Community Links Issue 218 by The Jewish Link

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November 2- November 16, 2 0 1 2

Vol. 9 Issue 218

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Etta & OHEL Transforming Tomorrow Together Join Us to celebrate the historic merger that will further help individuals with special needs and enrich our community

Etta Israel Center 19th ANNUAL GALA BANQUET 2SZIQFIV 41 California Science Center Special Guest Speaker

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Together, Etta and OHEL present a bright, secure future with unlimited horizons. OHEL Children’s and Family Services, founded in New York in 1969 as a foster care agency, today provides a breadth of social services that elevates the lives of thousands of individuals and families. www.ohelfamily.org

The Etta Israel Center, founded in Los Angeles in 1993 in the memory of Mrs. Etta Israel, is a trailblazer in the provision of special needs services to Jewish individuals on the West Coast. www.etta.org

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FEATURES

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An Act that Echoes Though Time

What was so great about this act?” Even today we witness people who are willing to slaughter themselves – or their children – in the name of their beliefs, and we certainly don’t consider them great Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier

Not Keeping Score

He would meet separately with each of them, sitting first with his student, the new Choson, and say, “You are responsible for 90 percent of the ‘Shalom Bayis’ Rabbi Dr Jerry Lob

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.

Etta Israel Center

The Middos Are the Man

merges with New York’s OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services. Merger Helps Those With Special Needs and Enriches Communities

He knew that he had found the right woman.. So without even asking her name, without inquiring into her family, he betrothed her to his master, to Yitzchak.

info@etta.org

Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier

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AN ACT THAT ECHOES THOUGH TIME R’ Ben Tzion Shafier

“And Avrohom awoke in the morning, hitched his donkey, and took his two lads, and Yitzchak with him. He split wood for the sacrifice and went to the place that HASHEM had commanded him to.” Bereishis 22:3 Avrohom Avinu was commanded with a supreme test, and one of the greatest challenges ever presented to man: “Take your son, your only son, the son that you love…” One has the right to ask, “What was so great about this act?” Even today we witness people who are willing to slaughter themselves – or their children – in the name of their beliefs, and we certainly don’t consider them great! Why is this act considered one of the ultimate accomplishments of man? The answer to this question lies in understanding not so much what Avrohom did, but how he did it. The father of the Jewish People Avrohom lived to serve HASHEM. His every waking moment was devoted to spreading HASHEM’s name and bringing others to recognize their Creator. However, he knew that only through a distinct and separate people could the name of HASHEM be brought to its glory. His destiny and ultimate as-

piration was to be the father of the Jewish nation. Yet for many, many years that dream didn’t come true. Avrohom was 100 years old when he had Yitzchak. He waited month after month, year after year, begging, beseeching, and imploring HASHEM for this son – but to no avail. Finally, in a most miraculous manner, at an age when both he and his wife couldn’t possibly parent a child, the Molochim told him the news: “Your greatest single ambition, to be the father of the Klal Yisroel, will come true through this child Yitzchak.” Avrohom’s relationship with his son From the moment that Yitzchak was born, he was the perfect child. Not only was he nearly identical to Avrohom in look and in nature, from the moment that he came to understanding, he went in the ways of his father. Avrohom had many students, but there was only one who was truly devoted to knowing and understanding the ways of his teacher. That was Yitzchak. The bond of love and devotion that Avrohom felt towards his

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“only” son is hard to imagine. The nature of a Tzadik is to be kindly, compassionate, and giving. When a Tzadik connects to an almost equally perfect Tzadik, the bond of love and devotion between them is extremely powerful. For years, this relationship grew. It wasn’t until Yitzchak was 37 years old, in the prime of his life, that HASHEM tested Avrohom. Avrohom wasn’t asked to kill his child; he was asked to bring him as an Olah, to perform all of the details that are done to a sacrifice in the Bais Hamikdash. Many a person has difficulty learning the particulars of bringing a Korbon when it is done to a sheep or a goat, but this wasn’t an animal. This was his son. This refined, caring, loving Tzadik was asked to slaughter and then prepare his most beloved child and talmid as a sacrifice – not to sit by and allow it, not to witness it, but to do it with his own hands. You would imagine that if such a person could actually muster the self-mastery to do this, it would be with a bitter and heavy heart. Yet that isn’t how the Torah describes the events. “And Avrohom got up early in the morning, hitched up his donkey,” and set off on his journey Rashi quotes the Medrash that explains that this was out of character. Avrohom was an extremely wealthy and honored individual. He had hundreds of loyal students, and many, many slaves. Hitching up his donkey was not something that he normally did. It was done for him by a servant. Yet this time was different because “love blinds.” Avrohom was so enraptured with this great act, so caught up in the moment, that he got carried away and did something that he never would have done himself. He hitched up his own donkey. The crescendo With a calm demeanor and joy in his heart, Avrohom set out on a three-day

expedition to accomplish this great Mitzvah. Along the way, Yitzchak discovered that he was to be the sacrifice. He said to his father, “Please bind me so that I don’t twitch and spoil the sacrifice.” A Korbon must be slaughtered in a particular manner. Any deviation and the sacrifice is invalid. Yitzchak was afraid that he might inadvertently move and spoil the process. Therefore he said, “Please bind me.” (Hence, the term “Akeidas Yitzchak,” the binding of Yitzchak.) Avrohom did just that. He tied Yitzchak’s arms and legs behind him, put him on the Mizbeach, and raised up the knife to kill his son. The Medrash tells us that Avrohom stood over Yitzchak, “With tears in his eyes and great joy in his heart.” The tears in his eyes were the tears of a father parting with his most beloved son, but there was joy in his heart because of the fantastic opportunity to show HASHEM that nothing, not even his most beloved son, was more precious to him than serving his Creator. The act in perspective And now the question becomes: how is it possible for a man to make the ultimate sacrifice in a manner that seems to transcend every emotional limitation? Akeidas Yitzchak was a singular event that actualized the years and years of extraordinary perfection that represented Avraham Avinu’s life. Because he lived in this world, he felt real love for his child, but even that love was something he harnessed to show his greater love of HASHEM – the perfect balance of a man in complete control. For more on this topic please listen to Shmuz #9 Akeidas Yitzchak – The Anatomy of a Nisayon. “The Shmuz”, an engaging and motivating Torah lecture that deals with real life issues is available for FREE at www.TheShmuz.com. The Shmuz on the Parsha Book, a compilation on all of Chumash is available: at your local Sefarim store, or at theShmuz.com, or at 866-613-TORAH (8672).

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ment of “who’s working harder?” The Rosh Hayeshiva’s message is really, stop keeping score, it’s not going to be exactly even. Each spouse needs to stay focused on the big picture, the picture of living a life of Shalom Bayis. To be fully committed to making the other feel good about him/herself, good about the marriage, and secure in the knowledge that one has the love and respect of the other. A quick disclaimer. If the situation is that one is overwhelmingly giving and the other is overwhelmingly taking, that might not be such a good recipe for Shalom Bayis. My intent here is to talk to the more common experience, where each is working and contributing in many, perhaps different ways to the relationship, but it may not always be even. It ebbs and flows, sometimes one is giving more, and at other times the other is. One may be feeling more depleted and needs his/her spouse to step up and do more. At these times, if you listen closely, you can hear my Rebbi’s encouraging words, “You’re responsible for 90 percent, she’s only responsible for 10.”

NOT KEEPING SCORE By Rabbi Dr. Jerry Lob

My Rebbi, Rabbi Yitzhock Feigelstock, the Rosh Yeshiva of Mesivta of Long Beach, had a unique way of advising young couples before they got married. He would meet separately with each of them, sitting first with his student, the new Choson, and say, “You are responsible for 90 percent of the ‘Shalom Bayis’ (marital harmony) in the marriage. Your future wife is only responsible for 10 percent.” And then he would send the young man out and ask for the new Kalah. When she was seated he would first spend a few minutes making small talk, putting her at ease, and then he would tell her, (you probably guessed it) “You are responsible for 90 percent of the ‘Shalom Bayis’ in the marriage and your future husband is only responsible for 10 percent.” You have to understand that Rabbi Feigelstock certainly knew that they would compare notes. When asked about this, he explained that a good marriage, with healthy Shalom Bayis is difficult to achieve, especially in the beginning. Both the husband and the wife need to put in a lot more than 50 percent for the relationship to flourish. And so, he continued, with the couple putting in around 180 percent, hopefully it’ll be enough. Over the years I’ve come to appreciate more and more, his wisdom. Because it’s not only that it takes real commitment and effort to have a close, harmonious relationship, the truth is that married couples are often stuck in an ongoing argu18

Commitment to marriage and the 90/10, not keeping score rule, means giving thought to my relationship. And giving thought doesn’t mean making a list of all the things my spouse must change in order for us to have good Shalom Bayis. It means working on my smile, appreciation, compliments, empathy, and warmth. It means limiting my criticisms, to few and far between, only when necessary, and spoken with gentleness and sensitivity. It means working on patience and humility, and it means working on anger management, and communication, both verbal and nonverbal, being careful of my spouse’s dignity, not rolling my eyes or using sarcasm when upset. And it also means living a life of happiness. It doesn’t mean it will be perfect, but it doesn’t need to be, remember? We’re not keeping score. Dr. Lob is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Chicago, working with adults, adolescents, and families, for many years. He lectures and writes extensively on topics relating to psychology, relationships, parenting, education, and Jewish thought.

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Congressman Brad Sherman at Wallenberg Luncheon The U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously to award Raoul Wallenberg the Congressional Gold Medal. The vote was part of an effort to confer the honor upon Wallenberg in time for the 100th anniversary of his birth in August. “By sacrificing his personal safety, and ultimately his life, to protect the lives of a generation of Jews, Raoul Wallenberg exhibited the kind of noble courage that we prize in America,” said William Daroff, the director of the Washington office of the Jewish Federations of North America, which has led lobbying for the act that would confer the honor. “On behalf of the countless Jews saved through his mission, we are grateful for the House’s action today to permanently honor a global hero.” Los Angeles Community Leaders Stanley Treitel and Howard Winkler took part in the initial Congressional Gold Medal kickoff luncheon for Raoul Wallenberg at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC along with many Members of the U.S. House and Senate.

3-Day Housing Fair in USA! Purchase your dream home in the Jerusalem area! This week, Chish Nofei Yisrael, Ltd. will sponsor a 3-day housing fair in the USA in three convenient locations in Brooklyn, Monsey and Los Angeles. Chish Nofei Yisrael, the leading Israeli housing and development company to represent the orthodox community, has gained worldwide repute for its personal, courteous and reliable service. The upcoming fair, which offers homes for sale in some of the most popular new developments in the greater Jerusalem area, follows similar fairs that met with extreme success among the religious community and resulted in the sale of over 50 housing units within three days. Available projects for sale include the exclusive Mishkenot Ha’Uma and Sarei Yisrael – two projects in the center of Jerusalem; Top 80 in Neve Yaakov; Givat Zev and Chish Nofei Yisrael’s flagship project, Ramat Givat Zev – both located 15 minutes away from the center of Jerusalem - the first-ever neighborhood in Israel developed specifically to meet the needs of an American Torah-based community. The majority of

Photo: Stanley Treitel (R) and Los Angeles County Commissioner Howard Winkler (L) join many Jewish Community Leaders in supporting Congressman Brad Sherman for his unwavering support for a strong U.S.-Israel strategic relationship, for sponsoring the toughest Iran sanctions bill ever introduced, and for cosponsoring legislation that would require the State Department to immediately move the US Embassy in Israel to Israel's capital, Jerusalem.

homes in Ramat Givat Zev have been purchased by American olim who aspire to combine the best of both worlds. The beautiful neighborhood in pastoral Ramat Givat Zev emphasizes spiritual quality coupled with the warmth and friendliness of an English-speaking community and reflects the values, needs and mentality of orthodox olim acclimating to a new life and country. Housing units in the development include private villas, as well as attractively-designed, spacious apartments that allow orthodox families to make the move to Israel without compromising on their standards. Special sales and offers will be available at the 3-day fair! Don’t miss this chance to make your dream come true! The events will take place at the following locations: •Sunday, Nov. 4 - Monsey 12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM, L'Chayim Manor Wesley Hills Plaza 455 RT 306 Monsey, NY. •Tuesday, Nov. 6 - Flatbush 12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM, Agudath Israel of Avenue L 2913 Avenue L Brooklyn, NY. •Sunday, Nov. 11 - Los Angeles 12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM, Kanner Hall 7269 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA

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Etta Israel Center merges with New York’s OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services Merger Helps Those With Special Needs and Enriches Communities Jonathan, who lives in an Etta Israel Center residence in Los Angeles, and Donny, who lives in an OHEL Bais Ezra residence in New York, may be separated by a 5-hour flight – but they’re both funny, upbeat, and enjoy music. And now they have one more thing in common. We are pleased and proud to announce that as of October 2012, the Etta Israel Center has merged with OHEL Children’s and Family Services. OHEL and Etta share the mission of elevating the lives of individuals and families in need and integrating those challenged by disability. Etta’s name and structure do not change. We enter this merger to help us grow, expand services, and secure our future and lifetime commitment to our clients. Etta was founded in 1993 in Los Angeles in memory of Mrs. Etta Israel who believed in the potential of every individual with special needs. Today Etta offers residential services, case management, independent living support, educational services, youth programs, and summer day camp programs. OHEL was founded in 1969 in New York City as a foster care agency for abused and neglected Jewish children. With over 1,200 dedicated staff members, OHEL serves thousands of children, adults and families every day through its divisions of OHEL Foster Care, OHEL Bais Ezra, OHEL Mental Health, OHEL Lifetime Care, OHEL Institute of Training and Camp Kaylie at OHEL. Etta and OHEL together are largest provider of residential services for Jewish adults nationally. Dr. Michael Held, Etta’s Executive Director, notes: “Our merger with OHEL will further Etta’s goals to meet the ever increasing needs of the Los Angeles community drawing on the welcome support of OHEL – a highly regarded, larger and se-

cure partner that will help us with strategic planning, development and growth.” Concrete achievements due to the merger already include the opening of Etta’s fourth group home, the Aaron Bloom Home, an expanded Shabbaton program this year, and plan to open adult day programs. “OHEL has always sought to address the challenges in the community and these needs are universal,” say Moishe Hellman and Mel Zachter, Co-Presidents of OHEL. With this merger, OHEL gains a leading cutting-edge, beloved and professional West Coast partner to secure their national presence. Sharon Levine of Los Angeles and Moishe Hellman of New York will serve as Co-Presidents in leading the new, joint Board of Directors. The Directors include: Kam Babaoff, Shloime Dachs, Ben Englander, Dave Garden, Jay Kestenbaum, Elly Kleinman, Irving Langer, Murray Lappe, Irving Lebovics, Chavee Lerer Mellon, Betty Ryzman, Rivka Wilamowsky and Mel Zachter. We are excited to share this vision with the greater Los Angeles community at our 19th Annual Gala, November 14 at the California Science Center, themed “Transforming Tomorrow Together.” OHEL’s lay and staff leadership will be attending. We invite you to learn more, get to know OHEL, and be present for this momentous celebration that benefits us all. For more information visit www.ettabanquet.com With this merger, OHEL and Etta will further strengthen the lives of the thousands of individuals and families served through a lifetime commitment of care. To find out what Etta can do for you, please call 818-985-3882 or email info@etta.org.

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and forth, refilling her jug time after time, until he and his ten camels were sated. He knew that he had found the right woman.. So without even asking her name, without inquiring into her family, he betrothed her to his master, to Yitzchak. Middos are but one part of the package The difficulty with this Rashi is that Eliezer used one limited criteria to find the perfect match for Yitzchak. Let’s grant that this woman had perfect middos and was truly a ba’allas chessed – that is but one part of the person. Eliezer didn’t ask her a word about her religious beliefs. Perhaps she was an idol worshiper like her father and her brother. She might well have been a “stargazer,” as were many people living at that time. It seems that Eliezer picked one limited focus to the exclusion of everything else, and in doing so, he took a great risk.

Parshas Chayai Sarah

The Middos Are the Man Ben Tzion Shafier

Eliezer, the faithful servant of Avraham, was charged with finding a wife for Yitzchak. Knowing full well the gravity of his mission, he also recognized its difficulty. The woman he would choose was to be the mother of the Jewish People. The issue was: how to find her? Of the untold number of eligible women, how would he determine which was the right one? The Torah tells us Eliezer’s system: And it will be that the maiden to whom I will say, “Please give me to drink,” and she will answer, “Please drink, and I will give your camels to drink as well.” She will be the one that You have proven to be the wife for Yitzchak. Bereishis 24:14 Not a sign, but a test Rashi explains that this wasn’t an arbitrary sign; this was the determinant of the woman best suited to enter into the house of Avrohom. A woman who was so giving that she would go out of her way to help a complete stranger, even by offering to care for his camels, was the one to be the wife of Yitzchak. And that in fact is what happened. No sooner did Eliezer get to the well than he met Rivka. He asked her for something to drink, and as the Siforno explains, he was astounded by her reaction. The speed with which she moved, the energy with which she ran to fill the jug of water – it was amazing. Eliezer watched, mouth agape, as Rivka ran back 30

The answer to this question lies in understanding the centrality of middos in serving HASHEM. When HASHEM created the human, He made us of two distinct parts. There is a part of me that is preprogrammed to do everything that is good, right and proper. There is a full half of me that only wants to be generous, magnanimous, and giving. This is my Neshomah, born of the highest elements in the cosmos. It yearns for a loving relationship with my Creator. And then there is another part of me: the Nefesh Ha’Bahami. This part is the same living substance that occupies every animal in the world. It is made up of pure drives and instincts. It has no wisdom; it operates out of passions, appetites, and hungers. And it cares about nothing other than filling those hungers. And so, the human is comprised of two distinct, competing parts. These two elements manifest themselves in everything that we do. One or the other is constantly gaining primacy over the person. The more that I allow my pure Neshamahto come to the fore, the stronger its urges and desires for greatness become. The more that I give in to my animal instinct, the stronger that it becomes. The human is November 2, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

in constant battle, with one or the other gaining primacy. These two parts manifest themselves in everything that we do. When I see another person suffering, there is actually a battle going on inside of me. Part of me cries out with that person. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oy, a Jew in pain! What can I do to lighten his load? How can I help?â&#x20AC;? And part of me just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care less. There is a part of me that just isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interested in him or anything else for that matter. All it cares about is fulfilling its needs and desires.

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Therefore, every situation in life is a test â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a test to see which part comes to the fore, which part gains control over me. What Rivka was demonstrating What Eliezer witnessed at the well was a human being who reached such a high level of perfection that he was awestruck. For a woman to run out, time after time, filling jug after jug of water for someone she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know was a complete act of selflessness. It demonstrated that she had reached a fabulously high level of self-perfection. She clearly had conquered her nature. Her physical side was diminished, and her Nishomah was shining brightly. She may not have had all of the knowledge of serving HASHEM, but once introduced to it, she would cling to HASHEM with a powerful bond. For this woman to come to perfect Avodas HASHEM was merely a matter of adding water to instant soup. This concept has great relevance to us in that it helps us understand why chessed is so central to everything that we do. HASHEM is the ultimate Giver. He created this world to give of His good to man. However that good has to be earned. To allow for this, HASHEM put us in the perfect laboratory of growth called life. We were put into a body that only desires and knows its own needs, and our Nishomah is given the challenge of overcoming those natural instincts and learning to care for others so that it can reach spiritual heights. When man conquers his inner nature he emulates HASHEM, making himself more like his Creator. By perfecting himself this way, he lives up to the reason he was put on the planet. For more on this topic please listen to Shmuz #13 - Nefesh HaBahami-â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finding the Balance â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Shmuzâ&#x20AC;?, an engaging and motivating Torah lecture that deals with real life issues is available for FREE at www.TheShmuz.com. Look for the new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shmuz on Life Bookâ&#x20AC;? available soon at your local Sefarim store, or at the Shmuz.com.

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Biale Rebbe Visits Los Angeles News of the upcoming visit of the Biale Rebbe to Los Angeles has been received with great excitement. The Biale Rebbe, shlita, of Bnei Brak, Rebbe Yaakov Menachem Rabinowitz, is well known throughout the world his for his greatness and righteousness, and thousands of Jews seek his advice and blessings. The Biale Chassidic dynasty stretches ten generations from Rebbe Yaakov Yitzchak of Pshiskhe, zt’l, famously known as the “Yid Hakadosh” (Holy Jew). The Yid Hakadosh was a disciple of the Choize (Seer) of Lublin, the third generation of disciples of the holy Baal Shem Tov. The Chasidic lineage “ben achar ben” of the Yid Hakadosh from Pshiskhe, passed through Biale, Poland, and was regenerated after the Holocaust in Eretz Yisrael, by the Holy Rebbe, Rabbi Yechiel Yehoshua zt’l of Biale. Today the chassidus continues to flourish in Bnei Brak, under the wise direction of Rebbe Yaakov Menachem Rabinowitz, shlita. At an early age, the Rebbe, shlita was appointed to direct the holy court after the passing on of his righteous father, the famous Rebbe David, author of Lahavas Duvid of Bnei Brak. The Lahavas Duvid miraculously survived the Holocaust and was one of the known “children of Tehran,” the “yaldei Teheran.” In his youth, he was one of the first disciples of the Ponevezh Gaon, zt’l, and in his righteousness and brilliance, was appointed by his father Rebbe Yechiel Yehoshua to lead yeshivas Biale. After Rebbe Yechiel Yehoshua passed away, the Lahavas Duvid was crowned as a Rebbe, and his son, Rebbe Rabbi Yaakov Menachem, took the helm of the Biale Yeshiva. There he instilled in his talmidim Torah and morals, and despite his young age, became a renowned educator. Upon the passing on of the Lahavas Duvid, Biale followers turned to Rebbe Yaakov Menachem Rabinowitz, shlita, and adorned him with the cloak of leadership of the dynasty of Biale Bnei Brak. Upon the inauguration of the Rebbe, shlita, began a new era for Biale Hasidism. New yeshivas, synagogues and Chasidishe shtiblach were founded in the periphery cities. The pinnacle of the activities of the Rebbe is his Chasdei Duvid foundation, to help widows, orphans, and needy families. Today, under the auspices of the Rebbe are glorious institutions, including yeshivas, kollelim, and shuls in Bnei Brak and Jerusalem. And in Elad, Beit Shemesh, and Beitar Illit are being built shtiblach for the young men of the Chassidus and graduates of the yeshivas. The Rebbe’s main concern, to which he devotes all his powers, is the program for orphans in the yeshiva in Jerusalem. From when many tragedies came to the attention of the Rebbe, including children whose parents were killed in terrorist attacks, HY'D, and do not have upon whom to rely on for educational and physical needs, the Rebbe ordered the opening of a special department for these orphans. To these poor children are supplied the best teachers and mentors, who act as fathers and mothers for them. These children receive all their needs from the Biale institutions, including clothes and footwear, residence, tuition fees, and all expenses. Biale advocates tell that one erev Pesach, after the Rebbe returned from a long trip abroad, as soon as he got off the plane he went im32

mediately to visit “his children”—the orphans! The Rebbe, who is himself father to 15 children, bli ayin horah,, and 30 grandchildren, so may they increase, came first to visit the orphans! He immediately convened the staff, and informed them that before the holiday he wants to buy new clothing of superb quality for the orphans. Only after seeing that all the needs of the orphans are taken care of, did he return to his home to his biological children. Every day, by the Rebbe’s door wait dozens of people from all Jewish backgrounds—Ashkenazim and Sephardim, Chasidic and non-Chasidic, young and old, upper and lower class. To each one, the Rebbe devotes his time and efforts, and all are received with a smile and love. Also in his visits to the U.S., in New York and Florida, New Jersey, and California, masses horde to the Rebbe’s room for advice and blessings. He receives each one cordially, giving counsel and direction, all in the way of the holy Baal Shem Tov- to see the good in every Jew. Many stories are narrated by Jews who by virtue of the blessings and advice of the Rebbe, had their lives changed for the better, be it matchmaking, livelihood, or health disorders. There are miraculous stories of Jews who were saved with children or healed from bad diseases. Just recently, a Jew from Hollywood, Florida invited friends to a shalom zachor. In the e-mail he sent to his friend, he related: Two years ago, The Biale Rebbe came to our neighborhood. Friday night, the Rebbe leads a tish (Oneg Shabbat) in which the whole neighborhood participated, sang songs, and listened to Torah from the Rebbe. Together with some friends I also attended, and suddenly the Rebbe called me to receive a bone of the fish from which he ate. The Rebbe gave me this and said, take a “bain” (Yiddish for bone), which sounds like son—“ben” in Hebrew) After three girls, my wife and I really wanted to be blessed with a boy. Barely a year had passed since I received the Rebbe’s “bain,” and our shalom zachor was held with the participation of the Rebbe who returned for his annual visit to Florida. Thousands of people who come to be blessed by the Rebbe have similar stories. The Rebbe does not “make discounts” to anyone. From one he demands to keep the Sabbath and from another to put on tefillin. The Rebbe sees himself as a messenger from G d to return the children’s hearts to their parents, as wherever he goes, he is mekarev another and another Jew “under the wings of the Shechinah,” all cheerfully and with love of Israel. Every Jew who enters the Rebbe room (even if at 3 a.m.) feels the great love and the spiritual connection projected to every person of the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Rebbe arrived, BS’D, in Los Angeles, Sunday, October 28, and is receive visitors at the residence of Dr. Stoll. 422 S. Las Palmas Avenue. On Friday night, November 2, the Rebbe will conduct a tish with a large audience at 8:45 p.m. at KOLLEL YECHIEL YEHUDA, 444 N. La Brea Ave. Shachris will be davened in Beis Naftuli, followed by a big Kiddush given by the known president, Andrew Friedman. On Friday night, November 9, the tish will be held at 8:45 in Link Kollel And Shul, 1453 S Robertson Blvd. If you wish to merit a personal meeting with the Rebbe, call Rabbi Moshe Friedman, the Rebbe’s personal gabbai, at 917-272-4045. Be blessed! November 2, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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November 2, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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Turkey & Squash Soup Ingredients 2 teaspoons canola oil 2 leeks, trimmed, chopped and rinsed 1 red bell pepper, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 1-1/2 pounds butternut squash (1 small to med), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 lb turkey cutlets, cut into 1/2-by-2-inch strips 2 cups frozen corn kernels 2 tablespoons lime juice 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground pepper to taste Directions

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Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add leeks and bell pepper; cook, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Stir in broth, squash, thyme and cumin; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add turkey and corn; return to a simmer and cook until the turkey is just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Add lime juice and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and pepper.

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1. There is an extra sheep. 2. The moon bounce pillar has changed from blue to red. 3. There is more hay on the ground. 4. A goat is missing. 5. There is an extra goose. 6. The chimney is missing. 7. A boy’s shirt is now green. 8. There is an extra string of flags. 9. The telephone pole is missing. 10. A boy’s yarlmukah is now red.

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November 2, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

Community Research And Information Center

Recommends the following Candidates and Ballot Measures for the November 6, 2012 General Election

We are a California State PAC. We CAN NOT endorse candidates for President/Vice President, U.S. Senate, or U.S. Representative.

Community Research & Information Center's Directors along with Los Angeles County Supervisors Mike Antonovich & Don Knabe endorsed Alan Jackson for District Attorney. Photo L-R: Stanley Treitel, L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, MorryWaksberg, M.D., Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson, L.A. County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich & L.A. County Commissioner Howard Winkler..

MEMBER OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY Not all candidates listed below will appear on your ballot.

50TH DISTRICT -- RICHARD BLOOM 66TH DISTRICT -- CRAIG HUEY

~ 72ND DISTRICT -- TRAVIS ALLEN

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

ALAN JACKSON STATE MEASURES

PROPOSITION 30 - NO

PROPOSITION 34 - NO

PROPOSITION 38 - NO

Governor Brown’s New Taxes

Would repeal the death penalty

State personal income tax rates would increase for 12 years

PROPOSITION 31 – YES

PROPOSITION 35 – YES

Set budget for two years not one

Increases penalties & fines for human trafficking convictions

PROPOSITION 32 - YES Prohibit forced payroll deductions for political purposes

PROPOSITION 33 – NO May increases auto insurance rates for some drivers

PROPOSITION 36 - YES Revises law to impose life sentence only when new felony conviction is serious or violent

PROPOSITION 37 – NO This bill to label genetically engineered foods is poorly written with too many flaws and loopholes

COUNTY MEASURES MEASURE A - YES

PROPOSITION 39 – NO Would create a billion dollar tax increase on out of state businesses doing business in California - A real job killer for California

PROPOSITION 40 - YES Protects the State Senate maps drawn by the voter-approved Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MTA

MEASURE B - YES

MEASURE J - NO Would retain ½ cent L.A. sales tax for 30 years

A Bipartisan Political Action Committee Serving the Jewish Community of Southern California Since 1986.

Our endorsements are independent and are not paid for by candidates or ballot measure sponsors. Community Research and Information Center—Post Office Box 480454, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Directors: Stanley Treitel, Dr. Morry Waksberg & Howard Winkler —California State ID # 882293

Please Vote !!! Our Community depends on each and every member to vote responsibly.