The Community Links Issue 171

Vol. 6 Issue 171

December 31-January 14, 2011

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Why We Have To Actually Live Life

Sports is often a metaphor for life. We are often told to never give up, but we often feel as if it is hopeless and we’re destined for failure, or at least victory and success will pass us by.

Hail To The Chief

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"If you two could just work together and adjoin the two hotels as one, it would become the most outstanding and influential accommodation on earth."

Parsha Vaera Rabbi Mordechai Kaminetzky

Dr. Robert Rome

Midnight Strike

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It's interesting that the Torah is so adamant about this plague occurring exactly at midnight. Even when Moshe went to warn Pharaoh about the plague, he emphasizes its connection to midnight.

The Nesting Instinct

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Most females in the animal kingdom experience similar patterns of cleaning and preparation when they are pregnant, although as far as I know, they don't sew.

Sara Zadok

Rabbi Reuven Wolf

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Robert J. Rome, Ph.D

Why We Have to Actually Live Life

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very so often, something happens which you know has never happened previously and is unlikely to happen again.

I remember shortly after moving to our Tarzana home in 1987 that it snowed. I mean real white stuff. It lasted all of five minutes. It was a cold day, but the temperature was still in the mid40’s with bright sunlight and only a scattering of clouds in the sky. But for five minutes 23 years ago there was snow in Tarzana.

A second experience that I knew was a once in a lifetime experience also involved snow. We were in Jerusalem in January 2000. An emer-

8

gency was declared. Everyone was advised to get off the roads. The snow began.

When the snow stopped that Thursday evening, there were 4 inches of the white stuff on the ground. Seeing the walls of the Old City across from our hotel piled in snow with the palm trees weighted down by the powder was unforgettable. The yard of the Kotel the next evening on Shabbat was beautiful decked out in white. Secular Jews, Hasidic Jews, and Palestinian Arabs all became preoccupied for the Thursday and Friday of the snowfall with snowball fights.

With temperatures on Shabbat afternoon reaching the 50’s, it was all so short-lived,

December 31, 2010

but anyone who was there that day will never forget it.

One Sunday when the home stadium in Seattle was damaged, the game between the Mariners and the Angels was shifted to Angel Stadium.

As this was not a previously scheduled game, fans could get great seats for this game.

We got seats in the eighth row just inside the first base dugout. It was unbelievable witnessing Randy Johnson pitch that close up. But what I remember more was a 520 foot homerun by Ken Griffey, Jr. He really connected.

The ball took off with a blast off the bat with a sound that could be heard throughout the stadium, but was espe-

• 323-965-1544 •

cially thunderous from our close by seats. The ball was to straight away center field.

What a sight to behold! I had never before seen such a homer. It was one for the record books.

Another baseball story: I still remember watching on TV at school the perfect game of Don Larsen in the 1956 World Series. That’s right, in school…They used to bring each class at our elementary school into the auditorium where they rolled out a TV on the days of the World Series.

And we watched the entire game when the game began at 10:00 a.m. in New York.

When the game ended and info@communitylinks.info

Yogi Berra jumped onto pitcher Larson in a picture perfect moment, the image had quite an impact. My recollection is just like the famous picture that appears now in the history books of this once only happening of a perfect game in a world series.

Sports is often a metaphor for life. We are often told to never give up, but we often feel as if it is hopeless and we’re destined for failure, or at least victory and success will pass us by. I can only imagine a couple of Sundays ago when the Philadelphia Eagles football team was being dominated by the New York Giants in a so-so football game, down by 21 points with less than 8 minutes to play. Rather than giving up, the Eagles tried some new plays. They scored.

Now down by 14, they tried an onside kick and re-captured the ball and then quickly scored. Now, down by 7.

Then they tied the game. It already seemed like a miraculous come from behind event destined to go to overtime.

The Eagles held the Giants during their possession so that they, the Giants, had to punt.

Then the seemingly impossible happened. The running star of the Eagles returned the punt for a touchdown as time ran out. And the Eagles won.

It looked like a sure loss.

But you still have to play and to try. In the end, you may emerge victorious despite the odds.

Many students give up.

They see success as beyond reach. They have failed in the

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past and will fail in the future, at least so they think. They give up and refuse to try. They think that nothing can change the outcome. But the Eagles proved in football that what looked like a sure outcome can be changed. You actually have to live life, not just play it out or wait to see what happens. Nothing is predestined.

Everything is up to us and the choices we make.

Ken Griffey was a homerun hitter, but with one home run every 8 times up, there was no certainty that the next time up would bring a homerun, let alone a monstrous 500 foot plus homer. Don Larsen was only an average pitcher in his career. Yet, he is in the record books for the greatest game ever pitched.

And even the things beyond our control, like the snowfall in Jerusalem, must be played out and lived. When we awoke one Thursday morning in Israel, we could not have known that later that day there would be a colossal snowstorm of record size and proportion.

But what an experience to have lived that day in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Akiba said as quoted in Pirke Avot, “Everything is foreseen by G-d, yet free will is given.” It is up to us. We can’t just call it in. We have to live it, experience it, and try for success, no matter what the odds seem to be.

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There are countless other examples of how things have a way of playing out in unforeseen ways. Students for whom failure seems like a pre• 323-965-1544 •

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ordained reality end up succeeding. Businesses on the way out acquire new customers and not only stay alive, but thrive.

to dream that things are possible and then do what they can to make it happen. We don’t always succeed. But sometimes, we succeed beyond our wildest dreams.

There is hope. We can all rise occasionally at least to task at hand. We can succeed. We can thrive. So much is possible, but not if we give up or just “call in it.”

It was Theodor Herzl who put it best: “If you will it, it is not dream.” We can make things happen, but we have to begin by trying. The most unlikely option still is possible. But we have to try.

We have the ability to connect the monstrous homer.

We can reach our potential through a “perfect game.” We can come from behind. We can succeed. And even if there is one or two more unsuccessful attempts, the third attempt might “be the charm” and bring major success.

I’m not naïve. Not everything works out. But I do know that success does not come by giving up. One has

You never know how things will turn out. Yes, we can fail. But sometimes the unanticipated outcome we end up experiencing is beyond our wildest expectations.

Live life to the fullest. Be an active participant and not just a passive observer. The next colossal “home run” in life may just be yours!

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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T

he dramatic climax of the ten plagues is definitely the onset of the last plague, the plague of the first born. This was what finally broke the shackles of the Egyptian bondage, and afterwards the Jewish nation was finally set free. It's interesting that the Torah is so adamant about this plague occurring exactly at midnight. Even when Moshe went to warn Pharaoh about the plague, he emphasizes its connection to midnight. What is so special about midnight?

Midnight Strike -Keep the window of faith open Another interesting point is that the Jews took precautions to protect themselves from this plague, unlike any of the other plagues. They were not to leave their homes during that night. Additionally, the Jews had to place blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts of their homes. The Torah mentions that it was the blood of their Karban Pesach/The Paschal Lamb.

The Medrash, Targum Yonasan, and the Zohar add that the Jews also the placed the blood of their circumcision on the lintel and doorposts. The Jews didn’t need any special protection during the other plagues, why did they need it here?

Furthermore, the Haggadah explains that it was G-d Himself who delivered the tenth plague upon the Egyptians. If that was the case, why would the Jews have needed extra protection? Surely G-d can differentiate between His targets and His loved ones!

The difference between the plague of the firstborn and all of the other plagues was its very purpose. Each plague was sent as a specific punishment for certain crimes of the Egyptians, but in general was sent to teach the Egyptians a lesson, that “they should know that I am G-d." The Egyptians worshiped nature, they believed it was the supreme power. The plagues, which were rooted in natural phenomena, taught the Egyptians that Hashem is also the ruler of nature. However, this final plague had the sole function of breaking Egypt. It was a plague purely about punishment. Of the victims targeted by the tenth plague, there were no survivors to learn a lesson.

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Since this plague was about punishment, the Jewish people were also in jeopardy.

The spiritual condition of the Jewish people at that time was very poor. The Jews were steeped in idolatry and Egyptian culture. Just as in next weeks parsha, the sea didn't want to split for them, the persecuting Angels saw the Jews together with the Egyptians and said "These served idols and these served idols!” Here too, the Zohar explains, when G-d’s destructive force was unleashed upon the Egyptian firstborn, in the context of punishment, the Jews were also vulnerable. This is why they needed protection, unlike with the other plagues.

The Kabbalists and Chassidic Masters hold a fundamental principle that G-d transcends the creation. Not just the physical parts of the creation, but even the most absolute and sublime aspects. To us, time is absolute. We can't imagine existing beyond time, but Hashem is not bound by time, He created it. Similarly, the Kabbalists say, Hashem transcends all reason, logic and intellect, which He also created.

While we might use our own reasoning to get through daily life, to decide what it good or bad, and choose what is right or wrong, G-d is above it all. The closest description that one might attempt would be to say that G-d is type of good that is better than good. He has all the qualities of goodness but not the limitations of the definition of the word “good.” He made the world with wisdom, but is Himself beyond it. Our sages describe G-d as “HaKadosh Baruch Hu/The Holy One, Blessed Be He.” Holiness is a separation and elevation from all of creation, including His creations of time, wisdom and logic.

The fact is that logic itself tells us that reason and intelligence is not absolute. If logic and reason would be absolute, then there would be two things that are absolute: Hashem is absolute, and reason is absolute. That can't be because there would then be two equal powers.

When G-d created the world, and created intelligence and logic, He constricted and limited himself to project his influence and energy into the world as a logical being. Maimonides describes G-d this way.

It is not that He created a system of intel• 323-965-1544 •

ligence and He then uses it to run the world. Rather, He identifies himself with the intelligence and becomes, so to speak, an intelligent being. Simultaneously, he infinitely transcends intelligence. We might see that as two dimensions of G-d, although they are truly not separate. There is the dimension of Hashem where He is constricted and defined by emotional and intellectual attributes, the Sefirot, and then there is a Hashem's very self, which the Kabbalists refer to as the “Ain Sof/The Boundless One.” G-d doesn’t relate to the creation from that infinitely transcendental place. He interacts with the world through the attributes which He created to act as vessels for His otherwise boundless energy. Creation begins after the attributes, and therefore, the creations only have a relationship with G-d as He has conditioned Himself to be the creator.

There is one exception. One element within creation is fully connected to G-d Himself - the Jewish people. We are directly connected to the Ain Sof, beyond all attributes, because we are His children. A child is connected to the very essence of its parents, not through character traits or intelligence, not based on any reason or rationale. The parent-child connection much deeper than anything else, because it stems from the very self. We don’t love our children because they're good, cute, smart, or nice. We love them beyond all of that, with an essential love of our being. G-d loves us because we are His children. This is a fact whether we deserve His love or not.

We are essentially connected to Him, and He will do anything for us, as any parents would do for their children.

Usually, this inner aspect of G-d's self is not visible within the creation. Hashem remains removed and relates to the world through wisdom and reason. However, when it comes to matters that deal with the very existence of the Jewish people, G-d’s true Self emerges.

This is where the plague of the first born came from. Even if the plague was about punishment, which the Jews may have also deserved, the truth is that G-d was actually revealing his love. He doesn't care whether the Jews deserve to be punished or not. He loves the Jewish people info@communitylinks.info

and he hates their tormentors. Everything else is irrelevant.

This is also why the plague had to take place at specifically at midnight.Light is representative of the revelation G-d’s kindness. During the day, when the world is filled with light, G-d’s revelation is one of Chesed/Kindness. During the night, when it is dark, G-d reveals Gevurah, His might and severity. These are the first of G-d’s expressive attributes and they manifest themselves in time.

From midday until midnight, the power of Gevurah is expressed. Although it’s still bright daylight, the light begins to diminish at noon, and continues to diminish until the moment before midnight, the darkest moment. This is a process of discipline, and as we know, Mincha is a time of Gevurah, instituted by Yitzchak, who represented Gevurah.

At midnight, the pendulum swings, and Chesed/Kindness kicks in. We won't see light until the crack of dawn, but that's only down here in our realm. Within Hashem, the mood is changing, so to speak, and He is now projecting His generosity and kindness. Midnight, chatzos, it's a very auspicious time. Many righteous people would pray at this time because it is conducive for invoking divine mercy and coming close to Hashem because kindness has just burst forth. As we learn in the Torah, Avraham, the representative of Kindness, got up early in the morning.

The kindness gets stronger until the middle of the day and Gevurah kicks in once again as the cycle continues.

At the strongest moments of kindness and severity, at noon and at midnight, there is a complete reversal. What causes the switch? Why does everything suddenly change?

It comes from outside of the system.

A person in a negative mood doesn’t suddenly feel loving and generous. An external stimulus brings the change. Perhaps another person introduces a new idea, changes the subject, or otherwise causes the person to see things a different way, causing a change in attitude. It might not even be another individual that causes the change. Perhaps it was something the person read, or dreamt about. The change

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doesn’t happen on its own.

to G-d from their core.

The divine expressions of kindness and severity also switch with a power from beyond. This is the power of midnight. It is a moment-less moment; a point where the boundless aspect of G-d can reach in and cause a switch between Chesed and Gevurah. This is where time touches a place beyond time.

Circumcision is the sign of the covenant between the Jewish people and G-d. It is a powerful expression of loyalty and devotion, that we are committed to the relationship. We don’t wait until a person is older, has learned about G-d and has the appreciation and understanding of what it means to serve G-d. We circumcise a newborn baby because our connection with G-d is not based on reason or understanding. Of course, we can and should use our minds to increase our connection with Him, but the core of every Jew is the Pintele Yid, a place where we are essentially and absolutely connected with G-d. This is the same from Hashem’s perspective as well. He bonds with an eight day old child, before the child has had the opportunity to serve Him. He commits to him at the beginning, before he grows up and chooses a path in his life, because this bond is not about virtue or logic.

The plague of the firstborn had to take place at midnight because it was an expression of the Ain Sof, from an irrational, unreasonable love and bond that Hashem has with the Jews that generally remains hidden and beyond our reality. During midnight, in a window from between the attributes, higher than the attributes, G-d sends his boundless light.

Moshe had to tell this to Pharaoh because he explained the nature of plague to him. The Egyptians were very smart and knew that if the purpose of the plague was to destroy and to punish, then the Jews, who weren’t yet spiritually worthy, would be harmed as well.

When Moshe told Pharaoh that the plague would occur at midnight, he was telling him that it would be coming from beyond the system, from a place that the Egyptians had no connection to. This is a place where Hashem doesn’t play by the rules of logic.

The Jews put up the blood as a physical sign to help channel the divine revelation.

Every flow of energy into the creation is stimulated by the service of the Jewish people. Whether the energy is coming from G-d’s attributes or from G-d Himself, it needs a vessel to contain it. For example, by giving charity, we are exercising kindness, and this is causes Hashem to exercise His kindness and increase kindness in the world. When we are being disciplined, projecting our own severity for the right reasons, this causes G-d to discipline out wickedness from the world. Through our Torah study, by delving and revealing the Divine intelligence, we increase the flow and revelation of Chochma, G-d’s intelligence, into the world. In order for the world to experience the kind of revelation that occurred during the tenth plague, energy from a place beyond reason, it was necessary for the Jewish people to expresses their own irrational commitment • 323-965-1544 •

The Karban Pesach also demonstrates a powerful commitment. The Jews had been in bitter exile for 210 years. They were beaten and abused, murdered and manipulated, stripped of their dignity and of their independence. They lived in constant terror of their Egyptian tormentors. One can imagine what it was like when the Jews heard that one of the Egyptian gods was in the neighborhood. They probably trembled in fear. Now, they were told to take the lamb, the god of Egypt, and slaughter in front of their oppressors’ eyes. It was a suicidal action. The slaughter wasn’t a private event, it was talked about throughout the Egyptian empire for days. It was an incredibly brazen act. Hundreds of thousands of Jews rose to the occasion. Why? G-d asked for it, and it doesn't have to make any sense, because our connection to Hashem is beyond any reason, beyond our well-being.

Going beyond their emunah/faith which is internal, these bloods - Pesach and Bris - were the physical, external expressions of the Jewish people’s super-rational connection with G-d. This is precisely why they put this blood on the door. When the destructive force came down, even if there was an accusation against them, they revealed their essential love and bond with Hashem, it was open and demonstrated within the world, and they were protected. info@communitylinks.info

We live today in an era that is quite similar to the end of the Egyptian slavery. It is very close to the conclusion of our long and bitter exile. We believe that Moshiach is coming. Yet, when we look around the world, it doesn't seem like there's any conceivable way that we can be redeemed. Terror is spreading around the world, anti-Semitism is festering, and we wonder about the spiritual condition of the Jewish people. So many of our brothers and sisters are oblivious to Judaism and to what it means to be a Jew. Even in our own communities, and even within our very selves, we see things we don’t like. We wonder how we are going to be worthy of the redemption. It’s very similar to when Moshe came to the Jews for the first time, when there was nothing to hold onto.

We all live within some sort of Egypt, and we have our own Egyptian within us; things that block and constrict us both in the physical and the spiritual sense.

Whether its fears, insecurities, financial stress, emotional stress, cravings or addictions - we so badly want to overcome them, and we constantly struggle. One

might think perhaps G-d has abandoned them, and they are trapped in this miserable state forever, G-d forbid.

We must remember that the midnight window is always open. We have our faith, and the purity of our neshama, which can never be disconnected.

Hashem loves us no matter what. He promised to take the Jewish people out of exile, and is going to do whether we deserve it or not. He will help us, whether we see the possibility or not. We know that we are not slaves to ourselves or our desires. We each have a destiny, even if we can't see it. The evil inclination is cunning, and points out how many times we tried to change in the past, but even this doesn’t make a difference. As long as our emuna is strong, and we don't fall into despair, the window of redemption is open.

good, connect with G-d in a way that is antithetical to reason, to show that that the Yetzer Hara is not the boss, only G-d matters.

So many of us are scared to give charity because we don't know if we can afford it. We are terrified of what might happen tomorrow. Offering a Karban Pesach means giving more than we used to give.

It’s an act of faith that is contrary to logic, but invested with absolute trust in Hashem that he will protect us and our livelihood. He will bring Moshiach and He will take us all very soon to the holy city of Jerusalem.

The transcendental infinite light that will bring the redemption always has a way to get here. We need to take our faith and actualize it. We have to slaughter our own Karban Pesach, to laugh in the face of our tormentors. We must stand up to our evil inclination and do something

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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ome people just never learn. For almost a year Pharaoh was literally plagued by every conceivable misfortune, yet he refused to let the Jewish people leave his land. Of course, he pleaded with Moshe during every plague to stop the great inconvenience, pain, and disaster that were befalling his country. He would even promise to let the Jews go, yet he never admitted guilt. He would beseech Moshe to stop the various plagues. "Pray for me and remove the frogs! I will let you serve your G-d in the desert "(Exodus 8:4)." Sometimes he would offer unrestricted freedom, only to renege when the plagues ceased. Never, except on one occasion, did Pharaoh admit that G-d was correct and he was corrupt.

That exception was the plague of hail. In fact, the plague of hail was so powerful that even Hashem Himself categorized it in a unique way. Moshe quoted Hashem to Pharaoh: "This time I shall send all my plagues against your heart, upon your servants, and your people so that you shall know that there is none like Me in the world" (Exodus 9:14). Why did Hashem consider the hail a more powerful act than His turning water into blood, or delivering pestilence, or wild animals or frogs?

True, the hail did miraculously contain a fire ensconced in the ice, but all the plagues had miraculous attributes to them.

Turning the Nile into blood is not an everyday occurrence either! What characteristic did the hail have to label it "all my plagues?"

Even more troubling is Pharaoh's response. After the plague strikes Egypt he calls Moshe and Ahron and he tells them "this time I have sinned, Hashem is righteous and I and my people are the wicked ones" (Exodus 9:27) What caused Pharaoh to utter those submissive words at this particular time? Didn't he already see blood, frogs, pestilence, boils, wild animals, and a host of different miraculous misfortunes that befell his people? What was so special about the fire and ice that fell from the heavens that charred even this man's cruel temper?

Radio commentator, Paul Harvey, relates the following story: William and his Aunt Caroline were constantly feuding. Actually, William was jealous of his aunt's popularity and social status in the New York of the late 1890's. Compared to her, he was considered a social outcast, and was never invited to any of her lavish parties. That would have been bad enough. Having to live next door to her was too much for William to bear. The sight of elegant carriages arriving and departing made him seethe. Yet he could do nothing. At least he did nothing until the family fortune was distributed and he received 100 million dollars. Then he

knew what to do. He decided to rip down his mansion and build a monstrosity. It had 530 rooms, 350 baths, and a whopping 970 employees. It would be the grandest, most elegant guest house of it's kind. More carriages would pull up to his home in a day then to his aunt's mansion in a month! Her home would pale in comparison, and the tumult of it all would force her to move.

William was right. Aunt Caroline moved way north of the shadow of her nephew's hotel. And then she ripped down her old home. With the mere 50 million that she received, she too, decided to build a hotel on the site of her old mansion! It would be even more elegant, with nicer rooms and better service than her nephew's. Two adjacent, competing hotels would have been built right next to each other if not for the wisdom of William's own hotel manager. He got the two feuding relatives together and explained that hostility is not the way to success.

"If you two could just work together and adjoin the two hotels as one, it would become the most outstanding and influential accommodation on earth," he explained. They listened and followed his instructions. He even advised them to make sure that every opening between the structures could be sealed again in case of a renewed falling-out. But in the end, William Waldorf and his aunt, Caroline Astor decided to bury the hatchet and replace it with a hyphen.

And the world's most luxurious accommodation was built - The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

There are many opposing forces in the world. However, when they work in tandem, they are the most powerful force possible. During this plague, fire and ice, two opposing forces in the world of nature disregarded their differences all in the service of the Supreme Commander. When Hashem announced that He will send all of His plagues, he was referring to conflicting forces that work harmoniously.

After that, even Pharaoh was sensible enough, albeit for a short moment, to see his frailty and delusions. When even the worst of men see fire and ice dance together on one mission, there is nothing he can do but watch in amazement and admit, "Hashem is the righteous one and I and my people are the wicked ones." When opposing opinions gather for one objective - to do the will of Hashem - they are as unstoppable as the hail that brought Pharaoh to his knees. • Rabbi Mordechai Kaminetzky

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magine that you are a tourist on your way to see this nation's most revered document, the one that forged our beliefs and principles. You enter the hallowed halls of the Library of Congress and ask a guard, "which way to the Declaration of Independence?" He points to a sign with bold letters. The sign has a large arrow and reads; "This way to the "Declaratsiya o Nezavisimossti" " In small print it translates the two Russian words - "Declaration of Independence."

You would be shocked.

Why in the world would the United States government use a foreign language to identify the very document that symbolizes the essence of America?

clares that totafos is a compound word that combines two foreign words. The word tot in Afriki (I assume Africa) means two, and the word pas in the Coptic language means two. The tefillin on the head has four compartments. Thus, tat-pas or totafos, means four.

How baffling! Why would the Torah use a compound of two very foreign words to describe a Jewish - perhaps the most Jewish -- symbol?

What is even more interesting is that just a few verses

Out of Africa

Of course the story is not true, and probably can never happen.

That is why I am troubled by the Torah's choice of words to introduce us to the most Jewish of all symbols tefillin. The Torah commands the children of Israel to wear tefillin with an interesting expression. "They shall be for totafos between your eyes." (Exodus 13:16) The Talmud in Sanhedrin is concerned with the origins of the word totafos, clearly it has no Jewish origin. The Talmud de-

PARSHAS BO

prior the Torah refers to the tefillin boxes as a zikoron (remembrance) between the eyes (Exodus 13:9). If the Torah calls tefillin a remembrance than why does it refer to them as totafos? Moreover, if they are totafos then why call them a remembrance?

Stephen Savitsky, CEO of Staff Builders, one of America's leading home health care providers, spends quite a bit of time travelling on airplanes. It is at 35,000 feet where he has met Jews of great diversity, backgrounds, and beliefs. Once on a flight out of Baton Rouge toward Wichita, Kansas, he was bumped to first class. He was

seated next to a large man who had a thick gold ring on his pinkie and an even thicker gold chain hanging loosely from his neck. The man was chewing an unlit cigar while immersing himself in a sports magazine. As soon as the seat belt sign was turned off he ordered two drinks. All the while the flamboyant jet-setter was immersed in his own self, and hardly glanced at the neatly groomed executive who was sitting next to him. He surely did not notice that Steve's head was covered during the entire flight.

The flight attendants began serving the meal. The smell of glazed ham that was wafting from his neighbor's tray made it difficult for Steve to eat his kosher food. It was only after the meals were cleared and the trays removed did Mr. Savitsky take out a small siddur (prayer book) to say Grace After Meals.

All of a sudden a pair of eyes transfixed on the siddur.

"Hey, my friend!" exclaimed the man. Steve heard a Brooklyn accent cowering underneath the Southern drawl, "is that a seedoor?" Steve nodded, "sure. Do you want to look at it?"

"Look?" shouted the stranger. "I want to use it! Do you know how many years it has been since I saw a seedoor?

Give it to me please!" The man grabbed it, kissed it, then he stood up in his seat and began to shake and shout with

fervor! "Borucho es Adon" The entire first class section just turned around and stared in shock. For the next ten minutes the man stood and shook wildly as he recited the maariv prayer - word for word - without care and concern for anyone who was watching. For those ten minutes he left Louisiana way below, as he ascended to the heavens with the world of his childhood.

With a mixture of great pride and a bit of embarrassment, Steve watched. When the man finished praying, Steve presented the small siddur that evoked Jewish memories over the Delta as a memento to the former yeshiva boy.

Perhaps the Torah intentionally called tefillin a remembrance. And perhaps, with even more intention, did it give it a foreign name. The Torah tells us that no matter where a Jew may be, whether the jungles of the Congo or the Coptic Islands, the Jewish symbols will be there to remind him to come home. The Torah's observance is not relegated to any specific geographical location. It can be observed, albeit not in toto, every place in the world. And no matter where a Jew finds himself there are symbols to remind him of his Judaism. For there is a special spark in every Jewish soul that is waiting to be kindled. Even out of Africa. • Rabbi Mordechai Kaminetzky

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She was so beautiful as she lay there on her back, perfectly still. I cradled her head in my arms as we washed her face, and then the rest of her body. We cleaned her fingernails and made sure that we rinsed all the creases and crevices so that she be perfectly clean. Her skin was so smooth and her limbs remarkably flexible. Once she was dry we carefully began to get her dressed, in a simple, yet beautiful white outfit.

With love and tears we swaddled her in a blanket and asked G-d to bless her.

Then we closed her casket.

Miriam Rivkah bas Yitzchak was born in 1915. She lived a full 90 years.

I know nothing else about her other than that she never had children. I don't know how she lived and I don't know how she died. All I know is that I was blessed with the opportunity of preparing her body to leave this world, and that my hand on hers was the last human touch she would receive in this world.

I had never before done a Taharah ("Purification"), the burial preparations done to every Jewish man, woman or child before the funeral.

When we entered the room I was petrified. I came thinking that I would only read Psalms while my friend and another woman would prepare the body. But they needed a third person and I felt I couldn't, nor did I want to, refuse.

When we first entered, the stinging smell of cleaning products and bodies hit our faces. The room was freezing cold and on each table, wrapped in plastic, was a body. I wanted to run but then I saw the small flame leaping about in the corner of the room.

Next to Miriam's body was a ner neshamah ("soul candle"), lit from the

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moment of her passing and remaining by her side until burial, warming and illuminating her and her surroundings.

In amazement I watched the woman who was in charge detail what needed to be done. With great love she described the tasks at hand, some simple, others both physically and emotionally difficult, all necessary.

As we began the process, the room started to change. I no longer noticed the other bodies surrounding me, as my sole focus became Miriam. To my surprise, her body, at first cold and stiff to the touch, seemed to almost respond as we held her and cleaned her. For her respect and privacy, only the part of her that was being cleansed was visible and we made great effort to keep the rest of her properly covered. A white piece of cloth covered her face at all times, so that she not be looked at or objectified.

We said certain prayers as we worked, asking for forgiveness on her behalf, and asking her as well to forgive us if we caused her any harm or discomfort. Every step of the process was filled with meaning and depth.

And every motion was intended to respect her life while preparing her for death.

After she was thoroughly washed, she then underwent a mikvah process, a spiritual and physical immersion in which the body transfers from a state of impurity to that of total purity.

The Hebrew word for "impure," tameh, comes from the same root as timtum, a state of constriction, of being blocked. Now, as she is prepared for leaving this world, she leaves all constrictions, all boundaries behind. She is finally to be freed, to be open and to understand what has

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From One World to the Next

until now made no sense.

Her final clothing is symbolic of the priestly garments, with white pants, a long shirt, a top coat, belt, apron, head and face covering. The face is covered like that of a bride under the canopy, hidden from the outside world in order to connect with G-d Above and oneself below. And to symbolize the purity and innocence, the deceased, like the bride, is dressed completely in white.

Each tie that is made in her clothing, from the belt to the cloth around her feet and that around her neck, is knotted in the form of letters that it spells the name of G-d. These garments are hand-sewn and have no pockets, to remind us that the deceased has no need nor care for material goods for money and jewels carry no meaning in the World of Truth.

Sand from Israel is placed on her heart and below, to help her body and soul understand that its mission in this world is now over. Her heart will no longer beat and her womb will no longer be able to bear fruit. Upon her closed eyelids pieces of clay rest, a reminder that she no longer needs her

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physical eyes to see, and her head lays upon a pillow of straw, elevated from the rest of her body.

When the preparations were finished, I looked with pity at the other bodies that were lying in the room.

They could be identified only by a tag on the toe, and they seemed so scared, so abandoned, so alone. I wondered if anyone would come and clean their bodies and lovingly care for them the way we had for Miriam.

And though they may be dressed in a fancy suit or dress, with professionally applied makeup and done-up hair, would anyone help to prepare the separation of their soul from their body? Would anyone be caring for the internal rather than just the external?

As we walked through the burial parlor I looked at the business that death had become. The walls were adorned with various casket options, each with an opening to view the face.

I thought about Miriam lying in a simple, wooden box. Though beautifully dressed, no one other than her Creator would be seeing her. Her face would remain covered, as it had been since her life ended, with no makeup or false adornments.

Leaving the building, I wished I had met Miriam the day before she had died. I wished I had given her such time, care and love while she was still suffering in the hospital. Yet I hadn't known her, or even about her, so I didn't. But through meeting her right before her ascent Above, I had been taught that the limited time we have in this world is really all we have to care and love and do what must be done. And I wondered: How often I take the time to bathe my own children and dress them so caringly? And how often I pray with such intensity and emotion when I ask G-d or others for forgiveness? And I questioned:

why we are so quick to drop everything to attend a funeral, but so reluctant and busy when it comes to a wedding or other joyous occasion?

Through Miriam, I was reminded of what it means to be alive and of what really matters when we are no longer. Now is the time to make sure we open our eyes while we can, listen to the beating of our heart and recognize the abilities and possibilities that we have been granted. For this is our time to prepare for what really matters and what really counts, and we have no idea how much time we have to achieve that goal.

As Miriam is buried today, I pray that her soul be as relaxed and at peace as her body, and that she somehow know that even in her death she brought meaning and purpose to people she never even met.•

By Sara Esther Crispe

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a duty to bear witness to the truth. And we have a duty to fight in our defense."

Noted British journalist, broadcaster, author and blogger Melanie Phillips claimed, "We will never convince bigots that facts are as they are, or that the evidence of history tells a different story from the one they believe. We cannot fight prejudice with reason. But we have

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She suggested, “We can best do this by getting off our back foot and putting Western fifth columnists on theirs. We should accuse them, not of Jew-hating motives we cannot prove but of absurdities and contradictions and untruths they cannot deny.

We should ridicule them, humiliate them, destroy their reputations; boycott them, not invite them to our houses, show them our disapproval and contempt. Treat them as pariahs. In short, we must get up off our collective knees and fight. Justice, human rights and truth are on our side, not theirs.

We must reclaim them as our own."

Photo caption-Melanie Phillips at the HonestReporting conference in Jerusalem last week.

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spent the entire morning reorganizing my kid's closet – plus I sorted through all the old baby clothes. Ultimately, I handled every single item of clothing from newborn to six years in one sitting. After I dropped off the five full garbage bags of 'give-aways' at a local charity this morning, I cleaned out, wiped down, sorted out, and restocked our three-door bathroom chest. I now have a trash bag full of outdated prescriptions and lipstick and a shopping list. My neighbor is coming down this afternoon to help me put up new shelving in the laundry room. I'm in my ninth month of pregnancy and I've got the nesting instinct big time.

What is that distinctive urge that drives pregnant women to seek and destroy dust and mold, to re-caulk bathtubs and reorganize anything within arms reach and very often beyond?

Physiologists have named it "nesting instinct." This urge often begins around the fifth month, but some women begin to nest shortly after conception – while others sense no need to nest at all. Very commonly women experience an acute nesting impulse in the final days or hours of their pregnancy, and this often signals that labor and birth is close at hand.

T he Nesting Instinct In my last pregnancy, I darted out of bed at 3:00 am with the distinctive feeling that an internal balloon had just popped. Sure enough my water had broken, so, after calling the midwife, I took out my sewing kit and began mending a hole in the shirt I was wearing. Like I said, I'm a big-time nester.

Most females in the animal kingdom experience similar patterns of cleaning and preparation when they are pregnant, although as far as I know, they don't sew. From birds to bears, cats to camels, they all appear to have an intrinsic need to prepare space for their new arrival. Animal researchers explain that females are programmed to experience this nesting instinct in order to ensure that their offspring will be cared for properly after birth.

By Sarah Zadok

Pregnant or not, the desire for a clean and orderly place to put down roots is universal. We all share a natural instinct that guides us toward creating a comfortable space that counteracts the chaos of the outside world. With pregnancy and birth it seems that this instinct is simply enhanced.

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So, what is it exactly about a clean and orderly nest that is so hyper-appealing to so many of us pregnant mammas?

Chassidic thought explains that everything that exists in our physical reality has a parallel to our spiritual reality. In simple terms, if my drawers are a mess down here, chances are, I've • 323-965-1544 •

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got some soul-clutter that needs tending.

As most mothers would concur, along with the blessing and beauty that comes with the birth of a new child comes disorder and chaos – on both a physical and spiritual level.

Introducing a new life to the family is a colossal undertaking.

It challenges every fiber of our existence.

When Mamma needs to tend to herself and a new, little, fragile life, routines fly out the window, bath times get pushed off, laundry piles up, beds don't get made, dishes get left in the sink. A temporary state of bedlam is not uncommon in the first few weeks after birth. In fact, it might even be inevitable. So if we accept the thought that muddle down here mirrors muddle up there, then, preparation, or damage control, would be the logical next step. And herein lays the deeper wisdom of the nesting instinct.

It is my opinion, that in attempt to minimize the disarray that comes with the introduction of a new child, our bodies, on behalf of our souls, switch into overdrive in the "order" department, because that's the only way we can begin to get a grip on the wave of changes that are headed our way. It's our body's way of counter-balancing the unknowns and the joyous upheaval of birth and mothering. The power of this instinct is that the very act of organizing and tidying our physical space can actually create a vessel for some profound spiritual growth.

The trick is bringing that soulful consciousness with us while we nest. We have a very rich Torah directive, which instructs us to build a "Dira B'tachtonim" - a dwelling place for G-d in the Lower Worlds. It is important to understand that G-d does not live in the "Upper Worlds." … G-d creates spirituality. Nor is He physical, He creates this "lower" physical existence. Jewish philosophy explains that what G-d de-

sires is a fusion of these "upper" and "lower" realities. He desires a fusion of all things spiritual and soulful with all things material and physical.

When the Talmudic Masters expound upon this idea of building a dwelling place for G-d, we find instruction to build a "beautiful house with beautiful furnishings." Interesting to note that our Sages seem to be concerned with the way our house looks and is perceived. They explain further that when a house is full of conflict and disarray, G-d does not dwell there. Understand that it doesn't mean He can't be there; G-d can be anywhere… what it means is that we have not created a vessel to house Him. Disharmony in the home implies that we have not taken active measures to invite G-d in to our reality. However, when we are mindful to tidy and perfect our physical space, we make it more peaceful and receptive. Essentially, we welcome G-d into our home by making space in our everyday and physical lives.

It is clear from G-d's commandment to make Him space here, that creating a clean, orderly, beautiful, peaceful space is not only a biological imperative, but a spiritual imperative as well. This message has been hardwired into our souls since our inception.

As a perpetual nester, I can't tell you how comforting and balancing that thought is for me. Knowing that when I clean and organize my home, I am creating space for G-d to make Himself comfortable in my home... to hang out, as it were, with my family and me. It is utterly delightful to understand that while I am creating a physical "nest" to house and care for my new baby, my impulse to organize and decorate and beautify it is paralleled by an equally compelling urge to garnish my "soul nest" with a sense of inspiration and order, and peace. As the ancient proverb says, "Cleanliness is next to G-dliness." How true it is. •

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8TH DAY: PUTTING FINISHING TOUCHES ON BRAND NEW ALBUM! Written by: Ethan Block

8th Day, Jewish music’s new sound, (Co-founded by brothers Rabbi Shmuely and Bentzi Marcus) are in the final phase of their new album titled “Chasing Prophecy.”

This is 8th Day’s biggest project since the band formed a few years ago. The CD has many surprises, but perhaps, the biggest surprise for the Jewish music scene is that three-time Grammy nominee and Emmy Award-winning bassist Philip Bynoe has joined 8th Day and is playing on the new CD. Bynoe is best known for his work with virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai and has played with the likes of Kevin Eubanks and The Tonight Show Band.

Jewish music critics have called 8th Day a fresh and totally unique sound, the likes of which the Jewish music scene has yet to encounter. (The great composer and music lover Yossi Green was heard saying after seeing them live in concert that “8th Day is the best thing in Jewish music’s recent history.”) According to lead singerand song composer Shmuel Marcus, this was some of their best work “because we really made an effort to challenge ourselves to make something really special and not just record an album just to do it..”

When asked about what inspired the album Bentzi, lead guitarist and arranger/producer for the band, said it was partially from all the experience and growth they have had as a band. “Thank G-d we’ve had a chance to connect with crowds from all walks of life with our music and to meet them and see them react and be uplifted in every town we go to is a huge inspiration to continue and keep writing new material.”

They have been playing to audiences around the world featuring some of the 12 new album songs at their shows. With recent appearances in LA, Montreal, Texas, New York and Vancouver, their new hit song “Yiddish Country” was performed on the Nationally televised Chabad Telethon. The album is due to hit stores around Tu B’Shavt 5771.

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December 31, 2010

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December 31, 2010

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What is Livescan Fingerprinting?

Livescan is an inkless fingerprinting process where fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the Department of Justice for background screening.

Ink fingerprinting is still required in many states.

However, as a result of legislation passed in 1997, the California Department of Justice (CA-DOJ) has developed the automated background check process, which requires Livescan fingerprints for criminal history background checks that may be required as a condition of employment. Livescan technology replaces the ink process of recording fingerprint images. The CA-DOJ may also forward Livescan fingerprints to the FBI if required.

CertifiedMohel Traditional Ritual Circumcision 718.753.3225 sholom@dovber.com

Rabbi Sholom D. Langsam

625 N Sycamore Avenue # 216 Los Angeles, CA 90036

Certified by: The Chief Rabbinate of Israel

Who Needs Livescan?

Livescan may be required as a condition of employment for: Teachers, Care Givers, Contractors, Security Guards, Nurses, Doctors, Surgeons, Real Estate Licensees, Appraisers, Notaries, DMV Licensed Professionals, Foster Parents, Stock Brokers, Volunteers, and anyone applying for a professional licensing, certification, or permit. Persons applying for foreign adoptions or VISA/Immigration clearances may also need Livescan processing.

10% off with minimum

Seven Piece Dry Cleaning exp. 12/30/10 pre paid - cash only Valid with coupon

7.50 off

$

Special Alterations Pants Hem

exp. 12/30/10 pre paid - cash only Valid with coupon

8512 Whitworth Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90035

Phone: 310-360-8512 Fax: 310-360-8510 email: info@thenesscenter.org www.thenesscenter.org

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Calfornia Kosher Kitchen Tomato Feta Pasta Salad Engagements Faigy Klien & Chaim Moshe Rechnitz Rachel Newman & Shuie Benjamin Elisheva Mann & Yitzchok Schreiber Sheera Feltzinger & Binyamin Shaul Berger Ariella Schochet & Elie Istrin Mirele Kugel & Shloime Greenwald Chana Enya Nernberg & Ari Kaufman Mushky Frankel & Yisreol Krasik Julia Katchen & Shmuel Mackowsky Weddings Chaya Smoller & Rafi Andrusier Births - Boys Dalia & Paz Shusterman Marissa & Ross Maultasch Malky & Avraham Hendels Tzvi & Tirtza Kunstlinger Miriam & Menachem Schapiro

Ingredients • 1/2 pound fusilli (spirals) pasta • Kosher salt • Good olive oil • 1 pound ripe tomatoes, medium-diced • 3/4 cup good black olives, such as kalamata, pitted and diced • 1 pound good feta cheese, medium-diced • 6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped For the dressing: • 5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained

Births - Girls Dini & Altie Burston Rochel & Elozor Fisch Leah & Moshe Yadegar Gila & Elly Andrusier Devorah & Shloimy Smilow

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 6 tablespoons good olive oil • 1 garlic clove, diced • 1 teaspoon capers, drained • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 cup grated Parmesan

Send us your mazel tovs to info@communitylinks.info

FRIDAY, DEC. 31, 2010 Light Candles: 4:36 pm ••• FRIDAY, JAN. 7, 2011 Light Candles: 4:42 pm ••• FRIDAY, JAN. 14, 2011 Light Candles: 4:48 pm

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December 31, 2010

• 1 cup packed flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a splash of oil to keep it from sticking together. Boil for 12 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain well and allow to cool. Place the pasta in a bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, feta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

For the dressing, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, capers, salt and pepper in a food processor until almost smooth.

Pour the dressing over the pasta, sprinkle with the Parmesan and parsley, and toss well.

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December 31, 2010

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1. There are more books stacked on the side. 2. One of the speakers are missing on the left side. 3. Extra speaker stacked on top on the left. 4. The vent is missing from the right wall. 5. One window is longer. 6. Shmulie Marcus’s tzitzis is shorter. 7. The guy in the middle now has a kippah. 8. Bentzi’s kippah is now black. 9. There is a wood panel missing from the back wall. 10. The screen is missing a graphic.

qq qq qq qq qq CHANGES KEEP SCORE

10

Double Take YOUR Pictures!

Please email us your event pictures to Info@communitylinks.info “Chasing Prophecy.” of their new album titled Marcus) are in the final phase ers Rabbi Shmuely and Bentzi sound, (co-founded by broth8th Day, Jewish music’s new

New Music by 8th Day! Can you spot the differences in these two pictures?

DoubleTake

CLASSIFIEDS

To place an ad CALL 323-965-1544 GIFTS

SERVICES

A Perfect Setting

NOTARY

Great gifts for all occasions- invited out for a Shabbos meal? Baby gifts...Bas Mitzvah g i f t s . . . We d d i n g gifts...House warming gifts...Don't put it off.

Come in today and go out relieved. Call for a special appointment

TRAVELING NOTARY

323-938-8222 or 323-6203618 ask for Rochel -692-

SERVICES BEAUTY -1540-

Robin Schultz Ackerman

Bands

Parenting With Wisdom

Yosef Y. Shagalov:

Traveling Notary Public & Home Signing Agent.

Cell:(323)934-7095 email: yys770@aol.com

Abi Notaries Public Your place/ Our place No appointment need it!! (EnglishSpanish-French-Italian-Yiddi sh-Portuguese-Hebrew) 24/6 524 N. La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-930-0444 (office) 323646-2356 (Cell x after hours)

MUSIC

Piano Lessons

will help you eliminate unwanted hair! Doctor referred over 10 years in the community. Reasonable rates, Flexible hours open Sundays by appt.

WORKSHOPS/CLASSES

"BECAUSE A SIMCHA SHOULD BE HAPPY"

Music by Ariel Louk

One man band to a full orchestra Contact now for availability & rates

323-997-2647 loukmusic@sbcglobal.net

Eli's One Man Band

for all your simchas and special events.

For more info Please call Eli Stiefel 310-4625368 or email elistiefel@gmail.com

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-

-1510-

-1438-

WORKSHOPS/CLASSES

A Time for Dance will be holding auditions for the 7th annual production of ALICE IN WONDERLAND- November 21 and December 6.

Calling girls age 7-14 who love to act, sing and dance.

Our fantastic Drama Workshop meets Sunday mornings 10:15-12:15 at 7269 Beverly Blvd. Girls will have the opportunity to learn acting, improv, character development, tap and theater dance and train vocally under the instructor of our professional staff. As a company, we will produce an end of the year performance for women only! For more information: (323) 404-0827 www. atime4dance.com -

REAL ESTATE

Call anytime for an appt.

BRIS - ,hrc Traditional Ritual Circumcision Rabbi Nachman B. Kreiman Certified Mohel vjnun kvun

Piano Lessons for adult & children over six. At your location. First Lesson free.

Resonable rates. Call Lidia

310.289.5039 or 310.926.7761

MusicbyMendel.com

WEDDINGS, BAR-MITZVAHS, SPECIAL OCCSIONS. CONTACT NOW FOR AVAILABILITY AND RATES

310-595-5490 MENDELS@GMAIL.COM

Home: 323.934.9329 Cell: 323.896.5098

The David Sudaley Band Full Band or One-Man Band

www.expertmohel.com

(also includes beautiful cello playing)

DRUM LESSON

BOOKKEEPING

For all your bookkeeping needs Raizy Grossman 310-279-2139

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Over 20 years of experience with a BA in music.

All levels & all ages.

Eric Gold 323-397-2535

December 31, 2010

Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sheva Brachas and more!

We also run games for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs!

323 270-4613

• 323-965-1544 •

FOR RENT

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. www.LAORT.edu 800.998.2678-784-

SHARED 2 BEDROOM. FURNISHED APARTMENT. ROOM WITH YOUR OWN FULL BATHROOM $770.00

Bedroom and bathroom are accessible though living room & dining room off adjoining hall. Laundry out back & parking on street (no smoking or pets).

SOUTH OF PICO ON SHERBOURNE DRIVE RENTER MALE, SHOMER SHABBOS, KEEP KOSHER & CHOLOV ISRAEL. Call Bryan for appointment (323)454-3162

info@communitylinks.info

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

EMPLOYMENT

LOWEST MORTGAGE RATES

REAL ESTATE

ROOM FOR RENT

APT FOR RENT

Large bright room, private entrance, Kitchen Privileges, Walk to Shuls. Non Smoker, Small pet possibly ok. Please call 310-385-0135

Marketing Sales Associates Needed Publications

LOWEST MORTGAGE RATES

2BR/2BA,W/D, DPW, Yard, Remod.

La Cienega & Cashio $ 1500/mo

Beverly Hills Adjacent Home for Rent 5 Bedroom 2 Bath Vintage Luxury Home w/ full kitchen and bath guest house, floors, Lrg Luxury Granite Kitchen w/ pantry, vaulted ceilings, breakfast room, formal dining room, Jacuzzi, 2 car garage, Laundry, Waterfall and Sauna. Lots of Builtins.

••• Studio Loft Guest House with full kitchenette and bath, all utilities included.

2nd floor. Separate entrance. $1095 per month. Pico Robertson area.

••• Luxury Condo for Lease.

Wall to wall exotic bamboo hardwood flooring, Granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, alarm system, large walkin closets, lots of storage space, double entry doors, washer and dryer in the unit. Security parking and entrances, elevator, garbage shoot, and a fitness room.

Call Daniel @ (310) 925 - 9972

Roommate Wanted Female wanted to share charming 2 bedroom & 2 bath Apt in Pico/Robertson.

Fireplace,French Doors & all mod amenities Kosher Kitchen. inpix@aol.com or (805) 722-7856

888-360-3337 orna@orna.com FOR RENT Pico/Robertson area.

Close to shopping and grocery stores. Walking distance to many synagogues. The apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master bedroom has two closets and a built-in desk and mirror. There is ample storage space, including a closet off of the living room, and a closet and shelves in the hallway. The Kitchen has a refrigerator, oven, stove, and dishwasher.

There is A/C. Hardwood floors. Lots of light during the day. $1750 a month. 310 613 6562

OFFICE SPACE NEEDED Young Frum Entrepreneur looking for part time office space in Pico Robertson Area. Part time usage from Monday - Wednesdays only.

Small space ok, Just need a place to bring laptop and work on computer and phone.

Very flexible , can be short term or trial etc.

Willing to pay. Please contact 310-909-7223

15 years of diversified managerial experience. Noted for strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and people-management skills; knowledge & expertise in: Public Relations/Team Building/Staff Training/Customer Service / Guest Relations /Quality Assurance. Hard working, serious, honest, trustworthy and highly capable. Speaks English, Spanish, Hebrew and French. Email info@communitylinks.info Ref# 37730

15 years fixed conf.

3.875% APR 30 years fixed conf.

4.250% APR www.adiscountmortgage.com

N.R.C.C. www.ORNA.com 888-360-3337 orna@orna.com

EMPLOYMENT

# 1523.9326

FOR RENT Private guesthouse with its own private gated entrance, centrally located in the Pico/Robertson area. Includes: Full kitchen, bathroom, furniture, air conditioning, heating, and private patio. Looking for female only with no pets!

Utilities Included (Gas, Water & Power)!!!

Please call Josh at: 310592-3094

ROOM FOR RENT Large remodeled room, bathroom, kitchenette, private entrance. No smoking, no pets. Fairfax/Melrose. $950 monthly.

(323) 770-6248 #1723.9104

Next Advertising Deadline

January 7, 2010 BABYSITTER AVAILABLE

Orthodox woman available to watch your children full time or part-time hours, at your location. Excellent references. 323-651-9389 Marketing Sales Associates Needed Publications

Circulation

January 14, 2010 Please call

323.965.1544 or email us at

info@communitylinks.info

Seeking English, Farsi and Hebrew speaking experienced marketing sales associates for growing Jewish publications in the San Fernando Valley. Knowledge of Jewish customs required.

Commission based. Please send resume to: sel5034@gmail.com

#1718.9053

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December 31, 2010

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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 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 Cohen’s Restaurant RCC 316 E Pico Blvd # F LA, CA 90015 (213) 742-8888 Elat Burger Ben Zaken 9340 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 278-4692 Elite Cuisine RCC 7119 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90036 (323) 930-1303 Shawarma Express Kehila 5577 Reseda Blvd. Tarzana, 9135 (818) 342-2226 Glatt House RCC 8721 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 271-4528 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 Bukspan 11921 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90064 (310) 479-5444 Haifa Ben Zaken 8717 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 888-7700

Jeffs Gourmet Kehila 8930 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 858-8590

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DINING GUIDE

Kosher Chicks RCC 186081/2Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, 91356 (818) 343-8800

The Meating Place KCA 30313 Canwood St. AH, 91301 (818) 706-1255

La Gondola Kehila 9025 Wilshire Blvd. BH, 90211 (310) 247-1239

Tierra Sur at Herzog Winery 3201 Camino DelSol Oxnard (818) 752-6866

26 By Shilo’s Kehila 8657 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310)246-1326

Mashu Mashu RCC 12510 Burbank Blvd. 91607 (818)752-ASIA (2742)

Beverly Cafe Elite RCC 7113 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90035 (323) 931-3563

Metro Glatt RCC 8975 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 275-4420

Bibis Warmstone Kehila 8928 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 246-1788

Nagilla Meating Place Kehila 9407 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 788-0119

Bramis Pizza

(818) 342-0611 Café Del Mar Dairy Kehila 12526 Burbank Blvd. N.H. 91607 (818) 487-8171

Pats Kehila 9233 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 205-8705

Circa RCC 8622 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles (310) 854-0592

Pico Kosher Deli RCC 8826 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 273-9381

Delice Kehila 8583 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 289-6556

Pita Way RCC 8532 Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 652-5236

Elat Pastry Kehila 8758 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 385-5993

Sassis Kehila 15622 Ventura, Encino, 91436 (818) 986-5345 Schwartz Bakery and Deli RCC 433 N. Fairfax Avenue, LA, 90036 (323)653-1941

Shilohs Kehila 8939 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 858-1652 Subway Kehila 8948 W Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-1222 Schnitzle Kehila 9216 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 786-8282 Temptation Grill Kehila 17547 Ventura B. Encino, 91316 (818) 995-4700

December 31, 2010

RCC

Nagilla Pizza Kehila 9411 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 788-0111 Nana Cafe RCC 1509 S Robertson Blvd.

(310) 407-0404 Pacific Pizza RCC - Cholov Yisroel & Pas Yisroel 12460 Oxnard St. N. Hollywood (818) 760-0087 Pico Cafe Kehila 8944 W Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310)385-9592 Pizza Maven Kehila 140 North La Brea Blvd. 90036 (323) 857-0353

17736 ShermanWay, Reseda 91326

Orange Delight Kehila 13628 Ventura Blvd. SO, 91423 (818) 788-9896

Shanghai Kehila 9401 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 553-0998

ou

DAIRY

La Glatt RCC 446 Fairfax Ave. LA, 90036 (323) 658-7730

Milky Way Kehila 9108 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 859-0004

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 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 Milk N Honey RCC 8837 West Pico Blvd LA, 90035 (310) 858-8850

• 323-965-1544 •

Pizza Nosh Rabbi Ami Markel 30313 Canwood St. A.H. 91301 (818) 991-3000 Pizza Station Kehila 8965 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 276-8708 Pizza World Kehila 365 Fairfax Ave. LA, 90036 (323) 653-2896 Sassis Sushi Kehila 16550 Ventura, Encino, 91436 (818) 783-2727 Shalom Pizza RCC 8715 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 271-2255 Unique Cafe Rabbi Aron Simkin 18381 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana (818) 757-3100

PAREVE HUMMUS KING Kehilla 12422 BURBANK BLVD. VALLEY VILLAGE 91607 818.509.7999 Fish In The Village RCC 12450 Burbank Blvd. N.H, 91607 (818) 769-0085 Le Sushi RCC 12524 Burbank Blvd N.H. 91607 (818) 763-6600 SushiKo RCC 9340 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-3474

info@communitylinks.info

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