Vol. 6 Issue 154
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THE COMMUNITY LINKS is published bi-weekly and is distributed free to the Jewish Community of Southern California. THE COMMUNITY LINKS accepts no responsibility for typographical errors or reliability of Kashrus of any advertisers. All submissions become the property of THE COMMUNITY LINKS and may be shortened and/or edited for length and clarity. Articles published in THE COMMUNITY LINKS express the views of the individual writers and may not necessarily represent the views of THE COMMUNITY LINKS. No artwork or any part of the magazine may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permissions of the publisher.
Unforeseen Consequences
About 10 years ago, every Jewish school seemed engaged in building new buildings. Throughout the city and valley, new school buildings were built, each dedicated to community leaders that supported the building projects. Dr. Robert Rome
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Blind Faith
Reuvain's fortune, however, remained intact. But he was, by nature, a worrier. And so, the next day he decided to dig up the hole to make sure that the gold was still there. Rabbi Mordechai Kaminetzky
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Taking Interest
So why didn't He create us in the bliss of the world to come? Why are we stuck in a world with an evil inclination, and so many challenging commandments? Rabbi Reuven Wolf
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The Shephard Who Became King Samuel asked that David be immediately brought to him and, as soon as he stood before him, the oil rose in the horn. Samuel then heard G-d's voice, declaring: "This is the one I have chosen." Kehot Publication Society
Parshas Behar-Bechukotei
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Unforeseen Consequences
By Robert J. Rome, Ph.D.
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S
everal years ago, some political policy makers looked at the state of the school buildings of the Los Angeles Unified School District. They saw mostly buildings that were built in the 1950’s or early 60’s that had become old and in need of repair. They saw the population growing in certain areas where there were not enough schools. They also saw potential support for the public voting for a large school construction bond. They proposed a huge bond for school building. There had already been bonds to fix old schools and install air conditioning in the old schools. But this was an opportunity not just to fix the old, but to build state of the art facilities that would last well into the future and would serve a growing school population.
of this massive building project, less money available to students and existing classes. Those who had advocated for the building of new schools actually helped to worsen the crisis in education in Los Angeles by failing to recognize the true impact on the school district by the building projects they had recommended.
The bond measures passed and dozens of brand new schools were built, including elementary, middle, and high schools. All throughout the city, schools took shape. Many have since been completed and are now open.
About 10 years ago, every Jewish school seemed engaged in building new buildings. Throughout the city and valley, new school buildings were built, each dedicated to community leaders that supported the building projects.
However, policy analysts often look at only the present problems when proposing solutions. 10 years ago, it appeared that the school population would continue to rise and new schools would be needed. However, school enrollment actually dropped. Most of these schools are not now needed. Additionally, while the bonds paid for the schools to be built, there was no new money to pay to operate the schools once built. Every new school would need a principal, viceprincipals, counselors, a school psychologist, and a host of non-classroom personnel. Who would pay for these? There would need to be janitors, groundskeepers, gardeners, and the like. Who would pay for these? The cost of start up for the new schools was never appropriately calculated. The opening of the new schools in the end took away from money that would have gone to established schools. There is now, because
Several schools that had expanded are now finding in this economic downturn fewer students and no need for many of the buildings that had been built. Enrollment in many cases did not continue to grow, but went down. The economic downturn also has limited donations to many schools. There just isn’t the kind of money in this decade that had been foreseen during building projects in the 1990’s and 2000’s. We now read of schools facing closure of some programs or classroom offerings. Some schools are losing as many as hundreds of students from previous high actual or projected enrollments. Families are paying $1000 to $1500 yearly building funds for building which proved unnecessary. The building funds are taking away from the educational or scholarship funds.
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I normally shy away from discussing the political in this column. But the above example from the school district can prove helpful in gaining an understanding regarding some trends impacting on the Jewish community at this time. What has happened to create a fiscal crisis for the public school district has also helped to create major problems for many of our Jewish day schools and yeshivot.
Many families, including many from the Orthodox community, can no longer
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afford the day schools and have enrolled their students in public schools. Canfield Elementary and other public schools which adjoin large Jewish communities are seeing dozens of boys wearing kipot to school as well as many modestly dressed frum girls. There had been a need to plan for the future. Planning for the future meant projecting correctly trends and foreseeing any major changes in trends which might result. It was unreasonable to think that with the growing cost for housing in Los Angeles that Jewish families from other communities in the nation would continue to move into Los Angeles at the same rate as previous. And so, we see possible closures in school programs. We see schools stretching their already limited budgets to pay for maintaining their enlarged facilities. We see schools cutting staff and administrators. Families are in many cases getting less education now at a still expanding tuition rate. The board membership of many schools is predominantly made of outstanding business people from the community. They know that to be competitive you often have to keep up with nearby schools to continue to attract both donations and students. If one school announces a new building, other nearby schools think they too must build in order to compete. Everyone built and expanded, but the potential enrollment seemed to be shrinking. The Jewish community is doubly hit. We must pay in many ways for the expanding costs of public school operations through taxes and fees, while also paying for expanded Jewish school costs through tuition increases,
building funds, and donations. Analyzing community trends is something that is beyond the scope of most local schools and school boards. This is truly an expertise where consultants need to be brought in at a higher level. The arranging for this consultation should be done at the larger community level, such as through the BJE (formerly the Bureau of Jewish Education) or other Federation agencies locally, or through a national agency which looks at nationwide trends. It is simply too costly for every school to separately study the demographic facts and possible future directions. And it has been too costly to just have schools build and expand without proper planning for what would happen next. We need to restructure how we do things. Building projects may look good but in the end may prove to be unnecessary or even damaging to the community. Capital costs come from one source and day to day expenses come from another. There may be money to donate a building in memory of Aunt Sadie, while there may be no money available to provide for the increased maintenance and other costs involved in having an enlarged campus or building. You need both kinds of money to successfully build and implement new programs Today, we are suffering from the increased costs brought upon us by lack of appropriate planning and forecast and analysis of trends. It is our collective hope that we can survive the current, hopefully temporary straining of our budgets. We hope that no more programs will be forced to close. In the meanwhile, we must change the way in which educational decisions are made so that these problems don’t continue to happen.•
Robert J. Rome, Ph.D., is a licensed Psychologist in clinical practice in Encino, California He can be reached at RJRome@aol.com.
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That Brought Thousands of Children Into The World The segulah: “On erev Shavuos, one should set aside 91 perutos and then (add more) to complete the (numerical equivalent)of twice the word ben, and one should give them to a needy and humble Torah scholar".
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A
mong the many mitzvos within the Sedra of B'Har, is the commandment to refrain from lending money or food with interest. The sages tell us that a person who is negligent in this mitzvah, or outright engages in non-kosher loans, has thrown off the yoke of heaven, denies the exodus from Egypt and will not be resurrected. Why is this commandment so important? Money is loaned with interest because money is opportunity money generates more money. With 'extra' money lies the opportunity to invest into the continuation or expansion of current business activities, or even a new business venture. Therefore, when a person loans another person money, of course it needs to be returned, but in addition, interest is often charged to compensate the original owner for usage of the precious resource. There is a kosher way to charge interest on a loan - a way to generate kosher profit. The sages realized that Jews were not lending to other Jews at all, and would rather loan to gentiles, where there is no prohibition to loan with interest. So, the sages created the Heter Iska, a method to circumvent the mitzvah and facilitate loans that generate profit. A Heter Iska redefines the transaction. In these types of loans, the lender isn't charging the borrower for the usage of the money, instead the lender becomes a partner in the business of the borrower and receives dividends. Additionally, the lender must pay a broker's fee to the borrower, because he facilitated the investment. In this context, any money the lender receives from the transaction is just a repayment of the original investment, plus any earned dividends. This feels problematic, like the sages have found a way for us to dance around the law, creating a legal fiction. It's obvious that this deal is really just about the loan! Although these loans are obedient to the letter of the law, they seem to go against the spirit of the law. The Torah told us not to loan money with interest, so that we should cultivate our generosity and kindness. Here the sages seem to have cheapened the whole thing! Many people get uncomfortable with Judaism when they learn about this, making it seem so superficial and technical. How can the sages do this? To appreciate and understand this mitzvah and find an answer to all of these questions, we must examine and understand it beyond the literal level. As we uncover the deeper significance and soul of this commandment, we will realize that not only have the sages not manipulated the Torah, but actually their twist and input into this mitzvah brings out its awesome significance, beauty, and true G-dliness. Whenever we make a blessing on a mitzvah, we say "...asher kidishanu b'mitzvosav v'tzivanu..." that Hashem has "...sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to do..." the particular mitzvah we perform. We say this when we put on Tefillin, wear Tzitzis, light Shabbos candles, hear the sound of the shofar, and many other times. These words seem repetitive. What would be the difference
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Taking Interest
Take no interest, so that Hashem can take interest in your Mitzvos
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if we would say "asher kidishanu v'tzivanu/he sanctified and commanded us" instead? Why say it twice? On a literal level, first we thank Him for all the mitzvos, and then we thank for this specific mitzvah. But carefully examining the wording and studying the mystical perspective, we can discover a deeper meaning that is hinted to in the blessing. It says "asher kidishanu b'mitzvosav" that he sanctified us with HIS commandments, "v'tzivanu" and then commanded US. This implies that mitzvos have two dimensions. First, there is a G-dly dimension to the mitzvah. Hashem does the mitzvos - not His commandments for us - but rather mitzvos that He does for himself. As many verses tell us and the sages explain, all the mitzvos thatG-d has given to us, He performs Himself - He puts on Tefillin, visits the sick, gives charity, learns Torah, etc. The second dimension of the mitzvah is within Hashem’s commandment to us - the very mitzvos that He does, we are commanded to do, giving us the opportunity to engage in G-dly actions. The relationship between us and Hashem in the performance of the mitzvah works in two directions. On one hand, He does the mitzvah and then we do the mitzvah. On the other hand, it works the opposite way - when we do the commandments, it causes G-d to reciprocate, and do the mitzvah as well. Where do we find that Hashem will reciprocate? The sages say, "Kol HaKoreh V'Shoneh..." that if a person reads Chumash or studies Mishna or Talmud, Hashem reads along with him. It's clear from the context that the person is the initiator. If Hashem does the mitzvah first, it makes sense to say that it's enabling and empowering us to do the mitzvah as well. Sometimes mitzvah performance is quite challenging, and requires extra diligence, vigilance and selflessness. So, when G-d does the mitzvah, so-to-speak, He infuses the creation with that energy and it ripples through all the words and gives us the strength and inspiration that we need to perform the mitzvah. We can see this manifest itself even in mundane areas. For instance, very often when there is a scientific or technological breakthrough, researchers on the opposite side of the world will discover the same thing a week later without any communication or knowledge of the other. This is because once something has been stimulated above, it creates a flow that will have an effect on the entire world. But what's the significance and meaning of Hashem doing the mitzvah together with us while we are doing the mitzvah? How can He be impacted or affected by the mitzvah that we are doing? It is impossible that a finite little human pip-squeak can have an impact on an infinite G-d!
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All of creation equals absolute zero from G-d's perspective, yet here we say that when we do a mitzvah, Hashem is influenced and He is doing the mitzvah with us! Of course, our actions have not inherently or essentially impacted G-d - that's impossible. Rather, He has chosen to make Himself vulnerable to us. It is His will and desire to be impacted and influenced by our activities. Why does G-d desire our mitzvos in the first place? G-d doesn't need a creation. As it says in many philosophical and Kabbalistic works, including those of the Ari Z"L, He created the world because He wanted to do good, so we can be beneficiaries of His goodness. So why didn't He create us in the bliss of the world to come? Why are we stuck in a world with an evil inclination, and so many challenging commandments? Because G-d doesn't want us to feel uncomfortable. The Zohar teaches about "Nehama d'Kisufa/Shameful Bread" - that a poor man doesn't look into the eyes of the donor because he feels uncomfortable. He thinks, "I'm not giving anything to you but you are giving to me." For example, if someone needs financial assistance, we can help with a gift of money, or better, we can offer that person a job, and with that a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. What if someone hired this person for $25 per hour, with the task of digging and filling the same hole 10 times per day? The recipient of this "kindness" will feel no satisfaction, and on the contrary, will be embarrassed to receive his paycheck. Ultimate kindness comes when the recipient earns the good which he receives, and G-d doesn't want to give us shameful bread. G-d doesn't want to give us busy work. He chose to be impacted by our actions so that we would feel truly accomplished basking within the goodness that we earned for ourselves. The only way for us to honestly earn His ultimate goodness is within a world with true obstacles and challenges. When we overcome our struggles, and observe G-d's commandments, He connects with our mitzvos and binds with us. We cause a flow in the divine circuits, bringing an expansion of G-dliness, and a channeling of G-d's light into the world. When we are kind, we reveal more of His kindness. When we study Torah, G-d is studying Torah too, acquiring knowledge, so-to-speak, as we are acquiring knowledge. When Moshiach comes and we are in the world-to-come, we can face Hashem, and He can say to us "Thank You! You made me feel so good and I want to give you something in return." We will be able to truly accept his generosity, our reward will not be "shameful bread." •
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Every mitzvah that we do has a G-dly effect. However, the mitzvah of restraining from loans with interest represents this very notion itself, that G-d is our partner and is involved in the mitzvos that we do. G-d is the ultimate lender and we are the borrowers. Everything we have comes from Him. Our bodies, our souls, our strength, our property - everything. He is giving us a loan. What does he want us to do with it? To invest into the world! To perform G-dly business with it! To engage in Torah and mitzvos. We can use Hashem's "investment" and generate profits and dividends. When a person charges interest he is making a very clear statement: "The money is mine, not yours. I'm now giving you the money, and I'm charging you for the use of something that was once mine. When you have the money, it's yours and I don't care what you do with it, but you owe me for the opportunity." To this person, Hashem says the same thing right back, G-d forbid: "I'm not your partner, I'm not involved right now." This person hasn't acted in a G-dly manner, and becomes disconnected from G-d. When a person doesn't charge interest, but instead becomes a partner with the other party, he is engaged and involved, and G-d says: "Now I am involved in everything that you are doing! Your business, Torah, and mitzvos all involve me too! I'm following along with your mitzvos as a partner." This is why this mitzvah is so essential. This is the mitzvah that empowers all of the other mitzvos with direct G-dliness. This is why someone who doesn't keep this mitzvah, G-d forbid, is not resurrected. Because the ultimate reward is at the time of the resurrection, measure for measure, as a direct consequence of what we have done, we enjoy the dividends of the G-dliness we invested into this world. The Heter Iska allows for loans only under the umbrella of partnership. This way, the lender is never disconnected from his money, and is always invested with and attached to the borrower. When the borrower is successful and profitable, the lender is rewarded as well. It's a mutually beneficial relationship that reflects our relationship with Hashem. We must never think that the sages make loopholes or manipulate the mitzvos. Any time the sages make a change or decree, it might look superficial to us, but as we see in this particular mitzvah, the very notion of Heter Iska reveals the depth of the commandment, of partnership with Hashem in this mitzvah and with everything else. May we merit to see the revelation of ultimate goodness immediately. • Excerpt from "The Parsha In My Life" class by Rabbi Reuven Wolf. Maayon Yisroel was founded by Rabbi Reuven Wolf, a renowned educator and inspiring lecturer who has devoted his life to reaching out and rekindling the spirit of Yiddishkeit in his fellow Jew. Over the past five years Rabbi Wolf has been teaching a 2-4 hour class on the weekly Parsha, named affectionately "The Thursday Night Shiur".
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PARSHAS BEHAR-BECHUKOTIE
Blind Faith
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T
he commandment of Shemitah is a test of our faith and an examination in our true belief in the Almighty's ability to sustain us. The Torah commands us that every seven years we must let the land of Israel lie fallow, with no harvesting or planting of crops. But Hashem promises us that if "you shall perform My decrees, and observe My ordinances and perform them, then you shall dwell securely on the land. The land will give its fruit and you will eat your fill; you will dwell securely upon it" (Leviticus 25:18-19). Rashi explains the blessing "even if you eat only a little, it will be blessed in your stomach," The little you eat will grow into a bounty of satiation. But after assuring us that our little will feel plentiful the Torah talks to the naysayers. The Torah talks about that group of people. "If you will say - What will we eat in the seventh year? -- behold! We will not sow and not gather in our crops!" Hashem assures them as well. "I will ordain My blessing for you in the sixth year and it will yield a crop sufficient for the three-year period." The Kli Yakar and a host of other commentaries ask. Why should a Jew ask that troubling question? Didn't Hashem command his abundant blessing in the sixth year? Didn't the little bit of food leave them satisfied? Why do they have concern about the ensuing years? My dear friend Rabbi Benyamin Brenig of Golders Green, London recently related this wonderful story to me: Reuvain and Shimon were two men, who lived on opposite ends of town. They each inherited a fortune of gold. Each of them decided to bury their fortunes in their backyards. They wanted to make sure that they would have something to sustain them in their old age. On their respective properties, they each picked a landmark, paced twenty steps due north and dug a large hole. Reuvain, the more nervous of the two, was careful to make sure that no one was watching. Every other second he glanced furtively over his shoulder to make sure that no one saw him bury the treasure. No one did. Shimon, by nature, was trusting and carefree and he was not so careful. He was not worried that anyone would steal his fortune. But he was wrong. He was spotted by a nosy neighbor, who was also a thief. In the middle of the night, the thief dug up the fortune.
Out of mercy, he left few coins at the bottom of the pit, and removed the coins. He refilled the hole and packed the ground perfectly as if nothing was disturbed. Then he took off with the fortune. Reuvain's fortune, however, remained intact. But he was, by nature, a worrier. And so, the next day he decided to dig up the hole to make sure that the gold was still there. Accidentally, he counted only fifteen paces from his landmark and dug. There was nothing there. Reuvain was frantic. Someone must have seen him dig the pit, he figured. For the rest of his life, he worried. On his property, he had a pit filled with gold coins, but all Reuvain did was worry! Shimon on the other hand had nothing but the remnants of a few coins. Everything else was stolen. But he never checked the fortune, and was merrily content, assured that when the time would come he could dig up the pit and retrieve his fortune. Reuvain, the millionaire, died heartbroken and frantic. Shimon, the man with but a few coins left for his old-age lived his life content as if he was the wealthiest man in the world. The Torah tells us about the different types of blessings. For the faithful, Hashem says, "I will command my blessing in the sixth year," in which Rashi assures us that even a bit will feel like a bounty. But we must acknowledge that despite Heavenly assurances, there are those who always worry. They need to see the money! They ask, "What will we eat in the seventh year? Behold! We will not sow and not gather in our crops!" Hashem must assure them that he will increase their bounty in a way that is visible to them. Some of us can believe without seeing immediate results. We can sleep well, with full satisfaction on empty stomachs. The greatest expression of faith is when we do not see the blessing, but we feel it in our hearts and even in our stomachs. That blessing transcends tangibility, and the fear of deficiency. I think that is a noble goal. For the rest of us, those who keep looking over their shoulder and check their fortunes every day, they need a different type of blessing. Sometimes we dig for tangible salvation, even though the treasure is sitting undisturbed in our own backyard. â&#x20AC;˘
by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky
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King David passed away on the festival of Shavuot, in the year 2924 (837 BCE).
I
n Bethlehem in Judea there once lived a noble and respected Jew, whose name was Jesse. He had eight clever, talented sons, the youngest of whom was David. David was a very modest youth, and he looked after his father's flocks. In his heart burned an ardent love for G-d and of His people, which he expressed in the Psalms he composed and in playing on the lyre. He also felt a deep love for his lambs and for every living creature. Whenever he brought out his flocks to pasture, he led the young lambs to graze among the fresh, tender young grasses, for they had not yet any teeth. When the young lambs had nibbled the delicate tips, he next took there the oldest sheep and cows, whose teeth were old and weak, that they might eat the middle part of the stalks which were soft enough for them. Last of all he used to bring to the field the grown sheep and cattle, whose strong teeth could chew the lowest part of the grass nearest to the roots. He had great physical courage and was not afraid of any wild animal. Indeed; he feared nothing and no one, except G-d alone. And whenever a lion or bear attacked his flocks and herds and wished to seize a sheep or a cow, David would rush at the savage beast and chase it away and rescue its prey. G-d, therefore, said: "One who can so faithfully tend his animals, each according to its needs, I can safely entrust with the care of My holy lambs, My people." ••• The prophet Samuel was greatly distressed that King Saul had disappointed his hopes in the war against Amalek and had as a result shown himself unworthy of his crown. But G-d said to Samuel: "Put an end to your tears! Go to Bethlehem and there anoint one of Jesse's sons as the future king. The Hebrew kingdom will remain with him and his children and children's children forever, for he is truly fitted for it." The prophet Samuel came to Bethlehem and informed Jesse of G-d's command. Jesse had his sons brought before the prophet one at a time. Samuel wished to anoint the eldExcerpted from The Complete Story of Shavuot, published and copyright by Kehot Publication Society, Brooklyn NY
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est son, who was handsome and clever and had a noble character. But G-d said to him: "This is not the one!" He therefore wanted to anoint the second, but the oil vanished from the anointing horn, so the prophet Samuel understood that this son, too, was not to be the future king. And so it happened with each one in turn. Samuel found himself in difficulties. He understood that G-d was punishing him for having exclaimed once: "I am the seer (prophet)" and now he was unable to 'see' who was to be the future king. "Have you another son?" the prophet Samuel asked Jesse. "Yes," replied Jesse, "my youngest son, David, is in the field, looking after my flocks..." Samuel asked that David be immediately brought to him and, as soon as he stood before him, the oil rose in the horn. Samuel then heard G-d's voice, declaring: "This is the one I have chosen." Thereupon the prophet anointed David as the king who was to succeed Saul, and Samuel returned home. What effect did this have on David? Did he become proud? Did he dress himself in royal robes? Not at all! He went back to his sheep. But a heavenly spirit surrounded him. His prayers, his Psalms and his music, full of this Divine spirit, traveled and spread across the hills of Judah, and whoever heard them felt as if a new soul had awakened in him. The sad person was filled with joy; the downcast felt his heart revive; he who had lost hope regained his faith and all exclaimed: "Listen! It is David, the son of Jesse, who is singing!" And when King Saul fell into a mood of despair, he was told that there was a wonderful youth whose playing on the harp and whose singing drove away all evil spirits. From that time David used to play and sing before King Saul, calming and comforting him. Even later, when King David had ascended the throne, he always kept his harp beside him. Exactly at midnight a slight breeze used to pluck at the strings, and King David would awaken from his sleep, rise from his couch and compose sweet, sacred songs, known to us as the Psalms of David, in praise of G-d. King David's fame spread to the neighboring nations. He set himself to the task of establishing peace, and the kings around wished to make peace treaties with him. To the north-west of the land of Israel lay the kingdom of Tyre, famous for its craftsmen, the ruler of which was Hiram. Hiram, king of Tyre, sent his best builders and artists to erect a splendid palace for King David and to build beautiful
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mansions in David's new capital of Jerusalem. King David should have been contented, but he was disturbed by the thought, that, while his palace and his capital city were now built with great splendor, the holy Ark of G-d still lodged in a tent, screened only by curtains. David knew that Jerusalem was to be the center which was to unite Jews everywhere with the idea of one G-d, one Torah and one People. David, therefore, determined to build the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple. However, there came to him the prophet Nathan, sent by G-d, and said: "Your good intention comes from a pure heart. Nevertheless, the task of building a Sanctuary for G-d is not to be given to you. The Sanctuary is to be the place of peace. You fought many battles. Your hands have had to shed blood in these wars, the blood of wicked men, it is true, but still human blood. Therefore you cannot build G-d's Sanctuary of peace. This holy duty will be carried out by your son, Solomon, whose reign will be one of peace (the name, Solomon, "Shlomo," having its origin in the Hebrew word for peace, Shalom). He will put into practice this good intention of yours." Naturally, King David had to accept G-d's prophecy, as spoken by the mouth of the prophet Nathan, although he deeply regretted that his eyes would never see the House of G-d in all its magnificence. But he rejoiced that his son would be considered worthy of the great honor of building the Holy Temple.. In spite of the knowledge that he himself was not to have a hand is this sacred work, David began to collect the materials needed for the building as well as money to pay for it. All the treasures he had assembled during his reign, gold and silver and copper, precious stones and wood, he had placed in the care of a man called Shabuel, a direct descendant of Moses, who was appointed to take charge of this treasury. Not only were the building materials prepared by King David, but he also arranged, with the help of the Sanhedrin (Rabbinical Supreme Court), who were inspired by the Divine spirit, the order of the service for the Kohanim and the Levites. Thus King Solomon later had before him a complete plan in addition to the materials necessary for the building of the Holy Temple. David's reign lasted for forty years (2884-2924); the first seven years he reigned in Hebron over the tribe of Judah, and the remaining thirty-three years he reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel. â&#x20AC;˘
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Score a Tuneful Cruise – Kosherica’s Summer Sailings Sound Too Good To Be True NEW YORK (May 2010) -- Following on last winter’s lineup of kosher cruises, highlighted by the fantastic Festival of Jewish Music at Sea, Kosherica, the Glatt Kosher cruise leader with over 15 years experience in arranging kosher vacations to excited to present an all star line up of kosher cruises to extraordinary places in the Mediterranean, Alaska, Baltic/ Russia region, New York and Caribbean The kosher cruises will sail along spectacular coastlines and visit places of breathtaking beauty. On board these summer voyages, guests will be entertained by the biggest Jewish stars of our time (Dudu Fisher, Helfgot, Avraham Fried and Lipa Schmeltzer to name a few); Savor incomparable world class Kosher gourmet cuisine (under the direction of award wining Israeli chef, Chef Arik Porat -Dan Acadia); Educated by world class scholars (Rabbi Hier –Founder of the Wiesenthal Center, Rabbi Herring –Chief Exec. of Rabbinical Council, Steve Savitsky –President of the Orthodox Union, Rabbi Weil- Exec VP of the OU) and voyage fantastic cruise lines (Celebrity, Holland America). One of the season’s most sought-after Glatt Kosher cruises is Kosherica’s August 1st, 2010 Summer Jewish Music Cruise. It will feature Avraham Fried, Dudu Fisher, Binyamin Helfgot, Ben Zion Miller, Danny Gildar and Lipa Schmelzer. The cruise will be departing on the Celebrity Summit for seven days visiting scenic ports in New England . The Scholars will be Steve Savitsky (President of the Orthodox Union) and Rabbi Steven Weil, (Exec VP of The OU). This cruise opens up a whole new world for guests residing in the Northeast. US – the ship departs from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ, just across the river from New York City. That means passengers could drive to the departure port instead of flying. The itinerary offers a delightful cruise through summer-calm Atlantic waters into scenic ports. Specialized excursions are created to allow the Kosherica guest to visit general interest sites along with Jewish Interest. Other Upcoming Cruises: July 25th. - Amazing Alaska featuring Cantor Yaakov Stark and Rabbi Herring July 26th - Mediterranean featuring Rabbi Marvin Hier- Almost Sold Out. Aug. 8th - Mystical Russia/ Baltic Cruise featuring Cantor Yaakov Motzen and Rabbi Riskin. This cruise has an accredited CME program. Limited Space June 20th - Amazing Alaska featuring Rabbi Muskin Dec. 26th - Caribbean Jan. 2011 - Caribbean featuring Cantor Adler, Cantor Albrecht, Cantor Bar Ami, Dudu Fisher, Avraham Fried, Cantor Greenwald, Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, Cantor Lemmer, Cantor Naftali Hershtik, Cantor Netanel Hershtik, Cantor Benzion Miller, Cantor Yaakov Motzen, Lipa Schmeltzer, Cantor Yaakov Stark, Cantor Shuloff, Cantor Aaron Shifman, Shlomo Simcha For more information on this and other Kosherica cruises please visit www.kosherica.com or call 877-724-5567 or 305-695-2700.
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A
fter the miraculous Exodus from Egypt, the Jewish people traveled in the desert for 49 days until they reached Mount Sinai on the 6th day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. There they experienced the ultimate revelation and communion with G-d. They encountered G-d face to face, heard the voice of G-d and received the Torah and its commandments—the mitzvot. Whereas, Passover is the birthday of the Jewish people, this holiday, which is referred to as the holiday of Shavuot, can be likened to the Bar Mitzvah of the Jewish people. It is a time to celebrate the Mitzvot—the responsibilities implicit to the loving relationship we enjoy with G-d. Recently a friend asked me if I would meet with his son, Sam, and help him prepare his Bar Mitzvah speech. I generally don’t teach thirteen-year-olds, but for a friend I made an exception. So I got together with Sam and I began to share with him some insights into the Torah portion he would be reading in the synagogue on Shabbat. I actually got really into it, seeing how carefully he was listening, nodding his head ever so often. So I started to go even deeper and began to tell him some of the mystical meanings behind the passages he would be publicly reading. I was really impressed, he seemed to be really understanding me. Well, after about an hour of all this deep talk, I said, “Sammy, do you have any questions?" He said, “Yeah, just one. Why do I have to obey all these commandments, keep all these rules?” Well, I felt pretty silly. Here I was going off the deep end when he doesn’t even know what his Bar Mitzvah meant. I asked him, “Sammy, do you like football?” “I love it! I play it all the time.” “Do you know the rules?” I continued. “Of course, you can’t play if you don’t know the rules.” “Why not?” “'Cuz then there would be no game. You couldn’t win or lose. There couldn’t be touch downs, no out of bounds, no violations, no penalties. Without the rules it would just be chaos and no fun.” “Precisely, and that’s true about the game of life also. Without rules and regulations it would be chaos, no fun, no adventure, no challenge. You couldn’t win or lose. And even though we all know, 'it’s not whether you win or lose but it’s how you play the game,' without rules there is no way to evaluate 'how you play the game.' The Torah's commandments are the game rules of life and G-d is the referee.”In the end, Sammy got psyched for his Bar Mitzvah.
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On Shavuot we celebrate getting the game rules of life because if there are no game rules, there is no game. And on that day we rejoice because we became players in the game of life. Because if there is no right and wrong, then what difference does it make what I do? If there is nothing to violate, there is nothing to fulfill. I can’t even play a game of basketball without rules, let alone live my life! Without the Torah’s game rules for living, the world is just one big chaos and our choices are meaningless. The Torah, however, is more than the rules of life. Torah is a living encounter with G-d. The revelation of G-d at Mt. Sinai wasn’t simply an opportunity for the Jewish people to receive G-d’s laws but experience G-d’s love. What happened at Mt. Sinai was a personal, face-to-face encounter with G-d. It wasn’t just about getting the laws that made the day important, it was about feeling the ecstasy of G-d’s intimacy with the Jewish people. The experience at Mt. Sinai was not only a revelation of G-d’s truth, but more importantly, it was a revelation of G-d’s love. Torah was and continues to be G-d’s love letter. It is the greatest gift ever because it embodies G-d’s presence. When you learn the Torah you can actually feel G-d’s closeness to you. The Talmud teaches that when G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish people He said, “I am giving you My soul in writing.” Imagine one day you receive a love letter. You are at work and eating lunch at the employee cafeteria, and someone drops a letter in front of you. You see that it’s a letter from the one you love. Do you rip open the envelope and start to speed-read through the letter? No, of course you don’t. You save this letter. You’re going to read it in a very special place because this letter deserves more. Now imagine you’re in that special place. You open the letter carefully, you start to read your beloved’s words and you actually begin to hear her voice. And then you feel her presence. If you’re anything like me, you’ll read the letter over and over again, because you know there’s much more to this letter. The first time you read it you get the simple meaning. But then you read it even more carefully. You notice that she tells you about the weather and then she starts talking about her mother. What’s the connection, you wonder. You then read the letter again and now you see that there are hints in this letter. You pay attention not only to what she says, but also to the way she’s structured her sentences. Then you go over it again because you realize that it’s even deeper than that. You look at how she even forms the very letters. There are secrets in the nuances of the actual shape
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of her letters. You then start looking for the deeper subtle meanings. Once you’ve analyzed every aspect, you carefully refold the letter, place it in its envelope and tuck it away for safekeeping. You save this letter because you sense the presence of your beloved within these mere sheets of paper. Now let’s imagine that someone else is reading that letter. Is that person going to feel the presence of someone else’s beloved? No. He’d just get the letter’s simple meaning, the information. But for you it would be different. You wouldn’t just be reading the letter; you’d get involved in it. And through your involvement with the words, nuances, and deeper meanings, you’d meet your beloved.
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This, in essence, is learning Torah. Through our involvement with the text, we hear G-d’s voice, feel the Divine presence and experience G-d’s love and relive the revelation at Sinai each day of our lives. Therefore, the Torah embodies not only a way of life but also a way to love. The wisdom and commandments of the Torah empower us to love each other and love G-d. Shavuot is a day to celebrate the laws in love and the love in law. • Rabbi David Aaron is founder and dean of the Isralight Institute and the internationally recognized author of several books on Kabbalah.
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CityHappenings Lasers and Lollies On Wedenseday, April 21, 2010 the women of Bais Menachem held a fundraiser to benefit their new Chesed organization. The organization is set out to helping new mothers with their newborns in any way they may need, no matter what their financial situation. It offers wonderful resources, in every area of their lives, to help transition them during this exciting and joyous time. The fundraiser was a huge success, B”H. The women found their inner child while playing an exciting game of laser tag and enjoyed delicious and exquisite treats. As the women were socializing they learned more about this unbelievable cause and saw examples of the many ideas that will be implemented. The evening was indeed, enjoyed by all!
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W
hen the heart is ill, the body cannot function properly. Likewise, when the mother is unwell, overwhelmed and barely coping after birth, the
family suffers.
People are often unaware of the support systems available to them, and the lack of assistance can lead to postpartum depression. Therefore, it is crucial that we as a community begin taking the appropriate preventative measures to fight against this growing problem of lack in knowledgeable support and personalized care. Doula care is a crucial component in the prevention of postpartum depression and care for the needs of women in high risk pregnancies, so that they and their families are happier, healthier and emerge from the situation whole. Doulas have become increasingly popular in recent years, evolving into three specialties: birth, antepartum and postpartum. Currently, the most well-known are birth doulas, who assist a woman throughout the birth process. However, it is the postpartum and antepartum doulas that will be crucial in the long-term emotional health of the family. Antepartum Doulas Prior to birth, the antepartum doula assists women experiencing the common phenomenon of high-risk pregnancies. High-risk pregnancies often result in bed rest, and include complications such as placenta previa, gestational diabetes, premature rupture
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of membranes, preterm labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and multiple gestations. Preexisting conditions such as diabetes and infertility also contribute to the high-risk epidemic. Over 700,000 U.S. women each year are prescribed bed rest, which equates to one in 5. Furthermore, one in 9 babies born in the U.S. is premature, born before 37 weeks of gestation. The majority of these pregnancies are considered high-risk; most are on bed rest restriction. These women and their families faced the enormous difficulties of coping with the pregnancy while keeping the family functional. These families now have access to the antepartum doula, specifically trained to assist with high-risk pregnancies. The antepartum doula provides pregnancy support by assisting with mother and child care, light housekeeping, running short errands and preparing nutritious meals. She supports and educates the mother about pregnancy, birth and postnatal issues and provides her with appropriate help. The antepartum doula also serves as an aid to the emotional needs of the mother, who is dealing with the additional fears associated with a high-risk pregnancy and possible outcomes. And, most importantly, she helps keep the family organized so their lives can flow more smoothly even if mother is not feeling well. In the only study of home bed rest (Monahan & DeJoseph, 1991), 33 women described the factors that contribute to emotional distress and a woman's coping mechanisms. Only 18% of the women were coping well and did not need additional assis-
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tance. Approximately 50% were unable to adhere to the activity restrictions, either because they needed to do things for themselves when someone else was not around or because they perceived that their condition had stabilized. Husbands were the major source of assistance. Further studies have shown that women who experience depression in the prenatal period and are untreated, are more likely to experience postpartum depression. Postpartum Doulas Postpartum doulas, or "family transition specialists," help the family adjust to the newest member of the household, allowing them to emerge more organized, stable and rested. A postpartum doula typically begins providing care in the home after the birth. Such care might include cooking for the mother, breastfeeding support, newborn care assistance, errands, and light housekeeping throughout the first six weeks postpartum. In some cases, postpartum doula care can last several months or even a year postpartum; especially in cases when mothers are suffering from postpartum depression, children with special needs require longer care, or there are multiple infants. Postpartum doulas offer practical and emotional support to the new mother and family in their home following the birth of their baby, which extends beyond the bounds of the birth doula. Postpartum doulas help the mother and family become comfortable in their new roles. They offer breastfeeding and newborn care advice, referrals to community resources and general household help to enable the whole family time to bond with the baby, spend extra time with any older siblings and enjoy the experience. Studies have shown a lower incidence of postpartum depression and higher rates of breastfeeding (protecting their babies from higher rates of illness, allergies, weight problems and infection) when postpartum doulas were utilized. 88% of women who had a postpartum doula were still breastfeeding at 6 weeks and 67% were still breastfeeding at 6 months (This compares with 21% at six weeks and 7% at three months) according to the Infant Feeding Survey of 2005 (Bolling et al 2007). Postpartum doulas are able to support through a cycle of postpartum depression, as well. In fact, they are an important aspect to recovery because of the support they provide to the woman and her family. Support Growing families need support. They need to feel connected, to know that they are not alone during the challenging times and that they are cared for. Doula work is a labor of love and caring for others in a way that guides and encourages without judgement.
Doula care has been shown to assist mothers to cover gaps in their care and build stronger relationships by providing them with information specific to their situation, allowing them to be self advocates who work with their health care providers. The health care system has its own rules, regulations, restrictions and often people are not able to feel sufficiently connected and supported during the prenatal and postpartum stages. In this era of managed care, many women are obligated by their insurance plans to specific physicians or obstetric groups, and the most compatible care provider may not be available to them. Mothers may have a preexisting health condition that limits their choices, or have developed concerns or issues with a care provider’s interventive or personal style. These women often seek out a doula. In these instances, doulas encourage care providers, mothers, and families to discuss each other’s concerns and negotiate. Communities need support systems for growing families and the doula spectrum of care is the answer. Doulas adhere to clearly defined standards of practice. They do not perform clinical tasks and are not medical professionals. Instead, they work alongside the medical team which may include midwives, obstetricians, nurses and pediatricians. By being team players, advocates, valuable resources and providers of non-medical care, doulas are filling the increasingly growing gap created by the current health care system. There are some very smart doulas who are providing either birth and postpartum services or antepartum and postpartum services. Hiring a doula whose care is expanded, will enable the family to be cared for by a familiar and consistent person. Be sure your community has at least four women providing each of the doula services available. This is the beginning of how communities show they value their precious families. This is the way to provide a soft landing. This is a support cushion. One of the ways to do this, is to get involved by learning to be a doula. Women who feel a sensitivity to the issues facing families today, who might be willing to be a part of this solution are needed. This is a small investment of time and money. Postpartum training is five days, and antepartum training is two days. The training is fun, comprehensive and affordable. Another way to create this cushion is to incorporate this into your chesed committees and your volunteer services. There are couples who need this care but might not be able to afford it. If community organizations were to provide this care for the Los Angeles families they serve, it would be a true and valuable expression of kindness. Ask your community leaders to find ways to incorporate this cushion of care. •
Shoshana Kesner, DHM, BSN trains antepartum and postpartum doulas internationally, and speaks publicly on topics relating to support for growing families and preventing postpartum depression. Dr. Shoshana founded Binah Baby to increase access to information and support from the fertility through postpartum stages. She is also the author of Oh Baby! A Guide to Managing the 4th Trimester. Dr. Shoshana is the director of H.U.G. (Holistic Understanding of Grief) for couples who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or stillbirth. She will be in Los Angeles training, speaking and helping communities set up support systems April 12-May 12. Dr. Shoshana can be reached at Shoshana@binahbaby.com.
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PARSHAS BAMIDBAR
Rabbi Mordechai Kaminetzky
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he Book of Numbers begins with the Torah's command to take a census of the Jewish Nation. Each male over twenty years old from every tribe was to be counted. However, the tribe of Levi was singled out to remain uncounted in the national census. "You shall not count the tribe of Levi, and you shall not take a census of them from among the Children of Israel" (Numbers 1:49). Levi was indeed counted, separately and differently. Its children were counted from a month old as opposed to twenty years old. They were counted at a separate occasion, and their numbers were not included in the national census. Why did Levi merit such distinctive treatment? The Midrash tells us that Hashem specially designated them. They were considered as the King's special legions. During the sin of the Golden Calf, when so many of their fellow Jews served the idol, the tribe of Levi was stalwart in its opposition. Therefore Levi was chosen to serve in the Temple in the place of the first-borns, who were originally designated to perform the service. The Midrash quotes the Al-mighty. "The Levites made themselves close to me, and I will be close to them."
Backround Checkout
The Chidushei HaRim, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Alter of Gur, is bothered. "Surely, there were some other Jews who did not serve the Golden Calf. Why, then, was Levi singled out to serve in the Mishkan? Why didn't Hashem select anyone who did not serve the Golden Calf ?"
and horrific crimes of his predecessor, all of a sudden a meek voice from the back of the room was heard. "Mr. Chairman, where were you when all this was happening? Why didn't you say something?" It was apparent that Khrushchev heard the question. His face turned red as he retorted in a menacing voice, "Who said that?" Silence. He screamed louder. "Who is the one who asked that? I want to see him NOW!" A dead silence filled the room. No one moved. Then a sly smile spread over Khrushchev's face. He looked toward the back of the large room. In slow and calculated staccato spurts he began to shout, "I know exactly where you are! I know exactly where you are standing!" The nervous silence was unbearable, as the large audience awaited the fate of the poor man. "I know where you are standing," repeated the feared leader of the world's largest communist country. "You are standing in the exact spot that I stood when Stalin used to make his speeches!"
Adam Parker Glick, President of the Jack Parker Corporation, told me the following story:
The Chidushei HaRim explains that Levi did much more than passively not serve the idol. When Moshe cried Whoever is on the side of Hashem join with me!" the only collective group who responded were the Levites.
Not too long after Nikita Khrushchev's rise to power in the former Soviet Union in the 1950s, he addressed a large gathering of the communist faithful. He began to excoriate the crimes and misdeeds of his predecessor, Joseph Stalin, and promised a new era of freedom and civility. As he was decrying the purges, crackdowns,
Many Jews may have refrained from worshipping the calf, the Gerer Rebbe explains, but only those who stood up and protested deserve to direct the spirituality of the nation. While silence may sometimes remove the cloak of culpability, it will never crown you with the strength of leadership. •
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Apple pectin is included to support healthy digestion and elimination, and to cleanse the intestinal tract.
Maxi 5M™ Perfect for very young children and infants, Maxi 5M™ is a powder formula combining lactobacillus sporogenes and lactobacillus acidophilus. We’ve included slippery elm bark to protect the probiotics from stomach acids, then added apple pectin and biotin to further assist with digestion and elimination.
When to take probiotics For best results, take probiotics before meals, at least half an hour apart from antibiotics. Begin supplementing as soon as you start taking antibiotics, and continue for twice that length of time. (For example, if you’re on antibiotics for 7 days, take probiotics throughout, then continue for another 7 days.)
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Antibiotics kill more than just disease-causing bacteria. They also destroy millions of helpful flora in your digestive tract, resulting in diarrhea, constipation, yeast infections, and a weakened immune system.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.
Delicious, chewable, and non- dairy, Oraldophilus™ provides 500 million live organisms of lactobacillus acidophilus and 200 million active spores of lactobacillus sporogenes per tablet.
Lag B’Omer A Day of Unity 5770
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C
hildren see life through clear eyes, they find joy in simplicity and question what they see, smell, taste and feel. These attributes make them active learners, why then do we, as caregivers and teachers, place them in a passive role educationally? Whether its sitting them in front of a television or keeping them quiet playing games on an iphone or giving them product oriented curriculum. We have taken away their ability to process knowledge and replaced it with regurgitated information that we see as useful. The result in this type of learning is fragile knowledge; it never seeps below the surface. Our Soul is expressed through thought, speech and action. "Bificha ubilvavcha lasoso" We are created with the abilty to govern our thought, speech and action. To be in control of our expressions requires inner work. The easiest is in the action level and the most difficult is being in charge of our thoughts. This is why our focus is so important when we educate our children. When we are taught through passivity inner growth rarely occurs. Giving children a safe place to discover ideas and explore concepts provides fertile ground for true knowledge to emerge.Isnt this what the physical element of Judaism is suppose to teach us? We eat matzoh on Pesach, but its not about only the matzoh but what it represents.
environment is arranged is also through the same eyes of how I view children. If my classroom is unorganized and dirty, what does that say about my view point on children? But if my room is full of neatly organized materials that spark imagination and is spotless, I am giving respect to every student that walks through my doors. The schools in a small northern Italian town called Reggio Emilia understand this, they see boundless possibilities with children and work towards allowing these possibilities to become reality. One of the founders of the Reggio Emilia schools, Loris Malaguzzi once said, “ Learning is the key factor in which a new way of teaching should be based, becoming a complementary resource to the child and offering multiple options, suggestive ideas, and sources of support. Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the water flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the river. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning to learn.”
Children are competent, imaginative and are full of possibilities, we adults are the ones saying’ ”no” and squashing what is so natural to them. Instead, let’s give them an open canvas to explore and create and not on our terms but on theirs. It is not about the cut out of the Kiddush cup decorated with glitter and colored within the lines but about a group of children discussing Kiddush and what they want to know about it, what they already know about it and what inspires them. These discussions and long term projects that are process oriented is where meaning making takes hold.
The great Torah scholar Rabbi I. Z. Meltzer was once asked by a friend to test his son on the Talmud he was learning in school. The boy gave the wrong answer, so the rabbi kindly explained the correct meaning and asked the boy, "This is how I understood it, is this was you meant?" The boy repeats his incorrect interpretation. The rabbi keeps trying to gently alert the young boy to the mistake he's making, but the boy holds fast to his mistake. The rabbi and all those present were becoming increasingly irritated by the boy's stubbornness. Whereupon Rabbi Meltzer left the room and began pacing the hallway, all the time repeating to himself as if reciting a mantra: "Respect for others means children as well. Respect for others means children as well...." Having said this to himself more than a dozen times, he returned to the boy and said sweetly, "So tell me again, how do you understand this passage?"
As an educator, I have a choice, I can put out brightly colored foam cut outs for children to glue together or I can put out empty boxes with natural materials to explore, it depends on my image of the child and wanting him/ her to be active or passive participants in the learning process. The way my
Respecting the child allowed him to enter into discussion about the error made thus resulting into a meaning making experience that the boy probably never forgot. Lets follow Rabbi Meltzers lead and respect the children in our care and not only facilitate their learning but stimulate it! •
Hadassah Esther Hadassah Esther is the Artistic Director of A Time for Dances Arts Experience Summer Camp and of Yachad Dance West, for more information please call 323-404-0827. She is currently a classroom teacher and an atelierista in a Santa Monica preschool and will be on staff at Gan Malibu beginning in July 2010.
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Calfornia Kosher Kitchen
Sour Cream Chocolate Cake Ingredients
Engagements Ariana Brookes & Boruch Bordoff Rivka Illulian & Yisroel Serraf Michal Hamaoui & Michael Ovadia Jaime Azoulay & Noga bitton Adina Khaimov & Ezra Forouzan Annie Wasserman & David Statman Lea Breiner & Binyomin Greenberg Mooka Naparstek & Boruch Hecht Esti Robinson & Menachem Lowi
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil • 1 large egg • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided usage • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1/2 cup sugar • 2 1 ounce squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted • 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, divided usage • 1 tablespoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 cup warm water • 1 1/4 c Sour Cream , divided usage • 1/2 cup softened butter • 3 cups powdered sugar • 1/4 cup milk
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour two 8-inch baking pans; set aside. In large mixer bowl add vegetable oil, egg, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat at medium speed until well mixed (1 minute). Add brown sugar and granulated sugar; continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (1 minute). Add melted chocolate. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (1 minute). In small bowl stir together flour, 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition. Add 1 cup sour cream; mix well. Bake until wooden toothpick inserted in center of cakes comes out clean, (about 30 to 35 minutes).
Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans; cool completely. Meanwhile, in medium bowl add butter.; beat at high speed until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Add 2/3 cup cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon vanilla; continue beating, scraping bowl often, until mixture is creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add milk and ¼ cup sour cream; continue beating, scraping bowl often, until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Place one cake, flat side up, on bottom of plate. Place about 1 cup frosting in center of cake. Spread to about ½-inch from edge of cake. Place second cake, flat side up, on top of frosting. Frost sides and top of cake with remaining frosting.
Directions
Births - Boys Dovid & Rivkie Feld Yosef & Esther Greenhaus
Births - Girls Shmully & Shternie Gurary Eli & Shaina Friedman Eli & Rochel Laber Estee & Yaakov Twersky
Send us your mazel tovs to info@communitylinks.info
FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2010 Light Candles at: 7:23 pm ••• FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010 Light Candles at: 7:29 pm •••
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FIRST NIGHT OF SHAVOUT TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2010 Light Candles at: 7:32 pm ••• SECOND NIGHT OF SHAVOUT WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2010 Light Candles at: 8:32 pm ••• FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010 Light Candles at: 7:34 pm
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1.Electricity pole in the background is missing. 2. The building in the back is shorter. 3.One of the parking posts are missing from the light pole. 4.Lakers yarmulke logo is missing. 5. 76 gas station sign flipped. 6. One of the on the banner has been changed from green to yellow. 7.”Hene Matov” wording missing from the blue banner in the background. 8. Red street wire protector missing. 9.The yellow balloons changed to green. 10.Lakers logo on yarmulke changed to Clippers
qq qq qq qq qq
CHANGES KEEP SCORE
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Double Take YOUR pictures! Please email us your event pictures to
LAG B’OMER Los Angeles celebrated a day of unity at the Lag B’omer parade and carnival on Pico Blvd. May 2, 2010.
Can you spot the differences in these two pictures?
DoubleTake
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WEDDING SHTICK “Shticky Business" Shtick rental for all Simchas. Reasonable rates, beautiful one of a kind items. Arches, Umbrellas, Balloons, Mazel Tov signs, Pom Poms & more. Call Rivky at 323-997-5968 HOSIERY Luxurious Italian Womans’ Hosiery. Amazing Prices, starting from only $3.25 Call Sarah
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MUSIC Drum Lessons Over 20 years experience, lessons at your location, all levels and all ages.
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What do I do when my child (fill in your least acceptable behavior)? Take the best parenting class in town to learn how to deal with misbehavior, discouragement and poor school performance. In addition, acquire all the skills necessary to raise confident, independent, and responsible children. Appropriate for ages 0-5, 6-11, and teens. Individual or group sessions. Affordable. Call Irine Schweitzer, LCSW for more information, www.parentingbyirine.com @ 818 754-4501. -1548-
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DRESS MAKER PERSONAL TRAINER Woman to Woman work out in the comfort of your own home with experienced fitness nstructor. Personalized fun and effective exercise program. Progress guaranteed. Lowest prices offered! Please call Mazal
ORCHESTRA Ariel Louk - "Because A Simcha Should Be Happy." Orchestra / One Man Band. Weddings, Bar/Bat Mivahs, Special Occasions. Quality music, Competitive prices. References available. For more information, please call Ariel Louk: Cell: 323-997-2647 Tel: 310-659-9346
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SPRING SESSION. come join the fun!! Offering Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Gymnastics, Modern, Kickboxing, Acting, Singing and more! Girls and Women. All levels available. 3 convenient locations. Beverly / Labrea, Pico/Robertson and North Hollywood (323) 404-0827 www. atime4dance.com -1404-
1 bedroom apartment. 8843 Alcott St. 2nd floor. Hardwood floors. Balcony. Lrg closets. $1150 per month Beverly Hills Adjacent Homes for Lease
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CAREER TRAINING PROGRAMS Are you Unemployed and collecting Unemployment Benefits? FULL Financial Aid is available to unemployed individuals. Receive career training at NO COST to YOU. These funds are available through President Obama’s Economic Stimulus Package. Act now while funds are available. Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute has several Nationally Accredited Career Training Programs. Please call 323-966-5444. Ask for Flora or Jesse. -784www.LAORT.edu
3 bedroom 2 bath single story, well maintained Vintage Home w/Central Air/heat, Hardwood floors, Remodeled Kitchen, separate Dining room, Laundry, Lrg Garage with AC. 5 Bedroom 3.5 Bath Luxury Home, Marble floors, Lrg Luxury Granite Kitchen, huge living/dining room w/vaulted ceilings, Wet Bar, 2 Master Suites, Jacuzzi, Laundry, Sauna, basketball court. Lots of Built-ins. Call Daniel @ (310) 925 - 9972
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Channa Tellis Dress Maker & Expert Alterations with 40 yrs of exp. Now selling & renting bridal dresses. Shaitel hair extensions, & also available for Sewing Classes.
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Tehachapi Torah Center(ed Community). Healthy, Serene, Affordable, Child Friendly. Year round or vacation. Suited for families, individuals, & other existing Torah organizations. New 18 Acre Jewish education campus in development. Register interest now for: Summer Camp & Lemudai Kodesh Co-op for coming school year. In Southern Cal. Tehachapi Zip 93561 is 90 miles/minutes from route 14 at 5. 3 great deals, walk to planned Mikvah/Shul/Beis Medrash, available now, priced from: $98K 3 Bed 2 Bath. 249K 4 bed 3.5 bath. 385K 5 bed 3 bath 3601SF on 2.5 Acres. Lots $20,000. Build to suit $100SF. Lease: Apartments $650, Houses $850, Rooms $425. Learn More! Contact: Roger M. Pearlman CTA 310-948-5137 Kernkehilla@att.net www.pearlmancta.com /kerncountykehilla.htm
PICO / ROBERTSON AREA RENTALS • 3bd 2BA recently renovated $2,200 • 3bd 2BA+Den New Kitchen/Bath $2,300 • Fairfax Area Rental 2 BD 1BA $1,700 Need help renting your vacancies? Call Us Now!!
310.551.0660 FOR SALE 1.Mid size apartment building in Huntington Beach with great potential, although the Cp & GRM are already high. 2. 7 unit in Pico- Robertson area. 3. Two pocket listing of Houses in Beverly Hills, North of Santa Monica, one for $2,500,000. 4. Short sale house available in Laguna Niguel. 5. House in auction available in Malibu. Please Call Daniel 310-279-2991
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Orthodox woman available to watch your children full time or part-time hours, at your location. Excellent references. 323-6519389
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Excellent Opportunity for highly motivated sales person to work for growing business. Create your own hours. Work from home. For further information please email us at info@community links.info Ref #1980
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Bev/La Brea- 4 bd, Pool, Guest Hse, Kosher Kitchen. No yard sign. By Appt. www.Love-ThisHome.com Free Recorded Info: 800-4177489 ID#8001. Miller Real Estate
4 BR. 2 1/2 bath.big living room. dining area. private home. close to shuls and shops. $3000.
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JOB OPPORTUNITY OFFICE ASSISTANT WANTED Part time office assistant 2-6 pm, Monday-Friday in Encino. $10 hour. Must be well organized and have basic computer skills. (QuickBooks helpful). Email resume to: 1049@tmo.blackberry.net minimum one year commitment.
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Dining Guide Listing Please Call 323-965-1544 MEAT Afshan Restaurant RCC 106 W. 9th St. LA, (213) 622-1010 Bocca Steakhouse RCC 16610 Ventura. Encino, 91436 (818) 905-5855 Café Del Mar Dairy/Meat Kehila 12526 Burbank Blvd. N.H. 91607 (818) 487-8171 Chic N Chow Kehila 9301 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-5595 Chinese and Kabob Kehila 9180 Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-4007 Circa RCC 433 N. Fairfax Avenue, LA, 90036 323-653-1941 Cohen’s Restaurant RCC 316 E Pico Blvd # F LA, CA 90015 (213) 742-8888 Delice Bistro Kehila 8581 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 289-1702 Elat Burger Ben Zaken 9340 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 278-4692 Elite Cuisine RCC 7119 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90036 (323) 930-1303 Bukstan Falafel Express 5577 Reseda Blvd. Tarzana, 9135 (818) 345-5660
Falafel Grill Chabad 5611 Kanan R. Agoura Hills, 91301 (818) 991-8799 Glatt Hut RCC 9303 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 246-1900 Golan RCC 13075 Victory Blvd. N. H, 91606 (818) 763-5344 Got Kosher? RCC 8914 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 858-1920 Habayit Bukstan 11921 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90064 (310) 479-5444
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Haifa Ben Zaken 8717 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 888-7700
Temptation Grill Kehila 17547 Ventura B. Encino, 91316 (818) 995-4700
Milk N Honey RCC 8837 West Pico Blvd LA, 90035 (310) 858-8850
Jeffs Gourmet Kehila 8930 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 858-8590
The Meating Place KCA 30313 Canwood St. AH, 91301 (818) 706-1255
Milky Way Kehila 9108 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 859-0004
Kosher Chicks RCC 186081/2Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, 91356 (818) 343-8800
Tierra Sur at Herzog Winery 3201 Camino DelSol Oxnard (805) 983-1560
Nagilla Pizza Kehila 9411 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 788-0111
La Gondola Kehila 9025 Wilshire Blvd. BH, 90211 (310) 247-1239 La Glatt RCC 446 Fairfax Ave. LA, 90036 (323) 658-7730 Mashu Mashu RCC 12510 Burbank Blvd. 91607 (818)752-ASIA (2742) Metro Glatt RCC 8975 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 275-4420 Nagilla Meating Place Kehila 9407 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 788-0119 Orange Delight Kehila 13628 Ventura Blvd. SO, 91423 (818) 788-9896 Pats Kehila 9233 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 205-8705 Pico Kosher Deli RCC 8826 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 273-9381 Pita Way RCC 8532 Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 652-5236 Sassis Kehila 15622 Ventura, Encino, 91436 (818) 986-5345 Shanghai Kehila 9401 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 553-0998 Shilohs Kehila 8939 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 858-1652 Subway Kehila 8948 W Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-1222 Sunrise RCC 9216 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 786-8282
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Nana Cafe RCC 1509 S Robertson Blvd. (310) 407-0404
DAIRY Beverly Elite Cafe RCC 7115 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90036 (323) 936-2861
Pico Cafe Kehila 8944 W Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 310-385-9592
Beverly Cafe Elite RCC 7113 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90035 (323) 931-3563
Pizza Maven Kehila 140 North La Brea Blvd. 90036 (323) 857-0353
Bibis Warmstone Kehila 8928 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 246-1788 Bramis Pizza
Pizza Nosh Rabbi Ami Markel 30313 Canwood St. A.H. 91301 (818) 991-3000
RCC
17736 ShermanWay, Reseda 91326
(818) 342-0611 Circa RCC 8622 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles (310) 854-0592 Cow Jumped Over The Moon
Pizza World Kehila 365 Fairfax Ave. LA, 90036 (323) 653-2896
Kehila
421 N Rodeo Drive, B.H. 90210 (310) 274-4269
Sassis Sushi Kehila 16550 Ventura, Encino, 91436 (818) 783-2727
Delice Kehila 8583 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 289-6556
Shalom Pizza RCC 8715 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 271-2255
Fish Grill Kehila 7226 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90036 (323) 937-7162 12013 Wilshire Blvd. LA, 90025 (310) 479-1800 9618 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 860-1182 22935 Pacific Coast Highway (310) 456-8585
Unique Cafe Rabbi Aron Simkin 18381 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana (818) 757-3100
PAREVE
Jerusalem Pizza Kehila 17942 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316
(818) 758-9595 La Brea Bagel Kehilla 7308 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90036 (323) 965-1287 La Pizza Rabbi Furst 12515 Burbank Blvd. N.H, 91607 (818) 760-8198
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Pizza Station Kehila 8965 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 276-8708
Fish In The Village RCC 12450 Burbank Blvd. N.H, 91607 (818) 769-0085 Le Sushi 12524 Burbank Blvd N.H. 91607 (818) 763-6600 SushiKo RCC 9340 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-3474
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