The Community Links Issue 201

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February 24-March 9, 2012

Vol. 9 Issue 201

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The Tzedakah of the Gedolei Hador

e iv g o t e il h w h t r o w is t I "

Matanos L'eevyonim to Kupat Ha'ir

that everything re su r fo w o kn e w e er h w or in the most o p e th to d te u ib tr is d e will b decent manner."

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February 24 , 2011

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Not In My Backyard

A Throw OF Dice

Instead of worrying about the smaller picture, our own backyards, maybe we should be concerned about the larger world picture.

THE COMMUNITY LINKS is published biweekly 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 permission of the publisher.

Dr. Robert Rome

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This, ultimately, is the very essence of the miracle of Purim, and the very essence of the miracle called “the people of Israel.”

Rabbi Yanki Tauber

Crowned Comestibles

You must tell me how you made those biscuits that you served my husband. I have never heard him get excited about food before, yet he did not stop praising the biscuits he ate in your home!"

Rabbi Mordechai Kaminetzky

The Heart Before the Force

40

"You were blowing on cold logs!

You must start a small fire on your own! If you don't start with a spark, a fire will never erupt!"

Rabbi Mordechai Kaminetzky

COMMUNITY LINKS • Volume 9 Issue 201 6 February 24, 2012

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Purim 2012

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Not in My Backyard, But Okay in Yours Robert J. Rome, Ph.D

here is a widespread phenomenon in this the Twenty-First Century. It is called “Not in My Backyard.” In its purest sense, homeowners do not want new schools, churches, synagogues, or shopping centers to be built adjoining their homes, “not in my backyard.” On a state level, Nevada residents, as just one example, do not want a nuclear waste facility built in their state, “not in my backyard.” On a national level, environmentalists challenge the building of an oil pipeline that will travel through environmentally sensitive areas of their region, “not in my backyard.”

The homeowners who fight the new shopping center know that a shopping center will likely be approved somewhere. In most cases, they do not oppose the building of a shopping center, just not in their “backyard.” Some-

t

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where else is usually okay.

Did you ever go to a Planning Commission or a City Council meeting when a new building project is being discussed? Two lines of people queue up: One line of people for the project and one line against. Then the speeches begin. It becomes clear after a few minutes that the main difference between the two sides is the project’s proximity to the homes of those against. Often, those who oppose a project live right next to the site of the project. They are aroused to come and speak out to protect their property values, their quiet, or other immediate impacts of the proposed new project on their homes and their lives.

I recall the Los Angeles City Planning Commission meeting some years ago where the discussion pro and con of the proposed, now since built, Shul in

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the Valley took place. The room was as full as a Kol Nidre night at Shul.

Two distinct but equally charged groups filled the meeting hall. There was a huge buzz in the room. Almost all who would speak, both those in favor and those opposed, shared the Jewish faith. Those who were opposed were not anti-Semites. They opposed the building of the new building because they were afraid. Their largest investment, their homes, might lose value if a large Jewish center went up next to their properties. They feared the noise, parking, traffic, and lights that might be generated by a large facility right next to their homes. They feared the potential of what a large synagogue may bring. They would have opposed a church, a non-sectarian school, or any other higher usage of the property. Realtors had warned them. If they did not fight and defeat info@communitylinks.info

the proposed building, they would likely see a decrease in their property values. The neighbors of the property were worried. Many neighbors came to fight the project. They rallied to protect what they had.

Those who came to support the Shul also lived primarily in the nearby areas of Encino. However, they tended to live a number of blocks from the Shul site rather than in the homes immediately adjoining the site. They spoke of the need for the new building. They highlighted that the new building would actually have parking spaces that would reduce the need for on-street parking at most times. They knew that there would be restrictions with the new building as the new building would not have weddings or similar afterhours large celebrations. The new Shul would likely be a good neighbor without many of the problems that come with a synagogue with unrestricted use. Those who spoke in favor of the new shul discussed the need for a larger building needed to accommodate those in the nearby area that walk to shul on Shabbat and holidays. There were no properties available on nearby, fully developed Ventura Boulevard for a new shul. The street on which the new building would be constructed, was after all a busy street with heavy traffic exiting the freeway and a major shopping center just across the street. The new Shul would not change the nature of the area. A largely Jewish area should be able to have a nearby respectable and beautiful building in which to pray.

Within a nearby radius of the proposed Shul building would be hundreds of families who can now walk to Shul on Shabbaos or Yom Tov. The new building would serve an identified need.

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That was the discussion. The argument for an expanded Shul(before, the Shul had only been a converted home) eventually won, but only after many additional restrictions for use of the new synagogue were added to the proposal.

A beautiful building was erected.

Few who now see this gorgeous building would imagine that the project had been met with such controversy. The building is surely a plus for the neighborhood.

We now have a national debate going on regarding a proposed oil pipeline and other projects to increase the production and supply of gas in the U.S. Most Americans object to higher gas prices. Rising gas prices cause families to change their lifestyles, their very way of life.

More workers take public transportation. People buy smaller, more gas efficient vehicles. They don’t use their cars for optional trips. But, despite the obvious need for greater gas and oil supply and lower gas prices, we see opposition to any project that might lead to increased supply and a lowering of prices.

The debate takes the form of a national “not in my backyard” debate.

Those who live along the coast adamantly oppose coastal drilling for oil. Those who live nearby strongly object to the building of new oil refineries. Environmentalists raise a ruckus at the proposed building of a pipeline through nearby environmentally sensitive areas. There are objections to every project that would result in a possible increase in the supply of gas, oil, and natural gas. Every project seems to be in someone’s “backyard.” Someone’s “ox” seems “gored” by every proposal.

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terest these opposition groups may have, the larger picture is blurred. Are environments actually protecting the larger world environment? What about possible destruction of coastal areas by oil spills? Environmentalists block U.S. companies from getting permits in the Gulf of Mexico. So what happens? Chinese companies, instead of American companies build oil rigs there. Is there in the end any less risk to the environment when Chinese companies drill and not American companies? We don’t drill offshore, but we purchase oil from the Brazilians who do? Is there any less risk to the world’s oceans and wildlife with Brazilian drilling rather than American?

production. Wouldn’t there be less environmental damage with U.S. drilling, given the environmental requirements in American law, as contrasted to the relative lack of environmental requirements in Saudi Arabia? Wouldn’t it be safer to the world’s oceans if U.S. companies drilled for oil with all of the protections in place when drilling in U.S. waters as contrasted to Brazilians drilling in their waters with no such protections? Is an all-Canadian oil pipeline really environmentally more advantageous than one through the U.S.?

U.S., but not in Canada. So the pipeline will likely be constructed elsewhere with no benefit to U.S. jobs or to U.S. oil prices.

The President vetoes an oil pipeline through the U.S. heartland. But the oil pipeline will surely be built. The environmentally sensitive areas of Nebraska are being protected. But what about the environmentally sensitive areas of British Columbia which will serve as the likely alternative site for the pipeline?

Sometimes, I think there is a need to look at the greater good, rather than possible immediate personal gain or loss. In the end, the shul was built.

Home values probably went up for the nearby homes as they were in close proximity of the beautiful shul and its numerous positive programs. Also, new families wishing to live near the shul competed to purchase homes in the area, actually raising, not lowering property values.

Instead of worrying about the smaller picture, our own backyards, maybe we should be concerned about the larger world picture. The bickering and pursuit of selfish local needs just does not work. We deserve better.

Better is indeed possible.

Many don’t seem to worry about the impact on possible global climate change through Saudi drilling and oil

The oil pipeline carrying Canadian oil will be built. Concerned environmentalists can block the pipeline in the

Working together would likely produce better results than the constant fighting and opposition that goes on.

Working together, a synagogue can be built which best enhances a community. Working together, a shopping center can be built which serves the community while preserving the neighborhood. Working together, environmentalists can help to design the most environmentally safe pipeline.

Robert J. Rome, Ph.D 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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Crowned Comestibles There is aamong common denominator among three prominent vessels it. that manded to make a crown around nominator are conspicuously placed in the Mishkan.

The Aron Kodesh that In reference to that altar, the Torah three prominent vescontains the Holy Luchos known as "You The Ten Commandments; commands: shall cover it withthe sels that are conspicuMizbeach HaZahav, the Golden Altar of Incense; and shulchan pure gold, its roof and its the walls all ously placed in the all have one aspect in common.

They each are adorned with a "zair around, and its horns, and you shall Mishkan. The Aron zahav" gold crown that surrounds The all Jewsaround are first make for it aeach goldvessel. crown, Kodesh thatacontains to make an Ark. "You shall cover it with pure gold, they from within, (Exodus 30:3).But when are the told Holy Luchos and from without shall you cover it, and you shall make on it a gold commanded to make the shulchan, known as The Ten crown all around" (Exodus: 25 11). the table that holds the lechem haCommandments; the thea golden showbread, thethe order to Mizbeach WhenHaZahav, they are toldpanim, to build altar for incense make a crown takes on a different the Golden offering,Altar theyofare also commanded to make a crown callscommands: it more Incense; and the meaning. around it. In reference to that The altar,Torah the Torah crown; it isand called a guard. shulchan have "Youall shall coverone it withthan pureagold, its roof its walls all around, aspectandinits common. horns, and you shall make for it a gold crown, all around They each are adorned (Exodus 30:3).But when they are make commanded the "You shall a table to ofmake acacia with ashulchan, "zair zahav" a the tablewood, that holds the lechem hapanim, the two cubits its length, a cubit its gold crown that the sur-order to make a crown takes on a different showbread, width, and a cubit and a half its rounds each The vessel. meaning.

Torahheight. calls itYou moreshall thancover a crown; it is pure called it with The Jews are first told a guard. gold, and you shall make for it a gold to make an Ark. "You "You shall make acrown table all of around." acacia wood, two cubits The Torah reiter-its shall cover it with pure length, a cubit its width, andcommand a cubit and half aitscrown, height. ates the to amake gold, from within, and You shall cover it with puretime gold,it and shallthat make for but this usesyou a word perfrom without shall you it a gold crown all around."

Torah reiterates comsonifies The the function of thethe crown cover it, and you shall mand to make a crown, but this time it uses a word that “umisgarto saviv." make on it a gold personifies the function of the crown “umisgarto saviv." crown all around" "You a bordershall of amake handbreadth around,ofand (Exodus: 25 shall 11). make for it "You for it aallborder you shall make a golda crown to guard itallallaround, around"and (Exodus handbreadth you 25:25). The crownshall is more than an ornament for the make a gold crown to guard it When they are shulchan; it istold a border that embodies the Table. all around" (Exodus 25:25). The to build a golden altar Why is the crowncrown designated forthan the shulchan different is more an ornament for for the incense offerthan the crown that the adorns both the arka and the altar?

Why shulchan; it is border that eming, they are also com-

PARSHAS TERUMAH 18 F e b r u a r y 2 4 , 2 0 1 2

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does the shulchan need a crown to serve as border, a guard, a misgeres, more than the other vessels?

Reb Dovid of Lelov, a student of the Seer of Lublin, once came to Zelin to visit his friend Rabbi Dovid of Zelin. Hearing that the rabbi of Lelov was visiting him, the Zeliner Rebbe beseeched his wife to bake something special. Alas, the poverty of the couple was dire, and the poor Rebbitzin only had some flour and oil, which she made into biscuits.

Upon his first bite, the Rebbe exclaimed in earnest, "These cakes are truly exceptional!"

Knowing the source, the Rebbitzen dismissed the compliments of the bland and meager cakes as an appreciation of the effort. Weeks later, the Rebbitzen of Lelov met the Rebbitzen of Zelin. "You must tell me how you made those biscuits that you served my husband. I have never heard him get excited about food before, yet he did not stop praising the biscuits he ate in your home!"

The Zelin Rebbitzen answered meekly. "There was no recipe. When I heard that the Tzadik of Lelov was coming I realized that I had nothing to serve. Hashem knows that had I the means I would have made him a feast. But, alas, I could not. So I asked him to bestow His great goodness and the flavor of Gan Eden in the biscuits!" "Your prayers were answered," said the Rebbitzen of Lelov. "He said that they had the taste of Gan Eden!"

The Torah tells us that the Ark, which represents the Torah, should have a crown. When one learns Torah, he creates a crown that surrounds the Ark. The Altar, which represents service of Hashem, has a crown, too. Those who serve Hashem properly merit a crown. It is the crown of avodah.

But when it comes to the table, when it comes to the world of bread and butter, the mundane matters of life, the crown serves a different purpose. The crown of majesty turns a table into a Holy Shulchan! It guards it, surrounds it and ensconces it with an aura of spirituality that converts a simple, mundane meal into a holy feast.

That crown is more than an adornment. The Torah calls it a misgeres, a guard, which turns our food from the ordinary into morsels flavored and seasoned by the Almighty.

Rabbi Shaul Kagan, of blessed memory, Rosh Kollel of Pittsburgh, disliked hearing Jews say, "I am going to a party." "Yidden don't party!" he used to exclaim. "They gather, they rejoice, and they celebrate in the boundaries of the crown of the Almighty. • Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky • www.torah.org

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Why did Haman cast lots? Because he was attempting to break what, to his mind, was a “vicious cycle” that had been plaguing him and his ilk since the appearance of the Jewish nation a thousand years earlier. Many great and powerful men, from Pharaoh to Nebuchadnezzar—not to mention Haman’s own anDoctor of Chiropractic cestors, the Amalekites—had tried to destroy this Complimentary Initial Consultation people. Granted, the Jews have a great and powerful Neck pain, Headaches, Disc Herniations, Sport Injuries, Cold Laser G‑d, but they also Therapy, have this inane habit of angering Back Pain, Auto Accidents, Sciatica, Spinal Decompression, Him with their transgressions. All one needs to do, Therapeutic Massages, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel, Physiotherapy it would seem, is wait for such an opportune moMost PPO Insurances Accepted ment. But always, at the very last minute, the Jews reTel: 310.289.9770 pent, and time and again their G‑d is reconciled with

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A Throw of Dice

them and saves them.

Haman knew that the Jews had sinned yet again by worshipping Nebuchadnezzar’s idol and partaking of Achashverosh’s feast; but who knows how long their estrangement from G‑d will last this time?

As long as our plans hinge upon the virtue or iniquity of Israel, reasoned Haman, we’ll just have a repeat of the same old scenario. A more basic approach is called for. Can it be that G‑d really cares about one people more than another? Can it be that He is truly pleased by “good” deeds and angered by “bad” ones?

Surely G‑d is beyond all that. There might be a level of reality on which goodness is rewarded and evil is punished, but on a higher plane, these things are obviously meaningless. On that level, a truly infinite G‑d has no concern with what goes on in the material world, and the prime minister of the mightiest empire on earth can do what he chooses to a small, dispersed minority.

evil—to that level of reality on which, he believed, everything is up for grabs, as free of any moral rules as a throw of dice.

What Haman failed to realize was that the people of Israel are G‑d’s chosen people—that even on the level of divine “choice,” which transcends all logical criteria, G‑d desires them and protects them. It is true that G‑d, in essence, is beyond it all; but this very G‑d chose—for no other reason than that such was His desire—to take the people of Israel as His own.

The Jew always knows this in the deepest part of his soul, even if his external behavior may, at times, run awry of this realization. This, ultimately, is the reason why we always return to G‑d, and why G‑d always forgives us in the end.

This, ultimately, is the very essence of the miracle of Purim, and the very essence of the miracle called “the people of Israel.”

So Haman cast lots, hoping to “connect” to that level of reality that transcends the laws of good and

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reading, when the name of Haman is mentioned, children (and adults) make a tremendous racket with their graggers and other noise making instruments. I find this very distracting.

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Noise is a symbol of tension and conflict. Consider this example: If you light a fire with flammable material like dry wood or paper, it will burn quietly and calmly. But if you light a candle with wet wicks there will be a loud crackling sound. The wetness of the wick is incompatible with the flame and the struggle between them produces noise.

The human being is a combination of body and soul. The soul is the candle and the body the wick. The body operates, behaves, accomplishes, gives and receives. The soul guides, instills values and provides motivation and inspiration. The body is tangible and physical. The soul is spiritual and like a flame strives to go upwards.

There are times in our lives when we have clarity of vision that creates compatibility between body and soul. The purpose of the partnership is understood, the direction is clear and the soul burns brightly and calmly with a body that shows no resistance. Both body and soul strive for a life of morality and healthy values.

But there are times of tension. These are the times of confusion when the lines between good and evil are blurred, temptation is hard to overcome and an eroded value system invades our minds. It is then that the struggle between body and soul becomes intense and challenging. The soul strives for morality and inspiration, trying to create an awareness of a higher purpose. The body resists by pursuing pleasure, laziness and emptiness. These are times of inner tension and symbolic noise.

But it is specifically in these times of spiritual challenge that one can achieve true happiness. Real joy comes from personal growth which can

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only result from overcoming challenge. A challenge-free existence creates complacency and lacks depth. But when we turn challenge into an opportunity for growth we become stronger human beings with greater meaning and sense of accomplishment and happiness.

Historically the story of Purim took place in a time of tension and confusion. The name "Esther" means concealment. G-d was hidden and Divine consciousness was absent. Haman successfully drafted legislation to annihilate the Jewish people and morale was at an all time low. But it was specifically then that they discovered a new sense of strength. The Jews responded by reenergizing themselves, reconnecting with their soul and sense of motivation. G-d responded in kind and the miraculous salvation took place resulting in true celebration.

The festival of Purim has a unique message. Even in times of turmoil, tension and spiritual noise, we can light the candle of the soul, discover true meaning and purpose and achieve happiness.

So get the gragger out, make lots of noise and kindle the soul no matter what happens. â&#x20AC;˘

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Dubno Magid, Rabbi Yaakov Kranz. slammed the window down, while screaming at the elderly onceSalanter spoke in a town and a few sageThe for Dubno openingMagid it. Rabbi apologized profusely (members of the tomaskilim the man young enough to beenlightenment his child, and movement) buried himattended.

Afterbook the talk one of the cynics, who was toself in a Jewish of law. tally unaffected by the warm and inspiring message, apUpon arriving in Vilna, the young man was horrified to proached the famed Magid. "The sages tell us," began see throngs of people gathered to receive one of Europe's the skeptic, "'that words from the heart, penetrate the most prominent Rabbis. The man immediately ran to the heart.' Rabbi," he snickered, "I assume that you spoke home where Rabbi Salanter was stayfrom your heart. Your words, howing. He began to beg forgiveness. ever, have had no impact on me what"Don't worry," explained Reb Yisrael, soever! How can that be? Why didn't "a trip can make one edgy. I bear no your words penetrate my heart?" ill will. Tell me," continued the mussar Rabbi"why Kranz In to hisVilna?" usual master, didsmiled. you come fashion, he began with a parable. "A The young man explained that he simpleton once went by the workwas looking to become an ordained place of a blacksmith, who was holdshochet and an approbation from a ing a large bellows. After a few Vilna rabbi would be universally acsqueezes, the flames of the smith's cepted. Rabbi Salanter smiled. "My fire danced with a rage. The man, who own son-in-law, Reb Elya Lazer, can always found it difficult to start a fire ordain you. He is a Rav in Vilna. Rest in his own fireplace, marveled at the contraption. He up and tomorrow you can take the test. immediately went and purchased the amazing invention.

The next day, it was apparent that the man needed Entering his home, he smugly announced, "I justmore disthan rest, for not covered howhetofailed makemiserably. a ragingHowever, fire with that the did simple deter Rabbi Salanter.

He encouraged the man to try again. squeeze of a lever!"

For the next several weeks, Rabbi Yisrael arranged for tuHe set a few logs in the cold fireplace and began to tors and prepared the young man well enough to pass Reb push the two ends of the bellows together. Nothing Elya Lazer's make-up exam along with the tests of a host happened. The logs lay cold and lifeless. Embarrassed, of other well-known Vilna rabbis. He even arranged for the man returned to the blacksmith and explained his the man to get a job. predicament. "I want a refund!" he shouted. This blower Before leaving doesn't work!" Vilna, the man appeared before Reb Yisrael with tears in his eyes. "Tell me, Rebbe," he cried. "I was able to understand that you could forgive me for my

The Heart Before the Force

P

T

Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky • www.torah.org

It takes a lot to build a Sanctuary in the desert. And it Among the complicated fiduciary matters that this takes perhaps, even more to adorn the Kohanim week's portion discusses, the Torah deals with seemingly (priests) who serve, in beautiful vestments that both simple and mundane issues as well. The Torah talks about symbolize deep spirituality while depicting splendor and donkeys. Heavily laden donkeys that belong to your glory. You need more than golden threads and fine tapenemy. The Torah tells us, "if you see the donkey of someone estry. You need more than the ability to weave and deyou hate and you refrain from assisting him, you shall repeatedly sign ornate garments. You need devotion, and you need help him" (Exodus 23:5). Obviously the interjected phrase heart. Not ordinary heart. Not the heart that pennant "and you refrain from assisting him" begs clarification. winners have or athletic coaches call After all, if you mustn't refrain from for. You need a special type of heart. helping him, why mention it in the first You need a heart filled with wisdom place? Rashi explains that the words - Divine wisdom. That is why Hashem are to be read rhetorically, "Would you commands Moshe to gather "all the refrain from helping him? How can you let a wise-hearted people whom I have inpersonal grudge take precedence over the poor vested with a spirit of wisdom" to animal's pain? Surely you shall continuously make the priestly garments (Exodus help him." The Talmud (Bava Metzia 32) 28:1). takes the words at face value and exBut the is unclear. these plains thatTorah there are actuallyWere certain sitselect people with a uations whereDivinely one mustordained actually refrain spirit helping of wisdom this particular from unloadfor donkeys.

I would mission, or were intrinsic also like to offer the verse at face"wisevalue. hearted" people imbued with an extra "spirit of wisAs a youngster, I heard the following story about the dom"? great mussar luminary, Rabbi Yisrael Salanter. Rabbi If the former is correct, thenfrom what Salant did Hashem add?

Salanter was traveling by train to Vilna and Andsitting if all their wisdom car washolding divinely-gifted, then why was in a smoking a lit cigar.

A young didn'taccosted Hashemhim simply ask Moshe "gather the peoman by yelling abouttothe putridallodor of the ple in whom I have invested a spirit of wisdom"? smoke. Other passengers were appalled. After all, they were the smoking car. Despite that, of Rabbi SalanterofexRavinSholom Shwadron, the Magid Jerusalem, tinguished the cigar and opened the train's window to disblessed memory, once told a story about the famed sipate the fumes. It was only a few seconds before the young ARSHAS ETZAVEH m a n

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"You yokel," laughed the experienced blacksmith. "You were blowing on cold logs! You must start a small fire on your own! If you don't start with a spark, a fire will never erupt!"

The Magid turned toward the maskil and sadly shook his head sadly. "If there is no spark, the largest bellows will not make a fire."

In telling Moshe whom to choose for the sacred task of designing the Mishkan, the Torah tells us how G-d invests. He wants people that were imbued with a ruach chachmah - a sprirt of wisdom. But he prefaces the statement by telling us how one receives spiritual wisdom. The gift of spiritual wisdom does not go to just

anyone. Hashem looks for those who have wisdom of heart. Those who understand what it means to be kind, compassionate, and loyal. Those who have the devotion to His will and the desire for more enlightenment get His ordination. The people who were imbued with Hashem's Divine spirit previously had a spark. And from that spark grew a force - a Divine force - that propelled wise hearts into a Divine spirit of wisdom.

Hashem tells us that we must begin the process on our own. If we supply the heart, He will supply the power to have deep, spiritual, even holy insight. He will supply the force. We must make sure, however, that we put the heart before the force. •

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1. Nir of La Gondola Tie has been removed. 2.The letter "t" in "newt"is missing 3. 4.The person on the left shirt changed from blue to pink. 5. the top five holes on tire cover are heart-shaped. 6. A red stripe to the star on the bus has been added. 7. The blinker light on bus (above .org) changed from orange to green. 8. man on left now has tie clip 9. The person on the righ now has a tie. 10. A pin from Nir of La Gondola lapel is missing.

qq qq qq qq qq CHANGES KEEP SCORE

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Baby nurse (newborn care s p e c i a l i s t ) Postpartum,Doula,and night nanny. Great experience,awesome fees starting @$20. Certification, insurance,trust line, TB. Please call 310-985-4151 or email gigimybabynurse @gmail.com. or visit website www.babee.com.

Shalom GIGI.Roni Babysitting available for babies up to 1 yr old by experienced baby nurse . Night nurses also available for newborns please call (323) 851-9207. Worked for many years with families in the community. Rreferences available upon request.

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

Advertising Deadline: March 2, 2012

Circulation Deadline: March 9, 2012

Please call

323.965.1544 or email us at info@communitylinks.info Facebook

www.facebook.com/communitylinksla

Twitter

http://twitter.com/#!/CommunityLinks

#1750

CAREER TRAINING Career Training Please see our ad on page 16 Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute.

800-998- 2678

â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘

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Dining Guide Listing Please Call 323-965-1544

DINING GUIDE 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 Kosher LA 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 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

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

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

La Seine 14 N. La Cienega Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310 358 0922

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 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 7275 Melrose Ave., LA, 90046 (323) 932-0052

RCC

(818) 342-0611 Café Del Mar Dairy Kehila 12526 Burbank Blvd. N.H. 91607 (818) 487-8171 Cafe of Paris Kosher LA 6399 Wilshire Blvd. LA, 90048 (323) 653-0513 Circa RCC 8622 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles (310) 854-0592

Eat Good To Go Kosher LA 12417 Burbank Blvd., N.H, 91607 (818) 509-2966

Sassis Kehila 15622 Ventura, Encino, 91436 (818) 986-5345 Schwartz Bakery and Deli RCC 433 N. Fairfax Avenue, LA, 90036 (323)653-1941 Shanghai Kehila 9401 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 553-0998 Shilohs Kehila 8939 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 858-1652

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

Schnitzle Kehila 9216 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 786-8282

Haifa Kosher LA 8717 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 888-7700

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

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

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

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

UCLA Hillel - The Shaq 574 Hilgard Ave.,LA 90024 (310) 208-3081

(818) 758-9595

ou

• 323-965-1544 •

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

17736 ShermanWay, Reseda 91326

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

Habayit Bukspan 11921 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90064 (310) 479-5444

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Bramis Pizza

Nagilla Pizza Kehila 9411 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 788-0111

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

Pizza Maven Kehila 140 North La Brea Blvd. 90036 (323) 857-0353 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 Stacey’s Café D Kosher LA 12501 Burbank Blvd. #5, NH 91607 (818) 506-2551 Unique Cafe Rabbi Aron Simkin 18381 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana (818) 757-3100

PAREVE 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 Bodhi Vegan KitchenKosher LA 9303 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 248-2777 SushiKo RCC 9340 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-3474

info@communitylinks.info

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• 323-965-1544 •

info@communitylinks.info

NEXT PARENT TOUR: February 28th

50 F e b r u a r y 2 4 , 2 0 1 2

• 323-965-1544 •

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Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;H

WHEN

Wed. March 7th 9:30pm

WHERE SOLA - 1627 S. La Cienega Los Angeles, CA 90035

WHO

The entire community.

Everyone is welcome!

10

$

at the door

Evening Entertainment includes: - Full bar - Megillah reading on the hour - Food and drinks for purchase - Chill out room with - Live DJ and dancing hookah bar

P E S AC H

I N

S O U T H E R N

C A L I F O R N I A

WHERE MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

IS STANDARD

THE WERNER BROTHERS of KMR TOURS PRESENT PESACH

2012

at the

FEATURING THE FINEST IN DINING

FROM THE KMR GOURMET CULINARY TEAM, JOINED BY THE RENOWNED

CATERING BY MICHAEL SCHICK

Secluded amid 200 acres of verdant hillsides and rolling valleys | Balcony/patio in every room with mountain & ocean views Beach butler service | Two outdoor pools | Exciting nightly entertainment | Outstanding childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs Beautiful two mile Resort Batiquitos Lagoon trail | Many theme parks in close proximity Experienced Teachers available for children & adult classes or private learning | Non Gebrokts, Shmurah Matza, and Cholov Yisroel

Join our illustrious speakers

Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, Founder & president of Hineni Rabbi Yosef Y. Jacobson, One of the most sought-after Jewish speakers in the world today

Rabbi Binyomin Ginsberg, Noted Chinuch columnist Rabbi Ari Bergmann, Renowned lecturer and historian

ENTIRE RESORT EXCLUSIVE FOR KMR GUESTS

Please visit our website for a complete list of services, activities, amenities & much more.

1-888-567-0100 or 718-778-4241 WWW.KMRTOURS.COM