometimes I am mesmerized when driving down the streets during these days; the hues are breathtaking. Take a drive upstate or on the Island to a state park. There the family can spend time together, walking, hiking and enjoying the scenery. As an added bonus, purchase disposable cameras for each of your children so that they can take their own photographs and design a collage with the shades of fall.

Soups, Stews, Savories

On a brisk fall day, the best thing to come home to is a soup simmering on the stove. Take advantage of the vegetables that are available during this time and make different soups throughout the season. Thick broths, soups and stews warm and fill your family’s bellies. Lentil

soup, vegetable soup, bean soup, minestrone soup—each one will delight your family. You can turn the soup-making into family time and ask children to help peel and chop vegetables. They’ll be glad to help, although asking them to clean up may not produce such positive results!

a sweater for Chanukah. The family pictures from those times are precious! As time went along, her brood grew bigger, and she now only knits baby blankets for her new great-grandchildren—what a precious present to gift the next generation!

Marshmallows, Mugs and Munchies

Maybe because it’s earlier in the day, or maybe because the colors are so vivid, but sunsets in the fall are mesmerizing. Generally, I find that the sunsets catch me winding down my day and give me the chance to experience a piece of serenity and beauty before my evening starts in earnest. Take a moment to watch a sunset in a special place. Perhaps visit the beach or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge around sunset; it’ll give you a different perspective on a natural light show.

And speaking of food, cold days always make me want to curl up on the couch with a book and a steaming cup of cocoa. Yes, I know, that sounds like something that is “made for movies,” but it is truly the most relaxing activity on a cold, wet day. Push some important things aside, make room on the couch, mix up a hot chocolate, add a few marshmallows and grab some munchies—it’s worth more than a massage!

Fireplaces

Nothing says fall like a roaring fire in the fireplace. After so many months of being outdoors, bring the party inside and host guests in front of the fire. Set out some games, a few snacks and drinks, and let the laughter and fun begin!

Sweaters

On cool, windy days, the best thing to warm your bones is a fuzzy, wool sweater. The thick fibers make you feel snug and cozy in your home. For those of you who are crafty, why not try your hand at a knitting class? The rhythmic click of knitting needles on a cold night is lulling and your children and grandchildren will appreciate the hats, gloves and sweaters you create. For many years, my grandmother would make each of her grandchildren

Watch the Sunsets

Apple Picking

Did you know that New York is the secondto-largest state in the United States to produce apples? Well, it is and fall is the best time to pick ‘em! This is a great activity for young and old—many orchards have “dwarf trees” which allow young children to pick their own fruit. After a day of picking, spend time in the kitchen peeling, chopping and apple-saucing… that is sure to be a delicious batch of fun!

Hiking

Nature is inspiring this time of year and the cool temperatures are optimal for a good hike. Take the family on a special, one-day trip and visit one of our state parks. There, all members can enjoy a spirited hike, a delicious picnic and plenty of time spent together.

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Yeshiva Darchei Torah

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Cover Story

Malky Lowinger

The Incredible Expansion of the Five Towns Community

“I

n the early 1960’s,” writes Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim at South Shore, “I was growing up in a home that bordered Woodmere and Cedarhurst, two of the Five Towns on the South Shore of Long Island. At that time, the community had probably just one oil Menorah. Ours.” The Rabbi’s father promised him that things would change. But could he ever have dreamed of the extent of that transformation? Fast forward to 2012, and this area is bursting at the seams and continuing to grow both in the physical and spiritual sense with thousands of families, close to thirty shuls, a wide variety of Yeshivas, and a tremendous network of chesed and tzedaka organizations. Torah classes, shiurim, kollelim, and kosher food establishments are flourishing. It’s change that makes those who live here proud...and makes home prices more expensive. The growth of the Five Towns has been slow and steady for several decades. But over the past ten years or so, it has exploded. Families have discovered that this community offers the best of all worlds – a vast infrastructure of Torah institutions and conveniences located within an aesthetically pleasing suburban setting with close proximity to the city. Thus have the upwardly mobile Orthodox community discovered that they could live in a large well-kept home surrounded by a front lawn and backyard while still being able to take the train to work and walk to shul on Shabbos. It’s a combination that is unique to this area and appeals to frum families from all across the spectrum. Despite its diversity and its size, the Five Towns area has maintained its small town feeling to a certain degree. There’s a feeling of caring that is felt in this area that is unique. Lori Schlesinger is a real estate

agent who’s been living here for 22 years. “There’s a cohesiveness,” she says, “and a sense of community. People help each other and care for each other, especially when someone is in need.” Growing Pains Growth doesn’t come without growing pains. Sarah (not her real name) is renting an apartment in Lawrence, but is eager to purchase a home of her own. “My parents live here,” she points out, “and so does my sister. So I really want to stay in the area.” But Sarah says

“The Five Towns has become one of the most convenient places to live. Everything is here. Nobody’s moving out and everybody wants to move in.”

that the average home in the neighborhood she would like to live in costs close to a million dollars. “I’m looking,” she says. “But we just can’t afford it.” She is frustrated, and even a little resentful of the many young families who are buying up houses in the area even before she has a chance to see them and offer

a price. “When a house goes on the market,” she says, “everyone pounces on it. So the prices are rising and you’re not getting the same value for a house as you were getting years ago.” She has been priced out of the market and finds that her only option is to consider buying a home in one of the newly developing areas. After a few months of searching, she finally found the perfect home in North Woodmere. “I could still walk to my family, although it’s a long walk,” she says. “And we’re still within the eruv.” Anessa Cohn is a real estate broker and she agrees that the area has become expensive in recent years due to the influx of young families. “The Five Towns,” she comments, “has become one of the most convenient places to live. Everything is here. Shopping, tons of restaurants, loads of yeshivas - everything is geared towards the frum community.” She looks back over the years and remarks that “over the last ten years it’s completely exploded. The families who moved in years ago are now in their forties and fifties. The next generation is coming back to live here and they’re bringing their friends. Nobody’s moving out and everybody wants to move in.” Home prices vary greatly according to neighborhood, but the Five Towns is still considered one of the priciest areas around New York. According to 2010 Census statistics, in Woodmere alone, the median value of a house has doubled to about $640,000. In Hewlett, it rose from $269,000 to close to $491,000. And in Lawrence, the median value is listed as $877,000, way above the national average. Inevitably, potential buyers are frustrated and disappointed. “People come with preconceived ideas,” says Anesa, “and many times they get disappointed. They

Weinberger, “is that they are all bnei Torah and mevakshei Torah. Sincere families who are looking to raise their children in a healthy atmosphere.”

Thinking Out of the Box The solution for some young families is to think out of the box, or at least out of the central area. The neighborhoods of Inwood and North Woodmere are being seriously considered by those who are willing to take the plunge. Pioneering can be tremendously rewarding. There’s a sense of cohesiveness and unity between the families that is impossible to achieve in a big-town setting. Still, Anessa cautions that those who want to move out of the central area should proceed with caution. “It’s not for everyone,” she observes. “And many families who go there are coming with friends or they already have friends in the area. It’s a little bit like living out of town.” But the growth of Inwood is remarkable. “The growth of the Inwood Jewish Community has been unbelievable. When I moved to Inwood as the second frum Jew there, I never would’ve believed that there would be over forty frum families and a shul and a yeshiva,” says Scott Miller of Inwood. Although Inwood is a viable alternative to some of the more expensive surrounding neighborhoods, the prices reflect the tremendous demand for housing in the entire Five Towns area. “Despite housing prices having dropped, the Inwood market had only a slight drop and has since rebounded,” Pinny Ackerman, an Inwood resident and vice president of the Inwood Civic Association comments. “This is due to the tremendous demand from frum families looking to settle here and the local residents being aware of that desire.” Baruch and Lani moved to Inwood in 2009 and haven’t looked back since. “At the time,” says Baruch, “there were less than ten families here. Now there are about forty.” Inwood may not be considered the center of town but it is located at the crossroads between Lawrence, Cedarhurst and Far Rockaway, and—depending on where you live—can be just a few minutes’ walking distance. The Far Rockaway eruv extends to Inwood through Lawrence and parts of Cedarhurst. Lani cautions those who are interested in moving here to get to know the area first. “It’s a big area with many residential homes,” she says. “But the frum community has only settled in certain sections to date.” As the community continues to expand, that will change as well. Of course, they maintain excellent relations with their non-Jewish neighbors who, in turn, respect their traditions. “After they read the weekend paper,” says Lani, “they stop to drop off a copy at our home so we can have it for Shabbos.” Rabbi Pinchas Weinberger is Rov of Congregation Bais Tefilla of Inwood and he says there’s a real sense of a kehilla. “There’s tremendous achdus here,” he says. “People really look out for each other with the shul at the center of the community. If there is one common denominator to those who live here,” says Rabbi

North Woodmere In North Woodmere, Rabbi Ari Liebowitz says the Orthodox community has been a steady presence for several decades. The Young Israel of North Woodmere, he says, under the leadership of Rabbi Yehuda Septimus, is a well-established institution. Congregation Ohr Torah has been open for close to sixty years. It was originally under the leadership of Rabbi Jungreis, and today led by Rabbi Mordechai Shapiro. Rabbi Liebowitz himself opened the Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere about eight years ago with twelve families. Today, it has grown to 75 families. Rabbi Shmuel Witkin, who recently moved to the area, has opened a shul as well.

According to 2010 Census statistics, in Woodmere alone, the median value of a house has doubled to about $640,000. In Hewlett, it rose from $269,000 to close to $491,000. And in Lawrence, the median value is listed as $877,000, way above the national average.

According to Rabbi Liebowitz, “Homes here are more reasonably priced than other areas, plus it’s aesthetically beautiful. We offer all the conveniences of the Five Towns plus North Woodmere Park, which is a real draw. In this neighborhood, you don’t just belong to a shul. You belong to a community.” “When we moved here from Far Rockaway I was worried that my kids would feel alienated from their friends since they no longer live within walking distance,” says Shoshana Klein, “but everyday more and more of my kids’ friends are moving out here. This is great for my kids’ self-esteem—they think that everyone just wants to live near them.” Although North Woodmere is quickly becoming a destination for Far Rockaway-type families who are priced out of the market, those families seem to genuinely enjoy living in a diverse neighborhood like North Woodmere. “When we moved here, I was so excited to get to know my neighbor who is a secular Israeli; he seemed to nice and reminded me of people I met while in Yeshiva in Israel,” says Dovy, Shoshana’s husband, “now, he comes over for kiddush on Shabbos, and we raid my wife’s chulent together.” Milky Forst, a real estate broker in the Five Towns, says that many families are moving to North Woodmere. “It has taken on a whole new dimension. There

is an influx of young couples from many different areas moving into the neighborhood and building a new community. The neighborhood is aesthetically pleasing and has a lot to offer with parks, shopping and shuls and is just minutes from Cedarhurst and Woodmere.” Talking Taxes With all these wonderful options, why are homebuyers so frustrated? “The big issue,” says Lori frankly, “is the taxes. In Brooklyn, people pay maybe twelve hundred or two thousand in taxes on their homes. Here, it’s eight to twelve. That’s a tremendous difference, especially for those who are not accustomed to this.” This, says Lori, is why the Hewlett area remains prohibitively expensive. “The taxes there are much higher,” she speculates, “mostly because it’s considered a better school district. But the Orthodox buyers are not sending their children to public schools so they have no incentive to pay the extra taxes.” We’ve Come a Long Way Nobody can predict what the future will bring for the Five Towns community, but one thing is clear. As long as the availability of housing in the area cannot keep up with the demand, young families will have no choice but to consider moving out of the immediate neighborhood. Those who are well informed and realistic about their options will have an easier time making compromises and finding the home that’s right for them. Those who aren’t, will be setting themselves up for disappointment. Lori will often sit with young couples discuss their hashkafos with them before they start the house-hunting process. “I ask them a few questions,” she says, “and they tell me whether they are a Young Israel-type family, whether they are interested in a small shtiebel, or maybe they want to daven by Rabbi Moshe Weinberger’s Aish Kodesh shul in Woodmere.” Lori feels it’s important to be near a shul that one feels comfortable with. Plenty of shuls, plenty of options. While acknowledging the difficulty of finding affordable housing, it’s also important to pay tribute to those early pioneers who recognized the potential for this community to flourish. Rabbi Kamenetzky, who is something of a historian of this area, keeps a small notice that he clipped out of the local newspaper. The notice is dated Thursday, June 21, 1956, just 56 years ago. Here’s what it says: “A new Jewish Congregation, Eitz Chaim, (today it’s the Young Israel of Woodmere – Ed.) will hold services this Saturday morning under the direction of Rabbi Benjamin Kamenetzky. The temporary Temple is a store located at 732 West Broadway. Eitz Chaim is composed at present of about forty families…The new Congregation is in the midst of registration for the Hebrew School which it intends to open.” Yes, we’ve certainly come a long way.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

keep hearing about the recession and that the prices are dropping. But the prices are not dropping at all, certainly not to the extent of what they are in other areas.”

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Notable

Quotes

Compiled by Nate Davis

“Say What?” “A new Gallup poll shows that Mitt Romney now has a 7 point lead on President Obama. That’s right, Romney leads by 7 points among people who still answer landline calls from a blocked number.” –Seth Meyers “If four Americans get killed, it’s not optimal.” - President Obama discussing the Benghazi attack on the Daily Show with John Stewart “Yesterday Mitt Romney’s son Tagg said that during the debate he wanted to punch President Obama for calling his father a liar. He also wants to punch his father for giving him the name Tagg.” –Conan O’Brien

“Ross Perot has endorsed Mitt Romney. This could help Romney get the vote of people you forgot were still alive.” –Conan O’Brien “I do think that this is going to be a very close race, and we’ve said that consistently. We feel good about where we are. We feel we’re even or ahead in these battleground states. It’s very robust, and it’s very favorable to us. And we think that’s a better indicator than these public polls which are frankly all over the map.” - Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod on October 21st “Amen” - Egyptian president Morsi’s response to a cleric’s prayer that “Allah should destroy the Jews and their supporters”

“[Google] could disappear in five to eight years and disappear in the sense that Yahoo used to be the king of search. Now, for all intents and purposes, Yahoo has disappeared.” -Eric Jackson, Ironfire capital founder and managing member, on CNBC after Google reported lower than expected earnings

“This business about the, you know, the Libya consulate has been like the October mirage—it really isn’t an issue.” - Joe Klein of Time magazine, discussing the incident which killed for Americans

“Lance Armstrong was stripped of all seven of his Tour de France titles. Everyone here should be proud. Congratulations. You’ve all won the exact same number of Tour de France championships as Lance Armstrong.” - Craig Ferguson

“Polling across the country shows the presidential race is now neck-and-neck. It’s an even tie between not Barack Obama and not Mitt Romney.” –Conan O’Brien

“Democrats and Republicans are interesting because Republicans really laugh at themselves more. Like when Bush came on, it was, ‘We want to do a skit, we’re kind of making fun of’—‘Yeah, go ahead!’...Former Vice President Al Gore wasn’t quite as easy going on camera as former President Bush. We went up to Al Gore, ‘Can we do this skit?’ — ‘Hang on.’ And there was this focus group, and then media people came in: ‘Where will Al be sitting? Will Al have the punchline?’” - Jay Leno on Meet the Press “I would say on the economic conditions, how is the economy doing, no better than a C. “ -Former Obama Economic Adviser Austan Goolsbee, when asked by Sean Hannity how he would grade President Obama on the economy

“Keep in mind: The whole upper tier of Ohio state government is in the hands of the GOP now. In very close voting, they have the power to influence what votes are counted and how.” -Former CBS anchorman Dan Rather in a Facebook posting “Well, first of all, I think that the way that binders of women blew up was indicative that women don’t trust something about Romney and his position on women. It’s—it’s first of all, it’s—why does he need binders of women? He’s been out in the—you know, 25 years in the private sector as—as a governor, I mean, as—as a candidate for governor, before that as a businessman, before that as— during that time at the Salt Lake City Olympics, why didn’t he come with a network of women,

right? So he doesn’t have any relationships with women, which just makes women suspicious. ” - Dee Dee Myers, former White House press secretary for President Clinton “So far for Halloween, sales of Obama masks are 30 percent higher than the sales of Mitt Romney masks. That makes sense. I mean, what’s scarier than four more years of this economy?” - Jay Leno “We know that Pakistan has arrested the doctor who helped us catch Obama bin Laden.” - Moderator Bob Schieffer at the third presidential debate “I don’t want to lose this election...Not because of what losing would mean for me—Michelle and I will be fine no matter what happens.” - President Obama, on the campaign trail with 13 days to go until the election “The final presidential debate was held tonight in Boca Raton, Florida, and was moderated by 75-year-old Bob Schieffer from CBS News. That’s right, 75 years old — or as Florida residents call that, ‘a tween.’” - Jimmy Fallon “I think they hate Obama. They want him out of the White House more than they want to destroy Al Qaeda. Their No. 1 enemy in the world right now, on the right, is their hatred, hatred for Obama. And we can go into that about the white working class in the South and looking at these numbers we’re getting the last couple days about racial hatred in many cases … this isn’t about being a better president, they want to get rid of this president.” - MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, after the third debate “Obama, I built this business working 7 days a week, you didn’t.” - Sign Illinois shop owner Sam Wolfson put in his storefront window “Racist.” - What vandals wrote on graffiti on Sam Wolfson’s storefront

that it’s like becoming Bill Gates without liking computers.” - Neera Tanden, a former aide to both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama “Latest polls among registered voters show six percent are undecided. Pick one, come on! Those are the guys you see in the BaskinRobbins asking for free samples.” - David Letterman

“I want something big...very, very, very big, that will shake the whole country.” - Quazi Mohammad Rezwanhs Ashan Nafis, the terror suspect who attempted to blow up New York’s Federal Reserve “The Obama campaign is releasing a new ad showing Americans whose financial situation has improved over the past four years.

Unfortunately, the only person who appears in the ad is Mitt Romney.” –Conan O’Brien “How long can a government with a $16 trillion foreign debt remain a world power?” - Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Roasts & Toasts At The Al Smith Dinner President Obama’s Top 10 Lines

where there was a slight improvement in the numbers. He knows how to seize the moment, this President. He already has a compelling new campaign slogan. You are better off now than you were four weeks ago.”

“Thank you. Everyone, please take your seats. Otherwise Clint Eastwood will yell at them.” “Tonight, I am here with a man whose father was a popular governor and who knows what it’s like to run a major northeastern state and who could very well be president someday, and I’m hoping it is Andrew Cuomo.” “This is the third time that Governor Romney and I have met recently. As some of you may have noticed, I had a lot more energy in our second debate. I felt really well-rested after the nice long nap I had in the first debate.” “Although it turns out millions of Americans focused in on the second debate who didn’t focus in on the first debate, and I happen to be one of them.” “This is my last political campaign. So I’m trying to drink it all in. Unfortunately, Mayor Bloomberg will only let me have 16 ounces.” “Earlier today, I went shopping at some stores in midtown. I understand Governor Romney went shopping for some stores in midtown.” “I went to school here in New York, had a wonderful experience here. We used to love walking through Central Park, loved to go to old Yankee Stadium, the house that Ruth built, although he really did not build that.” “Of course, the economy is on everybody’s minds. The unemployment rate is at its lowest level since I took office. I don’t have a joke here. I just thought it’d be useful to remind

everybody...That the employment rate is at the lowest it’s been since I took office.” “Monday’s debate is a little bit different because the topic is foreign policy. Spoiler alert. We got bin Laden.” “Of course, world affairs are a challenge for every candidate. After some of you guys remember, after my foreign trip in 2008, I was attacked as a celebrity because I was so popular with our allies overseas. And I have to say I’m impressed with how well Governor Romney has avoided that problem.”

Mitt Romney’s Top 10 Lines “I was actually hoping the president would bring Joe Biden along this evening because he’ll laugh at anything.” “Usually when I get invited to gatherings like this, it’s just to be the designated driver.” “As President Obama surveys the Waldorf banquet room with everyone in white tie and finery, you have to wonder what he is thinking. So little time, so much to redistribute.” “And don’t be surprised if the President mentions this evening the monthly jobs report

“Campaigns can be grueling, exhausting. President Obama and I are each very lucky to have one person who is always in our corner, someone who we can lean on and someone who is a comforting presence without whom we wouldn’t be able to go another day. I have my beautiful wife, Ann. He has Bill Clinton.” “From now on, whenever [Biden] appears on TV, there is a recording of me afterwards that says, I’m Mitt Romney and I approve this message.” “Now I never suggest that the press is biased. I recognize they have their job to do and I have my job to do. My job is to lay out a positive vision for the future of the country. And their job is to make sure no one else finds out about it.” “Let’s just say that some in the media have a certain way of looking at things. When suddenly I pulled ahead in some of the major polls, what was the headline? Polls show Obama leading from behind.” “And I have already seen early reports from tonight’s dinner. Headline, Obama embraced by Catholics. Romney dines with rich people.” “In the spirit of ‘Sesame Street,’ the President’s remarks tonight are brought to you by the letter O and the number 16 trillion.”

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

“Clinton, being Clinton, had plenty of advice in mind and was desperate to impart it. But for the first two years of Obama’s term, the phone calls Clinton kept expecting rarely came…People say the reason Obama wouldn’t call Clinton is because he doesn’t like him. The truth is, Obama doesn’t call anyone, and he’s not close to almost anyone. It’s stunning that he’s in politics, because he really doesn’t like people. My analogy is

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

Jewish Thought Dina Coopersmith

Our Mama Rachel

What is so special about Rachel that we commemorate her death more than any of the other matriarchs and patriarchs? have of her sister, Leah: “And Leah’s eyes were weak.” The name “Leah” means “tired” or “weary” in Hebrew. The Talmud tells us

The 11th of Cheshvan marks the yahrzeit of our matriarch, Rachel. By learning more about who Rachel was, perhaps we can reach an understanding of why Jews make a point of commemorating her death more than any of the other matriarchs and patriarchs.

Rachel was incapable of tolerating the thought that her sister would be humiliated.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS We first meet Rachel in Bereishis, Ch. 29, when she is outside tending her father’s sheep. In fact, her name “Rachel” means “a small sheep” in Hebrew. She seems to have a connection with this domestic animal of the fields. At the same time, the text mentions her physical appearance: “And Rachel was beautiful of appearance and beautiful of form.” These facts gain significance when compared to the impression we

that Leah’s eyes were soft and weakened by her incessant crying over the assumed destiny that she would marry the evil Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. Rachel seems to be at home in the outside world, beautiful to those who see her, realistic and adjustable, and taking part in the family’s chores and livelihood. Leah, on the other hand, seems to have a darker, more complex personal-

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ity. Her eyes, which represent “the window to the soul,” bespeak a rare repudiation of her destiny, a weariness borne from her struggle to avoid the evil in the

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world at all costs. Rachel, we might say, represents this world – the revealed aspects of this world and its inhabitants – whereas Leah may symbolize a hidden world – one that is not meant to behold the crude realities of this world, one that is revolted and disgusted by all that was represented by Esau. A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN Yaakov immediately loved Rachel. Although it might seem that it was her external beauty to which he was immediately attracted, we may assume that our third and most complete patriarch saw more than that when he “loved her.” The following quote from the Talmud tells us Rachel’s most outstanding trait which must have given Jacob the green light to say “this one’s for me”: Jacob asked Rachel: “Will you marry me?” She said: “Yes, but you should know that my father’s a trickster and he will outwit you.” “And what is his trickery?” “I have a sister older than I and he will try to marry her off first.” So he gave her signs (signals by which he would ensure the bride was Rachel). Come the night of the wedding and Rachel saw Leah being led to the chuppah. She thought: Now my sister will be humiliated? And she gave over the signs. (Talmud Megilla 13b) By giving over these “signs,” Rachel was basically allowing her sister, Leah, to marry Jacob instead of her. As far as Rachel knew, she may never wed Jacob at all. Indeed, even though she eventually did become a wife to Jacob, sharing him and her future with her older sister

was not always a picnic! What drove Rachel to make such a selfless decision? Total, all-encompassing compassion. Rachel was incapable of tolerating the thought that her sister would be humiliated, and was driven to prevent it even if it meant forsaking her own love and destiny. Rachel was to be the perfect match for Jacob. According to traditional and Kabbalistic sources, each of the patriarchs embody a primary trait that created the foundation of the Jewish people. Abraham, the first patriarch, is known for his chessed, lovingkindness, whereas Isaac is known for the opposite trait of gevura, self-restraint. Jacob’s main character trait is emmes, truth. Jacob is the composite whole, the one who combines the essence of both extremes that were embodied by his father and grandfather. Thus he represents the trait of truth which is a composite of the whole picture. As such, Jacob’s mission is to find whatever truth the world has to offer and integrate it. It is Jacob who lives in a physical world and finds the holiness

within it, even in exile, thereby sanctifying the world and using it for its true purpose. It is Jacob who transmits this ability to “gather the sparks” of truth in the world to the spiritual genes of the Jewish people. This being his mission, he saw two components which were essential for their shared life and destiny. On the one hand, Rachel seemed easily adjustable to the physical world, beautiful of form and appearance, thus relatable and approachable to the world as well.

Next came Isaac and said: “When my father said: ‘G-d will show us the sheep for a sacrifice, my son,” I did not hesitate and accepted my fate and even extended my neck to be slaughtered.

Compassion enables one to see past himself and into someone else’s reality with acceptance, without judgment or resistance. Compassion enables one to see past himself, beyond his own selfish subjectivity and into someone else’s reality, with acceptance, without judgment or resistance. Thus Rachel is the perfect woman with whom Jacob could forge through life, finding the whole picture, the emmes in the world – using the positive elements available in the person or situation in order to enhance his understanding of the truth. Together they would join to contribute the spiritual genes to us, the Jewish nation, from which we would obtain the ability to withstand the few thousand years of exile and gain a more full understanding of reality and truth therefrom. “G-D IS YOUR SHADOW” When Rachel died, Jacob buried her “on the way to Beit Lechem.” Later, when explaining the choice of burial to their son, Joseph, he clarifies that this particular place was a very strategic spot for the quintessential “Jewish mother” – the boundless source of undeserving mercy and compassion. I didn’t even take her into Beit Lechem itself which was in the land, and I know that you feel badly about this. But know that G-d told me to do this, so that she will be a help to her children. When Nevuzaradan, the King of Babylonia, will exile them and they will pass by her grave, Rachel will come out and cry, and beg G-d for mercy. G-d, in turn, will answer and respond to her: ‘There is reward for your actions, so says the L-rd, and your children will return to their borders.’ (Rashi, Genesis 48:8) Only Rachel, who alone exhibited true mercy and selfless devotion to another, can demand and receive similar compassion from the Almighty: When the Temple was destroyed and the Jews were being led into exile, Abraham came before God and said: “Master of the universe, when I was 100 years old you gave me a son and when he was 37 years old you told me: ‘Raise him as a sacrifice before Me.’ And I was able to overcome my natural mercy and even tied him down myself. Will You not remember my devotion and have mercy on my children?

Will You not remember my strength and have mercy on my children?” Next came Jacob and said: “I worked for 20 years in the house of Laban and when I left, Esau came to harm me and I suffered all my life raising my children. Now they are being led like sheep to the slaughter in the hands of their enemies? Won’t you remember all my pain and suffering and redeem my children?” Next came Moses and said: “Wasn’t I a loyal shepherd for Israel for 40 years? And I ran before them in the desert like a horse. And when the time came to enter Israel, You decreed that I would die in the desert. And now they go into exile – won’t You listen to my crying over them?” At that point Rachel, our matriarch, came before G-d and said: “Master of the universe, You know that Jacob loved me most and worked for my father for seven years in order to wed me. And when the time of my marriage came, my father switched my sister for me and I didn’t begrudge my sister and I didn’t let her be shamed. If I, who am only human, was not will-

ing to humiliate my sister to get what I wanted, how could You – the eternal, living, compassionate G-d – envy idolworship which has no true existence and cause my children to be exiled?!” Immediately, G-d’s mercy was awakened and He said: “For you, Rachel, I will bring Israel back to its place, as it is said: ‘...Do not cry and let your eyes not tear, for there is reward for your actions ... and there is hope for your end, and your children will return to their borders.’” (Introduction to Midrash on Lamentations) On the 11th of Cheshvan, the anniversary of Rachel’s death, we commemorate and try to learn from the

intense compassion a human being can express towards another. A compassion that allows for the development of a true, objective perspective on life by seeing the positive sparks of holiness inherent in humanity and in the world. A compassion that does not question the deservedness of the recipient to receive mercy, but rather emulates G-d’s boundless mercy, thus allowing G-d to respond in kind, showering us with compassion and ultimate redemption. Reprinted with permission from aish. com.

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More importantly, Jacob must have seen her tremendous compassion, perhaps through her treatment of the sheep in her care or through her relationships with the people around her.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

In the Kitchen The Perfect Pear Poached Pears

Grilled Pear Salad

You can poach the pears in halves (cored) or whole. Note that the poaching time will be longer if the pears are in larger pieces than quarters. The best way to test if the pears are done is by poking one with a paring knife; if it meets no resistance, it’s done. You can serve these pears alongside a favorite cake, like a chocolate cake or a simple sponge cake.

This salad is dairy and is served best with a hearty soup and a crusty bread. Perhaps this can be your “go-to” dish for a quick, easy dinner on a cold night.

Ingredients 1 quart water 1 1/3 cup sugar 4 Bosc pears; peeled, cored, and quartered Additions: One cinnamon stick, 2 teaspoons whole cloves, black peppercorns or allspice berries, one lemon half, one split vanilla bean, 2-3 star anise, 6-8 fresh ginger slices Directions In a large saucepan, heat the water and sugar until warm and the sugar is dissolved. Add any of the additions that you wish. Slide in the pears and cover with a round of parchment paper, with a small hole cut in the center. Keep the liquid at a very low boil and simmer the pears until cooked through, 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the pears. Remove from heat and let the pears cool in their liquid. Optional: After poaching the pears, while the liquid is still warm, add approximately 1/2 cup dried sour cherries, cranberries, raisins, or dried currants and let them plump. Serving Suggestions: Serve the pears warm or at room temperature. Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some dark chocolate sauce, a spoonful of whipped cream, fresh raspberries, or alongside a wedge of spice cake or chocolate cake.

Ingredients 3 firm ripe Bartlett pears, cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 (10-oz.) jar seedless raspberry preserves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1 garlic clove, pressed 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/3 cup canola oil mixed salad greens 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 2 cups fresh raspberries 3/4 cup honey-roasted cashews 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese Directions Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Grill pear wedges, covered with grill lid, 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Whisk together red wine vinegar and next 5 ingredients in a small bowl; add canola oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Combine salad greens, next 4 ingredients, and pears in a large bowl. Drizzle with desired amount of vinaigrette, and toss to combine. Serve immediately with remaining vinaigrette.

Easy-as-Pie Spiced Pear Pie Ingredients Frozen pastry for 2-crust pie 5 peeled, sliced fresh pears 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons margarine cut in small pieces

butter,

Directions Line a 9-inch pie plate with pastry. Add the

sliced pears. Combine sugar, flour, lemon peel, and seasonings; sprinkle over the pears. Drizzle with the lemon juice then dot with the butter. Make a lattice top; flute edges. Cover edge of pie with a strip of foil. Bake at 425° for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake about 10 minutes longer. *To make a lattice top crust, cut rolled out dough into 1/2-inch-wide strips. Arrange 5 to 6 dough strips across top of filling. Form the lattice by arranging more dough strips at right angle to first set of dough strips, weaving the strips if you wish. Trim dough strips even with the overhang on bottom crust. Tuck ends of dough strips and overhang under; press to seal, then crimp the edges.

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Health & Fitness Aliza Beer

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Live Better, Live Longer

WE EE GUARANOTRE 30% M THAN ANYONE ELSE!

here are many health benefits of the Omega-3 fatty acids. To understand their benefits, we must first explain what they are exactly. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. We need them for our bodies to work normally, and because they are not made in our bodies, we need to get them from our diet. Omega-3 fatty acids consist of the ALA, DHA, and EPA fatty acids. The EPA and DHA are the two crucial ones experts say have better established health benefits than ALA, and are found primarily in certain fish. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Benefits Triglycerides. Fish oil/fish oil supplements can cut the level of triglycerides in your blood. Having high levels of triglycerides is a risk factor for heart disease. Cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to lower the overall risk of death from heart disease. They help reduce arrhythmias. Eating fish twice a week significantly lowers the risk of a stroke. Rheumatoid Arthritis. A number of studies found that fish oil helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. Fish oil supplements also boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs. Depression. Researchers have found that cultures that consume foods with high levels of omega-3s have lower levels of depression. Fish oil also seems to boost the effects of anti-depressants, and helps reduce the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder. Prenatal health. Studies show that EPA and DHA supplementation during pregnancy helps boost the health of both mother and the developing child. DHA seems to be important in the visual and neurological development in infants. ADHD. Some studies show that fish oil can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in some children and improve their cognitive function. More research is needed in this area, and should not be used as the primary treatment for this disorder. Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Pre-

liminary research suggests that omega3s might help protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia. Again, more research needs to be done in this area. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Food Sources and Supplements The ideal is to try to get omega-3 fatty acids from food rather than supplements. Salmon, sardines, and tuna are fish high in DHA and EPA. Many experts recommend eating these fish two to three times a week. Good food sources for ALA include walnuts, flax and flaxseed oil, canola oil, olive oil, and soybean oil. These foods are very high in calories so eat them in moderation. If you are interested in supplementation, discuss it first with your doctor. Experts usually recommend 1 gram of fish oil a day for patients with heart disease. The most common side effect from supplementation is indigestion and gas. Taking a supplement with an enteric coating and taking it with meals will help reduce these symptoms. High doses of fish oil can increase risk of bleeding. People with bleeding conditions or on blood thinners should talk to their doctor before using any omega-3 supplementation. For those of us not pregnant, nursing, or allergic to fish, it is important to incorporate fish into our diets. If you cannot eat or dislike eating fish, then supplementation is something that needs to be discussed with your doctor, and not to be self-administered. The healthiest diet is one with a variety of foods, since we derive different nutrients from different kinds of food. If one eliminates a whole category of food, supplementation might be deemed necessary. Aliza Beer is a registered dietician with a Master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz Show. Aliza’s new line of prepared, healthy meals-to-go are available at Gourmet Glatt. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn

That’s Fine in Theory, Dr. Deb, But…

he caller had that dull tone in her voice that comes from having gotten to the end of her rope. “My marriage is at the end. Basically, it’s over,” she explained, “because I can’t take another day of the way I’m being treated. We are strangers. And I’ve told him over and over what needs to change and it is not happening.” “I understand,” I said. “Why did you call me, then?” “Well,” the caller sighed. We have children. I – I could never forgive myself if I didn’t at least say I tried everything.” “You know,” I replied, “I could see you for a time or two to see if there really is hope, but, honestly, if you don’t re-commit to the idea of your marriage before you come in, it will be wasted effort.” Now it was my caller’s turn to put me on the spot. “Why should I?” she asked. “So it should come crashing down all over again? Get my hopes up and then – splat! Down they go!” “You’re right,” I said, nodding although she couldn’t see that. “You don’t want to be emotionally vulnerable and then get hurt; you don’t want to pile disappointment upon disappointment, and I understand that. But a lot of times, there really is hope. That’s what my specialty is: putting marriages back on track that were on the brink of divorce. I don’t advocate divorce no matter how many ‘experts’ have told you it’s the way to go. “You can go look at my blog for all the reasons why even divorce attorneys don’t recommend it. A lot of times it makes things much, much worse, but that’s a story for another day. What I want you to understand is that by showing your husband that I understand his position and that I want to help him get his needs met, very often we can really turn the marriage around—he’ll treat you much better and your needs will get met.” “That’s fine in theory, Dr. Deb,” the woman said politely, “but you have not met my husband.” Why do they all say that? Why do people think their own situation is unique? Yes, there are a few couples whose marriages are beyond hope: peo-

ple who won’t stop drinking, drugging, or engaging in criminal or reckless activity. But those are very few cases, indeed. The majority of terrible points in a marriage come from each person feeling hurt, abandoned, attacked, or otherwise mistreated by their partner, who, in turn, feels hurt, abandoned, attacked or otherwise mistreated by the other person. Sometimes there is real and actual

ing, listening is often a really great solution. But it has to be real listening. Not pretend listening while you think up what you wanted to say. Mrs. Anonymous came in with her husband. Listening didn’t work for the Mrs. She would try, she told me. She would say, with the utmost kindness in her tone, “What’s the matter?” And he would say (can you guess?) “Nothing.” Of course. That is the Laconic

Create in yourself compassion and readiness to hear your spouse’s “side.”

abuse going on. Sometimes, the person who feels this badly treated is misunderstanding the meaning or intention of what is being said or done to him or her. The nicest people come to me. Universally, without exception, most people are good and they mean well. They either don’t always act that way at home, or they’re believed to be acting wrongly when they never intended to. People think that the solution is “communication.” Unfortunately, hurt people tend to tune one another out. Or they think they must “win” an argument and are therefore busy preparing what they want to say instead of listening. So “communication” of your own “side,” needs, and wants is not generally the best answer. Explaining again and again what’s bothering you turns into nagging and no one listens to that. However, instead of communicat-

Man’s answer. Invariably, I suggest for the second session that the husband would come in alone, and wouldn’t you know it? – In that session, he can’t stop talking. He spills out his heart and he’s full of pain. What just happened? I listened. With no agenda. Mrs. Anonymous, I totally understand that your husband would be unfair to think you have an agenda when you don’t. Or sometimes you don’t. You are a good, kind, caring person. When you want to hear what the matter is from his side, you really are sincere. The problem is that he doesn’t believe it. After all, in marriages, it’s perfectly normal for each person to have an agenda. So if you don’t have one this time, it’s understandable if he doesn’t believe it. So now we get closer to resolving the problem. It’s not really about “com-

munication,” it’s about convincing your spouse that you can listen without an agenda even if sometimes you have had one. Doing this takes three steps: • First, you have to create some way to meet your own unmet needs. That is, if you’re going to approach your partner agenda-free, you need to take care of yourself so that you really are agendafree. Take a walk, listen to music, write a poem, or ask Hashem to be your witness. Do whatever it takes and do not go over and over in your mind how badly you were treated. You need to either let it go completely or put it on a shelf to take out another day. • Create in yourself compassion and readiness to hear your spouse’s “side.” To do this, see the vulnerability in this person and zero in on it. Be prepared for surprises, too. Something completely innocent that you did could be bothering him or her. • Let your spouse know that you really want to hear his or her side and that you are completely agenda-free. Prove it by not bringing up anything of your own today. It will wait for another day. Then listen. Really listen. Oh, yeah, there is a fourth step. You have to be emotionally ready to act on what you’ve heard. If your spouse feels something you’re doing is amiss, honesty demands that you are prepared to make a change. So what about your needs? When do they get met? The answer is: Later. Not “never,” just later. Someone has to get the ball rolling and since you’re reading this article, it’s got to be you. Later, when things are going well and you’ve made the change that your spouse wanted, you can bring up your need. That’s only fair.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn has had over 35 years clinical experience. She has been in numerous publications, both professional and for the public, and has appeared on TV and has been featured on radio. She practices Marriage-Friendly Therapy. She has a local practice in Woodmere, N.Y. See her website, http://drdeb.com, or call her at 646-54-DRDEB.

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Social Smarts Rifka Schonfeld

Hating to Lose Q: For as long as I remember, my son gets upset when we play a game together and I win. From Candy Land to chess, my son has tons of trouble losing – sometimes he even refuses to play if he thinks he is going to lose. Should I be letting him win or should I play the way I would normally? What’s the right parenting move?

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A: The question of whether we should be shielding our children or exposing them to the reality of the world is a hot topic in parenting today. There are some parents who believe in pushing their children to the limit of their abilities. If their child receives a 99, they ask where the other point went. If their child hits a homerun three times in a game but strikes out during his first at bat, the parents ask what went wrong and practice his swing when they get home. These parents believe that their children are strong enough to withstand significant criticism. In opposition to these parents, there are parents who are ever fearful of destroying their children’s self-esteem, careful with each word they utter. These parents applaud even their child’s mistakes and never let them feel the least bit of disappointment. They tell their children that D’s in school are okay if the children tried their best and that A’s for effort are the most important element on the report card. Their children can do no wrong. Obviously, there is a middle ground. But, the reality is that occasionally children need to experience disappointment and failure in order to understand how to overcome it in the future. Dr. Wendy Mogel, in her book, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teaching to Raise Self-Reliant Children, writes about the importance of balance in Jewish parenting: Parents’ urge to overprotect their children is based on fear—fear of strangers, the street. Fear of the child’s not being invited to the right parties or

accepted by the right schools…Real protection means teaching children to manage risks on their own, not shielding them from every hazard…Children need an opportunity to learn about the “wave-pattern” of emotions. If parents rush in to rescue them from distress, children don’t get an opportunity to learn that they can suffer and recover on their own. Here, Mogel asserts that children need to fail in order to understand that they can survive failure and recover. But, what does this have to do with playing games with your son? Letting your son win is protecting him from failure. (And, I’d assume, also takes much of the fun out of the game. Chances are – it takes much of the fun out of the game for him too.) On the other hand, allowing him to feel triumphant every now and then can help boost his self-worth. So, the answer to your question is: win a little and lose a little. Try to play games that even the playing field – ones that you are not particularly skilled at. Your child can’t always win – but you don’t need to keep knocking him down either. He will gain selfesteem from his successes and he will learn to handle failure from his losses. The Rambam speaks about the shvil hazahav, the golden mean, and that’s exactly what you should aim for! The opinions expressed in this article reflect the view of the author and those cited by her. In all matters of hashkafah and chinuch, readers should seek reliable rabbinical guidance. Mrs. Rifka Schonfeld, founder and director of Strategies for Optimum Success (S.O.S.) in 1980, services all grade levels in secular as well as Hebrew studies. A long-time kriah and reading specialist, she offers evaluations, as well as G.E.D. preparation, social skills training and shidduch coaching. She can be reached at 718-382-5437 or at rifkaschonfeld@verizon.net. You can view her website at rifkaschonfeldsos.com.

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Forgotten Heroes Avi Heiligman

The Fall of Yad Mordechai in 1948

he Israeli War of Independence because he expected the attack to start was a struggle against its new in a matter of hours, but they were only Arab neighbors. Many times the able to send twenty soldiers. Jewish soldiers were just farmers or The Egyptians sent a force of 10,000 European immigrants who survived the soldiers under Major General Ahmad Holocaust. There were some trained Ali al-Mwawi and he split his force soldiers, called Palmachniks, who into two detachments. One was sent towere recruited from the ranks of the wards Jerusalem and the other worked Haganah, but there were just too few their way up the coast in the direction of them to fight in every battle. One of of Tel Aviv. On the way, they bypassed the first battles in the war took place several small kibbutzim and towns, but at kibbutz Yad Mordechai, located Yad Mordechai was just too strong to four miles south of Ashkelon near the leave alone. They had been repulsed Mediterranean Sea. It would be a tough at Kfar Darom and Nirim and so they battle, and if the Jewish settlers could were better prepared for a fight when fend off the Arabs, they would having they attacked Yad Mordechai on May a fighting chance to keep their newly- 19. founded country. However, they would The night before the attack, the IDF be outmanned and outgunned. sent armored cars to evacuate the chilIn the south of Israel, the Egyp- dren. 110 civilians, among them twenty tians were women, attacking remained in force along with but the Palthe 20 Palmach was mach sol–stretched diers to too thinly defend the to send kibbutz. soldiers to They had an every town assortment and in Yad of light Mordechai. weapons, One of the a medium commandmachine Meeting of Israeli defenders at Yad Mordechai ers at Yad gun, and Mordechai a Britishventured out on May 18, 1948, and saw built PIAT anti-tank weapon. Against that the Arabs were concentrating their the 130 defenders, the Egyptians had forces outside the kibbutz. He called 2,500 soldiers equipped with tanks, arfor the Palmach to send reinforcements tillery and air support.

At dawn on the 19th, the Egyptians That tank was soon taken out by the opened up on Yad Mordechai with an Israelis. artillery and air barrage and then sent At this point, the casualties for in the First Battalion. The 7th Battalion the Israelis were 49 wounded and 23 was to join the battle a little later. The dead—about half of the fighting forces. water tower was hit and all of the water The decision was made to evacuate the was lost as it was perforated by several kibbutz under the cover of darkness. bullet holes. A During the night pillbox posted of May 23-24, a at a corner of small mobilized the kibbutz was unit of the Palthe attention mach, called the of much of the Negev Beasts, Egyptian attack managed to during the first reach Yad Morday of battle. It dechai and withstood reevacuated most peated attacks of the wounded but had to be and women. evacuated after The rest tried to Yad Mordechai water tower in ruins taking a direct escape by foot with a settler in front taking a break including two hit. The Egyptians couldn’t get much further than stretcher bearers carrying a wounded that and had dozens of dead soldiers soldier. The three men were caught littering the field. by the Egyptians and murdered. This During the night, the Israeli de- brought the number of slain Israelis to fenders collected abandoned rifles and 26. The Egyptians were unaware of the ammunition. On the morning of May evacuation and continued to shell the 20, the Egyptians assaulted the kib- deserted settlement for four hours bebutz four times but were repulsed by fore occupying Yad Mordechai. the outnumbered Israelis. For the next Even though Yad Mordechai was days, the Egyptian strategy was to try evacuated, the Egyptians suffered a to force the surrender of the kibbutz by major setback. They had lost 300-400 raining artillery and tank fire merciless- well trained soldiers and had been dely on the settlement. However, there layed five precious days. The newly was no infantry attack with the bar- formed Israeli Defense Force was able rage, and the history of artillery war- to send reinforcements in time to form fare has proven that this is necessary a defensive line near Tel Aviv. for an attack of this kind to succeed. Yad Mordechai was recaptured in Although, the Israelis sustained many November as a part of Operation Yoav. casualties, they survived as a fighting The defense of the kibbutzim in the unit and continued the battle. Also, on south had sufficiently scared the Egypthe 21st, the Palmach sent armed rein- tian high command into not attacking forcements, about 30 men, along with the main cities and to only cut off the another PIAT anti-tank weapon and Negev from the rest of the country three machine guns. Included in this (which failed as well). These settlers contingent were six soldiers who had were attacked by regular armies, and deserted the British Army to help Is- most of the time they were outmanned rael in her most critical hour. and outgunned. Against all odds, the Although the Egyptians were still defenders of Yad Mordechai had prohaving trouble at Yad Mordechai, they vided precious time for the young were able to send some troops around country to prepare and survive. the kibbutz to continue north towards Tel Aviv. This was only accomplished under a heavy artillery bombardment. Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to On May 23, along with a diversion- The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comary assault, the Egyptians attacked the ments and suggestions.for future columns main defensive perimeter and succeed- and can be reached at aviheiligman@ ed in getting a tank behind the lines. gmail.com.

In the Kitchen

107 TJH Staff

The Cooking Yeshiva Bochur Cooking Yeshiva Bochur

e’s cooking up a storm…in your kitchen! Alex Idov, the Cooking Yeshiva Bochur is a new personal chef offering personalized in-home catering in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway communities. Idov, a bochur at Yeshiva Shor Yoshuv, hails from Atlanta, Ga where his father, Bernie the Baker, ran the city’s most successful and popular kosher bakery for over a decade. “I grew up in the kitchen—whether in my own home where I would watch my Bubbie a’h and father cook for Shabbos (and got the old fashioned hands-on training) or at my father’s bakery and the many shuls at which he would occasionally cater kiddushes and other occasions. I was almost always in the kitchen. Funny enough—growing up, for many years my father worked on remodeling the kitchen of our house and I spent many childhood Sundays at kitchen showrooms—it was inevitable I would grow up to love being in the kitchen.” Thus, the idea for the Cooking Yeshiva Bochur (aka the CYB) was created. Taking his passion and knowledge in the culinary field, Idov began cooking his way around Far Rockaway and Lawrence—breaking into the world of culinary as a personal chef. A personal chef is designed to prepare meals in the home of the client, based on their needs and preferences. “It’s a step up from the cookbooks that like to get you out of the kitchen faster,” says Idov, “I actually try to get you out of your kitchen-period.” Idov began last spring going around to families in Far Rockaway as a sort of self-instructed training, learning to familiarize himself with not only how to work in different kitchen environments, but also about the needs of differ-

The following recipes taste really good served at room temperature for Shabbos lunch.

Curried Honey Mustard Chicken

1 4-5 pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces 2-5 TBS canola oil ½ cup clover honey ¼ cup yellow mustard 1 tsp. ground curry powder 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp. kosher salt Preheat oven to 350° F. In a bowl, combine oil, honey, mustard, curry powder, garlic, and salt. Pour over chicken and bake for 45 minutes –1 hour, or until tender.

Sweet Glazed Chicken 1 4-5 pound chicken 1 onion, sliced 3 cloves of garlic, minced ½ cup ketchup ½ cup brown sugar 1 TBS soy sauce, or soy sauce substitute Salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 400°. In a frying pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent and tender. Add ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Pour gravy over chicken and bake for 45 minutes-1 hour, or until tender.

ent clients. “It’s been a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. I have even been able to develop several new recipes in the process, inspired by the families for whom I was cooking for. So far I have come up with wasabi green beans, avocado cheesecake, curried garlic bread, and grilled watermelon—all big hits.” Idov says he has also learned how such a service can be useful and beneficial to those in the community. “I got a call one week from someone who was hosting a large crowd for Shabbos dinner and was afraid they did not prepare enough food and hired me to make a corned beef brisket, chicken, and a couple of side dishes to accompany what she had already prepared—allowing her to tend to her other erev-Shabbos obligations. Another time I got a call from a mother of two young children who had a difficult week and in dire need of kitchen assistance.” Idov likes to give special focus on preparing Shabbos and yom tov meals but his service is available and ideal for weekday meals and simchas as well. “I have already cooked at a couple B-B-Qs and prepared Shabbos and weekday meals (and desserts) at the homes of several families. So far, the two biggest hits are from my dessert collection—southern banana pudding and eggnog with gingersnap cookies.” To produce an entire meal for a family of 4-10 people usually takes Idov about 2 ½ hours-4 hours, time depending on the menu of the client. Rates are by the hour. Grocery shopping is also available upon request for an additional fee. Check out the CYB’s website at www.thecyb5towns.com. Contact at thecyb5towns@gmail. com – you won’t regret it!

Autumn Butternut Squash Soup This is a wonderful soup to serve on a cold, fall day. 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 pounds peeled and seeded butternut squash, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 large onion, quartered 1 tablespoon margarine ¼ tsp. sugar 3 large garlic cloves, sliced 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 3 cups chicken broth 1 1/2 cups soy milk or non-dairy creamer Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep sauté pan until shimmering. Add butternut squash, then onion; sauté, stirring very little at first, then more frequently, until squash start to turn golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add butter, sugar and garlic; continue cooking until all vegetables are a rich spotty caramel color, about 10 minutes longer. 4. Add cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cayenne pepper; continue to sauté until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute longer. Add broth; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until squash is tender, about 10 minutes. Using an immersion blender or traditional blender, puree until very smooth, 30 seconds to 1 minute. (If using a traditional blender, vent it either by removing the lid’s pop-out center or by lifting one edge of the lid. Drape the blender canister with a kitchen towel. To “clean” the canister, pour in a little half-and-half, blend briefly, then add to the soup.) Return to pan (or a soup pot); add enough half-and-half so the mixture is souplike, yet thick enough to float garnish. Taste, and add salt and pepper if needed. Heat through, ladle into bowls, garnish and serve.

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In the Kitchen

Soups to Sip on Chilly Nights

Naomi Nachman

here is something magical about soup. When you come in from the freezing cold outdoors and sit down at the table to a bowl of hot, steaming soup, it transforms your entire body. It first starts at your lips as you take in that first spoonful into your open mouth; the flavors then swirl around your tongue and then plunge down your throat to warm your entire body. I love soup so much that even in the summer, my family eats chicken soup every Friday night. Now, during the winter months, I make a fresh batch of different varieties every few days. I also enjoy soups that are meals in and of themselves. Many

years ago, my husband and I went to eat out in Manhattan. One of their dinner specials was a bouillabaisse, which is a fish stew (typically made with shellfish). As I had never had an opportunity to try such a dish (since shellfish are not kosher, you generally don’t find these dishes at kosher restaurants), I wanted to try this kosher version of the classic dish. It was amazing! I then scoured the internet to try for a kosher version of this dish. After much trying and creative adaptation, this is my tweaked recipe of this yummy soup. I serve it with crusty bread and I like to drink a glass of Baron Herzog Late Harvest Riesling with it as well.

Flounder Bouillabaisse

Hot and Sour Soup

Ingredients 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ½ cup chopped carrots ½ cup chopped peeled onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium leeks, thinly sliced 1 can 14oz chopped tomatoes, drained 4 cups water

This soup is a favorite of mine. I always order when we go out for Chinese. I make my own version of this classic Chinese soup.

1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 bay leaf ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon saffron ¼ teaspoon crushed dried thyme ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1-3/4 pounds flounder, uncooked, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, garlic, and leeks. Cook, stirring frequently, 10 minutes. Add small amounts of water, if necessary to keep vegetables from sticking. Stir in tomatoes, water, parsley, bay leaf, salt, saffron, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Add flounder. Continue to cook, uncovered, 15 minutes, or until the fish is thoroughly cooked. Remove and discard bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Easy Cauliflower Soup Adapted from a recipe by Estee Gestetner

This is a great soup for those on a diet as it has (almost) no carbs. Ingredients 2 pounds frozen cauliflower 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon salt 1 zucchini, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon white pepper 3 leeks, sliced thin, dark green part re- Water or Trader Joe’s vegetable stock to moved fill to top of vegetable line 1 medium baking potato, peeled and chopped Directions In a medium pot, heat oil and then add leeks, and sauté for 2 minutes until soft. Add zucchini, potato, and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally, making sure not to burn the leeks. Add cauliflower, salt and pepper, and add water or stock to just cover the vegetables. Cook for 40 minutes and keep stirring.

Ingredients 4 cups chicken broth (I often use Trader Joe’s vegetable soup stock) 1 cup slivered cooked chicken (leftovers) 1 tablespoon sherry or red wine (Cream Malaga is good too) ¼ cup (about 6) dried mushrooms 8oz can bamboo shoots, 1 cup firm tofu, cut into cubes 3 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp cornstarch ¼ cup water ½ tsp white pepper

1 egg, beaten 1 tsp. roasted or toasted sesame oil 3 scallions, chopped in 1/2 inch pieces

Directions Soak mushrooms in hot water to cover for 30 minutes; drain. Cut off and discard stems; thinly slice caps. Combine chicken with sherry; let stand for 10 minutes. Combine stock, chicken, bamboo shoots, mushrooms and bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes at reduced heat, stirring several times. Add tofu and cook gently 1 minute. Add soy sauce, white pepper and vinegar. In a separate bowl, mix water and cornstarch until it become a milky liquid. Add cornstarch and water mixture, stir gently and bring to a slow boil and let thicken 2 minutes. Add egg and stir constantly (pouring slowly). Remove from heat and sprinkle with scallions and add sesame oil.

When vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to blend the soup. For a thicker soup, simmer soup for another hour on a low flame uncovered. Garnish with scallions.

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

FIVE TOWNS M ARRIAGE INITIATIVE

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Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg

Colorful Tidbits • Did you know that colors play an important role in the quality of a painting? • The element of color is used to create a feeling of balance, motion, mood and expression. • Are you aware of the fact that when light strikes the retina of the eye, it reflects and registers a response in our brain that recognizes it as color? • Red, yellow and orange are considered warm colors, as they give off a friendly feeling and embrace you. • Blue, purple and green are considered cool colors, as they will give off a feeling of distance. • Colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel create a feeling of balance or harmony in a painting. These analogous colors bring a feeling of ease to a composition. • The colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are called complementary colors and when used together will create the feeling of excitement and tension.

• Package designers use colors in their designs in order to help market products. Design research has proven that people have more of a tendency to be attracted to packages and products made with warm color labels. Therefore, those are the packages and products that we tend to be drawn to at first. • Pigments are used to give color to dyes, paints, inks, crayons, etc. They can be found in the earth in shades of red and brown. Pigments that are found in plants or animals come in shades of green, yellow, blue, orange and purple. When pigments are mixed together,

they will form the color black. • When doing a watercolor painting, it is important to make sure that the under-painting is completely dry before using a new color on top. The new color should be applied with the fast stroke of a brush. • Colored markers are popular among artists. Knowing which markers to purchase can be confusing. There are so many types that are on the market. Always make sure that you are using the right markers for a particular project. Markers that are labeled as absolutely permanent markers will remain permanent under all conditions. Markers that

are referred to as reasonably permanent markers are permanent under certain conditions. Non-permanent means that they are never going to be permanent, so always make sure to read the instructions carefully and use the correct markers for each project. • “A picture tells more than a thousand words.” We have all heard of that quote, time and time again. In order for a picture to actually tell a story or give over a message, it is necessary to read up on how to study, understand and interpret each individual painting.

Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg is a professional art educator, artist and designer. Among her known artwork is a floral sculpture presented to Tipper Gore, Blair House, Washington, D.C. Presently she is the Director of Operations at Shulamith School for Girls. Please feel free to email nherzberg@ optonline.net with questions and suggestions for future columns.

Humor

Chaim Zipper

Some Things, I Just Don’t Understand Part 12

hen you drive over the Whitestone Bridge, you will see a sign that reads “Bronx – Whitestone Bridge – Drive Safely.” Let me ask you a question: Is the “Drive Safely” necessary? If this sign wasn’t there, would people be swerving from lane to lane, driving in reverse, or running over the orange cones? Would a person driving announce to everybody near him, “Hey everybody! Listen up! We can drive recklessly. There’s no sign that says we can’t. Come on everybody! Follow me!” There are some bridges that have a sign that notifies you about the maximum number of tons that the bridge can hold. What is the purpose of this? Do you know how many tons your car weighs? No. So, when you come up to a bridge and you see that the maximum

weight is two tons, then what? Do you pull out your “car scale” and weigh your car to see if it’s safe to drive over the bridge, or do you do what the world does and just continue driving, assuming that the bridge won’t transform into an elevator that only goes down? Let’s say, somehow, you do know how much your car weighs and you come to a bridge that your car weighs too much – now what? “Um, sorry guys, we need

to turn around and go the other way, yes, the way you guys said would be faster.” There are some rooms in some buildings that have a sign that says the following (the number varies): “Occupancy by more than 175 persons is dangerous and unlawful.” Here’s a question I pose to you: let’s say you walk to a room and you see such a sign where the maximum is 175 persons. The room

looks pretty crowded. Now, what are you supposed to do? Go in and count how many people are in the room to know if you are allowed to enter? But what if you’re person number 176? That would make you dangerous and unlawful. Who would want to be in a room with you? Should you kindly ask someone to leave – just in case you’re number 176? Maybe you should walk into the room – for a second – just to see if anything happens? If something dangerous happens – you’ll know you’re the one person too much – and you need to leave immediately. Perhaps you should announce, “How many people are in this room? I need to know if I’m allowed to come in! Hey! C’mon…it’s a chasunah…my brother is the chosson!” Try that during family pictures.

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From My Private Art Collection

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Classifieds Services CUSTOM SUITS

Expertly tailored hand made custom suits for men Hundreds of fabrics and styles We will come to your home or office day or night Design the suit you've always wanted From $649 Call 516-619-6264 Bubby babysitter available Newborn and up Excellent references - Long hours Centrally located in Far Rockaway TLC 718-327-1932 Lose weight and get back your health Join one of the most well researched weight loss programs Safe and effective Call 347-927-1789 P.S. Looking for weight loss coaches At last now in the Five Towns your own personal floral designer and party decorator. Fresh or silk flowers that look so real you won’t believe your eyes. Available to travel to your home and design something stunning and unique to complement your home and party décor. Call (917) 500-1394 for a personal consultation. Space available in government subsidized day care In Queens/ UPK Program. A frum environment. Hours: Monday- Thursday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Fridays 8:00am-12pm. Breakfast, Lunch and Snack are served daily. Free transportation available. Children must be born in the year 2008 (four year olds). For more information or to apply contact Goldie at 718-846-7300 ext112. Photos 4 your Simcha Professional Photography and Video We love what we do and it shows in our work! We are dedicated to make an everlasting impression! Competitively priced! Check out our website & specials. www.photos4yoursimcha.com or call Yaakov 718-868-1800

Piano Lessons Experienced teacher has slots open for the summer. Learn music theory, play songs by ear and play by notes. Many happy references. Recital at the end of the summer! Email basyagralla@yahoo.com or call 646-573-7137 Want Home cooked food for Shabbos without the Hassle???? Call Alex Idov, personal chef- serving Far Rockaway & Lawrence (678)644-6168 gematria613@aol.com Reasonable rates- Extensive menu options-References available Attention Parents!!! Is your child having a hard time with organization? The school year is here; give your child a head start. For more information, call 718-801-3229 or email judahjdavid@gmail.com

Tutoring Service Available

Experienced math teacher will prepare you for next year on any level you need Shomer Shabbat Call Yossi 516-581-3930

FREE TUTORING/CHAVRUSA with a Rebbe with over 30 years experience. Morning, afternoon, evening hours. Learning in Yesod Yosef Doughty Blvd, Inwood 917-399-5154 Hair Course Learn how to wash and style hair and wigs Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009 3 reasons to use Mileage Doctor 1) You have millions of airline miles and don’t know what to do with them 2) You want millions of airline miles 3) We will even book your mileage tickets and save you the hassle Check out mileagedoctor.weebly.com Tutoring services available Experienced morah at TAG Grades 1-5 (Hebrew and English) For more information please call Mrs. Vilkov 718-337-6141

Tutor 4 You Exp'd, caring Spec. Ed. Teacher (Masters, licensed K-12) Excellent references. Extensive local Yeshiva Experience Mrs. Lieberman 516-569-8074

Eran Photography Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvas, Brisim Family portraits and more Portable studio available Please contact @ 310-766-9105 eranphotography@gmail.com

Experienced Certified Life Coach for Men only Call Chaim 516 924 7694

Yiddish In 10 Lessons All Classes Delivered Via Interactive Tele-conferencing (by phone) Next Class begins on Wednesday August 22 at 8PM For More Information Call Chaim 516-924-7694 conversationalyiddish@gmail.com

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Real Estate for Sale 3 SHOPPING CENTERS FOR SALE North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama For details and setups .Buyers please contact MELVIN STEINMETZ, Broker mstein100@aol.com Far Rockaway, Brand New 2 fam.

2 BR over 3 BR. Lrg Bsmt. LR/DR C/A, drvway, Walk to the beach. Only $495K. Won't last , buy with as little as 3% down. Call 718-643-7700

Bayswater, New to Market Large ranch, excellent condition, cul-desac, frum block, 4 bedrooms, alarm, large finished basement, 2 zone heat, huge backyard, waterfront view $470K Negotiable/$2,000 Rent Owner- 718-327-7154.

INWOOD/ Apartment for rent

Beautiful 1 Bedroom Apt for rent by owner in Inwood. EIK, Full bath, LR/DR, first floor, private side entrance. Perfect for single or young couple. $1100 all utilities inlcuded. Please contact Avigail @ 718-954-0413 orsilberman.avigail@yahoo.com

Luxury Apartments for Short/Long Term rentals in Miami Newly Renovated, magnificient views. Buildings w shul, shabbos elevator, heated pool, beach & boardwalk access email: miamiluxuryrentals@yahoo.com Inwood Colonial for SALE Remodeled large 4 bd 2 full baths Lv, Fdr Fam Rm,Sun Rm, Huge Bsmt. & yard walking dist to Yeshiva Ketana Only $ 405k E Davenport, Agent 516-513-4099 Moonlight Cottages, Modern Orthodox, beautiful, newly renovated and expanded, furnished, 3BR, 2 full bath large wrap-around porch, 2 pools, separate swimming available, great day camp. Call 718-353-2334

Bayswater- massive 2 family home in a great area, close to all the shuls, beautiful cabinets & granite counter tops, lots of bedrooms, all tiled bathrooms, hardwood flooring all through the house, fireplace, etc., needs tlc, very motivated seller, asking 449k, call Yitzchok 847-691-6397.

Far Rockaway. brand New Construction, 2fam house, Lrg 3BR, 2baths over 6BR, 3baths, Lrg LV/DR, C/A, drvway, huge bsmt. Walk to the beach. Only $765K. Call 718-643-7700

House For Sale in Far Rockaway Fully detached, move in condition, four bedrooms, one and half bathrooms, enclosed yard, eat in kitchen. Asking $575,000. 516-234-8665

TJH TJH CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Misc. ads here every Thurs. Weekly classified ads up to 5 lines and/or 25 words 1 Week………………$20 - $10 2 Weeks……….……$35 - $17.50 4 Weeks…………….$60 - $30

Call or Text 443-929-4003 Or email ads to:

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Include valid credit card info

Deadline Monday 5:00pm

Real Estate For Rent

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Firm in 5 Town area seeking

Far Rockaway Room for Rent motivated individual to handle Furnished bedroom with full bathroom AR/collections and general office work, available in 2BR apartment. must be organized, oriented and Available detailed immediately professional, excellent salary + benefit . (Heimish) Female only. $500/month including utilities package and room for growth, please email resume to jobopening36@gmail.com Belle Harbor Area Beach 118 St. Extra large modern 2 room studio apt. Seeking administrative assistant Furnished or unfurnished Short or office long term in the educational of a growing Near Boardwalk, Shuls,This Yeshiva, Five Towns boy's yeshiva. position shopping, all transportation. requires dynamic organization and Owner 917 543 0497

administrative skills, strong computer and people skills, and having an educational INWOOD forresumes rent experience is aBAIS plus.MEDRASH Please send INWOOD GYM for rent to facultyposition2012@gmail.com

Complete Beis Medrash ideal for Kollel or small Yeshiva. Res. Hab. Positions Fully equiped gym. Both 1Available 1/2 blocks from Work part time withLIRR. a special needs young free parking 917-399-5154 adult. Pays $14 an hour

No Certification Necessary. GreatOffice opportunity to do Chesed and get space available for rent paid at the same time in Lawrence by owner. Call Metropolitan 718-633-3334 ext. 0 Shared waiting room with other health related professionals.

Utilities covered andPT, internet accessfor Executive Assistant: Exec Assis available. Lawrence office, Must have superb mymanagement360@yahoo.com organizational & phone skills. Micr.Office experience, ability to sched Cedarhurst Colonial & acquire appointments with top CEO's. in Excellent condition Ability to multi-task a must. Email 3 bedrooms, 1Bath, den, cellar resume tobackyard, chayaweinberg@yahoo.com Fenced close walk to shuls . Rent 2250 Sale 300S

Call 516-569-4628 Cell 516-547-8930 Leaders in Online Jewish Marketing are hiring Sales Superstars. Do you fit the bill? Send your resume toApt. sales@thejmg.com 3 Bedroom For Rent Far646-351-1808 Rockaway or call us @ x 111 Near Kollel and Shuls In a 3 family house on 3rd floor, also basement ideal for office Sunny apt. with 2 porches Available August Call 516-225-4558

Seeking Job

Experienced Baal Tefillah

1st floor apt on beach 9th $1300 Seeking position for a month includes heatYomim and water perfect for young Noraim couple washer & dryer hook up References available Walking distance to lirr for more info Call Yoni Sokol (516)978-9606 call or text 347-637-8346

yonisokol@yahoo.com

Hewlett Neck Ocean Front Mansion for Rent 9,000 square feet, fully furnished, with TV and WiFi Sleeps 20, kosher kitchen, inside eruv, walk to all shuls Can rent weekly or monthly, Perfect for any Simcha or vacationers Call 631-484-6781 For rent 2 bedroom apartment Far rockaway near BBY Available NOWin five towns Looking for Shadow/tutor Kosher girls Kitchen yeshivaNew high appliances school Call 516-225-4558

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Real Estate for Rent/Sale

Experienced P-3 Provider, withcondition M.S. in Cedarhurst colonial in excellent Three Bedrooms Bath - Den, N.Y. cellar, fenced Education and1 Permanent State backyard close walkAvailable to synagogues Teacher Certificationto work 516-569-4628 withCall students in all grades or 516-547-8930 (cell) Mondays through Thursdays- mornings until 11 A.M. and anytime after 5:30 P.M.; and Sundays anytime Please call Tsivia: 516-526-2385

Gemachs

Seeking to donate 2 family house in Little Falls, NY to a non-profit organization. Accepting Offers.718-974-9428

Misc.

Business Lost whiteOpportunity gold diamond

bracelet/covered watch either at Wanted Kennedy Online AirportTrainers or in Boro Park. If found Learn to operate a Mini-Office please call 347.578.4165 Outlet from home. Free online training, flexible hours, great income. A piecewww.SelectFreedom.net of jewelry was found on July

19th in Cedarhurst, on the street near LIRR Change station. your If youhealth know and whowealth it belongs Partner with young couple to build viable to, pleasehome contact rwilam@gmail.com. based business Can earn $100,000 in first 18 months

training We are lookingExcellent to replace our reserved spot 347-333-1789 in a 3 year oldCall play group in Far Rockaway. The play group is well established and is a Can you spare it? Donate it. Clear out a warm, caring and educational environment closet and help a needy suitable forHeimishe boys andfamily girls that turn 3 years today. oldTax in 2012. The playgroup hours areupon 9AMdeductible receipts available 1PM Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Thursday and 9AM -12PM request. Call (866) GIVE2LIVE(448-3254) on Erev Shabbos. Please contact Yael Gladstone @718-471-2751 for more information.

Job Available

Midyear opening at TAG High School for The Yeshiva of Far Rockaway teacher proficient in global and/or European Up five periods a day admitshistory. students oftoany race, color, available. Relevant andrights, national and ethnic origindegree to all the experience required. and Email resume privileges, programs activities to mshepard@tagschools.org.

generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not Long Islandon Yeshiva looking forcolor, a full discriminate the basis of race, time administrative assistant. national and ethnic origin in Proficient in Microsoft Office administration of its educational policies, 2 years minimum experience required. admissions policies, scholarship and loan Email resume programs, and athletic and other schoolpenpaperpaperclip@yahoo.com administered programs.

For Sale by Owner Huge 2 Family House In heart of Far Rockaway Completely renovated large 4 bedroom apt. Over very spacious 3 bedroom apt. Oversized property Lots of parking

Lots of children on block Near shuls and schools

Please call 917-929-3241

The Jewish Home

classifieds Contact: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Firm in 5 Town area seeking

motivated individual to handle AR/collections and general office work, must be organized, detailed oriented and professional, excellent salary + benefit package and room for growth, please email resume to jobopening36@gmail.com Seeking administrative assistant in the educational office of a growing Five Towns boy's yeshiva. This position requires dynamic organization and administrative skills, strong computer and people skills, and having an educational experience is a plus. Please send resumes to facultyposition2012@gmail.com Res. Hab. Positions Available Work part time with a special needs young adult. Pays $14 an hour No Certification Necessary. Great opportunity to do Chesed and get paid at the same time Call Metropolitan 718-633-3334 ext. 0

Executive Assistant: PT, Exec Assis for Lawrence office, Must have superb organizational & phone skills. Micr.Office experience, ability to sched & acquire appointments with top CEO's. Ability to multi-task a must. Email resume to chayaweinberg@yahoo.com. Leaders in Online Jewish Marketing are hiring Sales Superstars. Do you fit the bill? Send your resume to sales@thejmg.com or call us @ 646-351-1808 x 111

Seeking Job Experienced Baal Tefillah Seeking position for Yomim Noraim References available Call Yoni Sokol (516)978-9606 yonisokol@yahoo.com

Looking for Shadow/tutor in five towns girls yeshiva high school Please call 347-524-3864 Experienced P-3 Provider, with M.S. in Education and Permanent N.Y. State Teacher Certification- Available to work with students in all grades Mondays through Thursdays- mornings until 11 A.M. and anytime after 5:30 P.M.; and Sundays anytime Please call Tsivia: 516-526-2385

Misc. Lost white gold diamond bracelet/covered watch either at Kennedy Airport or in Boro Park. If found please call 347.578.4165 A piece of jewelry was found on July 19th in Cedarhurst, on the street near LIRR station. If you know who it belongs to, please contact rwilam@gmail.com. We are looking to replace our reserved spot in a 3 year old play group in Far Rockaway. The play group is well established and is a warm, caring and educational environment suitable for boys and girls that turn 3 years old in 2012. The playgroup hours are 9AM1PM Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Thursday and 9AM -12PM on Erev Shabbos. Please contact Yael Gladstone @718-471-2751 for more information. The Yeshiva of Far Rockaway admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.

For Sale by Owner Huge 2 Family House In heart of Far Rockaway Completely renovated large 4 bedroom apt. Over very spacious 3 bedroom apt. Oversized property Lots of parking

Lots of children on block Near shuls and schools

Please call 917-929-3241

117 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n o c t o b e r 2 5 , 2012

House for sale in Oceanside by owner Large Americana split with panoramic views of Middlebay Golf Course All new kitchen and bathrooms 4BR 3.5 baths huge den and sunroom 516-536-0079

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Your Money

Life Coach Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

Allan J. Rolnick CPA

Department of Worst Nightmares

ast week, we wrote about a recent report issued by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (“TIGTA”)—an independent board that works to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse within the IRS and related entities. We were amused to learn that 70 federal agencies owed $14 million in unpaid employment taxes on their employees’ wages—and 18 more agencies hadn’t even filed their employment tax returns. But we were appalled to learn that the IRS can’t take any effective action to collect those outstanding balances. While we were busy bringing you the news about Uncle Sam’s “Get Out of Jail Free” card, the TIGTA was busy issuing another report that we knew you’d want to hear about. And this one may be worth paying attention to. Would you believe that TIGTA thinks “Firearms Training for IRS Criminal Investigation Division Needs Improvement”? When we think of IRS “agents,” we typically think of deskbound bureaucrats who spend their days shuffling papers that would put the rest of us to sleep. And for the most part, that’s true. “Revenue Agents” are the IRS’s invaluable front line, auditing and examining financial records to make sure that taxes get paid. But it’s easy to forget that the IRS has a long history of law-enforcement success. (Remember who finally put Al Capone in jail?) Today’s Criminal Investigation (“CI”) Division employs 2,700 “Special Agents”—an elite force who investigate tax evasion, money laundering, narcotics-related financial crimes, and counterterrorism financing. Their duties include executing search warrants and arresting fugitives. They’re even authorized to use deadly force to protect themselves and the public. So, naturally, Special Agents must meet firearms training and qualifications standards every year, including

“firing a handgun, entering a building with a firearm, and firing a weapon while wearing a bulletproof vest.” TIGTA looked at 597 Special Agents working out of the New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C. field offices. They found that CI’s firearms training and qualification requirements “generally met or exceeded those of other federal law enforcement agencies.” That’s certainly reassuring for those of us who think the only thing more terrifying than an IRS agent packing heat is an IRS agent with a gun he doesn’t know how to use. However, TIGTA found that some special agents don’t actually meet those training and qualification requirements. Field office managers didn’t always take consistent actions when special agents failed to meet the requirements. And there’s no national-level review of firearms training to make sure all special agents meet their requirements. TIGTA recommended that CI either enforce the requirement that special agents who don’t meet training requirements surrender their firearms, or modify the literal rules to reflect what actually happens in the field when an agent misses training requirements. TIGTA also recommended that CI establish a process to monitor and periodically review special agent firearms training and qualification records. IRS Special Agents do some of the Service’s most valuable work. Their efforts help keep everyone’s taxes down, and keep us safe in other ways as well. We’re confident none of you reading this will ever wind up on the wrong side of an IRS agent’s gun. But if it ever did happen, wouldn’t you want that agent to have a little experience? Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@ aol.com.

Roll With the Punches

veryone asks how I choose my article needs to be about communicatopics to write about for these tion and respect. Kids need to ask their articles. parents if they can borrow something Let me answer by asking you a of theirs. question: do you ever have one of My husband has a beard already those days? from trying to track down the shaver You know, you start out thinking: the boys all “share” with him. And I am going to i.e. go to the gym. But I’ve begun to lock my closet and still your child, wife, mother (fill in the I see my daughters have not skipped a blank with anything you like…) needs beat wearing my clothing. I think they you to drive them to—a ball game, learned some gymnastic move that the doctor, the helps them train station slither under etc. You wind my closet up spending door. It your morning would be so doing everymuch better thing but what if they could you set out to just learn to do. communiWell, that’s cate. Maybe sort of a little not for them, how these arbut for us— ticles evolve. at least we I think, I wouldn’t better write think we something about the shidduch crisis. were losing our marbles. It’s kind of out of control. But I get a So I suggest if any child is readphone call from my daughter at school ing this article, please remember you that she forgot may be a parher lunch, and ent one day; I decide maybe wouldn’t I should write you like to Well, I think the topic about organizaknow where of organizational tional skills. your stuff has As I’m gone? Have a skills will have about to emlittle sympabark on this thy and comto wait—till I feel worthy topic I municate. more organized. collect pen and ASK when paper and realyou want to ize wait, why use something not just type of your parright onto my iPad. But where is it? ents’. Seriously, they are people too. I just had it yesterday. Or did I? Did In conclusion…wait who I leave it on the table or at my desk? stole the cartridge out of this printer… Whoops—did I just see one of my kids oh my gosh too little ink left to conwalk out the door with it?! Well, I think tinue this. the organizational skills will have to So I guess this article is about how wait—till I feel more organized. life keeps throwing you curve balls— More importantly, I think I’m feel- you’ve got to keep rolling with the ing more like writing about kids tak- punches. It isn’t always easy but it ing their parents’ stuff without asking may help you build character. Unless or telling them about it. Does that ever someone swipes that too! drive anyone else a little nuts? I mean, Have a great week and I’ll be back I did learn to share in kindergarten, but in charge of my articles as soon as I I like to be somewhat aware that I am find some secret location to produce sharing. my articles from! So OK, it’s settled in my mind—the

Susan Schwamm

From Sea to Shining Sea : Arkansas A visit to Arkansas is a trip that thrills both old and young. The state offers natural beauty, wild adventure, and a glimpse of American history. The temperature is pleasant, although Arkansas tends to get quite a few thunderstorms a year. The people, though, are genuinely polite and interested in meeting new folks. Arkansans will be delighted to proudly show you around their neighborhood and share a cold drink with you in the summertime. Things You Won’t Want To Miss National Parks Arkansas has been nicknamed “The Natural State” and for good reason. It maintains 52 state parks and the nation’s first National Park, Hot Springs National Park, is located here. Visitors can tour the Fordyce Bathhouse, the only bathhouse to have a bowling alley as well and enjoy a thermal bath at the Buckstaff Bathhouse. Talk about relaxing on vacation! William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library Arkansas is the birthplace of many famous people in our history. But perhaps the most famous American to have come from here is our 42nd President, William Jefferson Clinton. The William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library is located within the Clinton Presidential Center and Park. The museum includes replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. There are interactive exhibits that focus on life in the White House. Over 100,000 items are on display here that Mr. Clinton received as gifts while in office. Some of them are whimsical,

such as the musical Elvis Presley cookie jar, and others are more official, such as the scalloped bowl he received from Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, office of the President of The Arab Republic of Egypt. Mr. Clinton’s childhood home in Hope, Arkansas is open for visitors as well, so if you love this President so much, it may be worth the extra drive. Crater of Diamonds Are you looking for a diamond engagement ring but can’t afford it? Well, maybe a trip to Arkansas will help solve your problem. The Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only public diamond-producing site in the world. Here visitors can sift through over 37 acres in search of the park’s diamonds. Diamonds here come in three colors—white, brown and yellow—and rangers can help you identify your finds. The best part of this attraction? The park’s motto of “finders, keepers”! Quartz Capital Speaking of precious stones, geologists state that Arkansas and Brazil have the best quality quarts in the world. Visitors to Arkansas can enjoy this special mineral by visiting a “dig your own” mine in the Oachitas region. During the second week of October, you can sign up for the World’s Championship Quartz Crystal Dig at Mount Ida.

Here contestants compete for the grand prize and get to keep all the crystals they mine during the competition. Make sure to bring home some brilliant crystals from the state; they’re the perfect souvenir! Blanchard Springs Caverns This limestone cavern is open year-round and was ranked among the most beautiful underground discoveries of the twentieth-century. Located deep in the Ozark National Forest, visitors will delight in the stunning formations and the enormous subterranean rooms that they can traverse. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch—there are wonderful places to stop nearby to enjoy the great outdoors. Buffalo National River For those who are looking for some adventure, take time to explore the Buffalo National River. This waterway offers premier whitewater rafting, soaring fluffs and beautiful vistas. Nature lovers will enjoy fishing, rock climbing and wildlife watching. Canoeing, rafting, horseback riding and hiking are popular sports that attract thousands year-round.

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