Community Links Issue 203 by The Jewish Link

vwwc

March 23-April 6, 2012

Vol. 9 Issue 203

câ&#x20AC;?ga, um - trehu

The Festival of

399

FREE with $75 purchase

Preferred Card Price

299

Preferred Card Price

Streit’s Passover or Yehuda Israeli Matzos

Kedem Concord Grape Juice

5 lb. pkg. Limit 1 matzo offer per customer, additional

Mrs. Adler’s Gefilte Fish 24 oz., select varieties

64 oz. btl.

quantities $8.99 ea.

mix, match & save

Passover

ONLY

2 50 ea.

for

Preferred Card Price

Streit’s Matzo Ball Mixes

Manischewitz Passover Egg Matzos

4.5 oz., select varieties

12 oz.

399

349

Preferred Card Price

Save an additional $1.50 with manufacturer mail in rebate on bottle

Preferred Card Price

Streit’s Macaroons

25.4 oz., select varieties, +CRV where applicable

10 oz., select varieties

69¢

lb.

299

ea.

Preferred Card Price

lb.

Preferred Card Price

Red Potatoes

Kedem 100% All Natural Apple Juice

Preferred Card Price *with in-store manufacturer coupon

Kedem Sparkling Juice

99¢

ea.

249* Kosher Turkey

Fresh Parsley Bunch

10-22 lbs. avg. weight, frozen

64 oz.

“Let all those who are hungry, come and eat.” – Passover Haggadah In the spirit of the Holiday, let’s work to stamp out hunger this Passover season. Buy any Manischewitz ® or Season® items and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the United Soup Kitchens in Israel. Applies to purchases made March 11-April 12, 2012. Some exclusions and limitations may apply.

149

ONLY

ea.

2 50 ea.

Preferred Card Price

*with in-store

manufacturer coupon

Streit’s Matzo Meal, Farfel or Cake Meal 16 oz.,

2$ for

ONLY

150

ea.

Preferred Card Price

2$ for

Preferred Card Price

ONLY

125

ea.

4$ for

Preferred Card Price

125

for

ea.

Lieber’s Potato Starch

Manischewitz Chicken Broth

Dr. Brown’s Passover Soda

8 oz., select varieties

16 oz. resealable canister

10.5 oz.

33.8 oz., select varieties, +CRV where applicable

499

Preferred Card Price *with in-store manufacturer coupon

Preferred Card Price

ea.

Preferred Card Price

2$ for

ONLY

250

ea.

2$ for

750 ml.

for

ea.

ONLY

125

*with in-store

manufacturer coupon

Manischewitz Macaroons 10 oz., select varieties

499

Preferred Card Price

Gefilte Fish 22 oz., select varieties Kosher for Passover

ea.

4$ for

Preferred Card Price

Savion Marshmallows 5-6.3 oz., select varieties

199

WHEN YOU BUY ANY 6 750 ml. btls. ea. mix or match

SINGLE BOTTLE PRICE Preferred Card Price

299

ONLY

250

1199

Preferred Card Price

Goodman’s Onion Soup Mix

Gold’s Duck Sauce

Glicks Ketchup

2.75 oz.

40 oz., select varieties

24 oz.

Osem Chocolate Coated Matzah

Preferred Card Price

7 oz., select varieties

select varieties

150

Guiltless Gourmet Passover Crunches 4.25 oz.,

Streit’s All Natural Cake Mix 12 oz.,

349

ONLY

Bartenura Moscato d’Asti

Preferred Card Price

Manischewitz Passover Tams

select varieties

299

ONLY

199

Preferred Card Price

349

Preferred Card Price

Holiday Fruit Slices

Manhattan Jelly Rings

Barton’s Almond Kiss Tin

8 oz.

9 oz., select varieties

10 oz.

399

199

699

Preferred Card Price

Lay’s Passover Potato Chips 6 oz., select varieties

Preferred Card Price

399

Preferred Card Price

Tabatchnick Passover Soup

Mrs. Schreiber Chopped Liver

Breakstone’s Whipped Butter

Silver Spring Horseradish

15 oz., select varieties

12 oz.

Manischewitz Passover Blintzes

8 oz., salted or unsalted Kosher for Passover

5 oz., select varieties Kosher for Passover

13 oz., select varieties

ONLY

125

ea.

4$ for

Preferred Card Price

Celebrate with Fine Foods from Israel

299

Preferred Card Price

Osem Soup Mix 14.1 oz., select varieties

129

Preferred Card Price

Osem Mediterranean Pickles 7-9 ct., 19 oz. can

199

Preferred Card Price

ONLY

2 50 ea.

2$ for

299 ea.

Preferred Card Price

Halutza Olives

Osem Passover Cakes

18 oz., select varieties

8.8 oz., select varieties

Osem Passover Bissli or Bamba Multipacks

All prices effective 8 AM Wednesday, March 14 through 11 PM Tuesday, April 13, 2012 with your Albertsons Preferred Savings Card™.

6 oz., select varieties

GS SAVIN CARD

AVAILABILITY: Each of these advertised items is readily available for sale at or below the advertised price at most Albertsons stores while supplies last. Some items may not be available at all stores. No rain checks. • We reserve the right to limit quantities. • No Sales to Dealers. • Savings may vary. Check price tag for details. © 2011 SUPERVALU INC. All rights reserved. All proprietary trademarks are owned by SUPERVALU INC. or its subsidiaries. Prices for limited hour or limited day sales are effective in-store only and are not available for online shopping. FRONT COVER • 3/14/12 • SC-A

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

BSâ&#x20AC;?D â&#x20AC;?D

Kosher For Pesach Food to Go Non-Gebrochts Glatt Kosher Under Kehilla Supervision tt Delivery Dellivery Available Available tt Food Food Available Available T Throughout hroughout Pesach. Pessach.

www.LAPesach.com ww.LAPesach.com Online: w 3 Easy Ea asy Online: C all: 310-909-7223 Call: ways ay to to ways orrder! d order! V isit: 4817 W Visit: W.. P Pico ico Blvd. Blvd. At At the New New W Western Kosher osher estern K SALADS SALADS Beet Salad Salad Beet Carrot Salad Salad Carrot Coleslaw Coleslaw Cucumber Salad Salad Cucumber Egg Salad Salad Egg G reen Salad Salad Green Isr aeli S alad Israeli Salad M editerranean Eggplant Eggplant Mediterranean M oroccan Carrots Carrots Moroccan P otato S alad Potato Salad T una S alad Tuna Salad

$9.95lb $7.95lb $7.95lb $8.95lb $7.95lb $7.95lb $8.95lb $8.95lb $7.95lb $7.95lb $9.95lb

FISH G efilte Fish Fish Slices Slices Gefilte Gefilte Fish Fish Loaf Loaf Gefilte almon Seasoned S Herb Seasoned Salmon Moroccan Salmon Salmon Moroccan

$1.95 ea $15.95 ea $16.95lb $18.95lb

SIDE DISHES Potato Kugel Kugel Potato Vegetable Kugel Kugel Vegetable Tzzimmes i Tzimmes R atatouille Ratatouille R oasted Potato Potato Wedges Wedges Roasted

$10.95 ea $10.95 ea $9.95lb $10.95lb $9.95lb

SOUPS Vegetable Soup Soup Vegetable Chicken S oup Chicken Soup Kneidlach/Potato Balls Balls Kneidlach/Potato

$11.95qt $11.95qt $1.00ea

ENTRĂ&#x2030;ES Balsamic Glazed Glazed Chicken Chicken Âź or Breast Breast (on bone) Balsamic Sweet & Sour Sour Chicken Chicken Âź or Br east (on bone) Sweet Breast Roasted Chicken Chicken Âźor Br east (on bone) Roasted Breast Grilled Chicken Chicken Breast Breast Grilled Schnitzel Schnitzel ie - 2Âźlb tr ay Shepards P Shepards Pie tray Whole Rotisserie Rotisserie Chicken Chicken Whole Brisket Brisket

$5.95 ea $5.95 ea $5.95 ea $14.95lb $15.95lb $15.95 ea $17.95 ea $27.95lb

PACKAGE DEALS PACKAGE t 'PS 1FSTPO %JOOFS 1BDLBHF $IJDLFO 4JEFT $13.95 t 'PS 1FSTPO %JOOFS 1BDLBHF $IJDLFO 4JEFT t 'PS 1FPQMF 'VMM .FBM 1BDLBHF JODMVEFT t 'PS 1FPQMF 'VMM .FBM 1BDLBHF JODMVEFT Gefilte Fish, Fish, 3 Salads, Salads, Soup, Soup, Chicken Chicken & 2 Sides Gefilte

$69.95

t 'PS 1FPQMF %FMVYF .FBM 1BDLBHF JODMVEFT t 'PS 1FPQMF %FMVYF .FBM 1BDLBHF JODMVEFT Salmon, 3 Salads, Salads, Soup, Soup, Brisket Brisket & 2 Sides Salmon,

$89.95

PLACE YOUR ORDERS NOW! March 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

FEATURES

March 23 , 2012

Next Advertising Deadline March 30, 2012 Circulation April 4, 2012 Media Kit & Pricing 323.965.1544 Email info@communitylinks.info News & Press Releases press@communitylinks.info

Achieving Personal Redemption

He was at a crossroads. Should he just give up on his dream?

Virtual Subscription subscribe@communitylinks.info

Dr. Robert Rome

A Dignified Response to Poverty

How Meir Panim is combating poverty in Israel every single day. Tami Benmayer

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.

Baking MatzahThe Bread of Faith in the Labor Camp

“When the holiday of Passover came about I decided that I must have matzah, the unleavened bread of faith. I wanted very badly to celebrate the Passover Seder with matzah. Rabbi Eli Hecht

The Mirror

Then the Rebbe said to Abraham, "It is strange, is it not? A mirror and a window are both made of glass and yet they are very different." Chana Sharfstein

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

One case involves a famous person who I will call by his name. The other involves a private individual who I will describe but not specifically name. Because of the relative "smallness" of the Jewish community, you may still be able to identify the individual involved. That does not take away from the powerful example of his life experiences over the past year and the need to tell his story. The first individual involved is Jack Abramoff. You may recall the news accounts of this Orthodox Jewish political lobbyist who was arrested for illegally profiteering from his clients. This legendary Washington lobbyist once yielded great power and influence. He was on the "speed dial" of Members of Congress and Senators. Then, all came crashing down around him. He was found guilty and forced to spend years

By Robert J. Rome, PhD.

ithin the past week, I have heard two important stories of individuals achieving personal redemption. In each case, these individuals seemed just a year ago to have hit rock bottom. Yet, not giving up and working hard to move forward, both individuals now a year later have turned their lives around. Both have climbed from great depths to lofty heights. We have much to learn from these stories of personal redemption.

nesses in our system. His book has served as a wake-up call on what happens in Washington. Public advocacy groups on both the right and the left now sing praises of Abramoff's post-prison work. Abramoff could have just faded into relative oblivion after his fall from grace. While he was able to write a bestselling book, he cannot make money from his book, as he was fined $40,000,000 that he still has to pay, even after the completion of his lengthy prison sentence. Instead of leaving the public eye as there is little personal benefit he can gain, he decided to fight on for the benefit of the public. He bravely and boldly fights for all of us against a system which often seems to reward only the rich and well placed. Jack Abramoff's works over the last year since he was released from prison have brought him well-deserved redemption in the public eye.

Achieving Personal Redemption in prison. There have been others who have gone to prison for political offenses, but few have been able to redeem themselves in the manner of Abramoff. Sentenced to eight years in prison, Abramoff soon realized how lucky he was. In a recent interview in the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles, Abramoff commented how 80% or more of those sentenced to prison for extended sentences see their spouses abandoning them. Abramoff's wife stayed with him and helped him in his efforts toward redemption. He realized that family is far more important and valuable than temporary power or money. Abramoff is not proud of what he did before his conviction. Yet, he has realized that he knows so much about the excesses of lobbying activities in Washington that he has the ability to educate and protect the public from the political and economic fraudulent activities that often take place. He decided to write a book disclosing the inside information. He sees public knowledge as the best way of combating the evils that often arise in our system. His book, now a New York Times bestseller, aired the dirty laundry and exposed the weak10

The second example of personal redemption is a young man who one year ago was about to give up. Still a high school student, he had this dream that in the future he would fly fighter jets for either the U.S. or the Israeli Air Force. (He holds dual citizenship.) Especially for the American military, he had to first graduate college before he could even think of service as a military officer and pilot. But he had spent years in a yeshiva where he only studied Jewish studies. He had not studied secular subjects since the fifth grade. To go to college, he first had to complete high school. But how would he be able to do that after going so many years without studying English language arts or math? Someone told the young man that there was a GED (General Education Development) exam which when passed is accepted by many colleges as equivalent to a high school diploma. So, he looked up the exam online only to discover that to pass the GED you had to learn Algebra and Geometry. He never even learned long division or fractions! He was at a crossroads. Should he just give up on his dream?

March 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

He decided he would give the GED a try. He would continue his Jewish studies, but he also signed up for a four day a week GED course where he would study the necessary subjects for this exam. After a full year of classroom study, homework assignments, and much hard work, he took the GED pre-test, the last step before taking the actual GED exam. HE GOT A PERFECT SCORE! He is scheduled in a few weeks to take the actual test. He appears well on his way to passing this test and continuing on to college next year. His dreams for the future are still very much alive. This young man now tries to reach out to other yeshiva boys with a message: If I can do it, you can do it. He already has convinced other boys to pursue their GED. And he has persuaded them to pursue life goals. One wants to be doctor. Another, a lawyer. Two more want to seriously pursue studies to become Rabbis and serve communities. It would have been a great story if he alone had passed his GED after not studying math or English for seven years. But he wanted others to achieve their dreams as well.

There are lessons through these examples of personal redemption No matter how dark it may look, there still can be hope. We don’t have to surrender our hopes and dreams. Terrible things may happen. There are those who lose their jobs or their homes. There are many forced into bankruptcy. There are students who fail out of school. There are tragic accidents and deaths impacting on a family. When confronted with the darkness of these situations, it seems natural to want to give up. But there are those who when confronted with such darkness become motivated to still pursue the light. Instead of falling victim to the challenges, they rise to these challenges and seem to be able to summon strength. They work hard and achieve new successes.

What a great story of personal redemption!

When faced with obstacles, you can be blocked by the obstacles or you can seek to rise above them. You can succumb to challenges, or you may be motivated by them. You can give up, or you can work just that much harder to overcome them.

Sometimes we find ourselves blocked from achieving our goals. Sometimes it seems that there is little hope. Jack Abramoff found himself in a prison cell, removed from the luxuries he had enjoyed. He reached rock bottom after having reached such great political heights. The yeshiva student dreamed

The life examples of these individuals whose stories I have related can serve as models for our own lives. We can hope and dream. And we can achieve. We may not always succeed, but we need to fight on. We can often turn things around. In the face of darkness, we can gravitate to the light. •

It wasn't enough for him to study. He now tutors others for the GED.

s xc

lofty dreams, but all seemed beyond reach. But neither gave up. Abramoff turned his knowledge and skills from evil goals to good. His current works benefit all society. The yeshiva student saw what was ahead of him. It looked impossible. He decided to give it a try. He now serves as an inspiration to others.

Newborns - up to age 19 & Pregnant Women NO COST MEDI-CAL, AIM No Copay, No Share of Cost Or

HEALTHY FAMILIES!!! Offer: Premium Monthly Costs, Are As Low As

$4 per child & up to a maximum of $51 per family Choice of: Blue Cross • Blue Shield Kaiser Health Net •Community Health Plan • etc. INCLUDES; Health, Dental, Vision, Hospital, Medicine, Mental Health, etc. Eligibility based on: (Income + Age + Family Size) Does not count eligibility such as: (savings or cars, family property) A U.S. CITIZEN, NATIONAL OR ELIGIBLE ALIEN. REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS OR DATE OR DATE OF ENTRY, A CHILD OR PREGNANT WOMAN CAN QUALIFY FOR SOME OF MEDI-CAL.

For Free Assistance in English, Hebrew, Farsi, Spanish, please call Certified Assistant:

SHIRIN (310) 247-8800 WE HAVE APPLICATIONS & WE WILL COMPLETE IT

Robert J. Rome, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in clinical practice in Encino, California. He can be reached at RJRome@aol.com.

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

BAKERY BAKERY DELI DELI FISH • M EAT FISH MEAT

d. V alley V illage, C A 91607 12431 Burbank Burbank Blv Blvd. Valley Village, CA T el e . (818) 506-6661 • F ax (818) 506-8831 Tel. Fax

The L LARGEST ARGEST Kosher Kosher o S Supermarkets upermark ket ets e in C California alifornia

ico Blv 8708 W est e P d. West Pico Blvd. L os A ngeles, C A 90035 Los Angeles, CA (310) 289-6888

This Passover Season Support Israel

BUY B.I.G. (BUY ISRAELI GOODS)

BARKAN CLASSI CLASSICS CS

$ 99 99

RIDGE R IDGE

99 12299

Per Bottle by Case of 12

ARACK ARACK FUSION

$ 99 99 Per Bottle by Case of 12

80 PROOF

1169999

Per Bottle by Case of 12

LIQUEURS

99 1799

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

BAKERY BAKERY DELI DELI FISH • M EAT FISH MEAT

d. V alley V illage, C A 91607 12431 Burbank Burbank Blv Blvd. Valley Village, CA ax (818) 506-8831 Tel e . (818) 506-6661 • F Tel. Fax

The L LARGEST ARGEST Kosher Kosher o S Supermarkets upermark ket ets e in C California alifornia FIRST CUT BRISKET

WHOLE BRISKET

All Natur Natural ral Grass Fed Hormone-Free

All Natural Gras Grass ss Fed Hormone-Free ee

GROUND GROUND BEEF BEEF

$ 99

Limit 3 Pk

GLICK’S KETCHUP 48 oz.

$ 6 69 9

Limit 6

32 oz.

Limit 6

LIE LIEBER’S BER’S TOMATO TOMATO SA SAUCE UCE 15 oz.

$ 4499

Limit 12

STREIT’S

ALL MATZO MATZO TZ T B BALL SOUP M IX MIX

$ 4499 Limit 6

M MEHADRIN EHADRIN

C COTTAGE OTTTAGE C CHEESE HEESE

Regular / Lowfat / Fat Free

$ 7799 Limit 6

Limit 2

48 oz.

GLICK’S MAYONNAISE M AYONNAISE

GLICK’S APPLE JUICE

$ 999 9

3 FOR

122

Limit 3 Pk

GLICK’S VEGETABLE OIL VEGETTABLE O IL 48 oz.

99 99

$ 99 99 Limit 9

GLICK’S CHOCOLATE CHOCOLA OCOLA ATTE CHIPS CHIPS 1 oz.

Limit 6

LIEBER’S LIEBER’S LEMON LEMON JJUICE UICE

$ 999 9

$ 4 49 9

Limit 6

Limit 12

STREIT’S M MATZO ATTZO MEAL MEAL

STREIT’S CAKE M MEAL EAL

1 lb.

.99 .99 Limit 12

3 lbs.

18 pcs.

133

Limit 3

BARON B ARON HERZO HERZOG G

CHARD CABERNET, C ABERNETT, CHARD MERLOT OR MERLOT

STRING STRING CHEESE CHEESE

FRESH & HEAL HEALTHY LTTHY / H HATOV ATOV

CREAM CREAM CHEESE CHEESE

Regular / Whipped

$ 999 9

$ 99 99 BARTENURA BARTENURA

MOSCATO MOSCA ATO D’ASTI D’ASTI 750 ml

Limit 6

Limit 3

750 ml

$ 99 99

Limit 6

HAOLAM HAOLAM

99 9 9

$ 999 9

$ 7 79 9

HAOLAM HAOLAM

A AMERICAN MERICAN SLICED CHEESE S LICED C HEESE

U UNGAR’S NGAR’S GEFILTE GEFILLTTE FISH FISH

(6-8 (6 6-8 lb)

$ 4499

Limit 3 Pk

WHOLE S SALMON ALMON

5 lb lb. Family Pa Pack ack

All Natural Grass Fed Free Hormone-Free

$ 99 99

mit 3 Pk

Limit 3 Pk

WHOLE SHOULDER W HOLE SHOUL DER ROAST R OAST

All Natural Grass Fed Hormone-Free

$ 99 99

FLANKEN

ico Blv d. West e P 8708 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, Angeles, CA CA 90035 Los (310) 289-6888

$ 99 99

G GODET ODET

EEXCELLENCE XCELLENCE XO COGNAC C OGNAC

99 55999

VISIT THE SCHWARTZ BAKERY STATION IN GLATT MART FOR FRESH BAKED PASSOVER CAKES! March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

MARTIN FISHMAN & ASSOCIATES, INC. Martin Fishman Insurance Broker

6300 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90048

TEL: 323.866.0830 • FAX: 323.866.0838 martin@fishmaninsurance.com

License #0418891

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

ORDER FORM Name:__________________ Adress:__________________ _______________________ Phone#:________________ Email:_________________

Payment (Please check one): Check_________ Credit Card_____ Credit Card #: _____________ _______________________ Expiration:___/___ Security Code #______ Amount $_________ If you are sending a check please include the check number and the amount of the check. Check: #___________ Amount:$___________ Checks can be dropped off or mailed to: La Gondola 9025 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Pick up April 5th, 2012 Please choose one:

Shaarey Zedek, 12-3 pm (Valley)

La Gondola,4 - 8pm

Due to ordering and production schedule we require all orders be finalized by April 1, 2012 Orders may be sent by facsimile to (310) 247-9235, or can be emailed to catering@lagondola.com All orders must be accompanied with a credit card or a check for full payment by April 11, 2012. We ask that after you have sent over your order form to please call us at (310) 247-1239 to confirm receipt.

March 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

ATARAS AAT TTAAR ARAASS ARAS BSâ&#x20AC;?D

WHAAAT WHATEVER W ATEV TTEVER TEVER YOU YOOU NEED NEEED WE GOT YOU COVERED / '"*3'"9 "7& -04 "/(&-&4 $" t t "5"3"4+6%"*$"!(."*- $0. / '"*3'"9 "7& -04 "/(&-&4 $" t t "5"3"4+6%"*$"!(."*- $0.

March 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

Pesach is around the corner, and with it comes the culmination of weeks of intense preparation. And perhaps what we’re most concerned about is the food. What will we eat for eight days? Do we have enough? We worry, plan, cook, bake, fry and freeze in order to ensure that our stomachs won’t be left to rumble at any point during the weeklong festivity. But have you ever stopped to think about what other, less fortunate people go through? People who are not just worrying about what to eat on Pesach, but on every single day throughout the year? Israel’s Poverty Statistics: In Israel, according to the National Insurance Institute’s 2011 poverty report, there are 1,774,800 living below the poverty line. What this means is that almost two million people are struggling to survive on a daily basis. They are struggling to feed themselves and they are struggling to feed their children.

Meir Panim’s Response: Meir Panim, which literally means 'lighting up (peoples’) faces', was founded in the year 2000 in order to provide relief to some of Jerusalem’s most disadvantaged population. What started off as a small, unambitious enterprise consisting of just one soup kitchen, rapidly developed into one of Israel’s leading relief organizations which today operates over thirty food and social service centers throughout the country. These include nine free restaurants, servicing five thousand needy people daily. Varda & Stella: Varda and Stella are both fifth generation Jerusalemites in their late seventies. They met at the Jerusalem Meir Panim Free Restaurant six months ago and became fast friends. Varda lives with her one hundred and two year old mother, who is too frail to walk to the restaurant herself, so Varda brings food back for her every day. Stella has lived alone since her husband died and has no idea what she’d do without Meir Panim. “I love coming here,” she says. “There is always a comfortable, friendly atmosphere and I never feel like people are taking pity on me. I feel like a guest in a restaurant, where the chef and the waiters know me and make me feel at home.” In fact, that is exactly the feeling that Meir Panim strives to instill in its recipients. The soup kitchens are called 'restaurants' and the 'guests' are served by volunteer 'waiters'. This contrasts sharply to the image of the classic soup kitchen, with people lining up, bowls in hand, almost begging for a minimal portion of food. Varda smiles and adds, “Aryeh (the manager) always laughs and jokes with us and makes us feel so welcome.

Majestic M ajestic Gla Glatt at tt Ca Catering at tering MG C

by M Maziar a aziar (Maor) or)

Let us turn your occasion into a majestic event! Catering for all occasions: weddings, engagements, brits, bar & bat mitzvahs 18038 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA, 91316 · 818.294.8225 · majesticglattcatering@hotmail.com 20

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

By: Tami Benmayer

A Dignified Response to Poverty: How Meir Panim is combating poverty in Israel every single day

I always go home feeling full and happy.” Vivi: Vivi is from Baltimore, Maryland and is a 19 year old seminary student who volunteers as a 'waitress' in the Jerusalem Free Restaurant. “I was walking by one day and saw the sign”, she says. “My curiosity got the better of me so I stepped inside to see what was going on. After volunteering once, I was hooked! Seeing all these people and how appreciative they are makes me really appreciate what I have. It’s such a warm environment and I’ve developed some really special relationships.” In fact, just as she says this, one of the guests calls out her name and Vivi bounds over, serving tray in hand, smiling and ready to help. Ilanit: Each of Meir Panim’s nine free restaurants is run autonomously with its own individual twist. Ilanit has been the manager of the one in Ohr Akiva (a city in the north of Israel) for the last seven years. But the branch in Ohr Akiva is more than just a restaurant. Ilanit has developed it into a whole center offering a variety of services to the city’s most needy people. The center offers food, after-school clubs, summer camps, holiday activities and even an 'event management' facility, which organizes weddings, brit milahs and other simchas for those who need it. “The best part about my work is seeing the smiles on peoples’ faces”, Ilanit comments. “It’s worth everything. We’ve become one big family who love each other and would do anything for each other. It’s a powerful feeling—one that's hard to put into words.” Special Pesach Initiatives: Meir Panim recognizes that Pesach is a particularly hard time for many families and individuals. This year, as they have done in the past, food packages and food shopping cards will be distributed to 5,000 people across Israel. And again, the idea of dignity is at the forefront of Meir Panim’s efforts. The food card is designed to look like a credit card and is worth a specific value of money. A person can take it to the supermarket, choose whatever foods he/she wants, and then 'pay' like a regular customer at the check-out counter. “Meir Panim strives to provide its services in a way that makes every single person feel worthy and dignified,” explains Ilanit. Then she smiles and adds, “From the amount of people we help and the positive feedback we receive, I think it’s quite clear we’re succeeding.” Other services Meir Panim provides include: meals-onwheels for the homebound; meals for children in schools; vocational training for the unemployed; youth clubs for at-risk children; and clothing, furniture and home appliances for the needy. For more information about Meir Panim, visit www.meirpanim.org. •

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

Dear community,

HAPPY PASSOVER! Aquabe Swim School is now opening its summer 2012 Registration. Initiate a call and reserve your private swim lessons for: May, June, July and August.

Orli Damari AQUABE Founder

L.L.C

AQUABE

Swim School

323-383-3352 swim@aquabe.net | www.aquabe.net P.O.BOX 741359 Los Angeles CA 90004 22

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

Faaairfax F air ai irf rfa fax ax Fiishe Fishery F Fis ishhe heryy

Wishing you a happy and kosher Pesach

1 10 15 1

% OFF

   

PE ESA ACH SPEC EC CIA AL

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky

he laws of the korbanos are difficult and complex. While the underlying theology and philosophy befuddle modern minds, the enormous symbolism, discipline, and commitment that they encompass leave lessons for the inhabitants of a techno-world to cherish. One of those lessons is garnered from the sacrifice of the poor man. The first chapter teaches us about the olah offering, one that is totally burned on the altar. The normal offering was a bull or male sheep; however, a pauper could bring a bird.

PARSHAS VAYIKRA Fine Feathered Smells 5419 W. Pico Blvd. 920 S. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles, CA 323-954-1414 323-932-9666

Yo ra m , Av iv & Am ir Cohen

"He shall split it -- with its feathers -- he need not sever it; the Kohen shall cause it to go up in smoke on the Altar, on the wood that is on the fire -- it is an elevation-offering, a fire-offering, a satisfying aroma to Hashem” (Leviticus 1:16-17). The commentaries explain that as most of a bird’s pickings are from someone else's property, and thus stolen, the Torah does not allow the innards to be served on the altar. Therefore, in order to embellish an otherwise very paltry bird-offering (no pun intended), the wings remain, even though burning feathers emit a terribly foul smell. What bothers me is the following question: Throughout the entire discussion of offerings, the theme of "a satisfying aroma to Hashem" is reiterated. And through our mortal nostrils we understand the concept of the succulent aroma of roast beef. But nothing smells worse than burning bird-feathers. So why do we end the chapter by seemingly feigning Heavenly pleasure by adding the words, "a satisfying aroma to Hashem"? Rabbi Abraham Twerski tells the story of his grandfather, the Hornsteipler Rebbe.

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

The custom of the Chassidim was that when gathering for a meal, a large pot would be placed in front of the Rebbe, who would taste a mere morsel of its abundant bounty. He would then pass the rest shirayim to the Chasidim, who would wait anxiously to partake in the leftovers of the Holy Rebbe. One Shabbos the Rebbe, accompanied by his Chasidim, stayed at the inn of a poor widow. The hostess brought out a sizeable bowl of cholent which was placed in front of the Rebbe. As was his custom, he tasted a small portion and stopped. He licked his lips and smiled. "This is truly delicious, I must have some more!" The Chasidim were stunned. The Rebbe never ate more than a half-teaspoon before beginning the distribution. The Rebbe took a larger portion and again commented on its delightful taste. Then he ate more. He continued

to eat, and within ten minutes the pot was empty. The Chasidim were shocked at the seemingly uncharacteristic gluttony of such a holy man. Dismayed, the shammas returned to the kitchen with the empty pot, only to hear in disappointment that there was no more cholent. Coursing the inside of the pot with his index finger, the shammas tried to partake in some of the remnants of the cholent that the Rebbe had just devoured. When he licked his finger and recoiled. As he rushed to find water, he realized why the Rebbe consumed the pot while singing the praises of its contents. He now understood why the Rebbe did not distribute it to the Chasidim. He did not want to embarrass the poor woman with a possible snide remark made by of one of his flock. For the woman had accidentally added kerosene to the cooking oil. For the Chasidim it may have stank, but to the Rebbe the taste was truly delicious.

March 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

When the Torah tells us to leave the feathers on the bird so as not to embarrass the pauper, it tells us as well what the burnt feathers will smell like to the Almighty. They will smell as sweet as the most succulent beef. Sparing embarrassment produces the sweetest smells to the Almighty. In the Philadelphia Yeshiva, a homeless beggar would often visit and stand in the corner of the Bais Medrash. The boys were not able to physically stand near the man because of the terrible odor. But Dr. Shimon Askowitz, would not only cheer the man he would bring him home to give him food and a bath in a most friendly and charming manner. To Dr. Askowitz, it seemed as if the man was bathed in cologne. Like the pauper's bird's burnt feather, the Doctor smelled a "a satisfying aroma to Hashem." Because to the nose that knows, the smell endured to save the embarrassment of a fellow Jew, is as fragrant as the finest epicurean delight.

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

KUPAT K UP PAT HA'IR HA' The Tzedak Tzedakah ah of the Gedolei Hador

1-8881-8 888-KUP KUPATHA PATHA AT A IR

Donations can be sent to: to: Kupat Hair 4415 14th h Avenue Av venue Brooklyn, NY 11219 112 Please mak make ke checks payable to: to: American can F Friends r riends of Kupat Ha'ir

www.kupat.org March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

Doheny Glatt Kosher Meat 9213 West Pico Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90035

Tel: 310.276.8442 Fax: 310.276.8405 dohenykosher@yahoo.com

Now carrying line of Wise Organic Poultry

HAPPY & KOSHER PASSOVER Fresh and Clean Beef, Veal, Lamb, Poultry and Deli all available for Passover

WE cook per YOUR order: Turkey Turkey Breast Brisket

Chicken Prime Rib Roast Beef Short Ribs

French Roast Beef Ribs Duck

Special: Tilapia Fish for $3.49/lb Pickle Corned Beef

Plate Pastrami

Sunday 8am-1pm Monday-Thursday 7am-5:30pm Friday 7am-3pm

We will be open late the week before Passover March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

& & 3

104 1PJOU PG 4BMF

)"3#03506$)

". 1. 145 EBZT B XFFL

8F BSF PÃµFSJOH B '3&& 104 4ZTUFN GPS ZPVS SFTUBVSBOU PS SFUBJM TUPSF 8IZ QBZ T JO VQGSPOU GFFT XIFO ZPV DBO IBWF JU BMM GPS '3&& "MM UIF IBSEXBSF BOE TPGUXBSF JT '3&& $PNFT XJUI BMM ZPV OFFE UP SVO B TVDDFTTGVM CVTJOFTT UPVDI TDSFFO NPOJUPS XJUI B QSPDFTTJOH TUBUJPO DBTI ESBXFS QSJOUFS CBS DPEF SFBEFS GPS SFUBJM EJTQMBZ QPMF GPS SFUBJM BOE TFSWFS DBSET GPS SFUBJM GPS SFTUBVSBOUT

'&"563&4 9 -JOLFE TZTUFNT = *OmOJUF TBMFT!QPTTZTZTUFNTUPSF DPN EBUB TUPSBHF *G ZPV OFFE PS FWFO TUBUJPOT 9 4ZTUFNT DPNF QSF QSPHSBNNFE XJUI ZPVS 5IF DPTU JT TUJMM ;&30 NFOV PS JOWFOUPSZ 9 &BTZ UP VTF TPGUXBSF 9 'SFF PO TJUF USBJOJOH BOE JOTUBMMBUJPO 9 3FNPUF BDDFTT UP ZPVS TZTUFN GSPN BOZ EFWJDF JO SFBM UJNF 9 " TMFFL NPEFSO IFBU BOE XBUFS SFTJTUBOU EFTJHO 9 *NQFDDBCMF $VTUPNFS 4FSWJDF

8*5) )"3#03506$) :06 8*-- (&5 "-- 5)*4 '03 '3&&

4/5#( 3#2%%.

#05 #/-054%2

0/3 3/&47!2%

2%#%)04 02).4%2

#!3( $2!7%2

')&4 #!2$3

&/2 2%4!),

(FU 4UBSUFE 5PEBZ $BMM 34

March 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;¢ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;¢ info@communitylinks.info

ABBA·S

ffiin ine catering| gourmet to go| eat in N OW O P E N F O R P E S A C H & C H O L H A M O E D (formerly LA Glatt on Fairfax)

Dine in our newly renovated location this Chol Hamoed with family and friends or place your order from our gourmet take out menu. Complete Seder to go ²our specialty! RENT OUR HALL FOR YOUR SEDER UP TO 75 PERSONS

323.658.7730

R C C K OSHER S HOMER S HABBOS March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

1 2 9 N . L A B R EA F AX : 3 2 3 . 6 5 8 . 1 0 8 4 35

Rabbi Eli Hecht

Every once in a while you read or hear an incredible WWII story and wonder if it is true. Did this story really happen? Recently I was introduced to an incredible story by the person to whom it happened. I heard this story during my visit to Miami Beach, Florida, while visiting my parents. Miami is famous for its winter resorts. Many elderly Jews leave the New York area during the cold winter to live in Miami Beach. My parents would spend their winters there as do many friends. There are some Holocaust survivors that meet in synagogues and gather on a boardwalk that stretches a few miles along the Atlantic Ocean. One night my dad had asked me to join him on the boardwalk for a stroll. We walked along the ocean, stopping to meet friends and family. At the end of the boardwalk I met a distinguished person, Rabbi Landau. He was sitting by himself engrossed in thought. We sat next to him and began a friendly conversation. We spoke in Yiddish and English.

to labor camps at Sakrau, Germany, then to Blechhammer and Wiesau. After years of hard labor he was shipped to the concentration camp in Bunzalu and Terezenstat. Some camps were places where people were murdered, others were places where you were worked and starved to death. Miraculously, he and a few friends stayed together and lived through those horrible years.

BAKING MATZAH – those awful times he prayed daily and even THE BREAD OF FAITH hadDuring a pair of religious items, tefillin. I don’t know where he found the strength to pray every day. IN THE LABOR CAMPS “Many of us were worked to death. Others died of I asked him “Foon Vanet is a yid? - from which country are you?” He answered “Auschwitz.” I thought I heard wrong. Auschwitz is the place where Nazis had built the concentration camp. It was the largest death camp in Europe, responsible for killing millions of people. How could he come from such a horrible place, I wondered. I thought the devil himself lived in Auschwitz. The killing grounds were his playground and no good had ever been there. Certainly no Jews ever lived there, or so I thought. I was shocked when Landau enlightened me with the following facts: Auschwitz was called Osptitzin in Yiddish. It was a wonderful little town that had a nice Jewish community consisting of 8,000 souls. There were Jewish schools called cheder, synagogues, kosher shops, and mikvehs – ritual baths. It had great rabbis, teachers and a striving economy. When the Germans entered Auschwitz in 1939 they burned down the synagogue. Landau was a teen-ager when Germany invaded Poland. Together with many Jews he was taken to labor camps and then to concentration camps. Starting in 1940, Landau was taken 36

starvation or from beatings. We worked on building the now famous German autobahn – super highway – that runs through Germany. We also built a large ammunition factory for the German war effort. You can imagine how terrible we felt doing that!” Landau said. “In 1942 to 1944 I was held in a work camp called Wiesau. We were kept alive as long as we could work. There I lived in daily fear of being killed. We were about 26 to 50 persons to a barrack. Our sleeping quarters were miserable. The mattresses were a small sack of straw. In the winter we had a small stove that heated the room. Most of the time we were starving and ill-treated. “When the holiday of Passover came about I decided that I must have matzah, the unleavened bread of faith. I wanted very badly to celebrate the Passover Seder with matzah. I told my closest friends that we would try to get some flour and I would risk my life to bake matzah for Passover.” Landau described the camp’s conditions: “We worked from early morning to late night and then we were locked up for the night. If we were lucky we would not be disturbed or beaten. So life went on day by day. We became so disoriented that after a while we didn’t even know March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

what day it was. But then in 1942, I still remembered to count the days until Passover. “At work, we would be given a cigarette a day and a small piece of bread. At night, we would be given a cup full of liquid called soup. This was our rations. It was a meager existence. “We decided to keep our cigarettes and barter them for flour from a Czechoslovakian worker. At first we thought it wouldn’t work out but as the saying goes ‘when there is a will there is a way.’ Our fellow workers let it be known that they could get a cigarette for flour and, miraculously, an ounce of flour appeared. Soon we had a bit more, enough to supply a matzah or two for our Seder – Passover meal. “Now we had a fresh problem. How would we smuggle the flour into our barracks? If anyone were caught smuggling they would be shot. The following plan was instituted. We would bring the flour into the camp at night by hiding it in our clothing. At the bottom of our pants we made a small hem. In there we would put a few sprinkles of flour. We tucked our pants into our worn out shoes. Then we returned to the barracks. We would be searched and allowed in. Miraculously the flour was not discovered. Then very carefully we would empty and shake the flour out of the ends of our pants. Slowly but surely we had flour for Passover. Imagine, here we were in the terrible labor camp thinking of only one thing – to have matzah for the holiday. “It had taken us a long time to save a pound of flour. We waited patiently for the holiday. I also knew if we were caught it would be the end of us but I was as determined as ever. “The night before Passover we heated up the potbelly stove until the top was burning red hot. Very very quickly we mixed the flour and water and kneaded the dough. In just a few minutes we had baked 2 or 3 matzahs. I thought to myself if I can only stay alive to keep on doing my religious duties. “I sorely missed my family and remembered my Yeshiva friends and teachers. Our great family Seders were now a thing of the past. Living in the past kept me alive in the present. That Passover night we ate matzah never knowing if we would survive the war, but we did. “In 1945, I was moved to the concentration camp in Terezenstat. I was part of a death march where most of the participants died. The Germans moved us hoping that we would all die. They wanted to destroy all the evidence of their crimes. But G-d did not let that happen.

and organized a school for children of refugees. As the school grew so did my responsibilities. I became the principal of the school. From a small group of survivors we grew into thousands. We built schools, synagogues and saw the rebirth of our people. As I have retired I spend my winters in Miami Beach. Joseph S. Landau gave a sigh and his remarkable story came to an end. I thought, imagine here was a real person who suffered years of labor and concentration camps. A real walking witness of the past generation. He is the living proof that no matter what happens to a person he can rise to the occasion and outlive his adversaries. Joseph’s main message is that “As long as man feels that G-d is with him he can make it through any Holocaust.” True, his parents, brother and most of his family and friends perished but he would not stop hoping. He rose from the ashes and looked ahead, rebuilding his family legacy. This year when Passover comes, gather your family and tell them how, in every generation, Jews are persecuted and saved. How in WWII we were sought out and killed. Yet, even in those times there are those that became stronger in their faith. They did everything possible to bake their matzah and eat the bread of faith. Think and take courage. If Rabbi Joseph S. Landau could make matzah in a labor death camp, then surely we can find time to do so in our G-d-given free land of America. When we eat our Matzah break off a piece, share it with our neighbors telling them that the message of liberation is for all people. A happy Passover to you all. • Rabbi Eli Hecht is vice–president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America and past–president of the Rabbinical Council of California. He is the director of Chabad of South Bay in Lomita, CA which houses a synagogue, day school, nursery school and chaplaincy programs.

10% off with minimum

Seven Piece Dry Cleaning exp. 3/31/12 pre paid - cash only Valid with coupon

7.50

Special Alterations Pants Hem exp. 3/31/12 pre paid - cash only Valid with coupon

“I became very sick and almost died. On May 8th, 1945 I was liberated by the Russians. After regaining my health I was determined to keep on going. I met a girl who survived the Auschwitz death camps. We had similar goals and were determined to start a family. I thank G-d that I have two daughters and many grandchildren. “When I came to America I became a teacher for children March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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.

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.

8512 Whitworth Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90035

Phone: 310-360-8512 Fax: 310-360-8510 email: info@thenesscenter.org www.thenesscenter.org 38

Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky • www.torah.org

s the laws of the korbonos progress through the ensuing week's Torah portions, we find more and more complex issues that deal with esoteric spirituality. The concept of animal sacrifice is difficult for us to comprehend, and the sages of yore, included Maimonides and Nachmanides deal with the concepts, rationale and purpose of them in great detail. This week, in addition to defining the various laws that distinguish different types of sacrifices, the Torah tells us of the concepts of tumah and taharah, loosely translated as spiritual purity and impurity. Of course, these laws have nothing to do with sanitary conditions, rather they define a state of spirituality that varies with the state of life and death. The Torah tells us that the meat of a sacrifice that will contact any tamei shall not be eaten.

PARSHAS TZAV Pure Confusion The law is that when tahor meets tamei, pure meets impure, tamei prevails and lowers the tahor to a state of tamei. The Kotzker Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgenstern, was bothered: why so? Why is it that tumah depreciates taharah? Why is it not the opposite? When purity meets impurity, it should automatically purify it? Let the impure become elevated with its contact with purity. Rabbi Shaul Kagan, of blessed memory, was the Rosh Kollel of Kollel Bais Yitzchok in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to his being a brilliant Talmudic scholar, he was very witty. As a member of the Kollel, I was a student of his, and he once related the following story to me: A man was committed to an insane asylum due to his aberrant behavior. After months of treatment the doctors felt he was cured and allowed him to leave. The man, however, refused to go. "I will not leave this institution unless you sign a document that I am sane," he declared. The doctors had given him a clean bill of mental health and figured they might as well

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

acquiesce to the strange demand. Not long after his release, the man went for a job interview. After answering the questions quite impressively, the man leaned toward his prospective boss and asked in earnest. "Now that you asked me about myself may I ask you a question?" The interviewer replied, "Certainly!" "Mr." the former mentally-ill patient began, "are you normal?" The supervisor was a little taken aback but replied, "I surely think so. Why do you ask?" "You see, mister," declared the applicant while proudly displaying his signed document, "you only think that you are normal. I have a certificate!" The Kotzker Rebbe explained that when it comes to the world of pure and impure there are facts we know for certain, and there are particulars we can never be sure of. The world of purity, unfortunately is not as assured as the world of impurity. We may think something is actually pure, we may assume that it is untouched and unhampered. However, we may never truly know the truth. We do not know its history; where it went; what it touched or what affected it. We are shocked with horror at the deeds of youngsters who were deemed innocent and pure, or leaders who should guide us on high moral ground. We thought they were tahor. Unfortunately, however, what we may think is pure, innocent and holy is sometimes not. Tumah, impurity, on the other hand, is well defined. We know with certainty what is not pure and holy. It has a certificate. Therefore, explains the Kotzker Rebbe, when bonafide tumah attaches to something that is at best hopefully and assumedly pure, definite impurity prevails and defiles that what was assumed tahor. When asked if an item is kosher, I have heard others reply. I know that it is under supervision. I hope that it is kosher! In a world of mixed-messages and confusing signals, we can try to cling to perceived purity. And we can hope and pray that the role-models and values that we have chosen are the correct ones. But we surely can keep away from those ideas and actions that are clearly defined as impure. Those deeds can leave an impact powerful enough to taint the purest of neshamos. And we can avoid them. After all, they have a certificate! â&#x20AC;˘

March 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

A Kosher Israeli Restaurant Family atmosphere and reasonable prices

An assortment of menu options at reasonable prices Quality in-house baked goods!!

EVERY DAY LUNCH MENU NEW! Now Serving Hooka

Starting at

$9.95 (from 11-3)

EVERY MOTZEI SHABBOS LIVE MUSIC No Cover Charge

818.762.1900 40

12519 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village (Corner of Whitsett & Burbank)

Special events location including parties, birthdays, weddings, bris, Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Come for a consultation with our professional team before your next events! (Up to 120 people) Attractive prices Shabbos take-out; cakes, challah, salads and food Sunday-Thursday: 11 am-10 pm Friday: 11 am-4 pm Closed on Shabbos Motzei Shabbos-open from 7 pm

www.eilatgrill.com eilatgrill@gmail.com

March 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

The mirror was large and square, with a wide, thick gold frame carved with beautiful designs of leaves and flowers. Everyone that saw the mirror admired it, but everyone also noticed that it was imperfect. On one of the corners, you see, the silver backing had been scraped off so that this part of the mirror was plain glass. People would remark upon its beauty and then say, "Oh, what a pity! Too bad the mirror is damaged." To everyone's surprise, the mirror's owner would tell his visitors that it was he himself who had deliberately scraped the silver backing off! Can you imagine owning such a costly mirror, a work of art, and then ruining it? But let me tell you the story of that mirror. Many year ago, in a small town in Poland, there lived a man called Abraham. He owned a small store and he earned just enough money to take care of his family. He was not a rich man, but he also was not a very, very poor man. He had only a few customers. Sometimes people left without buying anything because Abraham did not have many things to choose from. They went to the big stores instead where they could find what they wanted.

g{x `|ÜÜÉÜ Abraham was happy with his life. Though he was not rich, he always had enough to share with others. No visitor that came to his home ever left hungry. Every time a poor person needed help, Abraham always found money to give him. Abraham and his wife lived a very simple life. Their home was small. The house really needed a paint job, but there was never enough money for that. It seemed to them that it was more important to help someone in real trouble than to paint a house. Their furniture was old for the same reason. The curtains on the window had probably been washed a hundred times. Abraham and his wife had no carpets on their floor. Their clothes were plain, and they did not often buy new things. Many of their cups and plates had chips and cracks. The food they ate was simple. Yes, it was not a very fancy home. But it was a real home. It was a warm and happy place. Everyone felt comfortable and relaxed there. Abraham had many visitors because everyone knew that he was kind and liked to be helpful. One day Abraham was standing in the doorway of his little store waiting for customers. Suddenly he noticed a stranger

By Chana Sharfstein

his is the story about a very beautiful and very special mirror. It hung on a wall in the dining room of a fine house belonging to a rich man.

walking toward his store. Abraham lived in a small town so he knew all the people there. When the stranger was near the store, Abraham asked him how he could help. "Maybe you would like to come to my home and rest awhile," he said. "If you are hungry, please be my guest. If you are thirsty, please come with me for something to drink. Perhaps you need money? We will help you." Abraham's invitation was so warm and friendly that the stranger decided to stop in his house for a rest. What Abraham did not know was that this was no ordinary stranger. This was a very holy, wise and famous Rebbe from a town far way. He was on his way to a wedding and happened to pass through Abraham's town. The Rebbe was an important man and many people in Poland traveled long distances to listen to his words of wisdom, or to ask for a blessing or prayer in time of need. It would have been a great honor for any home to have this Rebbe as a guest. The Rebbe soon noticed Abraham's kindness and generosity. He knew many rich people who could have helped the poor much more easily than Abraham, but who did much less than he. The Rebbe enjoyed his short stay. Before he left he blessed Abraham with riches, so that he should be able to continue helping the poor and needy more easily. After the Rebbe left, Abraham's store suddenly became a very busy place. All day long customers were coming in. Everyone found what he wanted, and no longer did people leave his store to shop somewhere else. With each day that passed, Abraham had more new customers and more money to bring home. Soon he had to make his store larger to fit all his new customers. After awhile, Abraham became a very big, important and rich storekeeper. He became one of the richest

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

men in the town. The Rebbe's blessing that Abraham should become wealthy had been fulfilled. To be rich seems mighty good when one is poor. People sometimes think that if they were rich, life would be beautiful. But being rich can be a problem too. Now that Abraham had a big store, he had a lot more work to do. He worried about robbers breaking into his store or home. He worried about his business. He wanted his store to keep on growing. He wanted a very beautiful home. He wanted new, fancy clothes. Because Abraham was busy with his store, he found less and less time for studying Torah and going to shul to pray. He did not even have time to bother with poor people. Abraham could only be seen by special appointment. His secretaries were told to give money to needy people who came for his help, but Abraham had no time to listen to their stories or problems. Abraham and his wife built a brand new house that almost looked like a palace. It had many rooms, and all the rooms were large and beautiful. On the windows hung soft velvet drapes. The floors were covered with thick rugs. There was wallpaper on the walls. The kitchen was filled with new pots and pans. There were lots of fine dishes in the cabinets. All the furniture was new and expensive. The dining room table was made of shiny wood. The chairs in the living room were soft and plump. On the walls hung paintings by real artists. And on one wall in the living room there hung a huge mirror. It was so big it almost covered the whole wall. All around this mirror there was a wide, thick frame of gold. No one else in town had such a fine mirror. Everyone who saw it spoke of its beauty. It was truly a masterpiece. There were many servants in this new house. But this house was so fancy that Abraham did not want to let beggars or poor people come in. Strangers were no longer invited for a meal. Servants would open the door and give some money to the needy, but that was all. "Abraham is different," people said. "He

has changed since he became rich. What a pity! He was always so kind and good, and now look at him. He has no time for any of us any more." And they would shake their heads sadly and remember the good old times when Abraham had never been too busy to help others. Time passed. One day a messenger came to visit Abraham. He had been sent a long distance from the famous Rebbe who had given Abraham the blessing of riches. The news of Abraham's good fortune had reached the ears of the Rebbe and now he needed his help. An innocent Jewish man had been put in prison on false charges and a great deal of money was needed for his ransom. Of course Abraham was happy to help. He gave the messenger the money and sent him off with good wishes for a safe trip home. He also sent regards to the Rebbe. The messenger had completed his job, but he did not feel happy. It had been difficult for him to speak to Abraham in person. His secretaries had not wanted to let a stranger into Abraham's private office. Abraham had given him the money, but he had not invited him to his home for some food and rest. The messenger was surprised. The Rebbe had praised Abraham and often spoken of his hospitality and charitable ways. The messenger could not understand what had happened. When he came back to the Rebbe, he gave him the money and told him everything about his trip. The Rebbe shook his head sadly. He understood that Abraham, the poor man, had a heart of gold, but Abraham, the rich man, with all his gold, seemed to have a heart more like stone. The Rebbe decided to visit Abraham to see what could be done. When the Rebbe arrived at Abraham's house, Abraham welcomed him warmly and invited him into his home. This house looked very different from the home that Abraham had lived in when the Rebbe first visited him. It was big and beautiful, but gone was the friendliness and warmth one had felt in the simple, old home. The Rebbe walked on the heavy rug. He saw

March 23, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

ARTISTIC JEWELERS CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGNS JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIRS QUALITY JEWELRY AT WHOLESALE PRICES

WE BUY GOLD & SILVER TOP PRICES PAID WE ARE LICENSED BUYERS FREE APPRAISALS JEWELRY TRADE-INS WELCOME

310-248-2422 9536 W. PICO BLVD LOS ANGELES CA 90035

ONE BLOCK WEST OF BEVERLY DRIVE

the costly paintings. He looked at the expensive, new furniture, and at the drapes made from the finest, softest velvet. And then he noticed the mirror. He looked at its shiny gold frame. It was the biggest mirror he had ever seen. "Quite a change, is it not?" said Abraham with a pleased smile on his face. "And that mirror, " he continued, "is my favorite treasure. Of all the lovely things I own, I like that mirror the best. It cost a great deal of money, but it was worth it. It is truly a masterpiece, a work of art, is it not?" he said and turned to the Rebbe. "Yes," the Rebbe answered. "Quite a change. Quite a change." He said this softly, in a low, serious voice, and his face looked sad. Suddenly, the Rebbe called to Abraham. "Come here," he said, and asked him to walk over to the mirror and stand in front of it. The Rebbe then walked away a bit and asked Abraham to tell him what he saw. Abraham was puzzled at this, but answered, "Myself. That is what I see in this mirror. My own reflection -- that is all I can see." "Look closely," the Rebbe said. "What else do you see?" "I see my lovely furniture reflected in the mirror. I see my paintings, I see my rugs and drapes. I can see many things in my beautiful home," answered Abraham. The Rebbe then walked over to the window with Abraham. He pushed aside the drapes and told Abraham to look out into

the street. Abraham's home was on a big street and people were always passing by. Since it was a small town, Abraham knew almost all the people walking past his house. The Rebbe asked him many questions about all the people they saw. And Abraham told him that the woman with the basket was a poor widow with many small children. She was hoping that kind people would put food in the basket for her family. He told the Rebbe about Bentze, the watercarrier, who was getting old and found it hard to carry the water. He pointed out Yankel the tailor, a fine Jew who went to shul every day, but was very poor and never had enough money for his family.

everything through it. The mirror, on the other hand, is covered with silver on one side. The rays of light cannot pass through, and therefore a mirror can only reflect what is in front of it."

Abraham was wondering why the Rebbe was asking him all these questions. The Rebbe was a serious man who never had time to waste. Why should he be so curious about all these people?

Abraham's eyes filled with tears. He felt so ashamed. Finally, he was beginning to understand everything that had happened to him since he became rich.

Then the Rebbe said to Abraham, "It is strange, is it not? A mirror and a window are both made of glass and yet they are very different." "What do you mean?" asked Abraham. "Well," said the Rebbe, "when you looked in the mirror you could only see yourself and the things that belong to you. You could see much more when you looked out the window. Then you could see all your neighbors and friends from the whole town." "That is true," said Abraham. "A mirror and a window are both made from glass. The window is transparent. Light can pass right through it. It is clear and you can see

"I see," said the Rebbe and nodded his head. "I see. The piece of glass that is plain is clear through and through, allowing you to see others and their lives. But when it is covered with silver, then you can see only yourself. Hm, very interesting. It is really quite fantastic, isn't it? Now do you think it will work the other way too? Could you take a mirror and scrape off the silver so that you would be able to see everyone else instead of yourself ?"

That evening, Abraham made a big party in his home. The whole town was invited, especially all the poor people. Everyone had a fine time. Then Abraham asked for silence. He made a short speech and asked for everyone's forgiveness. He told his guests that he was sorry for the way he had acted after he became rich. His life would now be different. He promised them that his doors would always be open for everyone, and that he never would be too busy to help those that needed him. After all the guests had left, Abraham walked over to his beautiful mirror. With a sharp knife he scraped off the silver covering in one corner. He did not stop until that part was as clear as glass. Only then was he satisfied. •

Dr. Sidney Yadidi, DC Doctor of Chiropractic

Complimentary Initial Consultation

Neck pain, Headaches, Disc Herniations, Sport Injuries, Cold Laser Therapy, Back Pain, Auto Accidents, Sciatica, Spinal Decompression, Therapeutic Massages, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel, Physiotherapy

Most PPO Insurances Accepted

Tel: 310.289.9770 292 So. La Cienega Blvd., Suite 101, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Email: drsidyadidi@gmail.com 44

FREE 2-HOUR PARKING

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

balance your life

Free Wellness F Evaluation Health · Wellness · Nutrition Coaching by Yulia Your Home

Yoga

<RXU 2IÀFH

Prenatal Yoga

or my studio in LA area

Mat Pilates Childrens’ Yoga Birthday Party Private, Couple, and Group Available

323.377.0707

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

nutritioncoachyulia@gmail.com www.goherbalife.com/yulia www.yogastopstudios.com

Pea Bee & Jae as sold byy

S h e l ls

T Shel The Shell S Station

EV´G

% 10 OFF

WHEN MENTIONING THIS AD

Yocheved Kimmelman · 9 915.727.8444 15.727.8444

Courtesy deliveryy

PESACH BLOWOUT SALE!!! 35%-55% Off* *Regular Department Store Price

WE NOW CARRY! Calvin Klein • Ralph Lauren • Michael Kors • Joseph Abboud • DKNY First Quality Men’s Clothes at Half the Price of Department Stores Boys Suits at Discounted Prices from size 8-20 Regular & Husky 100% Wool Super 100

100% Wool Sports Jackets 100% Wool Suits - Made in Italy 100% Wool Pants 100% Cotton Shirts 100% Silk Designer Ties Leather Belts & more...

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

Full Sofer Services on Site Mezuzah and Tefillin Checking Repair of Tefillin Batim Torah Scroll Checking & Repair Same Day Service Often Available Fine Silver Judaica House Calls by Appointment New Mezuzos & Tefillin (Sefardi, Ashkenazi & Chabad)

General & Cosmetic Dentistry Crowns • Bridges • Implants • Veneers • Bleaching •Free Consultation for Lumineers

818-981-0394

16055 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1001 Encino, CA 91436-2621

Get your

perfect smile...

...today.

LUMI SMILE

Ask now for your complimentary

Digital Smile Makeover.

BY LUMINEERS

We’ll have it ready before you leave!

PIANO LESSON BY LIDIA SABZANOV Experienced Piano teacher At your home or mine, beginners to advance. Learn to play with intelligence and develop musical skills.

310.289.5039

310.926.7761

March 23, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

`téxÄ gÉä4 Send us your mazel tovs to info@communitylinks.info

Engagements Jaclyn (Yocheved) Huniu & Moshe Abramso Chanie Mirman & Moshe Torgow

Marraige Daniella Khoshbakhsh & Isaac Zedner Tehila Giberstien & Sruli Markowitz

Baby Boy Golde & Menachem Goldberg Carrie & Seth Menachem Gila & Avi Tashman Rivky & Yaakov Hendeles Dassy & Lev Cotlar

Pesach Dairy Noodle Kugel Ingredients • 1/2 pound wide kosher for Passover egg noodles • 1/2 stick butter, melted • 1 pound cottage cheese • 2 cups sour cream • 1/2 cup sugar • 6 eggs • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup raisins

Directions