Community Links Issue 227-Pre Pesach Edition

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March 8 - March 18, 2 0 1 3

Vol. 10 Issue 227

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Celebrate Passover

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FEATURES

March 8, 2013

Next Issue Next Advertising Deadline March 14, 2013 Circulation March 18, 2013 Media Kit & Pricing 323.965.1544 Email info@communitylinks.info News & Press Releases press@communitylinks.info

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The Power of Appreciation . . . of Animals? Animals teach us about love. Not just any kind of love, but unconditional love

Virtual Subscription subscribe@communitylinks.info

Mia Adler Ozair, MA, LPCC, NCC

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The Game We Play with the Almighty

We imagine that the wealth that we accumulate and the success we enjoy are the products of our own efforts and our own talents. Rabbi Reuven Wolf

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.

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Celebrating Friendship

34 Dreams of Hope

Large Bipartisan Group of Senators and Members of Congress Join Forces at Historic Celebration of U.S. - Israel Relationship

“Dreams of Hope” Celebrates the Triumph of the Children of the Kindertransport

N. Aaron Troodler

Linda O. Schlesinger

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The Power of Th A p Appreciation ... ooff A Animals? MIA A DLER OZAIR , M A , L PCC, NCC

W

ith Purim just in our rearview mirror and Pesach around the cornerr, I felt it time for some fun and levityy. It’s not exactly in the psychology books as being one of the maajor forms of mental health treatment to appreciate animals and all they do for us; however after an important conversation with my 4th grade friend Menucha Rochel, student at the Bais Chaaya Mushke school on Pico, I decided she had some valid points that we might all consider. The Torah teaches us that appreciation and gratitude are cornerstones to spiritual wellness, but it just so haappens that Menucha Rochel felt specifically as Jews our appreciation for o animals should be particularly important. After her explanation I haappen to agree. The following are some of the key points Menucha Rochel made followed by my own commentary on how the idea ties with our mental health and well-being. 8

Point #1: Be thankful for bees and rams because without them our Rosh Hashanah would not feel complete. We need sweetness and purityy. Our souls yearn for them. The honey of the bee and the sound of the ram’s horn bring us these things and on Rosh Hashanah these two elements of sweetness and purity wash over us like a cleansing wave preparing us for the year ahead. Point #2: Animals provide us with food and we need to appreciate them by saying brachot. Menucha Rochel has a maajor point here. Short of being a vegan, almost all people benefit from the giftts animals give us to sustain and nourish us. So many of our rituals and celebrations rely on what animals provide for us at our beautiful meals. The gift of expressing gratitude and appreciation through recitation of brachot, blessings, makes the animal’s contribution that much more special for us. Furtherr, March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info


our consciousness around the food we prepare gives space for us to pause and truly feel a sense of gratitude for having food to eat and share. Point #3: We are required to treat animals well because they are also HaShem’s creation. There are a variety of ways we are meant to show proper treatment to animals from the way we feed and house them, to the way they are slaughtered for food. Each aspect of care and treatment demonstrates a respect for G-d’s creation and this works as a great example for us. Even though we has human beings are superior to animals, we must still demonstrate care and compassion for even the smallest creatures in His creation. Likewise, we must demonstrate care and compassion for all of G-d’s people and do what we can for the betterment of others.

Animals teach us about love. Not just any kind of love, but unconditional love. Point #4: Animals teach us about love. Not just any kind of love, but unconditional love. Our pets do not

hold grudges, yell at us for our wrong doings, or chip away at our sense of self-worth. Instead, they are just happy to see us and as long as there is food in the bowl and a place to play then life is good. We can learn a lot from this behavior on many levels. As Menucha Rochel so eloquently pointed out, this type of love—unconditional love—is what brings about ahavat chinam and ahavat Yisrael, love for all and love for all of Israel. It was this most poignant point that sold me on Menucha Rochel’s theory of psychology that appreciation of animals really is good for our mental health and wellness. With Pesach preparations getting underway and our redemption, G-d willing, close at hand, let’s all take Menucha Rochel’s words to heart and express our appreciation not just for animals, but for all the blessings in our lives great and small. I for one will say thank you to Menucha Rochel for helping me come up with a thoughtful concept to write about in this issue of Community Links.

Mia Adler Ozair, MA, LPCC, NCC is a licensed clinical psychotherapist and educator with a private practice in Beverly Hills, California. Mia is licensed in both California and Illinois and she can be reached through her website at www.bhcounselingcenter.com, e-mail at mia@bhcounselingcenter.com, office 310464-5226, or followed on Twitter @MiaAdlerOzair

March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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6:49 pm

Candle lighting followed by Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv.

8:00 pm

Kiddush & Dinner ∙ “Is there a life after life?” Mrs. Nomi Freeman

9:00 pm

Pre services refreshments & Jewish mysticism class

9:30 am

Morning services

10:15 am

Torah Reading

12:00 pm

Rabbi Kashani sermon

12:45 pm

Kiddush & Lunch ∙ “How to find your Bashert & keep it” Rabbi Tzvi Freeman

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The Game We Play with the Almighty RABBI REUVEN WOLF

T

his week’s Parsha, Parshas Yayakhel, begins with Moshe gathering (“Va-yakhel”) Bnei Yisroel into an assembly. He did this, the Midrash and the Zohar tell us, on the day after Yom Kippur, when Moshe brought down the second Luchot of the Ten Commandments, a sign that Hashem had forgiven B’nei Yisroel for the Sin of the Golden Calf. Moshe Rabeinu then gathered, the Torah states, kol adas bnei yisroel—“the entire congregation of Israel.” Unlike other instances, when Moshe addressed different groups within B’nei Yisroel, here he gathered ALL of them. The Torah uses the term Vayakhel, even though it seems obvious that Moshe would have to have gathered all of B’nei Yisroel in order to address them all. Why is the word (and the act) of assembling the entire congregation specifically mentioned here? The opening verse further states: eleh ha-d’varim—“These are the things” that Hashem commanded. Though the Torah

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uses the plural, it seems that the only thing discussed in these opening three verses is Shabbos. But then why would there be a need for a whole gathering of B’nei Yisroel for that; haven’t they been told about the laws of Shabbos before? The Ramban and Ibn Ezra therefore say that this must also be referring to the Mishkan, which follows. “D’varim” is plural because it refers to both the Shabbos and the building of the Mishkan. Further, these commentaries say, there needed to be a huge gathering (hence the word, Vayakhel) because there were so many details to be gone over in the mitzvah of constructing the Mishkan. The Kli Yakar (Rav Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz of Prague; 1550–1619) has a few problems with this interpretation. First he points out that the section relating to the Mishkan has its own introduction in verse 35:4: “And Moshe said to the entire assembly of B’nei Yisroel, ‘This is the matter [note the singular] concerning which Hashem has commanded you.” He comes

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to the conclusion that the “D’varim”—the matters referred to encouraged B’nei Yisroel to do as part of their rehabilitation, in 35:1—are both the Shabbos and the Mishkan. The Torah but the Torah lists only those tasks that are relevant to us emphasizes that the prohibitions of work on Shabbos apply no today. The two Mitzvot listed for our benefit are: the building less to the work to be done for the Mishkan. In fact, the Torah and operation of the Mishkan, and Shabbos—not just the here calls Shabbos, “Shabbos Shabboson L’Ha-shem”—“It is a same Shabbat we already knew, but now an extra measure of Shabbos, a “Shabbos of Shabbos to Hashem.” Shabbos now Sabbath of Sabbath to G-d,” an unusual phrasing. But then we finally can’t help noticing that the Torah here needs to be not simply a day of rest, but a day of “perfect rest,” if we are to make any headway toward our uses a strange term with regard to work: goal of purifying the world. But what is instead of saying that, during the six this “perfect rest” we seek and what is a days of the week, “Tah’aseh melacha”— “Shabbos of Shabbos”? “you shall do work,” the Torah says, The Talmud tells us that on Shabbos, “Tai-oseh melachah”—“your work shall it is not enough to simply refrain from be done,” implying, one might think, work. One must feel that one’s work is that somehow the work will get done “fully done” and the world is complete. by itself. In our lives, we know that It may be difficult to fathom how one earning a living can be a hard and a can complete large projects and big deals complicated process—yet here it seems in just six days—look how long it took to be getting done all by itself. What is to put a man on the Moon. So how is the Torah telling us by all these unusual it possible to go into Shabbos thinking phrases and introductions? that all our work is done and we need In order to understand the great not devote a single second of thought importance of keeping Shabbos and its to what we imagine is still undone and role in our world in Chassidic thought, We imagine that still there for us to do? Isn’t that totally one must more fully comprehend the the wealth that we unrealistic? consequences of the sin of both Adam accumulate and the The answer is really quite simple, and Chava and of the Chet Ha’egel— success we enjoy are the though it may require nothing less the sin of the Golden Calf. The than an entirely new way of looking at Midrash tells us that before these sins, products of our own work and the workplace. The Psalmist the world was in a state of absolute efforts and our own (Tehilim 128:2) tells us: “When you will “perfection”—first when it was created talents. eat the work of your hands, you shall by G-d, and then when the taint of the be happy, and it will be well with you.” unholiness of the Nachash, the snake What King David is telling us is that the (the Yetzer Hara—the Evil inclination) work we do is successful or not, not as a was purged out of B’nei Yisroel in the result of our talents. Every gift that we receive from the world exile and bondage of Egypt. In both instances, the world became a harmonious place and from work is really a gift from Hashem. So it’s all right imbued with the total divine presence of Hashem. But when to devote our physical energies—the “work of our hands”—to Adam and Chava sinned in Gan Eden, the snake’s venom our livelihood. But if we dedicate every aspect of our inner entered the world and filled it with evil. Generations later, lives, including all our genius, commitment, perseverance and B’nei Yisroel were sent to Egypt, where they went through a faith—the “work of our hearts and minds”—then we will not kind of “detoxification” and were cleansed. They then went on have anything left with which to observe Shabbos as a Shabbos to Sinai where they pledged their commitment to Hashem by Shabboson—a “Shabbos of Shabbos” in service to Hashem and proclaiming the words, Na’aseh v’nishma—“We will do the immersed in learning, contemplation and dedication. So, King David tells us, we need to play a little game with commandments immediately—without any qualification or reservation.” Unfortunately, B’nei Yisroel committed the Chet the Almighty: we pretend that the work we do is the reason Ha-egel, the Sin of the Golden Calf, and instead of going on we have livelihoods—crops; earnings; profits; success—but to living in Messianic times, that old “venom” of the Nachash the real source of all this is Hashem. There is no need to wear re-entered the heart of man. Though we were forgiven, we were ourselves out during the week, imagining that the wealth that not without that taint—and not without the need to rectify and we accumulate and the success we enjoy are the products of our own efforts and our own talents. How vain and foolish “rehabilitate” ourselves. There were no doubt many things at this gathering Moshe is such thinking—nothing but a fantasy! All our sustenance March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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comes as a gift from Hashem, even if we apply all our eorts and Now this approach does not get high marks in the business schools all our talents. If all of our passion, intelligence and emotional of the world. The values that drive people in business or in any other commitment go into the toils of life during the week, then we human endeavor and lead to success are (the MBAs say) perseverance, will be too tired to serve and pray and study when we have “spare commitment, and dedication—and no small measure of “smarts.â€? The great success stories of the modern world— timeâ€? on Shabbos. For Shabbos is not “spare timeâ€? at all—it’s our “prime timeâ€?—a day set For the Shabbos is Bill Gates, for example—are held up as shining examples of these values paying o. But if we are aside for us to devote the best of who we are not “spare timeâ€? at honest with ourselves, we will realize that there and what we can do in the service of Hashem. all—it’s our “prime are thousands of inventors and entrepreneurs We must invest all our energy into spiritual every bit as creative and talented as Bill Gates, pursuits of holiness and look upon our work timeâ€?—when we not as something that we must do in order have set aside a day who simply haven’t “made itâ€? the way Gates did. doesn’t mean they are not brilliant; it simply to live—if that were true, the Torah would to devote the best Itmeans that they did not have Hashem’s blessings have used the word Ta’aseh—“you shall do of who we are and when it came to success in business. your workâ€?; but the Torah uses the word TaiThis reorientation, as one would expect, oseh—on six days, our work will get done, with what we can do to the called for Moshe Rabeinu assembling the or without our eorts, our talents, our genius. service of Hashem. entire congregation, men and women, young To observe Shabbos fully and to turn it into and old, to instruct them on the new and a tool for purifying the world and spreading Kedushah—holiness—in it, we need to look at the world and greater task at hand: correcting Am Yisroel and the world, and making it ďŹ t for the age of Moshi’ach. our work in this new way.

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The Value of Dual Language at a Young Age C

hildren who grow up with two or more languages from birth -- or shortly thereafter -- tend to learn both languages in the same way at the same time. When a child begins developing in one language and a new language is added after about the age of three, the second language learning takes a somewhat different path. We know that most three-year-olds understand and use a lot of language and understand how language works. Their second language is based on that knowledge. Social and emotional factors influence children’s learning of a second language. Some children might be shy or embarrassed about trying a new language. But, with the right learning environment, child-centered activities and a natural approach to teaching a second language, the child will thrive and love learning. Continuing support in a natural environment provides a solid foundation that makes the learning of the second language successful. Children in a bilingual environment actually become even more aware of their own language and learn to think and act in more flexible ways. They develop a better ability to understand other people’s way of thinking and have a better understanding for people who speak a different language. Young children between the ages of 2-5 can successfully learn any language in addition to their own. There are many stages of second language development that helps a child through the learning process. The learning process depends on when the child starts learning the second language, their skills in the first language and the quality of support for learning a new language. Encourage children to develop rich language vocabulary by building concepts while talking during play or in handson learning. During the early years of a child’s development, vocabulary is best 20

learned actively and in context. For example, children are more likely to learn the names of different fruits by holding the actual fruits and talking about their properties, shapes and how they smell and taste. Finding books, games, catalogs, pictures or music enhances the learning experiences. For infants and toddlers, using board books and picture books that show faces, clothes and activities of people help develop meaningful conversations. Infants brains are very well equipped to learn one or more languages. Building on those learning experiences in a fun and natural way will help with their language development and it can be critical to helping the child learn new things. It is a good idea to introduce infants to high-quality language experiences in their second language so they can continue learning in both languages throughout the early years. Singing songs or learning simple greetings will help them gain confidence in speaking. Children can learn simple phrases, sentences and greetings in languages used in the community so they can talk with people they meet. Toddlers can learn pragmatic skills that help them to be better communicators. When learning to speak, teaching the child to speak slowly, repeat, show what they want, and be gentle and patient when trying to understand others, you are also helping them learn to interact more effectively with friends. In our Jewish community Hebrew is a part of our very essence. We utilize it in so many ways. The most successful way to ensure our children gain an understanding and a comfort level of Hebrew, we should begin teaching them the language from as young an age as possible. Being immersed in a second language is the most effective way for young children to learn another language. Early contact with a new language forms the basis for expansive cognitive development and learning. Article submitted by the Educational Administration of Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info


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The Final Exam BY YOSSY GOLDMAN

T

ransparency and accountability -- these are the new buzz you honest and fair with people? words for 21st century corporate governance. No doubt The second question, however, does go to the heart of our all upright, honorable people welcome every genuine effort to Jewishness. “Did you set aside fixed times for Torah study?” It stop corruption and dishonesty in whatever sphere of society would appear that familiarizing oneself with Torah and becom-- corporate, governmental or personal. But is this really a new ing a knowledgeable Jew is the key that phenomenon? Is ours, in fact, the first opens the doors to everything else in JewNo traffic cop will buy the generation in history concerned about ish life. story that the driver didn’t such issues? Is it not an anomaly of our times that In this week’s Torah reading, Piku- know it was illegal. In our day many of our most brilliant legal minds dei (Exodus 38-40), we learn that way and age, with so many new -- attorneys, advocates and judges -- may back in the days of Moses a transparent opportunities for Torah study have never opened a single page of the accounting and detailed audit was conTalmud, Judaism’s classic encyclopedia ducted over the donations made by the available, Jewish ignorance just of law? Or that some of our finest docIsraelites towards the building campaign doesn’t wash. tors may be completely unfamiliar with for the Sanctuary and its sacred vessels. the medical writings of Maimonides, the The contributions of gold, silver and copgreat 12th century physician and scholar? per were all weighed and totaled, so that no one could Or that our brightest business magnates remain Jewcast any aspersions on the integrity of Moshe and his ishly ignorant, even illiterate? team. In fac t, the commentaries derive from this epiWhen it comes to crossing a red light, ignorance of sode that those in charge of communal charity funds the law is no excuse. No traffic cop will buy the story that should likewise hold themselves accountable. the driver didn’t know it was illegal. In our day and age, We all need to be “innocent in the eyes of with so many new opportunities for Torah study G-d and man.” available, Jewish ignorance just doesn’t wash. If Ethics of the Fathers reminds us to the Talmud was once a closed book, today it’s consider that one day we will all face available in English -- and there are teachers to ultimate accountability. Each of go with it too. Jewish studies opportunities us will stand before the heavenly abound in every community. And if one is tribunal to give a din v’cheshbon, a geographically challenged, the internet can “full justification and an accounting” work wonders. You’ll even find yourself a virfor the way we lived our lives. tual Rabbi! It’s fascinating to note that somehow Let’s ensure that when the Cop in Sky pulls the Talmud (Shabbos, 31a) was able us over to “ask a few questions” we’ll all be able to to get wind of the actual questions we answer in the affirmative. will be asked by that supernal tribunal. Know what the very first question Rabbi Yossy Goldman was born in Brooklyn, New York. In 1976 he was sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memis going to be? Surprise, it’s not “Did you ory, as a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary to serve the Jewish combelieve in G-d,” or “Did you fast on Yom munity of Johannesburg, South Africa. He is Senior Rabbi of Kippur?” Believe it or not, the first questhe Sydenham Shul since 1986, president of the South African tion on this final of final exams is: “Did Rabbinical Association, and a frequent contributor to Chabad. you deal faithfully in business?” Not how org. His book ‘From Where I Stand’ - Life Messages from the religious you were with G-d but how you Weekly Torah Reading was recently published by KTAV and is available at Jewish book shops or online www.ktav.vom conducted your business affairs. Were

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Large Bipartisan Group of Senators and Members of Congress Join Forces at Historic Celebration of U.S. - Israel Relationship B Y N. A A RO N TROODLER

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pring maay not haave come yet to Washington, DC, but on Wednesdaay, February 27, 2013, the unique relaationship between the United States and Israel was in full bloom. Several hundred Jewish leaders from across the U.S. journeyed to our nation’s capital to offeer their gratitude to members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives for their staunch support of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Nearly two dozen Members of Congress, whether they are ultra-conservative or extremely liberal in their political ideologies, put partisanship aside and participated in this special program in order to stand united with the State of Israel. The Iron Dome Congressional Tribute, which was coordinated by Ezra Friedlander and The Friedlander Group, was chaired by Robert Rechnitz, a prominent Los Angeles based Jewish philanthropist and businessman who is the Principal of Bomel Compa28

nies. This historic event was a celebration of the everlasting U.S.-Israel alliaance and a tribute to the United States Congress for the Iron Dome Missile Defeense System. In addition, there was a special tribute to the memory of Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, who was a courageous defender of the State of Israel, a stalwart supporter of the bond between the U.S. and Israel, and one of the individuals who was instrumental in securing the funding for the Iron Dome. During the recent conflict in Israel in November 2012, the world witnessed the technological marvels of the Iron Dome Missile Defeense System and the unbelievable manner in which it saaved the lives of thousands of civilians. With thousands of deadly rockets raining down on Israeli cities, the Iron Dome effectively disaabled the overwhelming majority of those rockets and prevented widespread devastation. Since 2009, the Obama

administration and the U.S. Congress have allocated an unprecedented $275 million in funding for the Iron Dome. The program began with a gourmet luncheon in the majestic Kennedy Caucus Room of the United States Senate. The emcee was Phil Rosen, Esq., one of the premier corporate and property attorneys in the United States and a prominent Jewish communal leader who is Vice-Chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition, and the Founding and Current Vice Chairman of the Board of Yeshiva College. In his introductory remarks, Robert Rechnitz noted that everyone in the room was there to give thanks to the United States. “ We haave no political agenda,” saaiid Mr. Rechnitz. “ We are here to simply offer e our gratitude to the United States for its unwavering support of Israel.”” Republican Congressman Ed Royce of California, who is the Chaaiirman of the

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Ambassador of Israel to US Michael Oren, Rober Rechnitz -Chairman Iron Dome Congressional Tribute, Ezra Friedlander - CEO The Friedlander Group, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)

House Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke about the 90 percent success rate of the Iron Dome in November and how important it was that Americans got the opportunity to see the defense system work effectively. He also recounted how his father was one of the people who liberated Dachau as a member of the American military during World War II. His father took pictures of what he witnessed in the death camp and embarked on a tour of college campuses in order to tell young adults about the horrors of the Holocaust. “My overriding goal as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee is to strengthen American allies like Israel and weaken our enemies like Iran and Hezbollah,” said Congressman Royce. Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi talked about the great relationship between Israel and the United States over the past 65 years. “Israel lives in a very unwelcoming and hostile neighborhood,” said Senator Wicker. “That is why we need to support the Iron Dome.” Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, spoke about his trip to Israel and how much he enjoyed being there. He told

the crowd how he sang Hebrew songs together with a group of rabbis at the Western Wall, even though he had no idea what the words meant. “It is not our job to dictate to Israel every bit of policy minutia,” Senator Paul said. “It is not our job to tell Israelis where they can or cannot build.” After giving a “shout out” to “the best ambassador in town - Michael Oren,” Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, a vocal supporter of Israel, noted that she is introducing the Iron Dome Support Act, which is a testament to how much the U.S. values its relationship with Israel. “The Iron Dome saved thousands of lives and it must continue to do so,” said Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen. Referring to the United States and Israel, Republican Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma, who is a Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, said that “our interests are the same and I am going to make sure that it stays that way.” Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff of California got the crowd laughing while discussing his recent trip to Israel. “When

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your name is Adam and you’re married to a woman named Eve, going to Israel is like coming home. What can I say? It’s bashert.” When he addressed the crowd, Ambassador of Israel to the United States Michael Oren noted that the Iron Dome is the first anti-ballistic system to prove successful in combat. “It is literally rocket science,” he said. “The Iron Dome doesn’t only save lives, it prevents wars. It’s a game changer,” said Ambassador Oren. “Behind the Iron Dome stands a marble dome - the Capitol of the United States of America.” Ambassador Oren also discussed President Obama’s upcoming trip to Israel and remarked that his visit “will demonstrate an unbreakable alliance and an iron clad commitment between the United States and Israel.” In addition, the Ambassador paid tribute to the late Senator Daniel Inouye and introduced his wife, Irene Inouye. Mrs. Inouye talked about how much her husband had valued the strong bond between the U.S. and Israel. “Dan wanted peace,” she said. “I hope that it will be achieved in our lifetime.” Bill Thompson, Jr., the former Comptroller of the City of New York, commented that, “the celebration of the Iron Dome is a shared victory.” Referring to the U.S.-Israel relationship, he said that “our futures will be forever linked.” Chaskel Bennett, a noted community leader from Brooklyn, talked about the scene that unfolds in Southern Israel when the siren sounds to warn of an incoming rocket. “When a siren sounds, you have 15 seconds to get to safety,” he said. “Yes, we believe in G-d and prayer, but the Iron Dome is a game changer.” Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, spent some time talking about the tremendous vision that Senator Inouye had when it came to the bond between the U.S. and Israel. R. James Woolsey, the former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and currently the Chairman of Woolsey Partners, LLC, discussed the remarkable nature of the Iron Dome System. “The Iron Dome is inventive and successful,” he said. “It avoids wasting

29


defense on incoming rockets that won’t hit anywhere sensitive.” When Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, the Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis, introduced Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, he elicited laughter from the crowd when he said, “as they say in Hawaii, ‘shaloa.’” Senator Schatz talked about his predecessor, Senator Inouye, and the demonstration of his unwavering support of Israel when he secured funds for the Iron Dome. “No one can fill his shoes,” he said, referring to Senator Inouye, “but we have to follow in his footsteps.” He also talked about the significance of maintaining a strong bond with Israel. “Partisan politics cannot get in the way of Israel’s security and our relationship with her.” Republican Congressman Trent Franks Robert Rechnitz, Chairman of the Iron Dome Congressional Tribute presents Eric Lynn, of Arizona said that, “the Iron Dome has Office of the Secretary of Defense, with Commemorative Iron Dome Medal, Ezra Friedlander, become the face of missile defense for the CEO -The Friedlander Group world.” He also discussed the perseverance of the Jewish people. “After the Holocaust, shire, Republican Senator Johnny Isakson bridge their partisan divides and stand in the Jews wiped away their tears and they of Georgia, Democratic Senator Joe Don- unison with American Jewish leaders at the built a nation. The Nazis are gone, but Is- nelly of Indiana, and Democratic Senator historic Iron Dome Congressional Tribute. “In an environment where partisanship Mark Pryor of Arkansas. In addition, the rael remains.” often causes rifts among our elected officrowd heard from Tevi Troy, the former Democratic Congressman Joe Kennedy, III of Massachusetts spoke about his visit Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department cials, it was extremely heartwarming to see to Sderot and the impact that seeing the re- of Health and Human Services and Presi- that our leaders in Washington were able to inforced bus shelters that doubled as bomb dent George W. Bush’s liaison to the Jewish bridge their partisan divides and stand in unison with American Jewish leaders at the shelters had on him. “The only thing Israel community. historic Iron Dome Congressional Tribute” Upon the conclusion of the tribute asks for is the right to exist,” he said. “That’s concluded Mr. Rechnitz. luncheon, the attendees participated in a not too much to ask.” Upon the conclusion of the tribute lunDemocratic Congressman Eliot Engel White House briefing with members of the cheon, the attendees participated in a special Obama administration, including Zachary of New York, the Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that Kelly, President Obama’s liaison to the Jew- White House briefing with members of the the Iron Dome “allowed the United States ish community, and Eric Lynn, a senior pol- Obama administration, including Zachary icy advisor on Mideast affairs at the State Kelly, President Obama’s liaison to the Jewto put its money where its mouth is.” ish community, Andy Abel- Director for “Support for Israel is strong and it’s bi- Department. Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian Affairs for The Members of Congress and the partisan and that’s the way it should be,” the National Security Staff and Eric Lynn, White House officials walked away from Congressman Engel said. “The bond between the United States and Israel is strong the event with a clear sense of just how a senior policy official on Mideast affairs at much the Jewish community appreciates the Department of Defense who was preand it is unbreakable.” Senator Pat Roberts, a Republican their support of the Iron Dome System and sented by Robert Rechnitz with the Iron from Kansas, said that, “Israel has a right their commitment to further cementing and Dome Medal in recognition of President Obama’s key role in the development of the to exist and we have to defend that right at enhancing the U.S.-Israel relationship. In an environment where partisanship Iron dome anti-missile defense system.. every opportunity.” often causes rifts among our elected offiOther individuals who spoke at the cials, it was extremely heartwarming to see For more information visit: www.thefriedlantribute luncheon included Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hamp- that our leaders in Washington were able to dergroup.com/irondome.

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os Angeles…February 25, 2013…The new performing arts department of Valley Torah High School’s girls division will present, for women only, “ Dreams of Hope,” Sunday, March 10, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Salter Family Theater at Beverly Hills High School. “ Dreams of Hope” was inspired by “The Pianist of Willesden Lane,” a one-woman play based on the book by Mona Golabek, The Children of Willesden Lane. The book and play chronicle Golabek’s mother’s experience as a participant in the Kindertransport during World War II. Golabek is a concert pianist, as was her motherr, Lisa Jura, and her maternal grandmotherr, Malka Jura, who died in Auschwitz. The play uses music as a vehicle to “celebrate the power and triumph of the children of the Kindertransport,” says Lisa Pietruszka, VTHS director of performing arts and author of the creative adaptation. “ It’s about children facing adversity and through adversity being able to triumph.”” Directed by Cindy Kania, the play features live classical piano music, dance and choral numbers. To inspire them for their own production, last Septemberr, VTHS invited the girls to a moving performance of “The Pianist of

Willesden Lane,” at the Geffen e Theater in Weestwood. The Kindertransport was a rescue mission of nearly 10,000 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the Free City of Danzig prior to the outbreak of the World War II. The United Kingdom took in the children and placed them in British foster homes, hostels, and farms. Some of them were the only members of their families who survived the Holocaust. Introduced last fall, the VTHS performing arts department has five components: vocal music, dramatic arts, creative writing, dance (modern, jazz and ballet) and theatrical production. All the elective disciplines collaborated on this production. Pietruszka, a profeessional pianist and music teacherr, designed and oversees the department. VTHS also has a thriving, award winning visual arts department. Both programs place a strong dual emphasis on fostering a love of the arts and teaching the girls life skills through the arts, such as collaboration, determination, presentation and self-confidence. For more information or to purchase advance tickets or sponsorships, email dreamsoffh hope@vths.org or call 818-505-7999.

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Israeli Hospital Receives Prestigious Computing Prize

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ambam Hospital in Haifa has won the ‘Oscar’ of the Israeli computing world for a program it has developed that can manage hospitals during a time of emergency. The “e-mergency” advanced information and control system, which won the 2012 Outstanding Project Award at the highly acclaimed ‘IT Awards’ competition in Israel, enables hospital staff to move from a ‘routine’ to ‘emergency’ state as quickly and as efficiently as possible. As the first system of its kind in Israel, the “e-mergency” program’s purpose is to enable the hospital’s leadership to make intelligent decisions based on an integrated flow of information received in real time. The system automatically reports on crucial aspects of hospital functioning such as excess demand and bottlenecks, indicating the number of blood portions on hand or the number of available operating theaters. Simultaneously, it controls security cameras, disseminates e-mail and SMS notifications, and runs the public address system. It also automatically documents all developments and decisions in a

computerized events journal that will enable production of an investigative report and the drawing of conclusions after the event. With the capability of leading decision makers through pre-designed processes for every possible scenario, the system has the potential to revolutionize emergency medical care, Since this is unfortunately becoming an increasingly important consideration in Israel, the program has awakened widespread interest. In fact, the Emergency Branch of Israel’s Ministry of Health, has already expressed the intention of purchasing it. “Our aim is to facilitate Rambam Hospital’s work during a real emergency and to enable decision-making on the basis of changing data, under optimal conditions,” explains Ms. Sara Tzafrir, of the Division of Information Technology & Communication Services at Rambam Hospital. “This system can certainly help the hospital staff to cope with tough scenarios and enable the best care possible under these circumstances. It may even save lives.”

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n the 14th of November, 2012, Israel was yet again engulfed in ďŹ ghting on its Southern border. Operation Pillar of Defense was launched by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in response to the barrage of rockets emanating from the Gaza strip. Israel looked on as the IDF began its widespread campaign targeting military structures and operatives throughout Gaza. In response, Hamas shot over 1,400 rockets into Israel reaching as far as Tel Aviv and the outskirts of Jerusalem. The South of Israel was under attack. The sirens wailed day and night and the south shut down. Residents of cities such as Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Melachi and Beer Sheva ed to their shelters. Sderot residents on Gaza’s border had long become familiar with the “Red Alertâ€? warning them of imminent attack but for those cities located up to thirty miles from Gaza, the operation came as a shock. Factories closed, transport ceased and citizens took cover. Six Israelis were killed, 269 Israelis were injured and houses, cars and businesses were damaged. For the South, which contains some of the most economically disadvantaged areas in 40

Israel, the operation was yet another blow for their fragile economy. But as the shelters once again gather dust, the south of Israel is still struggling to pick its feet up economically after years of poverty, distress and neglect. 3,&.,1* 83 7+( 3,(&(6 (&2120,&$//< According to the central bureau of statistics, in 2001 31% of the South was classiďŹ ed to be ‘poor’. The research used a new indicator to measure poverty and deďŹ ned a person as poor when his “physical existence and needs distract him every minute of the day and therefore most of his economic resources are allocated to food consumption and residence.â€? Just ďŹ fteen miles from the Gaza strip lies Kiryat Gat. During Operation Pillar of Defense rockets sent residents running for shelter and this already poverty stricken

city was plunged further into darkness. “The economic situation in Kiryat Gat is unstable. The operation made it worse; people didn’t leave their houses,â€? said Maya Naim whose house in Kiryat Gat was hit by one of the rockets coming from Gaza. “My business suered, my house was damaged and my disabled son’s car was destroyed.â€? Naim has received compensation for the damage to her house but the car was not included in this. She is now spending hundreds of shekels each month on taxis to enable her son to get to work. Kiryat Gat’s residents struggle to provide for their families’ basic needs with the average wage being around 50% lower than the national average. Though the situation is dramatic and unemployment rates run high, there are organizations and individuals making a real dierence to this troubled community. Esther Richtman is one such shining

March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info


beacon and she was recently honored with the “Citizen of the Cityâ€? award at a ceremony in the city center. 6$97$ (67+(5 7+( &,7<q6 *5$1'027+(5 Richtman arrived in Kiryat Gat in 1964 from Romania with her husband Abraham and their ďŹ rst child on the way. Following a long career in the textile industry the couple decided to spend their retirement giving back to the people of Kiryat Gat. Richtman, who is locally known as Savta Esther (Grandma Esther), has now become somewhat of a local celebrity thanks to her work with Meir Panim. Leading Israeli relief organization, Meir Panim, operates two Power of Giving warehouses in Southern Israel to distribute furniture, clothes and other necessary household equipment for those who cannot aord to purchase them at regular prices. Richtman began volunteering at the Kiryat Gat warehouse sorting items and mending donated clothes. “I saw the good that Meir Panim was doing by supporting the poor but more importantly, how they did it with dignityâ€? (customers pay a nominal fee for each item so that it does not feel like receiving a hand-out). Eight years ago, when vol-

unteering in the warehouse, she overheard that Meir Panim was looking for someone to run their afterschool facility for some of the poorest children in Kiryat Gat and she jumped at the chance. “Within a week Meir Panim had located premises for me, provided me with National Service volunteers and we had decorated the club to feel like a home,â€? Richtman explains. “We are dealing with children whose parents cannot aord to feed them healthy meals each day, who are left to their own devices and who simply continue their parents’ cycle of poverty.â€?

Together with Meir Panim, Savta Esther is working to break the cycle of poverty.

March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

%5($.,1* 7+( &<&/( 2) 329(57< Together with Meir Panim, Savta Esther is working to break this cycle of poverty. The children turn up to school prepared because she delivers school supplies at the beginning of the school year. The children are able to study because they receive two hot meals a day and studying at school is complemented with homework help from the National Service Volunteers. “I’m so grateful that Savta Esther came into our lives eight years ago,â€? said Chagit Hazan mother of two participants in the afterschool club. “I work long hours in an old age home and try to support my children on my own but without Savta Esther and Meir Panim I don’t know what we’d do.â€? Hazan says that there are parents and children queuing up to be admitted to the afterschool club. Kiryat Gat is just one example of a city trying to get back on its feet now that peace has returned to the area but it is not easy. “When the rockets stopped falling, Southern Israel slipped o the media radar,â€? explains Goldie Sternbuch, Assistant Director of Overseas relations at Meir Panim. “But for those of us who witness this poverty daily, it is clear that help is needed now, as much as ever before.â€? Meir Panim is currently building a Nutrition Center located in Kiryat Gat which will not only produce the thousands of hot meals that Meir Panim need to feed Israel’s poor each day but it will provide a much needed boost to Kiryat Gat’s dwindling economy. Getting the South back on its feet after years of trauma caused by rocket ďŹ re and economic distress is no easy feat but slowly but surely the future looks more positive. “This Pesach we will be yet again distributing food cards to enable residents stock their cupboards with the special foods needed at this time of year,â€? Sternbuch said. “We will be hosting hundreds of adults and children for communal Seders and hoping to bring a little joy to those in the midst of economic distress.â€? Like in previous years, Savta Esther also has a few tricks up her sleeves for the children of Kiryat Gat and she looks forward to truly celebrating Pesach both with the children and also with their extended families.

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SWEET CABBAGE BRISKET WITH THYME ROASTED POTATOES One of my most beloved Passover recipes is the Un-Stuffed Cabbage Soup from my first book, Quick & Kosher Recipes From The Bride Who Knew Nothing (that’s me!). This is an entrée inspired by the family, friend, and neighborhood favorite. Times Prep Time : 5 min Cook Time : 3 hour Ready Time : 3 hour, 5 min Servings 6-8 Ingredients For the brisket: 1 (5-pound) brisket 1 (16-ounce) bag shredded cabbage 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes 3 cups tomato sauce ½ cup light brown sugar 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the potatoes: 4 pounds mixed fingerling and new potatoes, halved 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, smashed 1 tablespoon thyme ½ teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Directions Place brisket in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot. Add cabbage, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, vinegar, salt, and onion powder and cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook about 3 hours or until meat is very tender. Meanwhile, prepare the potatoes. Preheat oven to 400°F. On a large baking sheet, toss potatoes with oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Roast 30 to 40 minutes or until tender. Serve slices of brisket with roasted potatoes and a little extra sauce.

Reprinted with permission from www.joyofkosher.com.

EASY ROASTED CHICKEN Roasting a chicken well is actually a very simply task and here is my recipe for a Simple Market Roasted Chicken. Times Prep Time : 10 min Cook Time : 1 hour Ready Time : 1 hour, 10 min Servings 4 Ingredients 1 1.5 kilo (3 lb) chicken 1 clove of crushed Garlic 1 Bunch Fresh Thyme 1 Fresh Lemon 1 tbsp Olive Oil Kosher Salt Ground Black Pepper

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Directions Add salt, pepper, one bay leaf, one crushed clove of garlic, lemon and a small bunch of thyme to the body cavity. Salt and pepper the outside and rub a little olive oil onto the chicken. Place the chicken breast side down in a roasting pan (this will help to prevent drying of the breast). Cook in a pre-heated oven (200c, 400f, gas mark 6) for half the cooking time (cooking time is determined by this formula: 15 minutes per 450g – 1lb – of chicken, plus 15 extra minutes). Turn the chicken over and finish cooking it breast side up. Once cooked, put the chicken on a warmed platter and let stand for 15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle and the meat to relax. You can use a little boiling water to deglaze the pan and use this as the gravy. This method will give you crispy skin and moist flesh.

Reprinted with permission from www.joyofkosher.com.

March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info


SOFT AND CHEWY NOUGAT I love Italian style soft and chewy nougat. Most of the time all I can find is the hard kind and so I decided to try making it myself. Not too bad for you either as desserts go since it starts with egg white and includes nuts and dried fruit, quite a bit of sugar and honey, but I actually cut that back a bit and now I can have this special treat without much guilt. Feel free to make it your own with any mix ins from all kinds of nuts, to fruits, to chocolate. Times Prep Time : 20 min Cook Time : 10 min Ready Time : 30 min Servings 10

Ingredients Nonstick vegetable oil spray 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup sugar 1 large egg white, room temperature pinch kosher salt 1 cup toasted nuts (I used whole almonds) 3/4 cup dried fruit (I used dried cherries)

Directions You are supposed to use edible rice paper on both sides of this sticky treat and if you plan on packaging and giving out to friends or storing for a while it would be wise to find some. I didn’t and I just used parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray and for serving in our house it was more than fine. Start by toasting the nuts for about 10 minutes at 350. Set aside to cool. Prepare and 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or rice paper sprayed with cooking spray. Combine sugar, honey and 2 Tbsp. water in a small deep heavy saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of pan. Increase heat and boil until thermometer registers 280°, about 3 -5 minutes.

until meringue is thick and has cooled slightly, 10–12 minutes. Remove the bowl from the mixer and add dried fruit and nuts of choice or even chocolate chips to meringue; mix nougat with a rubber spatula to distribute evenly. Place on the prepared pan spreading in an even layer. Top with second sheet of rice paper or sprayed parchment. Use spatula to press the nougat into an even layer. Let nougat set at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. Cut with a knife and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Reprinted with permission from www.joyofkosher.com.

At the same time, beat egg white and salt in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until soft peaks form. With mixer running, slowly and very carefully, stream hot syrup into egg whites. Beat

March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info


Mazel Tov! Engagements

Baby B abby B aaby Bo Boyoy Births B h

Babyy Girl Births B h

Daniella Lent to Avi Schochet Shaindel Freylicher to Menashe Blaustein Yael Rosenbaum to Yosef Plittman Devora Murik to Yona Berrish David Nissim Hyam to Jessica Golriz Dovid Parshan to Elisheva Newman

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March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

Maternity Clothing: long skirts, pencil, skirts,Shabbos and denim skirts, Shabbos and simcha outfits, casual tops, dressy tops, t-shirts and vests. Shells: a variety of colors in full, sleeveless, and crop shells. Stockings: Mila and Berkshire (nonmaternity) Memoi and Berkshire (maternity) Tichels: beautiful pre-tied patterns, Israeli, and snoods. Nursing Nightgowns: a nice colorful selection, tznius and comfortable. Call for Appointment: Miriam Rav--Noy (310) 425--8766, miriamrav2@yahoo.com

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March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

1. Fire alarm panel has moved down. 2. A peace sign from a girl’s shirt has changed colors. 3. The laces are missing from a girl’s boots. 4. The lace on the girl’s dress has changed colors. 5. A girl’s skirt is now longer. 6 A girl’s blue nose is now pink. 7. A pink stripe is missing from a dress. 8. There is an extra pink bow on a girl’s dress. 9. A girl’s face paint has changed. 10. A girl’s shirt has changes colors.

qqq q qqq q qq CHANGES KEEP SCORE

10

Please email us your event pictures to Info@communitylinks.info

Preschool children have fun dressing up and wearing make up in honor of Purim. Can you spot the differences in these two pictures?

DoubleTake


March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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T The he T Trail rail M Mix ix of the E Exodus! xodus!

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MUSIC BANDS

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One man band to a full orchestra. Please call now for availability & rates!

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A Time for Dance fall classes! Join the fun this year as we kick off season 9. Amazing classes include ballet, gymnastics, jazz, tap, hip hop, zumba and drama workshop for girls and teens. New Boys Gymnastics and Kickboxing ages 4-15 and Women's Ballet, Modern and more! Check out our schedule at www.atime4dance.com or call 323 404-0827 for more info.

Yosef Y. Shagalov Traveling Notary Public & Home Signing Agent. Cell:(323)934-7095 email: yys770@aol.com

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

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CERTIFIED s�oc PERSONAL TRAINER

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310-595-5490 LIVE@ MUSICBYMENDEL.COM

Certified Personal Trainer for Women only, individual or groups. For more info please contactSarit: 424-653-8705 or email Sarit1911@hotmail.com

BABYSITTER

TUTOR AVAILABLE

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

Tutor for reading Hebrew and English for all ages. $15 an hour. For more info please contact Deborah at 310-474-7471 or email Deborahcohenn@gmail.com

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TOWNHOUSE FOR SALE

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HOUSE FOR LEASE Stunning 6 Bedroom- 6.5 Bath Beverlywood Adj. Kosher kitchen,Island, S.S Appl. Hardwood floors, Marble-Travertine designer baths Luxurious master suite with fireplace Fabulous for entertainment or families with children. Please call for info 310-428-0214

March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info


s

March Mar rch Special Special on Paint Paint ai a

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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 Light Candles at: 5:37 pm ••• FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 Light Candles at: 6:43 pm ••• FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013 Light Candles at: 6:48 pm

March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info


B”H

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Find us online at: westerNkosher.com & facebook.com/westernkosher EXPIRES MARCH 31ST 2013 I Not responsible for typographic errors I Western Kosher Specials are for in-store shopping only and may be subject to limited quantities depending on available stock

March 8, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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P E S A C H

I N

S O U T H E R N

C A L I F O R N I A swwxc

WHERE MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS IS STANDARD

THE WERNER BROTHERS of KMR TOURS PR E S EN T P E SACH

2013

at the Park Hyatt Aviara Carlsbad California FEATURING THE FINEST IN DINING, FROM THE KMR GOURMET CULINARY TEAM, JOINED BY THE RENOWNED CATERING BY MICHAEL SCHICK

JOIN OUR ILLUSTRIOUS SPEAKERS Rabbi Yossi (YY) Jacobson • Rabbi Avraham Lieberman • Mr Howard Tzvi Friedman • Rabbi Baruch Chait Rabbi Binyomin Ginsberg Director of the children’s learning curriculum program PRESENTING

F E AT U R I N G

T HE B E ST O F J EW I S H M U S I C

T H E FI N E S T I N C H I L D R E N ’ S P RO G R A M M I N G A N D DAY C A R E

Mordechai Ben David

Rabbi Baruch Chait

Chazan Yanky Lemmer

Shmuel and Bentzi Marcus 8th day

Sheya Mendlowitz Production

Children’s Program Director Avi Devor

KMR Teen Boys Director Rabbi Aryeh Young

ENTIRE RESORT EXCLUSIVE FOR KMR GUESTS

Please visit our website for a complete list of services, activities, amenities & much more. 888-567-0100 or 718-778-4241 WWW.KMRTOURS.COM

KMR Teen Girls Director Mrs. Kayli Young


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