Community Links Issue 220 Chanukah Edition by The Jewish Link

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November 30- December 14, 2 0 1 2

Vol. 9 Issue 220

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November 30, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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November 30, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

FEATURES

November 30, 2012

Next Issue Next Advertising Deadline December 7, 2012 Circulation December 14, 2012 Media Kit & Pricing 323.965.1544 Email info@communitylinks.info

Taxing Others

News & Press Releases press@communitylinks.info

The adherent responded, “I don’t have a second car or a second home. I do have two chickens.”

Virtual Subscription

By Robert J. Rome, Ph.D.

subscribe@communitylinks.info

Flight or Fight

So, tell me, just because 4,000 years ago one of my ancestors had a hip dislocated I must curb my culinary cravings? Is this fair, is it logical? Why remember that--what's the point? Rabbi Yossy Goldman

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.

The Meaning of Miracles

The word "nes" is a reminder of the ups and downs in life and the role that G-d has in our lives. By Rabbi Yehudah Prero www.torah.org.

That’s Chanukah

Rabbis there nudged me gently and said," Nu Reb Label, say something!" I have to admit I was woefully unprepared for the sudden invitation. I asked him if we can sing another song and we did.

Rabbi Label Lam www.torah.org.

November 30, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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TAXING OTHERS By Robert J. Rome, Ph.D.

During the height of the Soviet Union, a party adherent says to the party leader, “I love the party so much. If I had two homes, I would give one of these homes to the party. If I had two cars, I would give the second to the government and party.” The party leader then said, “What if you had two chickens?” The adherent responded, “I don’t have a second car or a second home. I do have two chickens.” (Thanks to Rabbi Mordy Einbinder for the above story.)

President Obama wants to increase the taxes also of those earning $250,000 a year. He claims that he holds a mandate to raise more taxes as he outlined that he would indeed take such action. There is probably more than 50% of the population who support this tax increase. After all, it does not apply to them. Balance the budget, but do so on the backs of others! So the majority of voters basically approve this tax on others.

Several years ago, there was a “millionaire’s tax” on the California ballot. The majority of Californians voted to tax others, those making a million or more, to pay for mental health services in the state.

The University of California needs money. Tax the wealthy. The California State University needs money. Tax the wealthy. The Community Colleges need money. Tax the wealthy. Schools need funds. Tax the wealthy. The U.S. budget needs to resolve the debt problem. Tax the wealthy. You can tax the entire incomes of the wealthy and there would still be a budget debt.

This year, Californians also voted for Proposition 30 to institute an additional income tax for those who are wealthy, those who make more than $250,000 per year. Again, this passed. 12

Those who oppose these taxes argue that this tax impacts November 30, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

s”xc the “job creators.” They argue that there will fewer jobs if these taxes pass. But that is not the issue. There will still be a budget crisis with the passing of Proposition 30. The money that this proposition will bring in has already been spent. Do you really think that additional taxes on the 2% of those making more than $250,000 will solve the budget crisis? The money that will be raised through the imposition of such taxes will not equal one year of debt. There will still be a debt crisis. Tax “fairness” does not require the full burden to fall on 2%. Tax fairness requires that everyone has a stake in the taxes. We have a progressive system of taxes. More of the burden will fall on the 2%, but 98% of the people totally escaping the tax is patently unfair. It is an easy political solution to just tax the 2%. But the scope of the debt problem requires something more than political expediency. Do we really want China potentially controlling our economy as they buy up our debt? Do we want our children each owing $50,000 or more in debt each to the federal government? Do

we really want a budget in which all of the monies received go to the elderly to subsidize Medicare, with no money for education, to serve the disabled, or for the many other beneficial items in the state and federal budgets? The Simpson-Bowles Commission argued that something bigger was needed. Instituting taxes on everyone was part of the solution, as were various budgetary cuts. The SimpsonBowles Commission may not in the end be the solution, but it is fairer and brings about a bigger fix than simply taxing the 2%. We need to face our obligations. We need to establish clear budgetary objectives in this age of too little to support our government. We need to have 100% involved in the solution. We will still we have a progressive tax system in which the rich pay more than the poor. But we cannot get a complete solution just by taxing the 2%. This is a problem for the 100% of us. Robert J. Rome, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in clinical practice in Encino, California. He can be reached at RJRome@aol.com.

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Flight or Fight By Rabbi Yossy Goldman

Of all the things we Jews observe in order to remember events in our historic past, surely one of the strangest must be what we read in this week's parshah.Jacob wrestles with an angel (Esau's spiritual guardian) and in the course of the struggle, his hip is dislocated. Therefore, says the Torah, to this day, the Children of Israel are not to eat the sciatic nerve (of an animal) by the hip joint--because he struck Jacob's hip-socket at the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve (gid hanasheh) and its associated sinews and nerves are located in the animal's hindquarters, and because they are very difficult to properly remove, only cuts from the forequarters are usually available askosher meat. So if it has always bothered you that you can't get a kosher rump steak, you can blame it on father Jacob and his wrestling match with the angel of Esau. So, tell me, just because 4,000 years ago one of my ancestors had a hip dislocated I must curb my culinary cravings? Is this fair, is it logical? Why remember that--what's the point? The 12th century French sage, Rabbi Shmuel ben Meir ("Rashbam"), a grandson of Rashi and a Biblical and Talmudic commentator of note, offers the following insight. The story of Jacob and the angel occurred just prior to Jacob's impending encounter with his estranged twin brother. Esau was coming with four hundred armed men, and Jacob was actually planning to flee from Esau. That was when the angel attacked him. According to Rashbam, the reason for the angel wrestling with Jacob was so that he would be forced to stand his ground and not escape via a back route. Destiny itself was compelling Jacob to confront the enemy and overcome him. Only then would he witness the fulfillment of G-d's promise to protect him from harm. It seems that Jacob was coming dangerously close to developing a pattern of escapism. He fled Beer-Sheba when

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Esau threatened to kill him. He fled from Laban in Haran in middle of the night when he worried that Laban wouldn't allow him to return to his homeland. And now he was preparing to flee from Esau. At any moment now there would be yet another nocturnal escape. Apparently, G-d wanted Jacob to learn that a philosophy of escapism is not the Jewish way. So the angel dislocated his hip, preventing him from running away. Now Jacob had no choice but to fight. In the end, he defeated the angel and was blessed with the name "Israel," signifying a superior stature, victory and nobility.No longer shall it be said that your name is Jacob, but Israel, for you have fought with the divine and with man and you have overcome. Every son and daughter of Jacob must learn this lesson. Every one of us must become a child of Israel. The quality of fearlessness and courage, of strength and sacrifice, these are the hallmarks of Israel. When we stop running away from our problems and face up to them with guts and fortitude, we enter that higher state of consciousness. We move up from the Jacob Jew, who is still struggling, to Israel mode, where we finally emerge triumphant. When we are prepared to take up the challenge and go for the fight rather than flight, we move from being wrestlers to becoming winners, from humble Jacob to dominant Israel. Of course it's never easy. Escape is usually the path of least resistance. Nor am I suggesting that we go looking for a fight. But the fact is that there will be times when we know that we really need to have that confrontation. We need to square up to a particular problem or individual in order to deal with our situation effectively. We shouldn't be confrontational people. But often we know in our heart of hearts that if we don't engage a problem honestly it will continue to plague us. If we can move from meekness to courage, then the story of Jacob's wrestling match will live on and continue to inspire us to become the stronger personalities we really can be. The dislocated hip joint thus becomes worthy of eternal remembrance because it makes us better people. And the small sacrifices we make in avoiding those unkosher cuts of meat around the animal's hip socket are well worth the effort. Rabbi Yossy Goldman was born in Brooklyn, New York. In 1976 he was sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory, as a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary to serve the Jewish community of Johannesburg, South Africa. He is Senior Rabbi of the Sydenham Shul since 1986, president of the South African Rabbinical Association, and a frequent contributor to Chabad.org. His book ‘From Where I Stand’ - Life Messages from the Weekly Torah Reading was recently published by KTAV and is available at Jewish book shops or online www.ktav.vom November 30, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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The Meaning of Miracles By Rabbi Yehudah Prero www.torah.org

Miracles. That is what the holiday of Chanukah is all about. The triumph of the weak over the strong. One day's worth of oil lasting for eight days. Miracles are events out of the normal course of everyday life. The B'nai Yisaschar's explanation of the nature of miracles illuminates the uniqueness of our holiday celebration. The Hebrew word for miracles is "Nes." The B'nai Yisaschar defines a "nes" as an action, from G-d, that is supernatural. The word "nes" also means the sail of a boat. The sail of a boat towers over the boat from above. The sail enables the boat to move along, to travel in a path. A miracle is an outward display of G-d's divine providence. G-d's providence directs the movement of our lives, and keeps us on the paths we have chosen. When one looks up at the billowing sail of a boat, one can see that there is a force controlling which way the boat is traveling. When a person experiences a miracle, it becomes clear that there is a force controlling the direction of his life. The choice of the word "nes" to encapsulate the meaning behind a supernatural occurrence should not be lost on us. The word "nes" is a short one. It is composed of two letters: "nun" and "samech." The Talmud (Berachos 4b) writes : Rav Yochanan says: Why is there no "nun" in Ashrei (Psalm 145, which is arranged alphabetically, except that the verse beginning with the letter "nun" is missing)? Because the fall of Israel's enemies (euphemistic for Israel) begins with it, for it is written (Amos 5:2): Fallen (which in Hebrew begins with "nun") is the virgin of Israel, she shall rise no more. . . .Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak says: Even so, David refers to it by divine inspiration and promises them an uplifting, for it is written (Psalms 145:14): Hashem supports (which in Hebrew, begins with "samech") all the fallen ones.

combination of these two elements: we are faced with trials and tribulations, and our situation is perilous. Yet, through divine providence, a supernatural occurrence rescues us and provides us with salvation. The word "nes" is a reminder of the ups and downs in life and the role that G-d has in our lives. Chanukah, as the prayer Al HaNissim recites, celebrates the delivery of the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, . . . the wicked into the hands of the righteous. This victory sent a message that resonates until this day: our victories and successes in life, while brought to fruition through our efforts, are truly a result of divine providence. When the odds are against us, we can still prevail. When we have reached a point from where we believe we can go no lower, when our situation is dire, we should not despair. Salvation can come. A one-day supply of oil can last for eight days. Small bands of ordinary people can defeat trained warriors in battle. Miracles can happen. It is up to us to recognize them and appreciate them. Merely reflecting on the meaning of the word for miracle can enhance that appreciation.

The letter "nun," as the Talmud states, represents downfall, suffering, and misfortune. The letter "samech," which in the alphabet, and in the word "nes," follows "nun," represents uplifting, salvation, and redemption. A miracle, a "nes," is the

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Where will you be Celebrating Chanukah? Join Chabad of the Valley at a local Chanukah Celebration!

Chanukah at Citywalk

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Menorah Lighting at CSUN In front of Oviatt library

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Chanukah Under The Sea

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That's Chanukah By Rabbi Label Lam www.torah.org

It was the last day of Chanukah on a Sunday. We got the call early in the morning. The house was filled with excitement. A young lady we knew very well, who is now a mother of a wonderful Jewish family, was studying for conversion at that time and she had finally gotten the â&#x20AC;&#x153;go aheadâ&#x20AC;?. When she called us that morning she enthusiastically shared with us her beautiful new Jewish name, and invited us to a small Chanukah party. My wife and I made the long trek out to Long Island. She was brimming with joy surrounded by supportive families and friends. The table was filled with brunch goodies and we all sat down to eat -sing and celebrate. At one moment one of the lead Rabbis there nudged me gently and said," Nu Reb Label, say something!" I have to admit I was woefully unprepared for the sudden invitation. I asked him if we can sing another song and we did. During the musical interlude a question occurred to me that I am not sure if I heard from a reliable source or if I had thought of it myself. I apologize for not remembering. This is what I shared! Why is this day, the eighth day of Chanukah titled" Zos Chanukahâ&#x20AC;?? Of all the days of Chanukah, that name" Zos Chanukah", why should the eighth day after all the candles are extinguished be called" Zos Chanukah"!? Usually the word Zos or Zeh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;thisâ&#x20AC;? is reserved for times when thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something to point to. When the Jewish people went through the split sea they declared, "This is my G-dâ&#x20AC;Ś" Rashi tells us that they all witnessed loftiest of visions... When Moshe was introduced to the Mitzvah of the new month he was told," this month is for youâ&#x20AC;Ś" Again we are informed by Rashi that Moshe was shown a sliver of the moon. In each case the word "Zeh"â&#x20AC;&#x201C;"this" means something was at hand. Similarly when a Torah scroll is lifted in synagogue congregants gather around and point with their finger while reciting, "This is the

Torah that Moshe placed before the children of Israel by G-d through the agency of Moshe" Many are careful to position themselves to see the script inside the scroll while indicating with a finger. Why? So the declaration should be truthful. Why is this time without visuals called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zos Chanukahâ&#x20AC;?? The simple answer is that over the course of the eight days of Chanukah we read in the Torah about the inaugural activities of the heads of the tribes which concludes on the eighth day of Chanukah when we say," this is the inauguration of the altarâ&#x20AC;?. It is followed by Aaronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invitation to light the menorah of the Tabernacle. It is because of those words,"Zos Chanukas HaMizbeachâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;this is the dedication of the altarâ&#x20AC;?- this day is titled based on the first two words," Zos Chanukas...". Still there must be something more. Chanukah is an expression of -Chinuch-education. How do we know when education has taken place? Sure when we look into the classroom and watch the teachers teaching the students learning we assume that that's education. However, that might just be the process of education. How can we measure when education has taken place? One of my Rebbes used to tell us that the final exam, the symptom that Torah learning has been absorbed into psyche of the student is when one sees how they behave in the dining room and with each other after the classes are complete. Here too, after the lights are out, after eight full days of lighting the Chanukah candles, after all the scholastic activities are concluded a burning question remains. Somebody once came to a great Rabbi and boasted with extra pride, "Rabbi, I finished the entire Talmud!" The Rabbi, sensing his haughty attitude answered him sharply, â&#x20AC;&#x153;And what did the Talmud teach you?!" After eight days of lighting the Chanukah candles, eight full days of expressing dedication- honoring the education process, we might wonder," what have the candles ignited in us?!" When all the lights are out and there is no one there to watch, when all the teachertypes have retreated, then what remains, that's Chanukah!

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We accept and distribut utte: e $ Merchandise of any kind $ Cars $ Cosmetics ( shampoo,

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THIS T HIS CHANUKAH: CH HA ANUKA AH: THE THE FESTIVAL FE ESSTIV IVA VA AL OF OF LIGHTS LIG L IG GH HTS Bring Br ring in ng L Light igh ig gh ht in into nto th the he L Lives ive ivves es of Th Those hose ossee in Ne Nee Need eed ed Why Why Chanukah, you ask? Chanukah is a time for celebration â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the festival of lights. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect opportunity to lighten the burdens of your friends, neighbors and community memberss so theey can havve the peace of mind to enjoy the holiday festivities.

How, Ho w, you ask? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple, really. If we all chip in, give of our time or support â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we can accomplish so much. Wee can help pay W p the rrent... ent... e Wee can help feed the families... W f W g the children childrren e Chanu Wee can help give Chanu-presents kah pr reesents that will brighten their parents faces and ďŹ ll their par reents with joy. joyy. So yes, we can help and Global Kindness is with you every step of the way.

we will discuss the many opportunities that you can help. gently You Y ou o can donate used furniture, furnitturre, gently worn clothing and toys... your home Y ou o can rummage rummage through thrrough o You for unused shampoo, cleaning sup sup-plies and canned food.. ou You Y o can give of your time to help us pick up and distribute... distribute... pick Y ou o can open your checkbook checkbook or tak You takee out your cr redit e card carrd and se send us a tax credit deductible contrib ution. contribution.

When can I start? W eeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re glad you ask ed. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re asked. Right now. Day or night. Put us at the top of your Chanukah to-do-list and make this Chanukah a celebration of light for the entire community!

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generosity, nerosityy, In the merit of your generosity we wish you and your family a

Pick up the phone. Give us a call and

Happy Chanukah!

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November 30, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

November 30, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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