Passover 2012 by City Spirit

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Jewish Living Volume 4 Issue 3 April 2012 | Nisan 5772

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get get into into the the spirit spirit Editor Tova Klein Contributing Writers Rabbi Gershon Bess Rabbi Shimon Ishal Hershel Lieber Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D Rabbi Reuven Wolf Publisher Mati Jacobovits Food Surah Drebin Faigy Grossman kidSpirit Fraydee Mozes

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CITY spirit September 2011

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Dear Readers, Just in case some of us, in our active lives, are too busy to observe, spring is in the air. I have been forced to notice through my nose and sneezing allergy attacks. The rebirth of many trees and flowers remind us that Pesach is around the corner and the pivotal point in our history, which takes us out of the exile/ slavery period and begins our journey towards true freedom and becoming a nation. We keep thinking what we should do to improve our character and help the nation as a whole. Wherever you turn, you can find many venues (private groups, public lectures, public video showings, Cd’s, mp3s, internet and more) to expand and grow to a higher level using a variety of Torah topics. We need to internalize what we learn, so that we can take that and do things outside ourselves in order to help others and improve the way we look and feel about each person around us. Albert Einstein once said, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts”. We have to make sure that we open our eyes to see and take notice of those people and things around us and what we could do, no matter how small, to make a difference. As we approach Pesach, we also approach the counting of Sefiras Ha’Omer, the countdown until we receive the Torah and become a Nation united with Hashem. We have to make sure that we take, even baby steps, in the right direction of growth, so that what we do should count and be able to be counted as well. To drive this point home, see my in-

terview with Charlie Harary (page 12). His motivational style is unique and uplifting – enjoy a peak inside his own journey. Like Water on a Rock, Artscroll brings us true stories of spiritual transformation. Taste a sampling of these stories (page 41). Skim through our Community Spirit section and read about some interesting happenings around town. Brush up on Yom Tov Halachos with Rabbi Bess’ insight into the laws of Chol Hamoed. (page 22) For an inspiring and thought provoking message on Pesach see Matzah – Food of Faith by Rabbi Reuven Wolf. (page 26) Introducing Rabbi Shimon Ishal of Yeshiva Ohr Chanoch with a D’var Mussar. (page 38) Now we head south to Louisiana with our traveling Jew Hershel Lieber. (page 50) Don’t forget, when all is said and done, about the care of our bodies. Keep up to date on the latest pharmaceutical advances with Manny Saltiel. (page 54) New to our west coast directory is a list of shadchanim to guide us with our match making needs. (page 66) Kids - don’t think we forgot you, contest, puzzles and more await you. (page 60) Chag Kasher V’Sameach Have a happy, kosher, and healthy Pesach,

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Behind Th The STory

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22 Dvar Halachah

newly released book – Like Water on a Rock: True Stories of Spiritual Transformation

An Exclusive Interview with motivational speaker Charlie Harary By Tova Klein

Touro College Los Angeles

16 The Cask’s First Anniversary Celebration 18

Republican Presidential Nominee Newt Gingrich

Herzog Wine Cellars 6th Annual International Food & Wine Festival

Ya c h a d D a n c e E n s e m b l e W e s t p r e s e n t s The Spirit of Shabbos, a performance by women for women portraying the splendor of Shabbos under the direction of Hadassah Esther. Proceeds to benefit Bais Chessed L.A in memory of Devorah bas Chanan. Join us for an inspirational afternoon filled with dance and a dvar Torah on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 2:00pm. Doors open at 1:30, Beverly Vista Auditorium 200 S. Elm Street (entrance on Charleville) Beverly Hills CA. General seating ticket prices, $20, $10, sponsor seating, $50. Group rates are available for ten or more. Please call or email for further information (424)24 ACHDUS (22438) or atimefordance@gmail.com. To purchase tickets through paypal, please go to atime4dance.com/YachadDance.html.

Rabbi Gershon Bess

26 Inspiration Rabbi Reuven Wolf 38 Dvar Mussar

Rabbi Shimon Ishal

50 The Wandering Jew Hershel Lieber 54 Advice from Over-the-Counter Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D. 58 Chofetz Chaim and Torah Umesorah Join Forces 62 West Coast Directory 66 Shadchan Directory kid spirit 60 Puzzles, Contest & More Fraydee Mozes

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Touro College Los Angeles Responds to president obama's state of the union appeal Mr. President, did you know? TCLA staff includes an experienced financial aid advisor who is committed to assisting students explore all available options to financially assist them through their college careers. Many students can attend Touro tuition-free if they qualify for full state and federal grants.

resident Obama put the rising cost of a college degree in the national spotlight during his State of the Union address on January 24th. Colleges and universities are urged to take up the president’s challenge to keep tuition costs down while investing in programs, teaching methodologies, services, and support that are proven to have a positive impact on student outcomes. Mr. President, did you know? A TCLA student can earn their bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited Torah-observant institution for less than $16,000/year in tuition. The average private non-profit four year college charges approximately double that.

Mr. President, did you know? For those who don’t qualify for government financial aid, TCLA offers other financial aid options such as generous Dean’s and Merit Scholarships. Mr. President, did you know? Students attending TCLA, an accredited institution, are eligible for various tax credits or deductions, such as the Hope and Lifelong Learning credit. Mr. President, did you know? TCLA is the only Orthodox Jewish college regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Mr. President, did you know? TCLA has an Israel Option program for

students who are committed to earning their degree at TCLA. This program allows qualifying students to apply state and federal grants towards their cost of one year's seminary/yeshiva tuition. Mr. President, did you know? TCLA has established itself as a premier institution equal to that of other local four year universities. Mr. President, now you know. During times where the tuition cost of Jewish education is rising each year, TCLA is committed to seeing that every student is granted the opportunity to attend a Jewish college. Touro’s philosophy stresses the importance of Torah and Parnasah (profession). In order to provide for one’s Jewish way of life having a profession is crucial. Touro is an affordable route to most professions, such as health sciences, psychology, law, education, business etc.

To learn more about TCLA and all the financial aid options that are available, please call 323-822-9700 x85155 or email tourola.admissions@ touro.edu.

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The Many Faces of By Tova Klein

Charlie Harary

Charlie Harary is CEO of H3 Capital LLC, a private equity company based in New York. However, to any of you who have heard him, he is an amazing speaker. Some of you may have seen any of a number of short videos he has done for Aish.com. He travels all over the United States and abroad to speak on a variety of subjects to many types of audiences for organizations, schools, universities and institutions. He has the power of oratory, relating thought provoking messages and motivating people in all walks of life. I had the pleasure of meeting him here in Los Angeles at The Feige Dominitz Rabner Hachnassat Kallah of Los Angeles annual buffet reception at Nessah Congregation last month.

Tova Klein: Seeing that you are the CEO of large private equity company, how do fit the time for all your speaking engagements into your work schedule? Charlie Harary: I figure out how to make it work! Being able to run a company is a lot of work but you control your schedule to some extent. So you stay up later, deal with stress. On the plane you don't sleep the whole way home. TK: I have no understanding what your taking about! LOL CH: I just want to do want Hashem wants of me. Part of my message is you keep on pushing and pushing and pushing and maybe you'll stretch a little bit, but you'll figure out a way to take on more and accomplish it.

CITY spirit April 2012

TK: Being that you are in the field of finance, what initially led you to this other career of motivational speaking? Ch: I don’t see it as motivational speaking. I see it as doing what other people are doing, but without the rabbinic title.

TK: I mean what got you into the broader aspect of G-d awareness and the way Hashem is in one's life? CH: I went to good day schools, but it had always gnawed at me that Judaism seemed more of a burden than anything else. I felt it was a sort of a guilt-religion where you have to do things, or else. As if G-d is up there taking notes ‘He’s not davening’ and somehow He's going to zap you if you don't do the right thing.

When I got to Israel to study in yeshiva and started realizing how beautiful it is - it bothered me that I had felt that way. Baruch Hashem, when I got back from Eretz Yisroel and was looking to get involved and to make a difference, Hashem sent me as an advisor to an NCSY Shabbaton in Cleveland, Ohio. Coming from Brooklyn it felt like it was a different planet. A total culture shock. I had never experienced a Shabbaton before in my life. When I got married and could no longer be an advisor, I was asked to become a speaker for the group. So I started speaking. As I was preparing, I would ask myself, ‘what would I want to hear if I was a high school student?’ I wasn't going to give speeches full of guilt and fear; it didn't resonate with me. TK: It probably worked well with the older generation, but today’s kids would be totally turned off. CH: In previous generations, people resonated with certain messages that do not resonate today. People today want to have a great life, they want to be happy, they want to feel good. And Judaism can give them all that. I had to find my place in Yiddishkeit and own it, and then I had to figure out how to share it with others. For ten years, I went back for every Shabbaton while working for a law firm

and raising kids. When you hit the messages you really have to learn it yourself. That’s the best thing in the world. That’s what I tell people who really want to get involved with kiruv, or with the community, etc., “Whatever you are going to give pales in comparison with what you are going to get, because when you have to do it, you have to buy it or else it comes off as inauthentic, and when you believe it, then you connect to it in a real way. You begin to develop in your own Judaism, which, I believe, is how it’s supposed to be. You have to dig deeper.” TK: Where did you go to high school? CH: Yeshiva of Flatbush TK: And after that, where did you go? CH: I went to Yeshivat HaKotel and when I returned to the States, I went to Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv. It was exactly what I needed. It was leibidig (lively), it was deep, it combined learning with hashkafa (Jewish outlook) and some chassidus. It was real. My Rebbe was Shmuel Brazil and that was great. He would stop in the middle of shiur (class) and just sing the most beautiful niggun (melody). To him everything [learning and life] was all just one big world. He would talk about what it means to be a husband. He once gave an entire shiur (class) on

fixing bathroom towels. “You don't care about the towels, but you are married and she cares. If you are going to dry your hands and say a bracha and not fix the towels, then what kind of person are you/ You think Hashem wants your bracha when you don't take care of your own wife?” That’s integrated Judaism. It's in everything you do, and that was so powerful. And, Baruch Hashem, that, together with NCSY, which was a group of people who were thinking about how they were going to give more and more to high school kids and how they were going to inspire them, was exactly what I needed. Then I moved into a community where I have a Rabbi who does that, Rabbi Weinberger from Aish Kodesh. Hashem knows that I need to have the right people around me. He is a good Father and makes sure that I connect to the right role models. TK: Who has made the largest impact on your life, and who are your role models? CH: It’s a good question. I think there are different levels of impact. From a perspective of a work ethic my father is the ultimate example. He came from the Middle East without knowing the language and lost his father when he was young. He literally works 24 hours a day for the rest of his life just to give his family the real American dream. He never takes a penny for himself, but puts everything into his kids. My mother is the ultimate runs-for-everybody. She is a psychologist; I don't think she has gotten paid by half of her clients. She is helping people until 3 in the morning. My Rebbe is Moshe Weinberger who is just a constant flow of unified Torah, he gets up and quotes the Satmar Rebbe and Rav Kook saying the exact same thing on the parshah and the GR”A and the Baal Shem Tov. He just has this connection to Hashem that's palpable and

real and wonderful and it's not threatening and it’s not scary. Fear of G-d doesn’t mean you are trembling in fear, it means you are trembling in awe of your best friend, your Father. And Hashem blessed me with this other person, Rabbi Noach Weinberg. He was the greatest motivator of the generation who had a tremendous feel for who we are. Reb Shmuel Brazil, as mentioned earlier. So, halevei, I should touch their fingertips. These are the people that I thank Hashem who I was blessed to have around me. TK: Some people have difficulty figuring out how they can give back. How does one figure out what he should and could do to give back? CH: Just do! The Lubavitcher Rebbe said that if you see a problem in the world, then it's your job to fix it. People think that finding their tafkid (one's purpose in the world) is some mystery they could never figure out. I believe you are either a giver or not. I think happiness is completely connected to gratitude and giving, and the more you give the more you get. The feeling you get when you give is deep, it's spiritual, it touches your soul. For instance, why does parenting exist? Why are there parents who have more than just one kid? Who would have another child after they saw what it means to be a parent. Why am I killing myself for this kid? I haven't slept, my money goes to it, I live for it, I'm talking about it, my whole life is now consumed with this other individual who physically gives me nothing in comparison to what I give them, and I can't stop loving it. It’s because the giving we do is spiri-

tual. And once we give to our child, we realize that there is nothing more important we can do. You have to open your eyes and look around and see who needs what. Is it my Mom who needs a phone call? Is it my sisterhood in shul that needs an extra set of hands to prepare a program? Is it my... whatever it is. What happens sometimes is that with giving we take. When we want to give we say, “Well, I want to give in a certain environment because that’s what I want”. That has a little bit of taking there. It’s almost like the cause has to be worthy of me. I find that when people start giving and giving and giving they just become different people and then the opportunities find them. I teach a course in Yeshiva University called “Principles of Success” and we just spent a whole session last week discussing how to achieve unity and, ultimately, it comes from giving. I told the students, “Being a leader is not becoming the head of an organization. That may happen, but that's not what it means. Being a leader is the guy who picks up the soda bottle from the floor of the Bais Medrash when no one is looking. When you open your eyes like Moshe Rabbeinu did, and see problems and fix them, that prepares one for leadership. You know what happens? Hashem sends you bigger things to take care of. Then you can legitimately become the head of an organization. That's real! And when you’re that guy, you are a leader through and through. You're not the guy that speaks in public, and then doesn't take care of his wife. You're not the guy who does for the world and not for his family. When you see great leaders, I find they pick up soda bottles. They bend down while they are talking to you about a Continued on page 14

 community spirit Continues from page 13 multi-million dollar project to clean up a piece of litter on the shul floor. They pick it up and throw it out. And you think to yourself, ‘Why are you bending down?’ and they’re looking at you, ‘Why wouldn’t I? Of course I'm bending down. I serve the community.’” TK: When my kids were growing up, my husband and I began using the phrase ‘painting a picture with words’ when we wanted to explain something difficult or complicated for the children to help them understand by using scenarios to make the point. I find that that is a very effective tool which you seem to use amazingly well. CH: That’s how I would like to hear it and see it.

CITY spirit April 2012

TK: What message relating to Pesach would you like to leave our readers with? CH: Pesach is an amazing holiday. The one idea that I am speaking a lot about now is the idea of being anything you want to be. Let's go back to the first sed-

er which was in Egypt and took place before they actually left. They were sitting around acting like free people while they were still slaves. That's like raising the trophy and kissing it before you play the championship game. Why would Hashem do that to us? You would imagine that the first seder should be the year after. This points to a big mistake we make in terms of how we see our lives. We see our lives as: First we do things, then we have things, and then we become the people we want to become. That’s not how it works. We have a soul. What that means is that you can be anything you want to be, you’re not bound by the physical world, you control the physical world. It means that if you want to be happy, you can be happy. Now you may have to do things afterwards, but you can be what-

ever you want to be. You are not bound by what you were and you're not bound by where you think you are going. At any moment you can transcend your situation and change your life. So Hashem says, “Here is the story... you want to be free, be free.” But you are sitting in slavery. First, you have to start seeing yourself as free then you can go out and do what you must do to become free. I believe that the lesson of the seder, which is the goal of Pesach, is to free ourselves from the physical world. The chometz represents the physical, the matzah represents the spiritual. All the things we do on Pesach are trying to free us, to unshackle ourselves from the physical world, because once we touch our soul we realize that we are literally unbound. We can change our lives. It is hard work, but with a decision, we can become the fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters and Jews we have always dreamed of being. In case we forget, Hashem says, “Remember the first time we did this; your body was enslaved but your soul became free.” It translates into when you are sitting here right now and feel enslaved by your desires, enslaved by your anger, enslaved by whatever situation you have, you can free yourself and just leave. You can be that father, because you are it already, now you just have to act like it. Hashem implants in us the ability to become the people we are destined to be even if our physical circumstances make it seem impossible. That’s who we are as a nation. There was a nation that walked into a land and transformed a desert into a metropolis and defended itself at the same time. Our enemies say, “No!” and we say, “Yes!” and we do it. We are that people! We have that vision and when we have that vision for our lives, we can become the people we are destined to be.

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 community spirit After a 13-year absence from mainstream politics, Newton Leroy Gingrich has announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. His recent visit to Los Angelels, included a speaking engagement with Jewish Community leaders to discuss the growing challenges in the Middle East. Below are some notable quotes.

“This is the most dangerous presidency of modern times” “US has enough oil to sustain itself for many years to come through new technology.”

“Capacity of nuclear weapons would add two zero's, to the 3,100 that were killed at 9/11.”

“First strategic goal of US should be to be totally energy independent. Produce our own oil and gas so China and India will now have the problem and we won't.”

“The very survival of Israel is at stake. United States should be supporting and provide them “The burden of proof to want peace with intelligence. falls on the Iranian government. Sympathy not Achmanadinajad openly and publicly condemnation claims his desire to eliminate Israel from the face of this earth. How is that from US” wanting world peace?”

“On my first day as president, I would authorize the Keystone Pipeline to bring Canadian oil into the US immediately which would diminish our need of Saudi Arabia.”

“Leaders of Hamas and all radicals believe: There shouldn't be any Jew left and the US is ignoring these overt statements. How can you talk peace with such people?”

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o i at n ter Herzog Wine Cellars brings I n & Wine Festival to Los Angeles ood F

the first time, and Pacifica, a new producer from Washington Los Angeles, California – February 15, 2012 – State, shared its 2010 Pinot Noir and Meritage. Herzog Wine Cellars held their annual International Food & Attendees of the festival were also treated to gourmet Wine Festival in Los Angeles for the first time Wednesday. delicacies prepared by Chef Todd Aarons, of Tierra Sur restauEach year, the festival brings wines and winemakers from rant. Tierra Sur is recognized by Zagat as the highest rated France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Israel, Chile, Argentina, New restaurant in Ventura Zealand, Australia County, and one of the and the United States, highest rated Kosher and provides an ideal restaurants in the Unitvenue for members ed States. Chef Aarons of the wine trade and and his team dazzled the wine loving pubfoodies and critics alike lic to sample all that with Mediterraneanis new in the world influenced cuisine, such of wine. In the past, as lamb merguez with this event had been tahini and micro cilanheld 60 miles north tro topped with pickled of Los Angeles at Herpeppers, sweetbread zog Wine Cellars in David Siegel, Consul General if Israel, has joined Herzog Wine Cellars, Domaine du Castel and the Israel Wine taurine with carrots, Oxnard, CA. Bringing Producers Association to bring a symposium about Israel's flourishing wine industry to the event. L-R: John Herzog, David Herzog, David Siegel, Eli Ben Zaken, Joseph Herzog tongue, sweet bread and the show to the Hyatt gelatina, braised beef cheek, candied lamb bacon and an array Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles made it possible for of chocolate pepper truffles and other incredible desserts. more than 1500 to attend and experience the diverse array “We are thrilled with the outcome and feedback received of wines. from this year’s event”, said Joseph Herzog, Vice President of The event showcased more than 200 different wines and Operations at Herzog Wine Cellars. “This is the perfect place debuted new wines from many of the global producers. Israel’s to try more than 200 wines from around the globe, meet the Binyamina Winery introduced their Reserve Carignan 2009 people behind the wines and shop smarter the next time you and BIN Chardonnay 2010. French label Chateau Thenac preare in a wine store.” miered Fleur du Perigord 2010 and Alfasi of Chile their Late With record breaking attendance and the continued sucHarvest Sauvignon Blanc 2011. In addition to these, produccess of its sister events in London and New York, the Internaers new to the United States dawned their products during the tional Food & Wine Festival will remain in Los Angeles and festival. Major Israeli producers Flam and Tulip showed selecpresent a global wine tasting experience for years to come. tions that will be imported and sold in the United States for

CITY spirit April 2012

About Herzog Wine Cellars

estled within the strawberry fields and farm rows of Oxnard, California lies Herzog Wine Cellars. Here, under the watchful eye of head winemaker Joe Hurliman, the winery combines the artisan craft of premium California winemaking with the Herzog family’s unyielding commitment to excellence.

Select grapes produced specifically for Herzog wines are chosen from vineyards in California’s most regarded appellations. Grown under careful watch, only the best fruits are harvested and brought to the winery. From here, Joe Hurliman searches out inspiring blends of aroma, flavors and colors, refined by the winery into mas-

terful creations to be enjoyed across the globe. For more information: visit www.HerzogWineCellars.com or contact: David Whittemore, Director of Marketing & Public Relations 805-983-1560 dwhittemore@herzogwinecellars.com

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 dvar halachah

Selected Laws of Chol Hamoed | Rabbi Gershon Bess Intermediate days of Succos and Pesach

here are certain Jewish Holidays during which we are permitted to “work”, or do vftkn, and certain when vftkn is forbidden. Examples of the former are Rosh Chodesh [the first day of each lunar month], Purim and Chanukah. Examples of the latter are Shabbos, the Yomim Tovim of Pesach, Shavuos and Succos. There are three levels in the restriction of vftkn: A- Shabbos [and Yom Kippur], B- The first and last two days of Pesach and Succos, and the two days of Shavuos, and, C- Chol Hamoed of Pesach and Succos, the four intermediate days of Pesach and the five intermediate days of Succos. [In Eretz Yisroel only the first and last days of Pesach and Succos are of the second level, and there is only one day of Shavuos. There are five intermediate days of Pesach and six intermediate days of Succos.] The various restrictions may generally be categorized in the following manner: A- On Shabbos all of the 39 categories of Torah-defined work [,uftkn] are forbidden. B- On Yom Tov, while the 39 categories are forbidden, there is an allowance for a number of ,uftkn which are "food-related", when done for the purpose of food preparation. There are, however, restrictions on these ,uftkn even when done

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for food preparation [See Vaad Bulletin Volume 6, Number 3] and certain categories are permitted even when not for a “food purpose”. For example, on Yom Tov one may carry those items necessary for the Yom Tov, even if they are unrelated to food. One may also carry a talis to shul, or wheel a baby carriage home after shul even though these items are unrelated to food preparation. C- Contrary to popular opinion, Chol Hamoed is not a regular “weekday” but rather there are very specific laws governing what one may or may not do On Chol Hamoed. While space restrictions precludes a thorough digest of all halachic details, a few general principles and definitions will be enlightening. 1- yuhsv vagn - An act performed in a nonprofessional manner requiring no special training or expertise. For example, hanging a picture or tightening a screw on a loose item. 2- inut vagn- An act performed in a professional manner requiring training or skill. For example, attaching heels or soles to a pair of shoes. 3- vcurn tjrhy - An act which requires excessive exertion in its performance. 4- u,ftkn ihufn - Intentionally scheduling work to be done on Chol Hamoed, when one has more time. Some general applications of the above definitions: A- apb kfut lrumk - Food preparation may be done in any manner, even with a inut vagn, even if it entails exertion and even if it could have been done before Yom Tov. It may be intentionally left to be done on Chol Hamoed. B- sgunv lrumk - If someone needs something on Yom Tov he may perform a yuhsv vagn but not a inut vagn. If an item which he wants to use on Yom Tov breaks, he may not have it fixed if it requires a craftsman to repair the item. If a garment rips, a tailor can only sew it if he uses basting and zigzag stitching. A man, who is generally inept at sewing, is able to sew in his usual manner, while a woman must sew with the above hubha - i.e. in an unusual manner. C- sctv rcs - A situation which if not remedied may result in a loss. For example, neglecting a roof which has begun to leak will result in a loss if it is not fixed. In such an instance, one may perform even a inut vagn to prevent such a loss.

Laundering on Chol Hamoed Based on the general rule that one is permitted to perform a yuhsv vagn [unskilled work] to provide a sgunv lrum - one would assume that it is permitted to launder clothing on Chol Hamoed. In truth, Chazal forbade laundering clothing on Chol Hamoed. If we were allowed to do our laundry on Chol Hamoed, we might be negligent in cleaning clothing before Yom Tov, relying on the more leisurely time available on Chol Hamoed to go to the cleaners, etc. This would eventually result in not having clothing properly prepared for the Yom Tov. Based on the above theory, those types of clothing which must be washed during Chol Hamoed, even if they were washed before Yom Tov, would not be included in this prohibition. It is therefore permitted to wash diapers and young children's clothing [until they are able to wear clothing without soiling them]. It is likewise permitted to wash towels or dish towels if their supply is depleted since they become quickly soiled and need to be constantly washed. One who uses tablecloths without covering them with plastic for the Yom Tov meals may wash the tablecloths for the last days of Yom Tov if he exhausts his supply. According to HoRav Gustman Shlit"a, in America it is permitted to wash underwear and socks since these are items which are changed daily and subsequently washed.

It is forbidden to take a suit or dress to the cleaners, even if it was soiled on Yom Tov and is needed for Yom Tov. It is, however, permitted to spot clean at home. It is permitted to iron clothing on Chol Hamoed if it will be used during Yom Tov. It is permitted to pick up clothing from the cleaners on Chol Hamoed for use on Yom Tov. Even when one is permissibly washing a load of children's clothing, it is forbidden to add adult items which are forbidden to be washed on Chol Hamoed. Although no extra work is involved, Horav Moshe Feinstein ZT"L explains that the prohibition still remains in effect. This is because the prohibition is not because the vftkn is forbidden but because allowing adult clothing to be laundered in any manner (even together with the children's clothing) might eventually cause one to be negligent and not properly prepare one's clothing before Yom Tov. An interesting situation arises when one has a non-Jewish maid in charge of taking care of the laundry during the week. While she is presumably unhappy about having to leave all the laundry to pile up until after Yom Tov, and would much rather launder the clothing as they begin to accumulate, allowing her to follow her wishes would again create a situation which would encourage improper preparation of clothing before the Yom Tov, relying on the fact that the maid will launder them Continued on page 24

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 dvar halachah Continued from page 23 during Yom Tov. Horav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Shlit”a resolved this question in the following manner: Since the maid wishes to launder for her own sake, we may allow her to do so. However, it is forbidden for us to use the clothing that she washes during Chol Hamoed until after Yom Tov, in order to ensure that we will not rely on her laundering, but rather prepare sufficient clothing for the Yom Tov prior to the advent of the Yom Tov. Haircuts and Shaving Personal grooming is permitted on Chol Hamoed, as it is a sgunv lrumk. Haircuts and trimming one's beard are forbidden on Chol Hamoed for the same reason that laundering is forbidden. If one were allowed to take a haircut during Chol Hamoed, one would be negligent and take his haircut during Chol Hamoed, mindful of all that has to be done before Yom Tov. As such, one would not enter the Yom Tov properly groomed. Therefore, Chazal forbade taking a haircut or trimming one's beard during Chol Hamoed, to ensure that this be done before the advent of Yom Tov. It is also the generally accepted custom not to shave on Chol Hamoed, even for those who would normally shave

everyday. There is a well know responsa from Horav Moshe Feinstein ZT”L which permits, in case of need [for business purposes etc.], to shave on Chol Hamoed provided that one has shaven before Yom Tov, and normally shaves everyday. The prohibition of haircuts applies equally to women although they are permitted to remove unwanted hair from other parts of their body; i.e. eyebrows, legs etc. The prohibition does not apply to children who are suffering from an inordinate amount of hair on their head, as they did not have the obligation to groom themselves before Yom Tov. Cutting Nails Nails which were trimmed before Yom Tov or which did not require trimming before Yom Tov, may be trimmed on Chol Hamoed. If the nails required trimming before Yom Tov and were not trimmed, they may not be trimmed on Chol Hamoed with a scissors or nail clipper, but they may be bitten, or cut with a utensil not normally used to cut nails. A woman preparing for Mikva may always trim her nails on Chol Hamoed. Shopping The national pastime for Chol Hamoed is shopping! How-

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Writing The consensus of Halachic authorities is to consider regular handwriting as a yuhsv vagn - a non-professional manner of writing, and it is permitted for the sake of Yom Tov or to perform the mitzvah of tzedakah. [Some have the custom to write at an angle, even for Yom Tov needs.] It is forbidden to write on Chol Hamoed for post-Yom Tov purposes unless some loss is involved. Fancy writing [calligraphy] is forbidden even for Yom Tov use [as it constitutes a inut vagn]. Calligraphy [or making a fancy sign for a Simchas Bais Hashoayvoh] is permitted for the sake of a community gathering, since it is a ohcrv lrumk inut vagn, which is permitted. Rabbi Gershon Bess is Rav of Congregation Kehillas Yaakov and serves as the Halachic authority for the Los Angeles Kollel and Yeshiva communities. He gives a slate of highly regarded lectures on Talmud and Halacha and is the Rosh HaVaad of Vaad L’Maan Yahadus which has published Halachic bulletins for many years. He is a graduate of the yeshivos of Philadelphia, Ponovez, Lakewood and the Kollel of Los Angeles and serves on the Bais Din of the Rabbinical Council of California.

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ever, as we have learned, shopping is also governed by certain rules. 1- It is permitted to shop for any item necessary for use during Chol Hamoed or Yom Tov. 2- If an item is on sale, it may be purchased even though it will not be used on Yom Tov. This only refers to “sales” which are unusual. If such sales are common after Yom Tov, it is forbidden to purchase such items during Chol Hamoed. 3- Horav Moshe Feinstein ZT”L permits shopping in the following circumstance: If one is in New York for Yom Tov and there are items which are cheaper in New York, or unavailable in Los Angeles, they may be purchased in New York on Chol Hamoed. If the person will be in New York after Yom Tov, he may not buy it on Chol Hamoed. This is true even if it will be inconvenient. Horav Moshe ZT”L goes even further to advise a yeshiva bochur to delay returning to yeshiva for another day after Yom Tov rather than shop on Chol Hamoed.

 inspiration

Rabbi reuven wolf

CITY spirit April 2012

magine if someone produced a big budget movie that takes us back to ancient Egypt, according to the Torah view of what really happened during the Exodus! With its drama, special effects and soundtrack we would feel almost as if we were there, be moved to tears, and truly identify with the experience. The Haggadah tells us that “In every generation a person is obligated to regard himself as if he had come out of Egypt.” Yet, if the Seder night comes and a person would watch that movie and be moved by the experience, that person would not have fulfilled his obligations. What if that same person, who perhaps has only recently discovered his spiritual side, is dragged to a Pesach Seder, never having learned anything about Judaism or the Exodus? At the seder, he is handed a matzah and told that on this very night, the Jews left Egypt, and G-d has commanded us to eat this cracker. When this person eats matzah, without a connection or understanding of what is happening, this person has fulfilled the obligation and has gone out of Egypt! This is not a concept from a mystical book, this is basic halacha, straightforward Jewish law! What is so powerful and special about this cracker which we call matzah? What is the power of this simple bread that we put as much effort and holy intention into the cutting, guarding, kneading, baking and eating of it, as we do into the preparation of holy objects like Tefillin, Tzitzis, or the writing of a Torah scroll. Why is eating matzah the only way to truly experience Yetzias Mitzrayim? The Ari Z”L explains that all food possesses a higher kind of energy, a spark from Olam HaTohu/The World of Chaos; a place higher than any created being. When we physically eat the vegetable or animal and digest it, we also swallow it into human spiritual consciousness. If we eat with the right intentions, we are energized through the food, not only physically,

Food of Faith but even more so, spiritually – to a place we could never have reached otherwise. Every food has a quality that provides particular nutrients to the soul. For example, there is a special quality to bread and grains - they are primarily food for the intellect. If bread is food for the intellect, and we have two types of bread, or two types of nutrition for the intellect, this means that there are two types of knowledge, or two approaches that we can use to connect with Hashem. The first is inflated, like leavened bread, a self-aware understanding based upon logical reasoning. The second is flat, like the unleavened matzah, one of surrender and submission, at the expense of self. This is the difference between faith and knowledge. Matzah is the food of faith, bread is the food of knowledge and understanding. Through study and research, we can come to wondrous conclusions of G-d’s greatness. Yet, even if one learned all of the revealed and mystical knowledge of G-d, one is still very limited because only the person’s mind is connecting with Hashem. With this approach, we are limited to our own capabilities. As the Zohar explains, “there is no thought that can grasp Him at all.” How can we connect with and fully experience not a reflection or a ray of Him, but His very self? Only in our emunah; our faith. Faith knows G-d, but not intellectually. One can spend years studying all of the science on parentchild relationships. Or, one can walk past a playground and spot a child who has lost his daddy, frantically searching the crowd. Finally, when he spots his father, he can’t help himself but to shriek “DADDY!” That outcry captures the essence of their relationship. This toddler has no understanding about this man or how he came to be his father. The cry comes from deep inside the child, beyond anything the child is capable of thinking.

With emunah, something is introduced to us that is beyond the capacity of our minds. With faith we can cry out to G-d himself. When G-d is revealed to the soul, He is revealed as He is, and there is nothing other than Him. Being in Egypt is also a mental and emotional state of being. It’s being entrenched in ego and existence, in pitch black darkness of self awareness. If a person sees the world as something other than Hashem, that’s being stuck in a lie. Going out of Egypt means being exposed to the truth and accepting the reality of only Hashem, and that we are simply expressions of Him. Usually the transmissions of Hashem come through to the world only after tremendous concealment and contraction. On Pesach at night, at the moment of the Exodus, Hashem removed all partitions. G-d revealed himself to the world, for the first time, as He really is. At that moment, the Jewish people became a matzah. They lost all sense of self. It eliminated ego so thoroughly that even the dough they carried couldn’t rise. It’s interesting to note, that chometz is not forbidden throughout the rest of the year. If this sense of self awareness is something so despicable and arrogant, why should we eat bread at all? There is nothing wrong with a person exploring and understanding with the mind, a tool that G-d gave each of us to use. We are supposed to try and make sense of things. But,

that approach has to be secondary. Our essential connection to Hashem is through faith. Everything begins with the humility of the matzah, with the humbleness of the flat, unleavened bread that we eat at the seder with these ideas in mind. A quintessential bond with Hashem takes place at that moment, our soul is energized, and this empowers us. The rest of the year, we are only building on that revelation. G-d willing, even before we eat the matzah this year, we will be in Jerusalem. Rabbi Reuven Wolf is the rabbi of the Maayon Yisroel Center. Rabbi Wolf is a world renowned educator and lecturer who has devoted his life to reaching out and rekindling the spirit of Judaism in his fellow Jews. Recognized as an inspiring and thought provoking lecturer, he has cultivated a unique talent to communicate deep and complex mystical ideas in a manner that is both compelling and applicable to the greater public, and his lessons are charged with an enthusiasm and vigor that impacts listeners both intellectually and emotionally. Rabbi Wolf was raised in the Ropshetz Chassidic dynasty, educated in the Belz and Bluzhev Yeshivos, and later, in the famous Lithuanian schools of Slabodkea and Mir. He is profoundly influenced by Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah, and particularly Chabad Chassidic philosophy.Through principals derived from the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings, Maayon Yisroel, which translates as “The Wellsprings of Yisroel,” aims to follow in the noble tradition of rejuvenating Yiddishkeit by showing how mystical ideas can be applied to modern life.

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Jewish Dining

Pull-out Magazine

Elegant & Different

Yom Tov Dinner Menu Shabbos Lunch Menu Tradition, Tradition Quick & Easy

Chol Hamoed Dinner Time for a change?

Dairy and delicious The Story Behind the Book

he parent body at Lakewood’s Yeshiva Masoras Avos has done it again with their latest publication Dining In on Pesach, 2nd edition! This beautiful cookbook, a combined effort of the mothers of the school, is a stunning sequel to the original Dining In on Pesach. A few years ago, the parent body came up with the idea of a cookbook as a fund-raiser. The plan was simple: even though there are so many cookbooks out there, they felt there is a need for a book with recipes that are, easy-to-follow directions and with a huge variety of choices. And so, the fun began: Hundreds of recipes were accumulated, compared, tested, tasted, enhanced and retested. Sorting through the recipes was a mammoth job; the committee had to compare them, categorize them, and assign user-friendly icons, like “quick and easy” or “freezes well” and other helpful tips. It

was an overwhelming project, and if not for the devotion and dedication of the parent body and friends of the yeshiva, the project would have never gotten off the ground! A unique aspect of this book – are the brachos for each recipe. While putting so much toil and effort into this project, the ladies auxiliary wanted their efforts to be l’shem shamayim. Sure, the book would be a tzedakah fundraiser for the school, but the women wanted to include something that would add another dimension to the mitzvah they were performing. Baruch Hashem, the massive efforts have paid off and the books are now available - just in time for Pesach! We look forward to its debut, and are sure you will be delighted as well! The Dining In series, published by Judaica Press, are available at bookstores or from Yeshiva Masoras Avos, 23 Congress Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701. 732-942-7522, yma@lehucomputers.com.

ed my hat I receiv t e m r o f gif t a Lucky esach as a P r o f In ining copy of D im. ys before Pur r, I'm alwa e s k y a a d m w h e c f Pesa amily a veteran m a I h d to my f g d u a o t T ho s e ause w recip ferent, bec out for ne k if o d o l e b e h o t t on ave ively ear may h y is h Tov exclus T . s m c o Y e ir t classi y en y make m il s a e d l u o Ic kbook. s – no utiful coo eparation a r e p b s o is n h t a . ch M from my Shalo e with you r e a d h i s s a o t d e s menu I push will! ted some a e r c d y family n m a – w o t a n e k f easy es – I these recip y jo n e u o I hope y Surah

T his elega nt meal will cer tainly b ring your family and guests to a table re ady to eat and enjo y. T hese rec ipes are not complic ated yet y ou'll be set ting and ser ving a bea utiful meal fit for royalty.

Yom Tov Dinner Appetizer

No-Vinegar Sweet & Sour Salmon If you don’t use vinegar on Pesach, and you want a long-lasting fish, this recipe is for you. 2 large onions 6 slices salmon ½ c. sugar 1 T. salt ½ tsp. sour salt (citric acid) 1 bay leaf YIELD: 6 servings Slice onions, place in pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil; cook for 45 minutes. Remove onions; add salmon. Bring to a boil, then lower flame to a simmer

for 15 minutes. Add sugar, salt, sour salt, and bay leaf. Cook for another 10 minutes.

1 clove garlic, minced (optional) Salt and pepper, to taste YIELD: varies

Soup

Chop onions in food processor, using steel blade, and place in a large pot. Add 3-4 tablespoons water; cook until onions are limp and beginning to brown. Dice all remaining vegetables into very small pieces; add to pot. Cover vegetables with water; cook for 1 hour, until vegetables are very soft. For a meat soup, add turkey necks and garlic, if using, and continue to cook until meat starts to come off necks. If preparing pareve soup, add consommé and cook an additional ½ hour. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Speckled Veggie Soup “Yom Tov worthy... serve at your seudah the last days, for a change of pace.” 2 large, sweet Vidalia onions 5 stalks celery, or 1 knob celery 2 medium parsnips 2 medium turnips 1 medium butternut squash, seeded 4 medium zucchini 6 carrots 5 turkey necks or 5 T. chicken consommé (see instructions)

Potato Nokerlach for Soup Light and chewy soup accompaniment, A great Pesach substitute for knaidlach! 4 large potatoes, cooked and finely mashed or pureed 1 c. potato starch 1 egg 1 c. oil 1 tsp. salt Dash of white pepper YIELD: varies Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well, until soft, dough-like batter

forms. Drop about ½ teaspoonful at a time into a pot of boiling water, or directly into simmering soup. Allow to cook 10-15 minutes before serving.

Main

Lamb Chops ’n Chicken You can use minute steaks or flanken instead of the lamb chops. 4 chicken bottoms 4 small lamb chops 2 large onions, sliced 2-3 T. oil ½ tsp. salt, or to taste ¾ tsp. paprika YIELD: 4-6 servings In a large frying pan, sauté onion on low heat until golden. Sprinkle salt and paprika on onion and mix well until the onions turn a nice color. Place chicken and lamb pieces directly on top of onion. Raise the heat and sear all pieces of lamb on both sides (not necessary for the chicken). Cover, reduce heat, and allow meat and chicken to cook in their own juices for about an hour or until the meat is soft. If the juice is cooking out too soon, add water (only ½ cup at a time).

Sides

1 yellow pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 6-8 large red potatoes, cut into chunks 2 cloves garlic ¼ c. oil 3 T. onion soup mix YIELD: 8-10 servings

bine. Add water, coffee and sugar; mix until heated through and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add yolks one at a time, stirring well after each addition. When cream has cooled fold in the 8 oz. of dessert topping.

Place all ingredients into a 9x13-inch pan. Mix well and bake, covered, at 425° for 1 hour, and uncovered for ½ hour. Stir once or twice during baking time.

Assembly: Dissolve coffee in hot water. Stir in sugar. Briefly dip baby fingers into the coffee mixture until moistened. Remove carefully with slotted spoon, handling gently to avoid breakage. Place a layer of baby fingers into a 9x13- inch pan or trifle bowl. Spread a layer of cream on top of the baby fingers. Spoon whip on top of the cream. Repeat to make a second layer.

Dessert

Tiramisu

Red Potatoes with Vegetables

“Tiramisu on Pesach?? You bet! And it couldn't be better!” 2 boxes baby fingers Cream: 12 oz. chocolate 1 stick margarine ½ c. water 2 T. coffee ¾ c. sugar 4 egg yolks 8 oz. dessert topping,whipped Dipping mixture: 3 T. sugar 2 T. coffee 1 c. hot water 16 oz. dessert topping, whipped YIELD: 20 servings

Nice and quick for any night’s supper. 1 onion, sliced 1 red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

For cream: In a double boiler melt chocolate and margarine; stir to com-

Kohlrabi-Apple Salad 1 medium kohlrabi 1 medium green apple 1 T. lemon juice 3 tsp. sugar ½ tsp. salt 3 T. mayonnaise (optional) ½ c. chopped walnuts YIELD: 2-3 servings Peel and shred kohlrabi and apple. Combine lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Add mayonnaise, if using. Pour over kohlrabi and apple. Add walnuts. Mix well.

Pesach Grape Sorbet What kid doesn’t love grape-flavored anything? Grown-ups love it, too! 1½ c. sugar 3 c. boiling water ½ c. water 3 c. grape juice 1/3 c. lemon juice YIELD: approx. 16 servings Mix sugar with boiling water until sugar is dissolved. Combine with water, grape juice, and lemon juice. Pour into a 9x13inch pan and place in freezer. When semi-frozen, mix with hand mixer until soft. Refreeze.

Dairy/Parve Meal Appetizer

Fabulous Fruit Salad 1 whole, ripe pineapple 1 whole, ripe, small honeydew 1 whole, ripe papaya 3-4 mangoes 5-6 oranges 8 kiwi fruits 2-3 c. orange juice 2-3 bananas (optional) YIELD: approx. 20 servings Peel fruit and dice into even-sized pieces. Mix in orange juice and stir well to combine. If desired, add bananas immediately before serving.  Cantaloupe doesn’t work well here.

pany . m o c f ion eishig l f f selcet L ot s o o s t i o h l t , , oy f f o od e. Enj or day f g lot s o t n c a e h f c per for a our ecipes r e me y T ime i v t r a y p n a r ry or o ed o m of dai a H . , chol hange c a night r o sf y b eg famil

Pinch pepper Oil, for frying Sauce: 3 T. oil ¾ c. sliced almonds ¼ c. wine 2 tsp. lemon juice Salt, garlic, white pepper, to taste YIELD: 4 servings

Lemon Fillet Almondines

Rinse fish in salted water. Pat dry and set aside. Combine potato starch, garlic, salt and pepper and coat fillets well. Set aside for ½ hour. Heat oil in large frying pan. Sauté fish until it is golden brown on both sides and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from pan and keep warm.

“Seriously sophisticated...yet a snap to put together!” 1 lb. fish fillets (nile perch or any white fillets) ¼ c. potato starch ¼ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. salt

Sauce: Add 3 T. oil to the same pan; add almonds and sauté until lightly browned. Stir in wine, lemon juice, salt, garlic and pepper. Stir until sauce bubbles. Adjust seasoning. Spoon over fillets. Serve immediately.

Main Dish

Sides

Cabbage Kugel This unique recipe can be made milchig or pareve. Want it to be a bit more dieteticskip the potato starch & use low-fat cheese. 1 large onion 3 T. oil 4 eggs ½ c. potato starch 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder ½ c. water 1½ bags shredded green cabbage 1½ cups shredded cheese (optional) YIELD: 20 servings Sauté onion in oil until golden. In a bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients, except the sesame seeds and cheese, adding the cabbage last. Add the sautéed onion to the mixture. Mix well. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, and sprinkle with shredded cheese if you plan to use this kugel for a milchige meal. Bake uncovered at 350° for 50 minutes.

Zucchini Tomato Sauté Peel the zucchini and the tomatoes if that is your custom, with the same delicious results. 2 onions, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 large zucchini, unpeeled, sliced 2 medium tomatoes, diced 4 oz. can tomato sauce (optional) 1½ T. sugar Salt and pepper, to taste YIELD: 10-12 servings Sauté onions and garlic until golden and fragrant. Add squash; sauté about ½ hour. Add tomatoes; sauté additional 10

Beat egg whites and 6 tablespoons sugar to stiff peaks. Gently fold yolk mixture into whites. Pour into 11x17-inch pan and bake for 15-18 minutes. Do not over-bake. Cheese filling: Mix sour cream and potato starch until well combined; add farmer cheese. Beat egg yolks with ½ cup sugar and vanilla sugar; add orange juice. Combine two mixtures. Beat egg whites and one cup sugar to stiff peaks; gently fold in cheese mixture. Pour onto crust and bake for ½ hour. Chill before serving. minutes. Stir in tomato sauce (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Farmer Cheese Latkes ½ lb. farmer cheese 3 eggs 3 T. sugar 3 T. potato starch ½ tsp. vanilla Oil for frying YIELD: 4 servings Mix together all ingredients except oil, until smooth. Pour a light coating of oil into a large frying pan. Heat until it begins to sizzle. Drop cheese mixture by tablespoonful into the oil and fry until lightly browned on bottom. Flip latkes gently and brown on second side.

Dessert

Vanilla Crunch Ice Cream Expect everyone to ask for seconds! 12 macaroons, any flavor 3 T. margarine, melted 3 T. sugar 1/3 cup chocolate chips 1 recipe for pareve vanilla ice cream OR store-bought, softened YIELD: 12 servings Crumble macaroons in a food processor or by hand. Mix well with margarine and sugar and spread onto a cookie

sheet. Bake at 400° for 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice so that the crunch does not burn. Remove from oven and let cool. Meanwhile, pulse chocolate chips in food processor, just enough to coarsely chop. Combine chocolate crumbs with crunch and fold into ice cream. Freeze until firm.  If you freeze in a 9x13-inch pan, you can cut out squares for easy serving.

Pesach Cheesecake Crust: 5 eggs, separated 8 T. sugar, divided 1 tsp. vanilla sugar ½ c. potato starch, scant ¼ c. oil Zest and juice of 1 lemon or orange Cheese Filling: 12 oz. sour cream 8 T. potato starch 2½ lbs. farmer cheese 8 eggs, separated 1½ c. sugar, divided 2 tsp. vanilla sugar ½ c. orange juice YIELD: 36 servings Preheat oven to 350°. Crust: In mixer, beat 5 egg yolks with 2 tablespoons sugar and vanilla sugar. Add potato starch, oil, zest, and juice.

Now that you spen t so much time preparing - y ou deserve a break - take a few minutes for yourself and indu lge! Easy Iced Coff ee

“ Enjoy a cold, refre shing, low-calorie Pesachdig drink! ”” 3 tsp. coffee 1 tsp. cocoa ½ c. boiling water 6 T. sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 6- 8 ice cubes 1½ c. milk Mix coffee and co coa w ith boiling water. Add sugar. Pour into blender. Add remaining ingredients and blend until ice cube s are chopped. YIELD: 2 yields For the “slushy” vers ion, tr y freezing and re-blending.

Shabbos Yom Tov Lunch Appetizer

Hungarian Carp/White Fish For a jellied fish broth with your white fish, add a few pieces of pike skin to the water. (The carp broth gels on its own.) 6-8 slices carp/white fish Kosher salt or table salt 1 large onion ½ tsp. salt, or to taste ½ tsp. black pepper, or to taste ½ tsp. paprika, or to taste 2 carrots, sliced 1 parsnip, sliced 1-2 handfuls raisins (optional) YIELD: 6-8 servings Place fish on plastic wrap or platter. Sprinkle generously with salt. Set aside for at least ½ hour. Wash off fish. Slice onion into large pot. Place fish over onion; sprinkle spices evenly over fish. Add carrots and parsnip to pot. Add raisins, if desired. Cover fish and vegetables with water. Bring to a boil. Lower heat

Tradition , traditio n - exact what Pes ly ach is al l about. T your fam reat ily and g u e s t s a t r u e Pe to a tast sach Sha e of b b o s meal similar t o what y ou would found at have your gra ndparen ts' table.

and simmer for 1½ hours. Remove fish and gently place into container as soon as possible, taking care not to cause fish to fall apart. Cover completely with fish sauce and vegetables. Refrigerate when cool. Serve fish topped with one slice each parsnip and carrot. Variation: For Hungarian gefilte fish, add your favorite gefilte fish loaf to the water in this recipe, with (or without) the white fish or carp.

Salad

Coleslaw A must at most Shabbos/Yom Tov tables. 3 T. lemon juice4 T. sugar ½ T. salt 4 T. mayonnaise 1 T. water 1- 16 oz. bag pre-checked coleslaw mix YIELD: 8 servings Mix together first five ingredients, add coleslaw mix, and toss to combine.

Cucumber Salad An uncomplicated, 1-2-3 recipe! Dressing: 2 onions, sliced 1-2 tsp. salt, to taste ½ c. sugar ¼ c. lemon juice 1 c. water 10 lg. cucumbers, peeled & thinly sliced YIELD: varies; minimum 12 servings Combine dressing ingredients and pour over cucumbers. Let marinate at least 2 hours. Chill before serving.  Add or subtract from spices and lemon juice according to taste. You may also add some ground pepper, if you like.

Main

Pesach Cholent with Overnight Potato Kugel Oil, for greasing 1 recipe Pesach potato kugel, prepared but unbaked & frozen in a 9x13” pan 2 medium onions, sliced into rings 8 large potatoes, peeled & sliced into 1-inch thick slices ¾ pkg. flanken, with bones ¾ pkg. boneless flanken Salt and pepper, to taste Other spices, such as: Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika crushed red pepper YIELD: approx. 8 servings Grease a deep baking pan large enough to fit two 9x13-inch pans. Remove frozen potato kugel mixture from pan and place in half of prepared pan. In the other half of the pan, layer onions, potatoes, and flanken, then onions and potatoes again. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and any other spices you wish. If you have any leftover roast

or meat gravy from another recipe, add that as well. Fill sides of pan with water, reaching to the top of flanken. Cover tightly with heavy-duty foil and place in a 225°-250° oven, overnight.

Pesach Chicken Cutlets Simple, classic….and delicious! ½ stick margarine or ¼ c. oil 1 c. instant potato flakes 2 T. onion powder 1- 3-3½ lb. chicken, cut into eighths 1 egg, slightly beaten with 1 T. water ½ tsp. salt Dash pepper YIELD: 4 servings Preheat oven to 400°. Place margarine or oil in a 9x13- inch pan and heat in oven while preparing chicken. Mix together potato flakes & onion powder. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then coat with potato mixture, reserving extra. Place chicken, skin side down, in prepared pan. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. Bake 45 minutes; turn chicken &sprinkle with reserved potato mixture. Bake 45 min. longer.

Side

Pesach Kishke This recipe doubles and even triples easily and well, so it pays to make enough for the whole Yom Tov all at once. ¾ c. potato starch+ 1 large potato, grated 1 small onion, grated 1 large carrot, grated ½ c. oil 1 tsp. salt Pepper to taste YIELD: 6-8 servings Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Add potato starch as needed for firm consistency. Divide mixture into 2 logs. Wrap individually and freeze.  Place kishke in plastic cups and freeze. When ready to use, pop out of cups, wrap in foil and place in cholent.

Continues next page

dges Honey-Gla zed Gr apefruit We Quick 'n Easy -great to 4 egg whites ¼ tsp. salt serve to Last second 1 c. sugar drop-in guests? Try 4 tsp. potato starch this refreshing take 2 tsp. vinegar ½ tsp. vanilla on a classic fruit 1 c. dessert whip (8-10 oz.) Fresh fruit of choice: sliced kiw i, blueberr ies, etc. 3 medium-sized grapefruits 1⁄3 c. honey 1 T. margarine YIELD: 10 serv ings

pea ks form. Add Beat egg whites and salt until soft sy. On low speed sugar gradually, until stiff and glos Mound mixadd potato starch, vinegarand vanilla. onto parchment ture into greased springform pan, or le. Bake at 250° paper-lined cook ie sheet in a large circ e pavlova inside for 1½ hours. Tur n oven off and leav ed. Before servwith door closed until completely cool pavlova. Aring, whip cream until stiff. Spread over efruits into grap range fruit over cream. Peel and slice inch bak ing pan. wedges (eighths). Arrange in a 9x13and spoon over Mix honey and margarine together °, until lightly grapefruit. Bake 5-8 minutes at 400 brow ned. the lemon pulp is Great Idea: A handy way to scoop out knife. They have with a grapefruit spoon or a grapefruit serrated edges that make the job easier.

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fill each cavity. Bake at 350°, uncovered, for approximately 1 hour or until tender. Leave in oven to cool.

Dessert

Classic Baked Apples "Traditional, delicious & very well received!” 6 medium Cortland apples Cinnamon, for sprinkling 3 tsp. ground almonds 6 tsp. sugar Grape juice YIELD: 6 servings Core apples almost until bottom, leaving bottom intact. Sprinkle with cinnamon. In a small bowl combine nuts and sugar; divide between apples. Add grape juice to

medium-high speed in an extra-large, deep bowl for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture is thick and pale. Wash and dry beaters thoroughly. Beat egg whites in a large bowl just until they form soft Chocolate Soufflé Cake peaks. Beat in 1 T. sugar. Gently fold A chocolate lover’s Pesach delight! 1/3 of the cooled chocolate mixture 9 eggs, separated into the egg yolk mixture. Then fold 1/3 16 oz. bittersweet or semisweet of the egg whites into the yolk mixture. chocolate, chopped Repeat, alternately adding chocolate 2 sticks margarine and egg white mixtures in thirds, until ¾ c. plus one 1 T. sugar, divided all ingredients are combined. Transfer Cocoa, for dusting batter to prepared pan. Bake for 50 to Powdered sugar, for dusting 60 minutes or until the edges are firm Assorted fresh fruit and center is puffed but still a bit wobYIELD: 10-12 servings bly; do not over-bake. Let eggs stand at room temperature Transfer cake to a wire rack. Cool 10 for 30 minutes. Position a rack in the min.; loosen cake from sides of pan. (Cenmiddle of the oven. Preheat the oven to ter of cake will sink as cake cools.) Cool com300°. Grease and flour a 9-inch springpletely. To serve, remove the sides of the form pan. Melt chocolate and margarine pan. Dust cake with a layer of cocoa, then in a heavy medium saucepan over low a layer of powdered sugar. Cut into thin heat, whisking until smooth. Remove wedges. from heat; cool to room Serve with assortd e o m a temperature. Beat egg ed fresh fruit. H l o Enjoy a Ch a yolks and ¾ cup sugar on 's g there

Chol Hamoed Dinner Lettuce Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Hard-boiled egg yolks in dressing? Yes! Try it; you’ll like it! ” 1- 8 oz. bag Romaine lettuce 4 hard-boiled egg whites ½ carrot, shredded Dressing: 2 hard-boiled egg yolks 2 T. water 2 T. lemon juice 2 T. sugar YIELD: 6-8 servings Place lettuce into large bowl. Quarter & slice the egg whites, and add to lettuce. Add carrots; mix well. Dressing: In a small bowl, mash yolks with a fork. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

owin outing kn al ant hot me great fragr ! home. Yum t a g in it a w

Pour dressing over salad & toss to coat.

Marvelous Meat Stew “This recipe can also be made in a crockpot. Oil, for sautéing 2 onions, chopped 4 potatoes, chopped 2 carrots 1 large zucchini 2 celery stalks 1½ lb. stew meat or turkey chunks Salt, to taste YIELD: 4-6 servings Sauté onions until translucent. Dice the vegetables and add to the onions. Sauté for a few minutes. Add meat and salt. Add water to cover. Cook for 2 hours.

Amazing Chocolate Cupcakes 8 eggs 2 c. oil 3 c. sugar 1 c. cocoa 1 c. potato starch Whipped dessert topping, for frosting, optional 3 T. sugar YIELD: 24 cupcakes Beat eggs well. Add oil, sugar, cocoa and potato starch and mix until well combined. Pour batter into cupcake holders. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. If using topping, whip with 3 tablespoons sugar and frost cupcakes.

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What is Closeness to Hashem | Rabbi Shimon Ishal

hen the Jewish nation came out of Mitzrayim, they exalted and rejoiced in a way unmatched in history. They expressed this joy in the words: lh,guahc vbbrb - we rejoice for your (Hashem’s) salvation. They did not say ubh,guahc vbbrb - we rejoice in our salvation rather we rejoice in your salvation. What was the joy for Hashem’s salvation which they felt? Chazal tell us their joy was for the fact that Hakadosh Baruch Hu was no longer in pain; because as long as they were enslaved in Mitzrayim, Hashem shared the pain of His children, and now that they had been freed, the Shechina was no longer in pain. Their salvation was Hashem’s salvation. If we consider the amount of rgm (suffering) which they bore in Mitzrayim, we learn a tremendous lesson from this Chazal. We would imagine that now that the Jewish nation

had finally been redeemed from all their sufferings at the hands of Par’oh and the Egyptians, their biggest joy and simcha would be their own freedom and the end of their catastrophic holocaust. Yet, we see that their joy for the end of Hashem’s suffering overwhelmed their emotions for their own personal salvation. This is the level of ,uehcs (closeness to Hashem) which a human being can achieve. It is possible to reach a lofty level of intimacy with Hakadosh Baruch Hu to the point that a person can totally abandon his natural feelings of self-centeredness and fully understand and feel 'sc ,uehcs. Rabbi Shimon Ishal; Talmid of HaGaon HaRav Henach Leibowitz, ZT”L, currently one of the Roshei Yeshiva of Yeshiva Ohr Chanoch of Los Angeles, CA.

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At Tomchei Shabbos, we have the will. What we need is the money to help familiesShabbos, we have the will. What we n Atthese Tomchei are losing theirInhomes. Your friend’s have sons their fathers are forced to choose keep their homes, feed and clothe their children. everything we do, we hear thewho echoknow of Reb

keep their homes, feed and clothe their children. In

between food and clothes. And your classmate has a mother who is devastated, because Aryeh Levin’s famous declaration “My neighbor’s poverty is hurting us”.child’s Our friend’s struggles Aryeh Levin’s famous declaration “My neighbor’s p take the shame and stress any are ours, and our part is to provide she the cannot financial support to help alleviate the longer. anguish.

and our part is to provide the financial sup This Pesach, Will All Who Are Hungryare ours, Come and Eat?

The sadder truth is,about this does not have toThen be so. Asus a community, Los Angeles has the wealth If you really want to imagine something, try thinking the following. join in

magine a young Jewish child, toosomething young toabout be aware of such has circumstances. a mother who devastated, she cannot take thetry thinki to relieve these The is question is, really do webecause have doing it. If you wantthetowill? imagine something, things, who while lying in her bed at night, hears whispers shame and stress any longer. doing something about it. At Tomchei Shabbos, we havetruth the will. What we need the money to help families about people coming soon to take away her home. The sadder is, this does not ishave to be so. As athese commukeep their homes, feed and clothe their children. In everything we do, we hear the echo of Reb Imagine a boy just a month short of his BarImagine Mitzvah, nity,I Los Angeles nowho uncertainty, wonder if youhas canthe wealth to relieve these circumstances. Aryeh Levin’s famous declaration “My neighbor’s poverty is hurting us”. Our friend’s struggles knows that his parents have to make a choice: can Theaquestion is, do wea have No he need foreither greedeat or hunger, community with plan the will? are ours, and our part is to provide the financial support to help alleviate the anguish. Imagine no uncertainty, I today THIS or get a new pair of At Tomchei Shabbos, Imagine all theWHO people, sharing all the bounty in their COME hands PESACH, WILL ALL ARE HUNGRY AND EAT? shoes for the simcha. we have thefor will.greed Whator wehunger, a No need If you really want to imagine something, try thinking about the following. Then join us in Imagine 3,000 a teen,lbs. who need is the money to help of matzah $45,500 Imagine all the people, sharing al doing something about it. after a long day at school, these families keep their 10,000 lbs. of chicken $25,000 comes home to watch her homes, feed and clothe mother cry when their children. In every2,700she lbs.tellsof meat $24,750 Imagine no uncertainty, I wonder if you can her that she is sorry, you thing we do, awe hear the No need for greed or hunger, a community with plan Misc. Pesach Products $15,000 have to go to Bubbie’s house echo of Reb Aryeh Levin’s Imagine all the people, sharing all the bounty in their hands lbs. of produce $11,500 if you want to21,200 take a shower. famous declaration “My The sad truth is, you neighbor’s poverty is hurt2,000 bottle of grape juice $9,000 don’t need to imagine anying us”. Our friend’s strugcans of tuna fish thing. Today 7860 in Los Angeles gles$6,144 are ours, and our part your neighbors are losing is to provide the financial 2,440 units of dairy products $5,286 their homes. Your friend’s support to help alleviate 3,200 dozen have sons who know their eggs the $4,300 anguish. fathers are forced to choose If you really want to 568 units of sugar and oil $3,133 between food and clothes. imagine something, try 6,800 lbs of potatoes and onions $1,830 And your child’s classmate thinking about the follow-

456 units of cocoa and potato starch $1,612 Imagine no uncertainty, I wonder if you can. No need for greed or hunger, a community with a plan. Feeding 2,000 PeoPle For Pesach Imagine all the people, sharing all the bounty in their hands. $153,055

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W at e r w e a r s a w ay s t o n e s iyov 14:19

If something as soft as water can carve a hole in solid rock, how much more so can Torah – which is hard as iron – make an indelible impression on my heart. Rabbi Akiva

The great Talmudic scholar, Rabbi Akiva, realized that Torah, like drop after drop of water, has immeasurable power – and he transformed himself from an ignorant shepherd to one of Judaism’s greatest teachers.

In the new book Like Water on a Rock, published by Mesorah Publications, we meet dozens of fascinating people who harnessed the power of Jewish wisdom and belief to transform their lives.

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Time of

Death You never know when can be the last time. Yael Mauer

rs. B had been my patient for 10 days while I was doing a medicine clerkship as a third-year medical student. She had come to the hospital because of difficulty breathing, complicated by a history of chronic pulmonary disease, lung cancer, breast cancer, and other things. She was 75. I liked her immediately, she was intelligent and funny. Seeing her was my favorite part of the day. We connected from the beginning. She had a daughter whom she did not want to burden, a brother, and grandchildren. Her granddaughter’s name was Amy; she had recently gotten married. During all the time we spent together, I never saw anyone visit her. I felt she was somewhat lonely, but I was humbled by her positive spirits and strong will. Yesterday things were looking better. Her numbers were up, her wheezing was gone. We were planning to discharge her to a rehab center where she would complete her recovery and soon after go home. She was very anxious to go home because she had bills to pay and she also missed her neighbors. We stopped by her room for one last checkup and she looked ready to take off. A few minutes into our visit, another patient’s heart stopped. Doctors were called to help and I ran to assist. When I came back to Mrs. B, her room was full of doctors and nurses; she was breathing very heavily and her heart was racing, so the staff was trying to control her pulse. I saw that she was scared. I held her hand and asked her about her plans for after discharge. I

asked her about her daughter and grandkids. She could barely breathe but was eager to tell me. After a half hour, her heart went back to normal and things seemed under control. “Are you okay?” I asked. “I feel like dancing,” she replied. Before going home last night, I went to check on Mrs. B. one last time. She was doing well. She had heard that she was going to be transferred to the cardiac unit instead of going to the rehab center, so that we could watch out for more arrhythmias like the ones she had experienced earlier in the day. “Doctor, I’m not going to come out of the hospital,” she said to me. I told her about a study in which patients who thought they wouldn’t come out of the hospital were more likely to die in the hospital than patients who thought they would. I made her tell me she’d come out of the hospital fine. Then I told her that I was going home, that I had only stopped to say goodbye. “Don’t go home,” she implored. “What should I do?” “Sleep here!” “Why do you want me to sleep here?” I asked. “Because I trust you.” “And you don’t trust anyone else?” I asked, laughing. “I don’t,” she replied. We laughed again. I told her I’d see her first thing in the morning. As I was walking out the door she said to me, smiling, “Bright and early tomorrow, Doc. I’ll be here.” I smiled back at her and went home. This morning I came to the hospital to find out that she was intubated. She had gone into respiratory failure and had to be transferred to the critical care unit. I went to see her immediately. She was heavily sedated, intubated, and wearing cushioned gloves to prevent her from hurting herself or anyone else. The nurse told me she had been aggressive. The woman lying in the bed looked nothing like Mrs. B; she didn’t even look like a person. The monitors were beeping and flashing, doctors and nurses were coming in and out of her room, pushing me away. I told the attending physician I wanted to wake her up and say good morning to her, I wanted her to see a familiar face, she must had been so scared! He asked me not to wake her

The monitors were beeping and flashing, doctors and nurses were coming in and out of her room, pushing me away.

The attending physician asked, “Would she want more aggressive CPR or for us to let her go?”

because she had been very combative. So I didn’t. A few hours later, I was walking to the cafeteria when I got a text from a classmate — Mrs. B’s heart had stopped and she was dying. I ran to the critical care unit to find a sea of white coats and blue scrubs coming in and out of the unit. There was almost no space to move. I pushed my way through the crowd and into the room. The medical team had just finished one cycle of CPR. The attending physician asked, “Would she want more aggressive CPR or for us to let her go?” The staff was frantically calling her family, but they were not getting through. I kept on thinking how they’d feel to find out later they had missed this call, a last call. Everyone was at a loss; there were no advanced directives, no instructions in her chart. From the back of the room I said, “From what I knew about Mrs. B, I think she’d like us to try it all, until the end.” I suddenly understood that she was dying and I was the closest person to her who could be reached at that moment. “Start another cycle of CPR!” said the doctor. They all rushed to their positions and began CPR. “We need more people to help,” the nurse said. “Who wants to help?” I ran to put on gloves and rushed to her side.

The

Torah in Our

Church The amazing story of our church that en masse decided to convert to Judaism Yosef Juarez

The doctor looked at me and said, “It’s your turn, give it your best.” I compressed her chest until I thought I’d pass out from the heat. Someone else took over, and we alternated every two minutes, for many long minutes. She was bleeding through her neck and unresponsive. She was dying. I prayed for her as I performed CPR. With no response there was nothing left for us to do. “Anyone else has any ideas?” the doctor asked. Silence filled the crowd. No ideas. He asked us to let go. “1:06 is the time of death,” he said. Suddenly the coats and scrubs were marching out of the room, the equipment was turned off, the tension was over. I walked into the waiting room and grabbed a chair. My classmates were waiting for me, speechless. I started crying and a few nurses came to console me. “You did good … you did your best ….” All I could think about was how sadly she died, surrounded by strangers. I wondered if she knew I came to visit her this morning, and gave her chest compressions until she was gone. I know I did my best. I don’t regret one antibiotic I suggested for her, or one x-ray. But I’ll always regret not having told her last night how much I enjoyed getting to know her and how honored I felt that she trusted me so much.

was born in Honduras 23 years ago, the oldest of four children. I lived in a neighborhood with all my cousins, on a street named after my mother’s ancestors. We attended a church that is nondenominational, but with a strong evangelical bent. When I was three years old, I fell from the second story of my house and dropped head-first onto the concrete, fracturing my skull. I was rushed to the hospital and wasn’t moving at all, just gazing off into the distance. The situation was very grave. But then something strange occurred. The next day, it was as if nothing had happened. The doctor ordered new x-rays, and there was no sign of any damage — no fracture, not even a scratch. Due to this, our family grew in our religious observance, and throughout my life I was focused on the service of God. When I was eight years old, we moved to America, Continued on page 44

Continues from page 43 which offered better financial opportunities. We settled in a suburb of Houston and looked around for a church to attend, but nothing seemed as good as what we had back in Honduras. Our old church was based in Honduras, but has branches in U.S. cities that have a sizable Central American and Hispanic population. So together with one other family, we requested that the church send us a minister. They sent us a man named Hector Flores, who at the time was still training to be a minister. And that’s how our Houston church started — in one room in a house. Minister Flores was fascinated with the Holy Temple, and its predecessor the Tabernacle (Mishkan). He had access to books and resources, and he started teaching Torah ideas that were unique in a Christian setting. We would spend months and months delving into aspects of the Torah. Our membership grew steadily, as we were very outreach-oriented. The city was divided up into districts and groups, and we would literally go out into the streets and preach to people. During high school, I studied in my church’s discipleship program, where they train young people in leadership skills and how to preach. We’d bring people into the church and provide them with family counseling and programs for all ages. It functioned very much like a family. And we would train the new members to reach out and bring more people to church. Of course, people who came to our church for the first time would wonder why we were discussing so many Jewish topics. But Minister Flores continued on his unique path, and the church eventually split into two congregations. We got our own building and bought land to expand. One of the unique customs of our church was something Minister Flores called “festivals of consecration.” These were patterned after the festivals in the Torah, but in our church people would bring large donations on the “festivals” to fund our activities. From there it was constant small steps toward Torah observances. We took upon ourselves the obligation to tithe, and we’d give 10 percent of our income to church activities.

After a while our festivals got assigned Jewish names, like Purim and Shavuot, corresponding to the Jewish holiday they fell close to. This was definitely not consistent with mainstream Christianity. And the closer we got to Torah, the more some congregants became uncomfortable and started to drop out. It was a filtering process. Unbeknown to us, behind the scenes, Minister Flores was going through an intense personal transition. After much research, he discovered many inconsistencies and contradictions in the New Testament, making the tenets of Christianity untenable. Minister Flores started secretly going to a rabbi, to pester him with questions. Then he’d come back and teach us, slowly getting us closer and closer to Judaism. Soon after, Minister Flores made the decision to convert to Judaism. But he struggled to find a way to tell us, as he didn’t want to tear down Christianity without being able to offer us an alternative. So he kept teaching Torah, but in a way that was as subtle as possible. He gradually peeled away many of the things that were wrong and got us closer to Torah. Our songs became Hebrew songs. We began to incorporate real Jewish traditions into our festivals, and we even got a Torah Scroll for the church. At that point we resembled more of a Jews for J— group, in the sense that we were Christians with a lot of Jewish traditions. The difference, of course, was that we were moving in the direction toward authentic Judaism, not the other way around. During this process, our biggest resource for information was Aish.com and its Spanish sister site. At one point the church printed out reams of Aish.com articles on all the holidays, and gave a binder of these articles to each family. Some of the church members became resistant to all these changes, and a number of people dropped out. There were occasional confrontations where people would question the minister, “How far are you going with all this?” And he would simply answer, “As far as the Torah takes us.”

I started doing research into my roots, because I knew that this awakening to Judaism comes from a very deep place.

Revelation About six months after Minister Flores made the private decision to convert, my mother had been at a Jewish bookstore and bought the book, The Real Messiah by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. This book lays out all the evidence for why Jews don’t believe in the teachings of Christianity, in a very scholarly and convincing way. We found that a lot of Christian teachings were based on mistranslations or taking biblical verses out of context. So my mother suspected there was more to this “Torah teaching” than the minister had been letting on. Every Sunday after services, the entire congregation would go together to the park. One Sunday, my mother confronted the minister: “You know more than you’re telling us, don’t you.” He would never lie or deny such a direct question, so he saw this was the right time to reveal his plan to convert. That Sunday, we all stayed at the park for hours and hours, discussing and explaining, until long after dark. At that point, about 100 people wanted to keep studying with the possibility of conversion. But many others took the choice of becoming Bnei Noach, following the seven pillars of human civilization that the Torah presents for non-Jews to observe. Minister Flores explained that any human being who faithfully observes these laws earns a proper place in heaven, and this was an appealing alternative for many church members. My mother, however, wanted to stick with the group who was interested in conversion. So we kept on learning, and eventually our group decided to attend Shabbat services. One Saturday morning our entire congregation showed up at the United Orthodox Synagogues. It was a bit of a shock to the community, because such a huge influx upset the social balance. But the leader of the synagogue, Rabbi Joseph Radinsky, was like an angel to us; his kindness and sincerity is clear to anyone who knows him. When they saw things were serious, the Houston community sent a Spanish-speaking rabbi, Jose Gomez, to help each family clarify the right path. (He himself had converted 10 years earlier in Houston along with his entire family — parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles.) As expected, all of this caused a real stir in the Christian community in Houston. Minister Flores was among the first to convert, and since then many of our church members have converted,

while others are in the process. My own conversion was finalized a year ago, and my mother and siblings are still in the process. I chose the name “Yosef” because in the Bible, Joseph was the first of his family to go down to Egypt. He established himself and was able to help bring the rest of his family along. My mother says that in our path to conversion, I have been sent ahead as our family’s “Yosef.” After my conversion, I came to Israel and was really amazed. I saw a variety of Jews, and a whole different side of Judaism. There was something special about everything. I even found myself taking pictures of grass and rocks! I started doing research into my roots, because I knew that this awakening to Judaism comes from a very deep place. I found out that on a voyage to the New World in 1502, Christopher Columbus reached the Bay Islands on the coast of Honduras, which became part of the Spanish empire. Jews undoubtedly came to Honduras at this time, on the heels of the Spanish Inquisition when many Jews “converted to Christianity” but secretly remained Jewish. I’m anxious to find out more about my ancestors, but it’s very hard to track. So where am I today? I am studying at the Aish HaTorah Yeshivah in the Old City of Jerusalem and I love it. I’m so enthusiastic about everything that I learn, and cannot wait to share it with all my friends and family back home. At this point, my plans for the future are pretty open. I want to continue to study Torah, finish my undergraduate degree, and see what opportunities develop. But one thing I know for sure: I am committed to reaching out to my fellow Jews. If I was fortunate enough to discover this gold mine of spiritual wealth and fulfillment, then those who were born Jewish surely must be given that opportunity. And who knows — just as Aish. com spurred my Jewish growth, maybe this article will be the spark that someone else has been waiting for.

Minister Flores was among the first to convert.

Sometimes life is so hard, you just have to sing.

Goldy Rosenberg

y father built a sweater factory in the employment-starved Catskills, creating job opportunities in a locale that didn’t have many. Then along came the seventies with its sharpdropping economy and wiped out the factory. All that my father had left was unplugged machines and a shell of a

True

Romance I knew exactly how I was supposed to feel about the man I’d marry. Until the day I met him. Yehudit Channen I spent a lot of my childhood reading my grandmother’s large collection of True Romance magazines. My grandmother immigrated to America from Hungary when she was a teenager, and that’s the highest literary level she ever achieved. Either that or she really enjoyed the glamour and escape those periodicals provided after a long day in the grocery store she owned with my grandfather. At any rate, I found the melodramatic stories terribly intriguing, with all the complications and anxiety that romance can provide. There was always some sort of love triangle going on or an awful misunderstanding, with break-ups and make-ups that continued on into sequels. I was fascinated by the obsessions and heartache the characters endured, and I assumed I was learning all about

building. He, who had created jobs for others, had no business and no job of his own. So my father sought employment in the nearest metropolitan area, three hours away from home. The recession-time job market was slim. The situation was desperate as my father had a family to support. He took the first job available, that of night mechanic in someone else’s factory. Pay was minimum wage. A dozen mouths to feed. A mortgage to carry. All on minimum wage. The budget numbers just didn’t add up, which is why my father became adept at cutting corners and making do without. The first thing he cut was personal transportation, giving up driving his car. Yet even bus fare from New York City to our home was a strain on an already strained budget. So my father decided to stay in the City all week and only come home for Shabbos. Since he wanted to stretch his meager earnings even more, my father would hitchhike home. One Thursday night, my father stood on the side of the New York State Thruway trying to catch a ride. No one stopped. It was cold. Time passed. Sleet started to fall,

love relationships. True Romance 101. That was the beginning of an education that I should never have acquired. I got the rest of my romantic expectations from pop music and Hollywood films. Some of the major messages seemed to be: • Love involves emotions such as jealousy, possessiveness, and the constant fear of losing your beloved to someone else. • You shouldn’t care what anyone else, even close family members and good friends, think about your beloved. • Unrequited love is a noble thing, and it’s understandable to want to die if you’re rejected by someone with whom you are infatuated. By the time I was ready for marriage in the 1970s, I knew exactly how I was supposed to feel about the man I would marry. Until the day I met him. The man who wanted to marry me aroused feelings much less intense and exciting than I was primed for. On some of our dates I was even slightly bored and happy to return to the chatter and chaos of my all-girl apartment. This man was open, reliable, ambitious, and interested in me. He was not moody, never unpredictable, lacked mystery, and had absolutely no criminal tendencies. He was straightforward and to my mind, dull beyond description. He seemed like a good person to have for a neighbor, not my golden opportunity for passion and glory. Where were the fireworks, the thumping heart, the tears of torment,

drenching my father. Each passing car sent a shower of icy water cascading toward him. As my father told me the story, he said, “It was so bad, I just had to sing.” “Say again?!” I wasn’t sure I heard right. He smiled and told me, “Sometimes it is so bad, you just have to sing to God.” Music is an odd invention; it always employs force. Think about it. The drum is a skin stretched to its tightest which you then pound away at with the drumsticks. The guitar is strings pulled taut, which you then pick or strum at, exerting pressure on the right string. The piano works more or less like the guitar, with strings being stretched and then hit. The flute, the clarinet, the oboe — they take breath pushed strongly through it and constrain it into a narrow space so that there is pressure on that breath, until it escapes through an opening. All instruments are pressure concepts. As soon as you take away any tension, your instrument won’t work. It needs pressure. David was a shepherd boy spurned by kin and coun-

trymen alike. Alone he grew. Alone he forged his character. Through the pressures of daily teasing, through the tension of being hounded near unto death, David became King David, author of Psalms. From the ultimate pressurized childhood came the timeless songs of David. Pain can make music. My father realized that only individuals strong enough to withstand tension become the instruments of song in the world. In a world so finely tuned, his moment of pressure must have been orchestrated for a response. So he met every challenge head-on. Were he to buckle from the pain, my father felt he would have failed, like the guitar string that snaps under tension. That’s why in that moment of pain my father sang, bringing his unique music into the world. Life can get incredibly hard, so I’ve learned. And my father taught me that if I’m in pain, I’m being asked for a response. I can feel worthy of being picked to be played. And like my father and King David, I can take each pressure, pain, or tension and sing a song to the world. Sometimes life is so hard, you just have to sing.

the moments of rapture? I was miserable that I wasn’t sick with longing. I hadn’t lost my appetite and I slept just fine. How could this be love? Thankfully, at that stage in my life, I was attending Torah classes and learning new lessons about love and marriage. I was supposed to look for good character traits, like humility and compassion. My friends and I dreamed of marriage to a Judaic scholar, a role model for the children, an asset to the community. That didn’t sound like the musicians or artistic types I had always dreamed of. The man who wanted to marry me was so normal. And my father actually liked him, which was something brand new. I just couldn’t reconcile myself to him being “the one.” Yet after awhile, his sweetness grew on me. So I took the plunge (I wasn’t getting any younger) and we finally got married. Slowly and tenderly, we began to build our relationship, although I sometimes still fretted that our relationship would never be the inspiration for a story in True Romance. A few months later I was thrilled to discover that I was expecting a baby. One afternoon as we were walking through town, I decided we must have ice cream cones. In my state, I chose the black walnut raisin and brandy flavor. My husband opted for vanilla. “Oh c’mon!” I teased him. “Try something exciting!”

“No, I like vanilla.” he insisted, “that’s always good.” We paid for our ice creams and sat down to eat them in a nearby park. I took a big lick of my quickly melting cone and it was absolutely revolting! I couldn’t believe this had been my choice and I had ordered a triple scoop! I watched my husband settle down to enjoy his plain white ice cream and began to covet it intensely. “What’s wrong?” he asked me. “Everything okay?” “This tastes terrible!” I admitted. “I can’t eat this!” I felt especially bad because in those days we had so little money and an ice cream cone, believe it or not, was a luxury item. He looked at me with a straight face and said’ “You probably want me to trade with you, right?” “Well,” I said to my new husband, “I don’t want to be rude.” “No, no, it’s all right. Here, take mine.” He held out his cone and I gave him mine. He tried it. “Oh yum,” he said loudly. “This is great, really delicious.” I looked at him gratefully and tried his vanilla. It was wonderful. And then I realized: so was he. “Exotic” may look good, but that’s only from the outside. When you’re building a home, in it for the long run, and you’re hot and tired (and expecting a baby), you want something — not “boring” — but steady, reliable, and dependable. What I now call True Romance.

The

Day Before My

Wedding

We were on opposite poles: her life was drawing to a close and mine was about to begin. Yael Mermelstein

t was late afternoon, the day before my wedding, and I sat at the dining room table, tapping my foot impatiently against my chair. “Calm down,” my mother said as she filled out yet another cream-colored place card. “We’ll get there. We’ll get there.” I stared out the window as a car trundled down the block. I had so much to do. Would I be able to sleep tonight? I was getting married tomorrow! I shook my pen and filled out another card with my best curlicue handwriting. Then I threw my pen down. I couldn’t do this anymore. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, the room a flurry of activity around me as my parents and my sisters gathered together gowns and shoes, petticoats and hair ornaments. Tomorrow night I would dress in white like we do every year on Yom Kippur and I would fast all day. Tomorrow my prayers would take on new definition and would hold a special place next to God. Tomorrow I would be starting my life as a Jewish married woman. “I’m going out,” I said. “Crazy bride,” I thought I heard someone murmur. Then laughter. I grabbed the car keys and closed the door behind me, breathing in the freshness of April. I had too much to do and too little time. Where should I go? There were things that needed to be picked up from the cleaners. I could run over to Rite Aid and pick up the lipstick the make-up lady had recommended for me. And I needed

bobby pins for my veil. Oh, I had almost forgotten that I needed inserts for my white satin bridal shoes. I would slip right out of them while walking down the aisle if I didn’t get those. What should I do first? I looked up at the sky as if waiting for an answer and I watched the sun spin copper-colored ribbons across the sky. It was getting late. Soon I would need to get back to my shomeret, a woman who traditionally accompanies a bride so that she is never alone during the 24-hour period before her wedding. Tomorrow. Me. Married. A new Jewish home. Thank you, God. I suddenly knew exactly where I needed to be. I grabbed an invitation from the trunk of the car and I tucked it into my purse. Then I drove the five miles to The Pembrook Nursing Home. I rode the elevator to the fifth floor. “Which way to Mrs. Ackerman’s room?” I asked. The nurse pointed me in the direction of her room. I hadn’t been to visit her here yet, though I had been to visit her so many other places. Mrs. Ackerman was the wife of the candy-man in our synagogue. He had passed away when I was a young girl and a loyal group of girls made sure to visit her every Shabbat in thanks for the sweets her husband had doled out. Over the years, the girls had gone in so many different directions, but Mrs. Ackerman always remained in the same place, in her squat little house on the corner of 180th Street. Eventually, there were only two of us left visiting her. And just as eventually, Mrs. Ackerman, in her late nineties, became ill. When she was hospitalized for the final time, it was only Esther and I who remained from our original group of visitors. I sat by her bed in the hospital and read to her from Oliver Twist, watching her smile as the story unfolded. I poured her a drink and I wiped her lined cheeks. I brought my future husband to meet with her and I received her smile of approval. When we got engaged, she rejoiced from her hospital bed. But then things got busy. The wedding was getting closer — our engagement had been less than three months. Esther called me and told me that our dear Mrs. Ackerman had been moved to Pembrook. I filed the information away in the corner of my brain, somewhere between “dress fitting” and “florist.” I walked down the corridor on tiptoes so as not to dis-

We were on opposite poles of the earth, with her life drawing to a close while mine was only about to begin.

turb the hush. I rapped gently on her door and then let myself in. She was asleep, an oxygen mask on her face, her hands folded gently atop her baby-blue blanket. I reached out and touched her hands, the sparkling diamond on my finger catching the warm yellow of the lamp by her bed. She opened her eyes. “Yael,” she mouthed, for she was too weak to speak. I reached into my purse and pulled out the invitation. “I’m getting married tomorrow,” I said. “I . . . I know you can’t make it. I wish you could. But I’m going to be thinking of you.” I laid the invitation across her hands, then awkwardly took it back again to read aloud its contents. She turned her face towards me just a bit, her lips cracked at the edges, the irises of her eyes covered by a thin film of age. And she smiled. “Thank you,” she mouthed. And just then, I had nowhere to go that was more im-

Stop the

Loneliness Don’t let what happened to me happen to one more single person

A Lonely SJF

do not know how it happened, but I am approaching 50 and am still single. And I have given up. I know that I will never marry and have children. I do not write this article for me, but for those who still believe and have hope for a normal life. I grew up in the typical, normal religious home. My parents wereHolocaust survivors. My father was lucky. Having come from Europedirectly after the war, he was taken in by an uncle who had movedto California two years before the war began. This uncle took myfather under his wing, educated him, gave him a good job, and foundhim a wonderful partner in life, my mother. My mother was very young when she came to America and was therefore able to blendin quite well. They had six children. All of us were close and had a wonderful childhood. I am the second to youngest. I saw all of my siblings marry wonderful spouses and had high hopes that the same would happen to me. Year after year went by and nothing happened. I’d like to say that I know why, but in all honesty, I can’t. I was

portant than this room with its faded pink curtains and its tepid pitcher of water on the nightstand. I sat with her, prattling on about the navy gowns my bridesmaids would be wearing and the flower bouquet which I hadn’t even cared enough to choose on my own. I watched her drinking in the world with her eyes as she clutched my hand. We were on opposite poles of the earth, with her life drawing to a close while mine was only about to begin. And yet, like a magnet to iron, we were drawn together by that ephemeral feeling that can only be experienced by those just on the cusp of some wondrous journey. Mrs. Ackerman passed away shortly after my wedding. And my life since then has been a steady whirlwind of bringing up a large family. I race up and down the roller coaster, with barely a pause to breathe. But the day before my wedding, I had all the time in the world.

bright, attractive, from a wonderful family and have what everyone calls a good personality. I wasn’t one of those girls who are overly picky. Yet, something went very, very wrong. In the beginning, I didn’t feel much pressure. I was young, working, had many friends, and was enjoying being single. But as my friends and family were getting married, one after the other with seemingly little effort, I started to get nervous. I went to rabbis for blessings, took trips to Israel to pray at the holy sites of our forefathers, and dated anyone and everyone. But now I have given up. I am lonely beyond words, and worst of all, I will never know the joy of motherhood. I write this article not for me, but to help those who are still searching. My words are not directed at them, but to those of you who have found your bashert, your soul mate. DO SOMETHING. Those of you who are married and have families have an obligation to those who don’t. When one is sick we raise money for treatment. When one needs blood after surgery, we rally and donate. When a family loses a parent, we volunteer our time and try to help. Well, the biggest disease of this generation is the thousands of singles, sitting in their homes alone and crying out to God for help. You are in the position to do make a difference. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT NOW. Don’t let what happened to me happen to one more single person. I cry at how lonely I am and beg you to help. Make it part of your life to fix up any and every single you know. This will save more lives than you’ll ever know. Don’t sit silently and let our tears of loneliness fall without lifting a hand to help.

Hershel lieber

The Wandering Jew

relaxing moment in the garden district

CITY spirit April 2012

was always intrigued by New Orleans; its French and Spanish history and its unique culture. Yet, I hesitated going there because of its reputation for vulgarity and indulgence. My curiosity to see this charming city won over my objections and we took the plunge. We set some boundaries for ourselves which would make our trip morally appropriate, and off we went. We drove in during the evening, passing the humongous illuminated Superdome, and settled in at the cozy Queen Anne B&B in the Garden District. We unpacked and headed straight to Casablanca Restaurant across the river in Metairie. The Moroccan food and atmosphere were so appealing, that we lingered on and relaxed for quite a while. We only began to appreciate the Garden District the next day. We spent over three hours walking and marveling at the beautifully restored homes, most of them dating between 100 to 150 years old. We were guided by a tourbook which pointed out the most important homes and their history. The streets lined with massive shady oaks added to the aura of Southern elegance. Another feature which took us back to the romantic Victorian Period was the Charles Street Streetcar. Besides the one in San Francisco, this is

anshe sephard synagogue in garden district

the only one left from a bygone era, and is over 100 years old. We traveled up and down the street a number of times during our stay and enjoy the experience. The streetcar runs along a graceful boulevard where the mansions of the wealthy and politically connected reside. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s universities and museums all occupy prominent addresses along this concourse. We ate dinner at the Kosher Cajun Restaurant which served some local specialties. We dedicated the next day to the famous French Quarter. This is where jazz reigns supreme, and the sound of the sax accompanies you throughout the day. From street corner musicians playing for some change, to the performers in the restaurants and clubs, you are always surrounded by the beat and the tempo. We walked alongside the Mississippi River, watching the paddlewheel riverboats depart, billowing a trail of white smoke. Then we explored the French market with its array of Cajun food and spices and headed for a professional guided tour. The tour guide was excellent and during an over two hour walking tour we learned so much of this cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth of history and culture. The Spanish influence is very evident in the wrought iron balconies and architectural styles of the buildings. The French left their imprint by way of the local Cajun language and culture. We also felt the pain of the tragic toll the city suffered during and after Hurricane Katrina. During the daytime, this whole district, with the exception of Bourbon Street, is certainly suitable for sightseeing. At night there is definitely a different element of people that frequent the area and the parameters of decency change. We were not at all interested to see that change! The next day was Friday, and we changed our B&B to one closer to the shul, where an old fashioned key could still be used for the doors. We still had time to go to the City Park and Botanical Gardens. It was a marvelous sunny day to walk around and connect to nature, but we have seen more attention-grabbing gardens before. We got ready for Shabbos and headed to the home of Rabbi David and Mindy Polsky who invited us for the Seudah. We davened at their home since putContinued on page 52

top: french quarter; below: charles st. streetcar

 travel

steamboat on the mississippi

CITY spirit April 2012

Continues from page 51

ting together a minyan for Friday night was very difficult. The Polsky’s were wonderful hosts and great company to spend the evening with. On Shabbos we joined the kehila for the Shabbos lunch after davening and we ate the Seuda Shlishis, by the Polsky’s again with some other out of town guests. Before we headed back to New York Sunday evening, we took a morning boat tour of the swamps and bayous that are so indigenous to the Mississippi Delta area. This tour was absolutely fascinating, and visually breathtaking. We managed to see some of the wildlife including alligators. The flora and fauna along the riverbanks were irresistible for photo maniacs like us, and we continued to snap away.

We left early afternoon towards Alabama, from where we flew back to New York. We still managed to tour the SS Alabama, the famed battleship, which is a great and remarkable tourist sight in Mobile Bay. We were very glad that our curiosity won over and we were able to see this marvelous city. Bon Voyage - vcuy vghxb,

Hershel

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

PLANNING A PASSOVER SEDER? INVITED TO FAMILY OR FRIENDS? OR PERHAPS YOU’RE GOING TO A HOTEL? Did you Know?... There are many members of our community that can’t afford to make Passover? Right here in our own backyard.

Neighbors & friends... Families & the elderly...

Who are these people? Why don’t you know them? For a number of reasons. Some are embarrassed to ask for help – we seek them out and quietly, we do all we can. Others, simply scrape by with very little. Others, unfortunately, forego the holiday entirely.

So, now you know. That’s good, we’re glad. We can’t do this alone. We need every community member to be aware of the situation.

How can you help? We’re glad you asked, but we aren’t surprised. Our community has always helped each other in times of need. Your donation will help Global Kindness distribute tons, literally tons, of food to those in need.

Meat and poultry... Fresh fruits and vegetables... Matzoh, wine, groceries...

Requests for our many special services increase tremendously as Yom Tov approaches.

We provide clothing and shoes... We assist with Passover preparations... We arrange Passover seders and meals...

Now is the time. While you’re planning your seder... While you’re buying matzoh and groceries... While you take the kids for new clothes... While you’re packing your luggage...

Right now, before you turn the page – don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Call us at 310-286-0800 and we’ll be glad to discuss the many ways you can help. Gently used clothing and unopened kosher for Passover foods accepted. Contributions are tax deductible.

In the merit of your generosity, we wish you and your family a Happy & Kosher Passover!

GLOBAL KINDNESS 9224 Alcott Street, Los Angeles, CA 90035 310.286.0800 • Fax 310-286-0300 Globalkindness@yahoo.com • www.MyGlobalKindness.org All donations are tax deductible. Tax ID 73-1702610

 advice from over-the-counter

A Lesson for Generations Manny Saltiel, Pharm.D., FASHP, FCCP

CITY spirit April 2012

s was her minhag, Bayla began serious cleaning the day after Purim. She had already cleaned out her own bedroom, the easiest room of the house. Now, the kids’ rooms were waiting. Her four children, ages 6, 4, 3, and 2, could hardly be depended upon for serious assistance, and her oldest – Leiby – was a boy who truly lived up to his name, the most leibedik boy in his entire 1st grade class. For some reason, the prospects for this upcoming year seemed more gargantuan than years past. One week later, Bayla answered her cell phone on the second ring, noticing from the caller ID that her parents were calling. Her father asked her to sit down. She did. And the news was not good. Tragically, her mother had passed away in her sleep. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” her father said, knowing how close the two had been. Bayla was the oldest, and she had been almost a sister to her mother, helping her with chores as well as her younger siblings. Bayla couldn’t hold back; she collapsed and began weeping uncontrollably. The levaya and shiva were intense, of course. Friends and family came and tried to offer support. Her siblings and her father seemed to be doing alright, given the circumstances, but Bayla just couldn’t seem to shake herself out of her funk. Her husband, Elchonon, approached one of her friends, who happened to be a psychologist, and suggested that Bayla might need some professional help. The afternoon after she got up, Sima sat down with Bayla and got right to the point. “You know, darling, it’s very normal to feel terrible after losing a close relative, but I have to say I’m quite worried about you. I’ve seen many people through shiva, and I really think you may need to see someone.” Bayla couldn’t even respond, but she adored her best friend. More importantly, she respected her opinion, and she knew Sima wouldn’t steer her wrong. The next day, she saw Dr. Tadir, a highly recommended psychiatrist in Beverly Hills. After a onehour session, Dr. Tadir prescribed Paxil, a commonly used antidepressant. Bayla glumly walked to the pharmacy down the block from her house. Dr. Max had been a friend of the family since she was a girl, and she wasn’t about to go anywhere else to get her medicines filled, especially in her current state. Max filled the prescription, looked at Bayla, who was si-

lently staring at the gift cards (but not reading them). He thought for a moment. “Bayla, I’ve known you for many years. I hope you don’t mind if I ask you a personal question.” She didn’t answer or even make a gesture, but she did look in his direction. “Your youngest child is two years old. You wouldn’t happen to be expecting? Or even trying to get pregnant, are you?” After some silence, Bayla nodded, but to which question, Max was unsure. “Are you expecting?” She nodded. In fact, she was probably 6 or 7 weeks pregnant. “Well, I’m not an obstetrician, but I do know that over two-thirds of pregnant women exhibit symptoms of depression, even major depression. How is your appetite? Sometimes that’s down in depression, and that could be bad for the baby. Also, I need to mention that the medication that Dr. Tadir prescribed, paroxetine, or Paxil, may be hazardous in pregnancy. It’s the only antidepressant with a pregnancy rating of D, which means that there is positive evidence of human fetal risk. Paxil can cause heart malformations in the developing baby.” This seemed to shake Bayla out of her stupor. “Why didn’t he say something?” she demanded. “Well, perhaps he tried, but maybe you weren’t answering any of his questions.” Bayla just looked down. “Let me call him while you’re waiting and see if he’d agree to switch to another medication.” “Aren’t all medicines dangerous during pregnancy?” asked Bayla. “Not necessarily. There’s a range of risk, from Class A – or no risk – to Class X – or absolutely contraindicated due to risk. But you should know that the risk of untreated behavioral issues – including depression – has a greater negative effect on the mother and the baby than the medicine itself. Let me call Dr. Tadir, OK?” Bayla nodded her agreement. A few minutes later, Max came back to the window at which Bayla was waiting, a vial of another antidepressant in his hand. “Here’s what we came up with. Dr. Tadir was very grateful that I called. He told me that the form that his secretary handed you asked if you may be pregnant, but evidently you left it blank…. along with the rest of the form. You’re really Continued on page 57

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 advice from over-the-counter Continues from page 54 not feeling yourself, are you?” Bayla told Max about her mother’s recent death and her reaction to it. “And Pesach is coming soon. I don’t know what I’m going to do to get ready for Pesach in time.” “I am sorry, very sorry for your loss. But you’re an amazing woman, and I’m sure your husband will help you, too. I like him a lot. Oh, and please keep in mind that this medicine, like all antidepressants, takes several weeks to work. So don’t give up on it. Keep taking it, once every day. I’ll see you next month when you come to pick up your refill.” Well, it was a glorious Pesach for Bayla, Elchonon and their family. Bayla’s father came early, as did Elchonon’s parents, and they all pitched in to help with the preparations. Bayla’s youngest sister came in as well, and she did all of the cooking. Elchonon was a master at the sedarim, keeping the children enthralled with stories of yetzias Mitzrayim. He even threw in his gefilte fish joke. What? You don’t know the Pesach gefilte fish joke? Well, you better write the editor of City Spirit and get it.

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

Dr. Manny Saltiel received his doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of California in San Francisco, following two years of under-

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Every Student, Every Day

Ahavas Yisroel is one of the most essential requirements necessary to bring Moshiach. We all know that most of our habits and behaviors are learned in our formative years. Therefore, learning the importance of Ahavas Yisroel from our entrance into first grade forward, together with Hashem’s help, can only reap benefits. Torah Umesorah together with the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation has done exactly that. At this past National Conference of Yeshiva Principals, the theme was, “Cultivating the Caring Classroom”, promoting and solidifying Ahavas Yisroel and middos tovos in our schools. Mr. Shlomo Yehudah Rechnitz came up with this concept– creating a solution to this need. It’s about cultivating these principles throughout the eight years of grade school and the four years of high school; every day they would be getting a message about the paramount importance of the mitzvos of bein adam lechavero (loving your fellow man as yourself) and that if you don’t succeed at bein adam lechavero, than you are not succeeding at bein adam leMakom (the relationship between G-d and man). His brilliant idea was ‘Every Student Every Day’, which as mechanchim (teachers) and parents is necessary to give over to our children, so that they understand that this is something of incredible importance. They are in the process of creating twelve years of curriculum. The Rebbe/

teacher of each level will receive a curriculum to be used once a day for about ten minutes. Currently three years of curriculum for the 3rd, 4 h and 7th grades have been prepared and implemented. By September 1 st, with Hashem’s help, hopefully three more grades will be finished and ready to go. While speaking to Mr. Michael Rothschild from the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation, he described Jews as, ‘A Spiritual Manufacturing Machine’. Torah, tefilah (prayer), tzedakah (charity), chessed (good deeds) and much more… is what man does to serve Hashem. If you study it, then you see that speech is the underlying component that unites all these mitzvos together… all done by either talking to Hashem or talking to a person. Our relationship with G-d, as well as man is through use of our mouths. How we speak to another person defines what type of Jew we are. Are we a successful fulfiller of G-d’s will or not. The more we guard the manner in which we use our mouths, the more connected we are to our spiritual side. And if children learn this at a young age and carry it forward throughout their lives, we can create spiritual mentchen. To improve ourselves we need to start from the bottom or in this case at a very young age and continue each year as he/she continues to grow up to emulate the Torah’s ways. Then as adults, with Hashem’s help, we can all become a walking Kiddush Hashem and bring the geulah, bimheira v’yameinu, Amen.

CITY spirit April 2012

Look Out For

CitySpirit Shavous Issue

Distribution May 24th ~ Advertising Deadline May 9

KidSpirit by Fraydee Mozes

Pesach Fill-in the blanks

On Pesach we remember the miracle of when Hashem took B’nei Yisroel out of __1__. They left so quickly, that the dough they carried did not have time to rise, and that is why we eat __2__ on Pesach. Pesach is on the 15th day of the month of __3__. We prepare by cleaning the house and removing or selling all __4__. The night before Pesach we do __5__ ____ and make sure we didn’t miss a single crumb. We search our homes with a wooden __6__ and a __7__, and a __8__ to help us see. The next day, whatever was found is __9__. On the first two nights of Pesach we have a __10__ and read from the __11__. We drink four __12__ of __13__, eat a meal and sing songs. We recline to the __14__ as we eat and drink and recite D’vrei Torah relating to Pesach. May we be in Yerushalayim this time, next year! Answers: 1. Mitzrayim/Egypt 2. Matzah, 3.Nissan 4. Chametz 5. Bedikas Chametz 6. Spoon 7. Feather, 8. Candle/flashlight 9. Burned 10. Seder 11. Haggadah, 12. Cups 13. Wine 14. Left

Unscramble 1. HMZAAT _ _ _ _ _ _ 2. SRDEE _ _ _ _ _ 3. AORRM _ _ _ _ _ Yosef is making a healthy matzah sandwich. 4. GEG _ _ _ What is the order of his sandwich from top 5. AGAHHAD _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to bottom using the following clues: 6. YPTEG _ _ _ _ _ The turkey goes above the potato salad. 7. AVSSLE _ _ _ _ _ _ The only ingredient between the turkey & tomato is lettuce. 8. SHMEO _ _ _ _ _ inTo The cucumbers touch the matzah. 9. AETHCZM _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The turkey and lettuce are not in the middle layer. 10. ASTL TEAWR _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Fully sTocKed

Fresh neW Can You Find It inVenTory

PassoVer

Answer: Top to bottom: turkey, lettuce, tomato, potato salad, cucumbers.

sPring

Answers: 1. Matzah, 2. Seder, 3. Maror, 4. Egg, 5. Hagaddah, 6.Egypt, 7. Slaves, 8. Moshe, 9. Chametz, 10. Salt Water

CITY spirit April 2012

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5th the al A n n u All Our

CitySpirit Wishes Readers & Advertisers A Chag Kasher V’Sameach

There are 15 matzahs in a box to share amongst a large family at a seder table. The first person eats one matzah and then passes two equal portions of the leftover matzah to two other people. They both eat a matzah then each pass two two equal portions of their remaining matzah to two other people, and so on, until the box of matzah is done. It takes one minute to eat one matzah. Ignoring the time it takes to pass the matzah, what’s the shortest amount of time it could take for the box of matzah to be eaten?

If yesterday’s day after tomorrow is Sunday, what day is tomorrow’s day before yesterday? Answer: Friday. Tomorrow must be Sunday, so today is Shabbos. Tomorrow’s day before yesterday is Friday.

Pass the Matzah

Answer: Four Minutes. This puzzle, when broken down visually, is broken down 4 times until the box of matzah is finished.

Who/What am I? 1. We ate all of the Egyptian’s crops and ravaged the land in a swarm. 2. I did not allow my Jewish slaves to leave Egypt. 3. There were 10 of me that warned the Egyptians to allow B’nei Yisroel to leave. 4. I am eaten on Pesach because the Jews left Mitzrayim in a hurry on a hot day. 5. You dip your pinky in me numerous times during the Seder. 6. You make sure you don’t see or eat me during Pesach. 7. I have 6 spaces to hold symbolic Pesach food. 8. I was tied to the bedpost in Jewish homes…baaaaa! 9. I’m the washing of hands, without a brachah. 10. I am bitter and green.

Find the Afikoman START

CITY spirit april 2012 61

Answers: 1. Grasshoppers, 2. Paroh, 3. Makos, 4. Matzah, 5. Cup of Wine, 6. Chametz, 7. K’arah, 8. Lamb, 9. Urchatz, 10. Maror.

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

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

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

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

CITY spirit JUNE 2011

Mikvahs

Beverly Hills/Pico Robertson Mikvah mei manachem ....... 310-214-4999 2108 Vail Avenue Mikvah Society of LA .........310-550-4511 9548 West Pico Long Beach Mikvah Chaya V’Sarah Leah 562-427-1360 3847 Atlantic Avenue Los Angeles – Fairfax Mikvah Sarah U’Baila......... 323-939-4297 360 N. La Brea Avenue (across from alley) Mikvah Taharat Chaya....... 323-634-0703 303 S. Highland Ave. (by appt. only) North Hollywood Adat Yeshurun Mikvah........ 818-766-4610 12405 Sylvan Street The Teichman Mikvah..........818-760-4567 12800 Chandler Blvd. Palm Springs Mikvah Chaya Mushka.........760-325-3212 425 Avenida Ortega (Palm Springs Chabad) San Diego Mikvah Israel........................619-287-6411 5170 Ladorna

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

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

Synagogues Los Angeles Fairfax/Hancock Park Agudath Israel of LA-Bais Avigdor.................... 323-930-0792 / 323-935-8383. 461 N. La Brea Avenue Ahavas Yisroel Synagogue 731 N. La Brea Ave...................323-937-1247 Aish Tamid of Los Angeles....... 323-634-0505 5909 West 3rd St Beth Midrash Od Yossef Hai...... 323 931-0333 142 North La Brea Ave. Congregation Bais Naftoli......... 323-936-4827 221 S. La Brea Avenue Congregation Bais Yehuda.........323-936-7568 360 N. La Brea Avenue Congregation Eitz Chaim/Bais Moshe Yitzchok.. 323-634-0535 • 303 S. Highland Ave. Congregation Levi Yitzchok/. Chabad of Hancock Park...... 323-954-8381 356 N. La Brea Avenue Congregation Shaarei Tefilla...... 323-938-7147 7269 Beverly Blvd. Kehillas Yaakov........................ 323-935-8572 7211 Beverly Blvd. Kehillath Yitzchok..................... 323-932-8694 7709 Beverly Blvd. Kollel Los Angeles.....................323-933-7193 7216 Beverly Blvd. Kollel Yechiel Yehuda................323-939-2041 354 N. La Brea Avenue The Jewish Learning Exchange........................ 323-857-0923 • 512 N. La Brea Avenue Torah Ohr................................. 323-933-3111 7200 Beverly Blvd. Young Israel of Hancock Park....323-931-4030 225 S. La Brea Avenue

Young Israel of Los Angeles...... 323-655-0300 660 North Spaulding Avenue Pico-Robertson/Beverly Hills Adas Torah 1135 S. Beverly Dr..310-552-0460 Aish HaTorah Center.................310-278-8672 9102 W. Pico Blvd.Anshe Emes Synagogue....................310-275-5640 / ......................................... 877-ANSHE-EM 1490 S. Robertson Blvd. Beth Jacob Congregation...........310-278-1911 9030 West Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills B’nai Daivid Judea Congregation 8906 W. Pico Blvd.................... 310-276-7891 Chabad of Bel-Air..................... 310-475-5311 10421 Summer Holly Crl Chabad of Beverly Hills.............. 310-271-9063 409 N. Foothill Rd., Beverly Hills Chabad of Brentwood.............. 310-826-4453 644 S. Bundy Dr. Chabad of Cheviot Hills.............310-558-8770 3185 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles Chabad Israel Center................ 310-271-6193 1520 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles Congregation Magen David...... 310-556-5609 9717 W. Pico Blvd., Beverly Hills Lubavitch of Beverly Hills...........310-282-0444 9017 W. Pico Blvd., Beverly Hills West Coast Torah Center........... 310-271-1180 322 N. Foothill Rd., Beverly Hills Young Israel of Beverly Hills........310-742-3717 8701 W. Pico Blvd. Young Israel of Century City.......310-273-6954 9315 W. Pico Blvd. Calabasas The Calabasas Shul ..................818-725-3118 (at Bay Laurel Elem. School). Calabasas Pkwy. at Paseo Primero Conejo Valley Chabad of Conejo/Agoura Hills 818-991-0991 5998 Conife Street Corona del Mar Chabad of Newport Beach.........949-721-9800 4720 Cortland Dr. Lomita Chabad of Palos Verdes........... 310-544-5544 28041 S. Hawthorne Blvd. Chabad of South Bay................310-326-8234 24412 Narbonne Ave. manhattan beach Chabad of Manhattan Beach.....310-265-3868 2108 Vail Avenue Continued on page 48

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

west coast directory Continued from page 46 North Hollywood Adat Yeshurun .............. 818-766-4682 12405 12405 Sylvan Street Em Habanim Cong.................... 818-762-7779 5850 Laurel Canyon Blvd. Shaarey Zedek Cong.................818-763-0560 12800 Chandler Blvd. Ohr Simcha.............................. 818-760-2189 12430 Oxnard NORTHRIDGE Young Israel of Northridge.........818-368-2221 17511 Devonshire Street Santa Monica Chabad of Marina Del Rey......... 310-301-9770 2929 Washington Blvd. Venice Pacific Jewish Center................ 310-392-8749 505 Ocean Front Walk Young Israel of Venice...............310-450-7541 1014 Vernon Ave.

Westwood Westwood Kehilla..................... 310-441-5288 10537 Santa Monica Blvd. Huntington Beach Chabad of West Orange County.714-846-2285 5052 Warner Ave Irvine Beth Jacob of Irvine..................949-786-5230 3900 Michelson Dr. Chabad of Irvine...................... 949-786-5000 5010 Barranca Pkwy Young Israel of Orange County..... 949-300-8899 5319 University Drive (#122)

Long Beach Cong. Lubavitch of Long Beach........................ 562-426-5480 • 3981 Atlantic Ave. Young Israel of Long Beach....... 562-427-3163 4134 Atlantic Ave. Mission Viejo Chabad of Mission Viejo............ 949-770-1270 24041 Marguerite Pkwy. Palm Springs Chabad of Palm Springs............760-325-0774 425 Avenida Ortega

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

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

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

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

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

community & g'mach directory Babies & Children

Baby Equipment Port-a-cribs, pack and plays, car seats, infant bouncers, strollers, bassinettes, booster seats, exer-saucers for short and long term loans. Miriam Hendeles......................(323) 243-7116 ......................................www.lababygear.com Bris Outfits and Bris Pillow Devora Wieder........................ (323) 939-9276 Ruchie Klein........................... (323) 353-2494 Diapers Chumie Unger.........................(323) 932-1094 Penina Frumit Apter.................(310) 557-9726 Dina Kramer............................(818) 985-2493

CITY spirit April 2012

Ezer Layoledes Strollers, play pens, high chairs, cribs, car seats for short or long term loan. Bella Greenfield..................... (323) 934-0178

Toras Emes and Bais Yaakov Rochelle Frankel.....................(323) 896-3335

Clothing

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

Counseling and Health

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

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

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

New born baby care packages Sandy Gordon......................... (310) 838-8591

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

Uniforms Exchange &/or purchase of pre-owned uniforms

Hospital Gowns Tznuis hospital clothing for women

Sara Pinter ........................... (323) 931- 1598 Jewish Healthcare Foundation Avraham Moshe Bikur Cholim If you need or would like to donate blood to someone.................................(323) 852-1900 Financial Aid Services Financial Jewish Free Loan Assistance Small interest free loans City . .................................... (323) 761-8830 Valley.................................... (818) 464-3331 Hachnosas Kallah Financial assist. &/or guidance to needy kallahs in planning their wedding........ (323) 938-8074 The Tzedakah Fund Small Interest-Free Loans........(323) 939-0862

Food

Masbia (L’ilui Nishas Chaim Yosef ben Aron Aryeh) Share your simcha – call for info or to arrange pickup of leftover food from your simcha ................... (323) 851-1000, (323) 997-6500 Tomchei Shabbos Provides Shabbos food packages for families in need. Call to request application. ..............................................(323) 851-1000 Continued on page 50

PassoVer sPecial

25% oFF any deTailing

CAR WASH 8017 W. Third St. (one Block West of Fairfax) 323-933-7393

Full serVice

and sealer WaX

hand Wash

99 $6 00

hand Wash

you sa V

99 $6 00

hand Wash

you sa V

Add $1 Fri., Sat. & Sun. Vans, Trucks and SUV’s Extra. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6/30/2012

99 $6 00

you sa V

Add $1 Fri., Sat. & Sun. Vans, Trucks and SUV’s Extra. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6/30/2012 PS

Full serVice

underBody Flush, Foam Polish WaX & air Freshener

hand Wash

$ PS

hand Wash

99$8 00 $ you sa V

Add $1 Fri., Sat. & Sun. Vans, Trucks and SUV’s Extra. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6/30/2012

99$8 00 $ you sa V

Add $1 Fri., Sat. & Sun. Vans, Trucks and SUV’s Extra. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6/30/2012

hand Wash

99$8 00

you sa V

Add $1 Fri., Sat. & Sun. Vans, Trucks and SUV’s Extra. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6/30/2012

community directory Continued from page 48 Arbis for Shalom Zachor Aviva Maller............................ (323) 931-9420

Legal Services

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

Furniture, Home, Dishes

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

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

Weddings & Special Occasions

Benchers (L’ilui Nishmas Ahron Ben Yissachar) Mrs. Kest ...............................(323) 937-7060 Chupah candle holders, poles, Kallah chair Mrs. Lebovics . ...................... (323) 933-3377 Clothing for Relatives of Chosson & Kallah For women and children Mrs. Dena Wolmark ............... (323) 934-4151 Penina Fisher.......................... (323) 933-7292 Hachnasas Kallah Gift Gemach Volume DonationsLibby Lehman......................... (323) 935-3791 Individual GiftsLeba Hertz..............................(323) 574-7054 Chuppah/Simcha Cards Tehillim cards for use at the chuppah Rochel Haberman.....................323)899-5390

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

Shadchanim Los angeles, CALIFORNIA Feingold, Mrs. Gitty.................... 23-933-1197 Freeman, Sherry.......................323-934-2013 Giberstien, Mrs. Gila.................323-939-7264 Orloff, Mrs. Yehudis...323-934-2772/833-3346 Lebovics, Mrs. Shirley – Professional coaching/ therapy only.............................. 310-246-0810 Baltimore Berkowitz, Mrs. Ethel................410-484-6209 TORONTO, CANADA Grubner, Mrs. Evelyn................. 416-789-9419 ........................................ Fax 416-484-8536 Sussman, Mrs.Malka.. 416-787-5147 p.m. only

CITY spirit April 2012

montreal, CANADA Goldberg, Fraidie...................... 514-344-1307

NEW YORK Five Towns Bane, Mrs................................ 516-371-6657 Sunnenblick, Mrs.Resa............. 516-239-2772

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

LAKEWOOD Brull, Rabbi Meir...................... 443-622-3809 . rabbibrull@gmail.com Kesher organization N.J Katz, Rabbi Tzadok..................... 732-278-146 ......Kesher Lakewood, tzodekkatz@gmail.com. Friedman, Rabbi Freddy............. 732-9954474 Levi, Rabbi Meir........................732-364-2542 Lewenstien, Rabbi....................732-370-9456 ...................11:15am -2:00pm 732-370-6790 ............................................... 323-351-7648 Pomeranz, Mr. Shui.................. 732-370-7347 Sternheim, Mr. Arie.... 732-364-2450 only p.m. Yanofsky, Rabbi....................... 732-905-8635

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

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