Issue 239 virtual by The Jewish Link

vwwc

September 4 - October 4, 2 0 1 3

Vol. 10 Issue 239

swwga, hra, ‘k - hra, ‘ t

R E D N U NOW BADATZ N I R D A H ME SHALAYIM YERU

FINE DINING IN JERUSALEM y PARTIES y BAR MITZVAHS y WEDDINGS y CATERING y LARGE SUKKAH

RECEIVE A DISCOUNT DISCOUNT BY BY CCALLING ALLING BBATYA AT YA RICHLER RICHLER

IN LOS LOS ANGELES ANGELES AT AT 310.254.0612 IN EMAIL: BBPYKOVSKI@GMAIL.COM PYKOVSKI@GMAIL.COM EMAIL: 2

IN ISRAEL CALL: CALL:

02.561.1344 www.ryu.co.il w ww.ryu.co.il

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

vwwc

September 4 - October 4, 2 0 1 3

Vol. 10 Issue 239

FEATURES

swwga, hra, ‘ k - hra, ‘ t

September 4, 2013

Next Issue Next Advertising Deadline October 2, 2013 Circulation October 4 , 2013 Media Kit & Pricing 323.965.1544 Email info@communitylinks.info News & Press Releases press@communitylinks.info Virtual Subscription subscribe@communitylinks.info

Home Sweet Home

Just as the body is the home to the soul, our physical dwelling is the home to our being and the environment we create within the home has a significant impact on our mood, productivity, and general ability to maintain positive family relationships. Mia Adler Ozair

46 How To Prepare For A Fast While hunger pangs and weakness are to be naturally expected, fasting need not be associated with fainting, dehydration or getting sick. There are several ways to prepare oneself physically for a fast day. CHAYA L. WEISS, MS RD CDN

MA, LPCC, NCC

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.

Beauty Defined

By beginning our new year on the right foot, we are setting the course for a year full of spiritual achievement and hopefully for material comfort and achievement as well.

www.torah.org

62 Never Abandoned It is only through Torah study that we can achieve true joy. us, when we rejoice over the Torah on Simchas Torah,the Divine Presence of G-d rejoices with us.

Rabbi Yoel Pomerantz

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

RASKIN’S GEFILTE FISH

CHOLOV ISRAEL

$ 69

HONEY 32OZ

$ 49

40OZ

Reg. $3.59

Reg. $10.99

GLICK’S PIE CRUST

Reg. $3.69

SABRA SALADS SUPER SIZE 17OZ

$ 99 Reg. $4.79

NATURAL AND $ 99 KOSHER

GLICK’S PASTA

$ 39

SAUCE 24OZ

OSEM CHICKEN CONSUMME

25% EXTRA

Reg. $4.99

Reg. $3.29

Reg. $2.99

MILK ½ GAL.

Reg. $8.99

Reg. $7.99

KLEIN’S ICE CREAM GOLD’S DUCK SAUCE ½ GAL.

GLICK’S

HASHAHAR

$ 99

Reg. $3.29

SHREDDED CHEESE 2 LB.

Reg. $13.29

WHOLE SALMON

4-6 LB.

3.99

PINK BY W

Reg. $5.99

Reg. $7.99

SALES PRICES VALID UNTIL SEPTEMBER 28 2013. OFFERS GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS OR OFFERS. QUANTITY LIMIT ENFORCED ON ALL ITEMS. 8

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

SAVE UP TO 25% IN THE MEAT DEPARTMENT WHEN PURCHASING BY THE CASE. ASK FOR DETAILS.

AGREE PROCESSOR, CROWN HEIGHTS, EMPIRE BARTENURA MALVASIA

9.99

MOSCATO

Reg. $13.99

KIDDUSH WINES

$ 99 Ea

Reg. $3.99

(FAMILY PACK)

$ 99

(FAMILY PACK)

3.99

$ 99 Ea

Reg. $5.49 lb.

RIB STEAK

99 lb.

Reg. $5.49 lb.

SHOULDER ROAST MINUTE ROAST

lb.

Reg. $7.99 lb.

lb.

WHOLE LAMB RACK

14.99

lb.

Reg. $18.99 lb.

BEEF STEW

(HORMONE FREE, GRASS FED) (HORMONE FREE, GRASS FED) (FRESH AMERICAN MEAT)

Reg. $5.99lb.

Reg. $11.99

TILAPIA FILLET

PETITE SIRAH

lb.

(FRESH AMERICAN MEAT)

$ 99

Reg. $11.99

CHICKEN BREAST BEEF SHANK

Reg. $10.99

BONELESS & SKINLESS

BARKAN CABERNET & PINOT NOIR

CABERNET

ZAKON

HERZOG

Reg. $13.99

RASHI

BARTENURA

(FRESH AMERICAN MEAT)

99 lb.

Reg. $7.99 lb.

$ 99

Reg. $8.99 lb.

Reg. $6.99 lb.

lb.

FIRST CUT BRISKET WHOLE BRISKET (FRESH AMERICAN MEAT)

99 lb.

Reg. $8.99 lb.

(FRESH AMERICAN MEAT)

99 lb.

Reg. $6.99 lb.

SALES PRICES VALID UNTIL SEPTEMBER 28 2013. OFFERS GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS OR OFFERS. QUANTITY LIMIT ENFORCED ON ALL ITEMS. September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Home Sweet Home MIA ADLER OZAIR, MA, LPCC, NCC

lthough the holiday of Sukkoth is a deeply meaningful holiday, one of the most obvious and inﬂuencing elements of the holiday is our use of a temporary dwelling, a sukkah, as our home for the week. We are meant to eat, pray, relax, entertain, and even sleep in the sukkah. This dwelling, with very speciﬁc parameters for making it a “kosher” dwelling for the holiday, takes

great eﬀort and care to both construct and maintain. We give loving consideration to our home for the week—how we prepare the seating, the decorations, and the position in the yard (or in many cases in the city on the rooftop). In addition, we carefully plan our menu and list of guests. We craft both the physical elements of the dwelling as well as the atmosphere we wish to experience while in the

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

sukkah. The holiday of Sukkoth can provide us with a refreshing perspective on our daily, yearround homes, encouraging us to take a look at the home we have created and lived in for the prior year and consider what needs improvement in the coming year. My tendency as a writer is to start getting into the lengthy details about Sukkot and how we can internalize the special symbolism

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

of the holiday. However, I am go- to visit or is the place not particuing to restrict myself and instead larly welcoming? If you can, try to urge you to do one simple thing: sit back and with fresh, objective eyes, and look around your home. Are there piles everywhere or is it organized? Is it clean or dirty? Are JJust ust aass tthe he bbody ody iiss people smiling or stressed? Are kind words shared in this space or tthe he h home ome to to the the is it a heavy environment? soul, soul, oour ur physical physical Some may find their homes to dwelling is the the home home be appealing, while others realdwelling is ize there is some work to be done. ttoo our our bbeing eing and and Never fear, because this holiday of the the environment environment Sukkot is the perfect opportunity to dwell in your sukkah and reflect on we we ccreate reate w within ithin how to bring the holiness of your the home as a the home h has sukkah into your daily home. Use ssignificant ignificant impact impact the joy of the holiday—and Sukkot is truly meant to be a holiday of oon n oour ur m ood, mood, pure joy—to invigorate your daily pproductivity, roductivity, and and home and bring a heightened energ y to all who live there. Just as ggeneral eneral aability bility ttoo the body is the home to the soul, m aintain positive positive maintain our physical dwelling is the home fa mily relationships. relationships. to our being and the environment family we create within the home has a significant impact on our mood , productivity, and general ability to maintain positive family relationships. May all of your homes be blessed with health, happiness, abundance, and peace and may each of you be blessed with fulfillEvaluate your home and use this ing and joyous holidays. time of year to make any necessary changes to make your home— M Mia ia A Adler dler O Ozair, zair, MA, LP LPCC, CC , N NCC CC both your sukkah and your daily iiss a llicensed icensed cclinical linical psychotherapist psychotherapist and and ducator w with ith a pprivate rivate ppractice ractice iinn B Bevevhome—a sacred space, a spiritual eeducator e erly r l y Hills, H i l l s, California. Ca l if f o r n i a . Mia M i a is i s licensed l i c e n s e d in in dwelling where the members grow both b oth California Ca l i f o r n i a a and n d I Illinois l l i n o i s and a n d she s h e can c a n as a result of the culture and atmobbee reached reached th rough her her website website aatt www through www.. sphere, and a place that those who bbhcounselingcenter.com hcounselinggcenter.com oorr followed followed oonn live there consider it to be home- T Twitter witter @MiaAdlerOzair. @MiaAdlerOzair. sweet-home. Look at the colors, the smells, the sounds. Is there a lot of light or is it on the darker side? Do people enjoy coming over

s xc

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

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

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

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

SHIRIN (310) 247-8800

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

WE HAVE APPLICATIONS & WE WILL COMPLETE IT

Å ÓÃ

Kaporos Traditional “Atonement” Before Yom Kippur

1428 17th St. Simcha Monica Between Broadway & S. Monica Ave. Guarantee your chicken. To reserve & prepay by 6th Tishrei Tuesday, Sept. 10, email info@jewishsmonica.com or text/call Sori 310-420-2431 If you would like to come and “shlug” only, (no shechting) anytime Thursday before 5pm we will be open.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 310-453-3011 12

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

Bottom Line Marketing Grro oup: 718.377.4567

EASY TO DRINK. EASY ON THE WALLET. EASY CHOICE. Easy drinking without the pretensions of more expensive labels or the compromise in taste found in more affordable wines. There's a reason why Wine Spectator Magazine gave the Cabernet the excellent score of 88. www.alliedimporters.com

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Failing School in Southern Israel Transformed to Dazzling Success DANIELA FELDMAN While many residents in Israel’s southern region fall into the ranks of poverty, one school in Kiryat Malachi stands out as a light in the region. Once a failing school, the vision of a creative principal and assistance from generous donors turned the Netzach Israel School into a dazzling success and a model for all schools in at-risk areas.

“T

o see the good in your students, keep trying, ies, students’ grades, morale was low and the staff was weak. It just keep trying,” reads a sign on the wall in the was a low-energy and low-ranking place,” she explained bluntteacher’s lounge of the Netzach Israel elemen- ly. Hagage’s goal was to prevent Netzach Israel from shutting down and to bring the student body to tary school in Kiryat Malachi, one of success. Israel’s most impoverished cities. The “The challenge was far greater than maxim is universal, but at Netzach Is“Thanks to specific I could have imagined,” Hagage said, rael, a school that underwent a tremendonations from our telling stories of the extreme poverty dous transformation in the past decade, supporters in the that shrouded many students’ lives. She it rings especially true. had students who were literally starvBuilt in Israel’s struggling desert United States and ing because there was no food at home region, Kiryat Malachi literally means across the world, we or living in dilapidated apartments “City of Angels,” named in gratitude with many siblings and an unemployed to donors from the Los Angeles Jewwere able to assist in single parent. “Remedies to severe beish community who helped finance its building a future for havior problems ranged from instilling establishment in 1951. Last November, structure and a daily schedule to simthe city hit the news after a rocket from this school and for ply providing a sandwich to quell the Gaza struck an apartment building and these children.” pangs of hunger,” she said. killed three residents during Operation After heartbreaking realizations Pillar of Defense. —David Roth about the dire situation of her stuToday, the Netzach Israel school dents, Hagage revamped the entire stands on the fundamentals of teaching platform of the school. There was to be with love, instilling positive values and learning with spirit. Upon entering the school grounds, one no standard curriculum in place, rather teachers were to hone hears sounds of laughter and learning, and sees smiling chil- in on essential skills: language, the arts, mathematics and Todren filling the yard and embracing their friends and teachers. rah studies. Netzach Israel is designated a National Religious When asked what makes this school special, a group of sixth- public school, thus requiring certain hours of Jewish studies. grade boys answered in unison, “the teachers;” an answer that Apparent by the decorations around the school building, tomight not be heard at any other school. However, 13 years day there is a major emphasis on Jewish values and Zionism. “I wanted to raise the level of education and broaden outago, no Netzach Israel student would have even thought to look of the school,” Hagage explained. She hired more teachprovide such an answer. ers and incorporated more extra-curricular activities, such as THE DARK PAST art, computer classes, filmmaking and other cultural courses Ayala Hagage, principal of the school, described a bleak outside of the standard curriculum. “I did this as a way to picture when she first took over the school. “It was about to build confidence among the students and teachers by boostclose,” she said, “because everything was in the red – the stud- ing their skills and building morale all around,” she said. 16

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

INITIATIVES TO EXCEL One of the initiatives Hagage introduced to strengthen the school several years ago was the construction of a study hall with an adjacent art studio and gallery. This space remains a fundamental facet of Netzach Israel. Here, students learn Judaic studies and themes and reinforce them through creative expression. Initially, Hagage wanted to invite parents to learn with their children but upon discovering the frequently high illiteracy rates, she invited mothers to teach their unique art forms instead. For the children of these illiterate parents, their shame turned to pride as they realized that their mothers too had something to contribute. The combination of learning and artistic expression enhanced the enrichment of students, as well as their personal development, confidence and happiness, Hagage said. Most importantly, positive behavior and respect toward parents increased as the children witnessed their mothers’ abilities through this shared experience, she noted. Meanwhile, Hagage created a “mitzvah store” near the main entrance of the school. In the classroom, students receive tokens from teachers for good behavior, kind deeds and academic achievements. The tokens can be used to buy items in the store, which is stocked with toys, t-shirts, school supplies and other items donated by local store owners and Meir Panim.“I wanted to end the cycle of giving hand-outs to the children who couldn’t even afford their own notebooks. This way we both ensure that students have adequate supplies while additionally providing an incentive for students to behave, act kindly and study well,” Hagage said. One day in 2004, the not-for-profit organization Meir Panim appeared at the school gates asking if the school needed assistance. Since 2000, the organization has been working across Israel to alleviate the effects of poverty by providing a range of food and social service programs that give dignity and respect to the needy. At first, the organization brought bread, spreads and snacks to feed students, but it quickly became apparent that the school

needed to provide regular meals to combat students’ malnutrition, Hagage said. For a number of years, Meir Panim fed the entire school for free, and even sent students home with extra meals. These efforts ensured that the Netzach Israel campus nourished hungry children, bolstering them for success in and out of the classroom. Meir Panim donated school supplies, computers and even furniture to families at the school who were in need. “We came to Netzach Israel because we heard of the tremendous need,” explained David Roth, president of American Friends of Meir Panim. “Thanks to specific donations from our supporters in the United States and across the world, we were able to assist in building a future for this school and for these children.” “Meir Panim believed in the school and gave us means to grow,” Hagage said, adding, “They supported us and gave us encouragement. When we needed food, they gave us food. When we needed computers, they gave us computers. When we needed summer camps, they gave us summer camps. They believed in us and were central players in the growth and empowerment of our school.” Every summer, Meir Panim operates day camps in Kiryat Malachi for students and the general community, offering fun and educational activities in a relaxed and supportive setting. At the Meir Panim summer camp, children can enjoy their summer vacation while their parents continue working. The camp serves nutritious meals and snacks each day. One camper, Tali, said cheerfully that the theme of her camp was “Healthy Summer.” She learned about hydration, sun care and the food pyramid, and went on field trips to a water park, a hiking trail and to meet local firefighters. Natalie, a teacher in the Netzach Israel kindergarten and head counselor, said,“Every day of the camp program, we teach something new for the children as to provide them a framework. We give them full programming of content and fun.” “For many of these children, if this camp

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist, they would be staying home alone or wandering the streets,â&#x20AC;? Natalie said. Because many children lack stability in their homes, Natalie and other teachers try to bring as much structure to the day and cater to the needs of the children through programming and special attention. Sometimes this work goes beyond just the camp or school day, Natalie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After observing which kids play well together, I call their parents and help organize play dates for these children,â&#x20AC;? she admitted. Many families in the Netzach Israel community receive from Meir Panim pre-paid electronic food shopping cards loaded with 250 New Israeli Shekels before Passover and the High Holidays. The organization distributed these cards to 7,500 families last year. The cards enable families to purchase food and household goods in a ďŹ&#x201A;exible and digniďŹ ed way, Roth said. In addition, Hagage said that Meir Panim helps sponsor a big brother-big sister program at Netzach Israel and awards scholarships to high school volunteers who return to their elementary school to lend a hand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This really strengthens the school and gives high school students a chance to impact younger students,â&#x20AC;? Hagage said. The high school students become role models, helping elementary school students with their homework, playing with them and teaching them about giving back to the community, she explained.

POSITIVE SPIRIT ALL AROUND Last year, after ďŹ nishing her teaching degree, Esther began working at Netzach Israel, which she attended as a young girl. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m honored to be a part of this community,â&#x20AC;? Esther reďŹ&#x201A;ected, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consider this my work, it is fun and gives me such a positive energy.â&#x20AC;? Hagage said there will be nearly 400 students this school year and a community of over 1,000, including parents and staďŹ&#x20AC;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The school is like a second home because the parents participate and the teachers are excited and committed, even beyond regular school hours,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This school develops people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the students, the staďŹ&#x20AC;, the teachers and the parents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by teaching growth, acting with love and kindness and building success for all.â&#x20AC;? Often, she ďŹ nds students who have stayed late at the school just to help clean up and spend time with their classmates. A tremendously important point, Hagage said, is to ensure that this style of learning and the atmosphere of positivity remain, especially as the student body and the academic level of the school have changed drastically in the past decade. Hagage declared, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I make sure that all teachers understand what the school was, because the transformation of this school is nothing less than extraordinary!â&#x20AC;?

Maximum comfort, Minimum cost

For details, and to make reservations, call t t

www.ďŹ&#x201A;yluxus.com

Israel Isr ra ael frfrom rom om $8 $840 840 all includeed

Europe E uro u op pe frfrom rom om $599 all iincludeed all

September 4, 2013â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘

Hong K Kong o ong g frfrom ro om m $790 allll iinclude l ded

â&#x20AC;˘ www.thejewishlink.com â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Schach Bamboo Mats A SA the US in th re in here ywhe anyw p an hiip • We ssh ity arit char to ch eds go to ceed oce ro • Allll pr

5x10 . . . . . . . $60

Bamboo Mats 6x10 . . . . . . . $68 6x15 . . . . . . . $90

8x10 . . . . . . . $90

6x8 . . . . . . . . . $60

6x12 . . . . . . . $80

8x12

8x8 . . . . . . . . . $77

.....

$105

Bamboo Poles 6ft. . . . . . . . $1.00 8ft. . . . . . . . $1.50

Lowest Price Guaranteed!! See website for letter of certification

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

The P Paper aper p Chicken Chickkeen FROM THE CHASSIDI C M ASTERS

nce, on the evening before Yom Kippur, one of the chassidim of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk asked his Rebbe to allow him to see how he, Rabbi Elimelech, observes the custom of kaaparot. “ How I do kaaparot?” repeated Rabbi Elimelech. “ How do you do kaaparot?” “ I am an ordinary Jew -- I do what everyone else does. I hold the rooster in one hand, the prayer book in the otherr, and recite the text, ‘This is my exchange, this is in my stead, this is my atonement...’” “That’s exactly what I do,” said Rabbi Elimelech. “ I take the rooster in one hand, the prayer book in the otherr, and recite the text. Actually, there might be a certain diﬀeerence between your kaaparot and mine: you probably make sure to use a white roosterr, while to me it makes no diﬀeerence: white, black, brown -- a rooster’s a rooster...” But the chassid persisted that his Rebbe’s kaparot was certainly no ordinary event. He had been coming to Lizhensk to pray with the Rebbe every Yom Kippur for more than twenty years now, and had always wanted to observe his Rebbe at this most solemn moment. “ You want to see an extraordinary kaaparot?” said Rabbi Elimelech. “Go observe how Moshe the tavern-keeper does kaaparot. Now, there you’ ll see something far more inspiring than my own, ordinary kaaparot.” The chassid located Moshe’s tavern at a crossroads several miles outside of Lizhensk and asked to stay the night. “ I’m sorry,” said the tavern-keeper. “As you see, this is a small establishment, and we don’t have any rooms to let. There’s an inn a small distance further down the road.” “ Please,” begged the chassid, “ I’ve been traveling all day, and I want to rest awhile. I don’t need a room -- I’ ll just curl up in a corner for a few hours and be on my way.” “O.K.,” said Moshe. “ We’ ll be closing up shortly, and then you can get some sleep.”

After much shouting, cajoling and threatening, Moshe succeeded in herding his clientele of drunken peasants out the door. The chairs and tables were stacked in a cornerr, and the room, which also served as the tavern-keeper’s living quarters, readied for the night. Midnight had long passed, and the hour of kaaparot was approaching. The chassid, wrapped in his blanket under a table, feeigned sleep, but kept watch in the darkened room, determined not to miss anything. Before daawn, Moshe rose from his bed, washed his hands and recited the morning blessings. “ Time for kaaparot!” he called quietly to his wife, taking care not to wake his guest. “ Yeentel, please bring me the notebook -- it’s on the shelf above the cupboard.” Moshe sat himself on a small stool, lit a candle, and began reading from the notebook, unaaware that his “sleeping” guest was wide awake and straining to hear every word. The

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

notebook was a diary of all the misdeeds and transgressions tavern-keeper lifted his eyes heavenward and said: “So you see, the tavern-keeper had committed in the course of the year, the dear Father in Heaven, I have sinned against You. Last year date, time and circumstance of each scrupulously noted. His I repented and promised to fulfill Your commandments, but “sins” were quite benign -- a word of gossip one day, oversleep- I repeatedly succumbed to my evil inclination. But last year I also prayed and begged You for a year of ing the time for prayer on another, neglecting to give his daily coin to charity on “Dear Father, today is the health and prosperity, and I trusted in You that it would indeed be this way. a third -- but by the time Moshe had read eve of Yom Kippur, when “Dear Father, today is the eve of Yom through the first few pages, his face was everyone forgives and is Kippur, when everyone forgives and is bathed in tears. For more than an hour Let us put the past behind us. Moshe read and wept, until the last page forgiven. Let us put the forgiven. I’ll accept my troubles as atonement for had been turned. “Yentel,” he now called to his wife, past behind us. I’ll accept my sins, and You, in Your great mercy, shall do the same.” “bring me the second notebook.” my troubles as atonement Moshe took the two notebooks in his This, too, was a diary -- of all the troufor my sins, and You, in hands, raised them aloft, circled them bles and misfortunes that had befallen times above his head, and said: him in the course of the year. On this day Your great mercy, shall do three “This is my exchange, this is in my stead, Moshe was beaten by a gang of peasants, the same.” this is my atonement.” He then threw on that day his child fell ill; once, in the them into the fireplace, where the smoldead of winter, the family had frozen for several nights for lack of firewood; another time their cow had dering coals soon turned the tear-stained pages to ashes. died, and there was no milk until enough rubles had been saved to buy another. When he had finished reading the second notebook, the Courtesy of www.chabad.org

2$ for

Mix & Match

899

When You Buy

ea. or

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

after before

castle founded in 1975

NOW N OW YOUR YO U R ONE-STOP O N E - S T O P SHOP S HO P FOR FOR FURNITURE REP PAIR/REPR A RO ODUCTI ODUCT ON REPAIR/REPRODUCTION U P H O L S T E RY UPHOLSTERY CUSTO M JOBS & CUSTOM

We have an amazing team of talented carpenters and wood crafters on site that can transform any old, damaged, out-dated or previously loved piece back to life with a fresh new and modern look.

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

The Observant Jew

What’s App Doc?

;1-E3 E@<0

RABBI JONATHAN GEWIRTZ

ome of the hottest things these days are apps. There’s a daf yomi app, a krias shema al hamita app, a zmanim app and thousands more of all different types and from thousands of different sources. If you ask someone, “What’s an app?” they’ll probably tell you it’s something for your iPad or smartphone. It’s actually just the opposite. It’s not something FOR your iPhone, it’s something for you, that you use to get benefit FROM your iPhone, Android, or Windows-based gadget. App is short for application, and it means “a use,” basically finding something you can do with all the handheld computing power at your fingertips. There is a whole industry of programmers and designers who create, test, and market apps. Well, I’ve gone one better, and created an app unlike anything those programmers have done. There’s an old joke about the archaeologists in Egypt who found very thin strands of copper wire. They announced that this find meant the ancient Egyptians had the telegraph. Upon hearing this, Israeli archaeologists made an announcement of their own. “We believe our ancestors had wireless radio, because we found NO wires!” The app I have come up with is so amazing because you can use it without an iPad, without an Android, and even without a mini-micro-usb-universal-SCSI plug to make it work. You see, the app I came up with uses the computing power of a de-

vice so advanced it’s not even hand-held. I’m talking, of course, about your brain. Now, once I tell you about the app I came up with, I’m sure some programmer out there will come up with a version for a smartphone. If you do, be in touch with me because I have ideas about that too. However, as we go from Aseres Yemei Teshuva into Sukkos, my app is based on taking advice from someone and putting it into practice, as in, a “practical application.” The idea came from R’ Moshe Meir Weiss of Staten Island. He mentioned that he once gave a Bar Mitzvah boy the advice to take two minutes each night to play a game of twenty questions with himself. Those questions would be ones that would make him think about his behavior that day and give him the insight to change for the better the next day. The app I created from this is called “Cheshbon HaNefesh,” or, “Daily Reckoning” in English. The way you play is that you come up with about forty questions, put them on slips of paper, and pick out twenty at random. The reason for that is so you have to be prepared for anything, not just the ones you know are coming. There’s also a time element involved. If you have to think really hard before you answer, that should tell you something and deduct points. The nice part is that you don’t have to tell anyone else how you did, just yourself.

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

Make sure you play each day, or at least several times a week to ensure you keep your points total. When you wait too long in between rounds, you slide back to where you started, or worse. It’s also a perfect game for Sukkos, which we say is the ﬁrst day of counting sins. To make it easier on you, I’m starting you oﬀ with some game pieces. Add your own and see if you can master and become a force to be reckoned with, in “Daily Reckoning.”

These should be enough to start you oﬀ. Go ahead and cut these out, and make some of your own. As far as the answers, you know what the right answers are, so you can grade yourself. And if you ﬁnd that one day you feel like you lost? No problem. As long as you play this game honestly at night (and maybe in the morning) you are a winner for sure. How’s that for an app you can really use?

Did I make someone smile?

Did I have kavanah in my prayers?

Did my behavior make people love HaShem?

When I ate, did I make a proper bracha?

Did I notice the mezuzah?

Did I look at things I shouldn’t?

Did I speak nicely to people?

Did I work honestly?

Did I maximize my potential?

Did I call my parent or sibling?

How many times did I speak lashon hara?

Did I give tzedaka? Happily and with a smile?

Did I think about my Tefillen? (If you’re a woman, did you think about fear of Heaven?)

How many times did I think about HaShem today?

Did I learn Torah?

Did I apologize to someone I wronged?

Did I forgive someone who wronged me?

Did I control my anger? (or did it control me?)

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

HELP PUBLISH THESE ARTICLES! We are currently gearing up for publication of a book of Obervant Jew articles. Reread your favorites; laugh, cry, scratch your head in confusion, just like the very ﬁrst time! Sponsorship opportunities are available and necessary. For more information, or to sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English, e-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Publication Sponsorship or Subscribe in the subject. © 2013 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Shmuel muel Schwartz’ wartz’s New w Release Release

hmuel Schwartz grew up in Los Angeles singing in the school choirs and in a musical family. Singing has always been a passion of his. Shmueli remembers,“about 10 years ago, while sitting by the piano, just playing with some ideas of melodies, a friend of mine haappened to show me Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Afftter hearing it, I thought to myself, “ Wow…this is heavennly. Whhaat if I could just write something like this – so beautiful, so inspirationaal, and spirituaall.”” As I played the chord progres e sion, I began to sing over it with a counter melody, and within some time, I put together my ﬁrst songg,, Mi Adir. I also contemplated the idea of producing a music CD. Not realizing the enormity of such an undertaki k ngg,, I acquired the help of my father’s friend, Dov Scharf, conductor with the Orange County Symphony and a musical geenius. Dov became my mentor and his colleague, John Sawoski, an accomplished pianist, arranger/ orchestrator and composer took over after his premature passing. John arranged, orchestrated, and produced the album Believe and wrote, “Believe,” a truly life changing album by singer/songgw writer Shmueli Schwartz.” While recording the strings for this production, Mea Changg,, a renowned violinist, concluded, “After all these years, I haave never felt so saad to see a session end. Those beautiful lines you wrote for us keep visiting my ears in a most pleasant way. I want to not only thank you for putting the faith in us to bring the strings charts to life, but also to say that I left the recording studio much richer in spirit.” Highlights include several songs scored for the ffuull string section conducted by John Sawoski with touching violin solos, a jazzy/hip-hop/big band song featuring trumpets, trombones and sax section ; a new country styyle song with intricate piano accompanimennt by John Sawoski; great guitar plaayingg,, including searing electric and tender acoustic guitars as well as mandolin; great woodw wind playingg,, and SEA Flute; Latin and

He sings, composes omposes m music usic llike ike nnever ever bbefore, efore, with arrangements/orchestrations gements/orcchestraations by by the topp musicians icians iinn th thee w world. orld. A pperson erso sn with musical w ith a ssense ense ooff aappreciation ppreciation ffor or m usical compositions co mpositions will will not not be be let let down… down… ONLY O N NL LY eelevated! levated! Presenting Class music whole P resenting C lass A m ussic ttaken aken to a w hole new new llevel…professionally, evel…prooffeessionally, spiritually spiritually and and emotionally! emotionally! Shmuel SchwartzShmuel Schw artz- a voicevoice- a talent talent – where where music ne. m usic and and composer composer are are oone. orchestral percussion; commanding horn pla l ying ; rockking and sensitive drums , nylon-string acoustic guitar ; and much more. Each instrument was plaayed by top profes e sionaals in their field. The album was tracked and mixed by Jon Mattox, and mastered by Ron McMaster at Capitol Records. A sampling comment from John Sawoski on a few of the songs. “ Va Haviosim” - like a rock opera with great string plaaying “Al Naharos Bovel” (On the R Riivers of Babylon) - an anthemic ballad with a touching solo by Mei Chang “Just One Move” - a Hanukkkkah song based on the concept of “pay it forward” “Believe” - which sends a messaage that “ bad things haappen to good people” but we must continue despite all of it After more than 3 years of meticulous dedication and an outpouring of love…I haave the absolute pleasure to introduce you to my first production-Believe. I hope you will find that Believe takes you through a musical journey. Accompanied by rich instrumentation with a classical yet modern sound, the feelings of the songs are extremely tangible and bring a smile to your lips and a tear to your eyes e. Shmueli’ Shmueli’s B BELIEVE ELIEVE CD is is available available now now at at WWW W.SHMUELIMUSIC.COM. WWW.SHMUELIMUSIC.COM.

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Wishing You a OPEN LATE

GLA GLA K

Store Hours:

KOS HER

M-Th 8am-9pm Sun 9am-7pm Fri 8am-2 hours before sundown

304 N La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 34

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

Good Yom Tov!

IEL

ATT ATT

FREE

DELIVERY K

T E MARK We accept all scrip & school money EBT now accepted

323-964-9438 (phone) * 323-964-9455 (fax) September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

FIND GREAT DEALS THIS SUCCOS AVAILABLE ONLY AT

12431 Burbank Burbank B Blvd. lvd. lv d Va V Valley all l ey V Village, iillaage, CA t 818.506.6661 September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

Bottom Line Marketing Group: 718.377.4567

OUR GRAPES ARE PICKED EARLY IN THE MORNING.

The wine tastes great any time. There’s a reason the Canaan series is our #1 seller and one of the most popular kosher wines in the world. Well balanced, medium bodied and with few pretensions, this easy drinking wine is easy to enjoy. Perfect for any occasion.

Taste the Mediterranean.

Rabbi Mordechai Ungar Shlit”a

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Å ÓÃ

Chabad Hebrew School & Camp Gan Israel Simcha Monica Present

sukkos raa a g v n z t a x e

monday, sept. 23rd

3rd day of chol hamoed sukkos

We are the closing to streets te! celebra

12th street at broadway! (s. monica) 3-6pm Suggested Donation: $6/person; $26/family

inflatables y rides y giant sukkah petting zoo y kosher food children’s tzivos hashem rally and much much more! for more info, please call 310-453-3011 or visit www.jewishsmonica.com a project of chabad in s. monica If you would like to sponsor this event please call our oﬃce.

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

Your Health Insurance Policy

& OBAMACARE

t Are you aware that you might LOSE access to your doctor and hospital of choice ?

t Are you ready for 30% to 60% (OR MORE !) premium increases? t Are you aware that your NON-GRANDFATHERED policy will be changed? t Are you going to keep or change your GRANDFATHERED policy? t Are you ready for PRE-EXISTING health condition elimination?

t Are you aware that due to OPEN ENROLLMENT rule, you no longer can buy or change your health insurance policy when you wish? t Are you going to buy health insurance from EXCHANGE or stay off EXCHANGE ?

We are here to answer all your questions and help you navigate during these challenging times.

kf_m _awx cbhbh

Yedidia Shraga CA. Lic. 0775906 Insure My Health LLC

310-475-1826

www.insuremyhealth.com

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Nutrition Corner

How to Prepare (Physically) for a Fast CHAYA L. WEISS, MS RD CDN

ith Yom Kippur fast approaching, most individuals are preoccupied with preparing themselves spiritually for the holiest day of the year. A more physical aspect of Yom Kippur, which for some may not be so trivial, is preparing for an entire 24 hours of fasting. While hunger pangs and weakness are to be naturally expected, fasting need not be associated with fainting, dehydration or getting sick. There are several ways to prepare oneself physically for a fast day. These tips will help minimize the discomforts of fasting in order that you may focus on teﬁllah, teshuvah, and the meaning of Yom Kippur.

experience withdrawal symptoms (headaches, irritability, nausea, poor concentration, etc.) that compound the ordinary effects of fasting. Try to slowly reduce your caffeine intake two weeks before Yom Kippur, weaning the number of cups you drink from two to one to a half-cup of caffeinated coffee before switching to decaf. The withdrawal will be subtler and hopefully your symptoms will not be as severe. Additionally, people generally crave sugary or salty foods during a fast. By cutting back on these foods in the weeks leading up to the fast, you will help reduce your cravings during the fast.

THE DAYS BEFORE THE FAST Begin drinking more water than usual. A healthy individual should be getting approximately 7-10 cups of water a day. Water is the best source of hydration out there but there are other sources of fluids (fruits, vegetables, etc.), which can work just as well. Watch out for sugary and caffeinated beverages as caffeine may actually contribute to dehydration by causing your body to use more water. Sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade are beneficial for replacing your body’s electrolytes, but hydrating with just water in preparation for a fast is perfectly fine. Stop eating foods with high caffeine and sugar content. Since caffeine is technically an addictive drug, going without caffeine for a caffeine addict can be particularly difficult. Many

THE DAY BEFORE THE FAST Stay away from caffeine, alcohol and sugary and salty foods- all of which will aggravate the effects of not drinking and contribute to dehydration. Continue to drink plenty of fluids, water in particular. Avoid overeating. The extra fluids your body requires to help process a larger quantity of food may also contribute to dehydration. Start to slowly reduce your consumption of protein and fats as the day goes on and increase your intake of complex carbohydrates. When a person is in a state of semi-starvation or is fasting, the availability of carbohydrates for the body’s cells falls. Complex carbohydrates like those found in pasta, breads, rice, fruits, vegetables, and beans are best for sustaining your body’s energy levels during a fast. Moreover, carbohydrates

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

allow your body to absorb water more proficiently and efficiently, which lets your body stay more hydrated prior to and during the fast. Whole grains products (such as whole wheat matza), fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber that will leave you with a feeling of satiety far longer than refined sugars and simple carbohydrates will.

carbohydrates (see above) and low in salt. Complex carbohydrate foods do tend to be the least salty. You can eat little of or skip entirely the proteins (ﬁsh, meat, poultry), fatty foods (cheese) and sweets. Leave time before the fast to drink some warm water with sugar (last minute source of carbs) and to brush your teeth thoroughly to minimize stale breathe. In general, when an individual fasts, the body’s metabolic rate slows and the need for energy is reduced. Move slowly over the day in order to conserve energy and try to stay out of the heat as much as possible. Best wishes for an easy and meaningful fast.

Your goal is to feel full, but not to cram food down until you feel like bursting.

THE MEAL BEFORE THE FAST SEUDA HAMAFSEKES Make sure to leave enough time to eat so that you will avoid overeating. Remember, it takes approximately twenty minutes for your body to recognize that it is full. Your goal is to feel full, but not to cram food down until you feel like bursting. You will only feel uncomfortable after stuffing yourself and that little extra food will not ultimately make a big energy difference during your fast. Continue to drink plenty of water, juice or even sports drinks, but do not drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which will worsen the effects of dehydration. This final meal before the fast should be high in complex

Chaya Leah Weiss, MS RD CDN completed her Masters of Science in Nutrition at Brooklyn College in New York State and is a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She is a Certiﬁed Dietitian-Nutritionist and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She can be reached via email at clnutrit@ verizon.net.

First Quality Men’s Clothes at Half the Price of Department Stores v 100% Wool Sports Jackets v 100% acketssv vv Boys Boys y Suits at a Discounted d Price Pricess vv 100% 100% Wool Wool Suits Suits from size 8-20 Made in Italy vv Regular Regular & Husky vv 100% 100% Wool Pants vv 100% 100% Wool vv 100% 100% Cotton Shirts Super 100 vv 100% ies 100% Silk Designer T Ties Leather Belts & more. more..... vv Leather

$/( 6 9 2 7 <20 OFF! 30) 35-5(EX5P% . SEPT.

323.936.7123 7123 Beverly Blvd. 323.422.0839 &$/9,1 ./(,1 v 5$/3+ /$85(1 v 0,&+$(/ .256 v -26(3+ $%%28' v '.1<

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

The Observant Jew

The Not So Far East RABBI JONATHAN GEWIRTZ

ack in the 1400’s, when Venice monopolized the trade routes to the China and India, Europeans looked for other ways to reach the Far East, or the East Indies, as they were called. Christopher Columbus was sure he had a great idea in heading west to get to the Far East. Though many imagine that people of the time thought the earth was flat, not round, this is more likely the influence of Washington Irving, an American author of the early 19th century whose book about Columbus’s travels implied that the vast majority of people believed this to be true, when in reality Man had known for centuries, if not millennia, that the earth was round. [It should be noted that this same author “invented” Rip Van Winkle, a character who fell asleep for twenty years in a story amazingly similar to the Gemara’s recounting of Choni Ha’Maagal’s 70-year slumber (Taanis 23a.)] Columbus’s mistake, however, was in figuring out the distance across the globe by heading west. He thought the trip across the Atlantic would take him straight to Japan in about 3,000 miles. He didn’t count on North America being in the way, and that Japan was more like 12,500 miles away. Oops! It seems that the distance to the East Indies was much farther than originally anticipated. So just how far is it from west to

east? In the selichos, we ask that HaShem take our sins as far away from us as from the West to the East. This comes from Tehillim (103:12) in which Dovid HaMelech asks that HaShem remove our sins as far as the East is from the West. So how far is it? Is it the distance Columbus miscalculated? More? Less? The Malbim oﬀers two possibilities. He says it’s the distance the sun travels in a day, or possibly the distance it travels in a year. Either way it’s a huge distance, but there’s more. The Radak says that the distance from East to West is twice the distance from Earth to Heaven, then comments that it doesn’t say North and South because a person can’t travel too far north or south because of the cold and heat. I don’t understand. If we are asking HaShem to move our sins away from us, who cares whether it’s hot or cold in the South or North? Are sins responsive to temperature? The answer is that it must not be the sins that move, but us. Maybe we move away from the sins for a day, maybe for a year, but we have to move far away from them. It has to be on a path we are able to travel, and we must continue our journey until we reach our goal. So how far is west from east? If the point you are standing on is considered the center, like the Prime Meridian running through

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

Greenwich, England, then to one side is east, and to the other is west. In essence, the distance between West and East is inﬁnitesimal. It’s just a matter of turning one way or the other. There’s a famous story about R’ Elchonon Wasserman HY”D. He met up with an old classmate who had become a successful lawyer. The well-dressed fellow chided, “Elchonon, you had a better head than me. If you had gone into law you could have been even more successful than I. It’s such a shame you missed that opportunity to enjoy the wonderful life that I lead.” R’ Elchonon calmly responded, “Let me ask you. If you had to take a train, and at the station you found two options: One train had bare, wooden seats, poor heating, and drafty windows, while the other was luxurious, with plush upholstered seats, cozy heaters, and a dining car that could provide delicious food and drink, which would you take?” “Why,” said the wealthy lawyer, “the second train, of course!” “Ah,” said R’ Elchonon, “In truth, the choice of train depends on where you wish to go.” His point was that comfort is not important if each moment is taking you further from your ultimate destination. And with that, we can explain the distance between east and west. Yes, the distance between where we want to be and where

we are may be vast. However, the diﬀerence between east and west also lies in which direction you face, even if you haven’t moved yet. When someone heading eastward boards an east-bound train, even before the engine roars to life, he’s already started on his journey. If he boards a west-bound train, he’s already at a disadvantage. So how do we place the distance of East to West between us and our sins? By turning our backs on the things we ought not to have done and setting our sights on the glorious, though distant, future without sin and with many mitzvos. Then, just keep trying to move forward.

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Per Person Exp Sept. 30, 2013

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

bw bwlawgroup.com bwlaawgroup.com

balance your life

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

Yoga

<RXU 2IÀFH

Prenatal Yoga

or my studio in LA area

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

323.377.0707

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

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Beauty Deﬁned A

n interesting custom is mentioned in conjunction with the upcoming holiday of Sukkos. In the Sha’arei Teshuva (Orech Chayim 625), we find that “one should increase the giving of charity on the eve of Sukkos.” Rabi Yehudah Assad offers an insightful explanation of this custom. After the nation of Israel was rescued from the pursuing Egyptian nation by the splitting of the Red Sea, they sang a song in praise of Hashem. They uttered the words “ ‘This is my G-d, and I will adorn Him” The Talmud (Shabbos 133b) offers two possible meanings for this passage. One is “adorn yourself before Him in the fulfillment of Mitzvos, namely by making a beautiful Sukkah in His honor, acquiring and using a beautiful Lulav, using a beautiful Shofar, etc. Abba Saul, however, interpreted the passage as “This is my G-d and I will be like him,” meaning we should be like Hashem: just as He is gracious and compassionate, so too we should be gracious and compassionate. On Yom Kippur, we spent the entire day fasting, praying that we be forgiven and that we be sealed for a good year. As soon as we conclude Yom Kippur, we immediately begin to involve ourselves in the Mitzvos associated with Sukkos, the holiday that occurs a few days later. We build a Sukkah and decorate it so that it is truly a sight to behold. We spend time selecting a beautiful Esrog, looking for a fruit with a beautiful shade of yellow, with no blemishes, with perfect symmetry. We search through the selection of Lulavim available to us, hoping to find one that is as straight as an arrow, meeting all the Halachik stringencies. We do this all so that we, in accordance with the verse, can adorn, can glorify the name of G-d. We attempt to do these Mitzvos in the finest way possible. However, there is another way to interpret that verse. In our relationship with Hashem, we not only should perform His Mitzvos in the finest way possible. We also have to act with our fellow man in the finest way possible. And we do that by emulating G-d. Yes, we can have a beautiful Esrog. Yes, we can have a magnificent Sukkah. But if we do not treat our fellow man in the way the G-d would, we have not fulfilled the entire meaning of the verse “This is my G-d and I will adorn Him,” “Zeh Kei’li V’Anvei’hu.” We therefore must remember the poor and needy at this time, when they might find they are lacking the resources needed to properly celebrate the holiday. We

can have a beautiful esrog, but not at the expense of our brothers and sisters in need. Reb Mordechi of Nashchiz lived his entire life in penury. His daily diet consisted of only bread and water. For Shabbos, he made sure he was able to purchase of salted fish. Yet, the entire year, he scrimped and saved, putting aside a penny here and penny there, so that he would be able to purchase a beautiful Esrog for Sukkos. One year before Sukkos, he traveled to the city with a sizable sum of money with which to buy his Esrog. He encountered a man on the side of the road weeping bitterly. Rav Mordechai inquired as to what was troubling the man. The man explained that he supplied water to the townsfolk. Every day he would take his horse and wagon out to the well, fill up his jugs, and bring them back to the city where he would sell the water. This daily ritual brought him barely enough money to support his family. On this day, on the way back to town, the horse collapsed and died. The man had absolutely no savings with which to purchase another horse. Yet without a horse, he had no income and his family would starve. Hence, he was sitting on the side of the road, despondent. Rav Mordechai took out his money purse and handed every last cent to the water carrier. Rav Mordechai came home, and was immediately greeted by his disciples. Noting the pleased look upon his face, they assumed he must have purchased a particularly beautiful Esrog. They asked him about his trip. He responded “Hashem has blessed me this Sukkos with an opportunity to do His Mitzvos in a beautiful fashion. The townsfolk will take out their esrog on Sukkos, make a blessing on it, and with that will have glorified Hashem. I, on the other hand, will be able to have my blessing over a horse, and with that I an extremely pleased.” The holiday after the solemn Yom Kippur, Sukkos, is to be the time when we glorify Hashem by performing all of his dictates, whether they be commandments between Him and us or between our fellow man and us, in the best way possible. By beginning our new year on the right foot, we are setting the course for a year full of spiritual achievement and hopefully for material comfort and achievement as well. Chag Same’ach! Courtesy of www.torah.org

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Rejoicing Re R ejoic i n g the ith the with w Torah To rah 5q <2 ( / 3 2 0 ( 5 $ 1 7 =

appears to hat appears hat to be be the the last last day day of of Sukkos, Sukkos, and and what what in in the Diaspora Diaspora iiss the the the “second” “second” da dayy ooff S Shmini hmi ni A Atzeres, tzeres, iterally “the “the jjoy oy oof/over n is is called called Simchas Simchas T Torah, orah, lliterally f/over T Torah.” orah.”” O On the year year we we read read a portion portion ooff tthe he T orah every every Shabbos Shabbos during during the Torah he day day (The Pentateuch), Pentateuch), called Simchas Torah orah iiss tthe called a ““Parsha.” Parsha.” S imchas T he T orah, we complete complete tthe he ccycle we ycle bbyy rreading eading tthe he fifinal nal P Parsha arsha iinn tthe Torah, which iiss known known as as “V’zos Simchas which “ V ’zos HaBracha.” HaBracha.” Additionally, Additionally, Simchas T orah marks Torah marks tthe he rrenewal enewal ooff tthe he ccycle ycle aass w wee bbegin egin aagain gain with with the the fifirst rst Parsha Parsha in in the the Torah, Torah, which which iiss known known aass ““B’raishis.” B’raishis.” central theme theme ooff tthis his holiday holiday iiss our our rrejoicing ejoicing oover The central ver tthe he T Torah orah and ompletion ooff tthe he T Torah. orah. Ther Theree aare and oour ur ccompletion re sseveral everal his day. day. Firstly, Firstly, in uunique nique customs customs on on tthis in contrast contrast to to Shabbos Shabbos and and crolls are twoo T Torah rregular egular holidays holidays when when one one oorr tw orah sscrolls are removed removed ffrom rom the his day, day, most ave tthe most ccongregations ongregations ha have the ark, ark, on on tthis he ccustom ustom the scrolls scrolls are to he sscrolls. crolls. After After the to take take out out aallll ooff tthe are removed, removed, we we are Shulchan Aruch ruch ((Orech Orech C Chayim hayim 669) tthat are ttold old iinn S hulchan A hat tthey hey are nd aaround round tthe he ““Bimah,” Bimah,”” tthe are carried carried rround ound aand he sspecial pecial ““table” table” located located iinn the the center center of of the the sanctuary sanctuary upon upon which which the the Torah Torah is is read. read. These These circlings circlings are are called called “Hakafos.” “ Hakafos.” This This is is done done for for the the ppurpose urpose ooff rrejoicing ejoicing oover ver tthe he sscrolls. crolls. The Siddur Siddur ooff tthe he B Ba’ a’al HaTanya HaT Tanya adds adds that that the the custom custom iiss to to make make seven seven of of these these and ttoo ssing dance jjoyous oyous Hakafos Hakafos and ing aand nd da nce bbefore efore tthe he sscrolls crolls with with great great joy joy and and eexultation. xultation. ollowing tthe he H akafos w egin tthe he T orah Immediately Hakafos wee bbegin Torah Immediately ffollowing reading. Typically, reading. T ypically, oonn most most holidays holidays and and on on the the Shabbos, Shabbos, bbeeorah ttoo ffollow ollow tween Torah tween five five and and sseven even people people aare re ccalled alled ttoo tthe he T w ith tthe he leader. leader. (Thes with (Thesee are Torah, are called called ““Aliyos.”) Aliyos.”)) On On Simchas Simchas T orah, h oweverr, tthe he aaccepted ccepted ccustom ustom iiss ttoo iinclude nclude eeveryone however, veryone present present iinn the the reading. reading. The Mishna Mishna Berura Berura writes writes that that even even the the chilchilddren ren (who (who normally normally aare re nnot ot ccalled alled ttoo tthe he T orah uuntil Torah ntil tthey hey aare re thirteen) are are all all collectively collectively given given an an Aliya Aliya in in order order to thirteen) to educate educate them in in the the reading reading of of the the Torah. Torah. After After the the final final Aliya them Aliya (called (called

the Torah, Torah”) orah, lliterally he ““Bridegroom he T orah”) the Chassan Chassan T iterally tthe Bridegroom ooff tthe has Torah hass bbeen has been been called called aand he T orah ha nd tthe he fifinal nal ssection ection ooff tthe een completed, wee iimmediately completed, w mmediately bbegin egin tthe he ccycle ycle oover ver aagain gain by by rreadeading B’raishis creation ing the the first first portion escribes tthe he cr eation portion ooff B’ raishis which which ddescribes of Shabbos. many of the the universe universe and ny ccongregations, ongregations, and tthe he fifirst rst S habbos. IIn n ma tthe he custom custom iiss tthat the verse verse that that conconhat eeverybody verybody reads reads aloud aloud the dayy of well which ccludes ludes each each da he vverses erses w hich ttalk alk of creation creation aass w ell aass tthe Shabbos One aabout bout S habbos . O his ccustom, ustom, aaccording ccording ne ooff tthe he rreasons easons ffor or tthis HaMinhagim, ttoo tthe he Ta’ Ta’amei mei H aMinhagim, is is to to demonstrate demonstrate tthat hat bbesides esides wee ffeel wee ha have Torah, wee tthe he jjoy oy w he bbeautiful eautiful ggift eel bbecause ecause w ave tthe ift ooff T orah, w aalso lso feel feel privileged to be be believers believers in in the the creation. creation. privileged to Gemora B’rachos n tthe he ttractate ractate ooff B’ rachos ttells ells uuss that that “from “from The G emora iin the destruction destruction of of the the Temple Tem e ple and and henceforth, henceforth, tthe he tthe he day day of of the G-d the law law of of the the oonly nly tthing hing rremaining emaining ffor or G -d iiss the the Halacha Halacha - the Torah.” Att first Who T orah.”” A eems ppuzzling: uzzling: W ho first gglance, lance, tthis his sstatement tatement sseems could world G-d, Creator could ttake ake aaway -d, tthe he C reator ooff way aany ny ppart art ooff tthe he w orld ffro ro G everything? Hee Sefeer HaToda’ HaT Toda’’ah takes everything? The Sefer takes up up this this question. question. H writes writes tthat hat tthe he aanswer nswer is is that that the the Divine Divine Presence Presence of of G-d G-d can can manifest where oonly nly ma nifeest iitself tself iinn a pplace lace w here tthere here is is joy joy and and ccompleteompleteness From ny destruction). destruction). F rom the the time destrucness (without (without aany time of of the the destruction Temple, entire world was em e ple, tthe he en tire w orld w as cconsidered onsidered iincomncomtion ooff tthe he T plete Even Mitzvos lack state of of destruction. destruction. E ven tthe he M itzvos la ck ttheir heir plete and and in in a state ffull ull potency. unaffected by potency. The only only thing thing that that remains remains unaffected by the the Temple was Law Torah Halaas tthe he L aw ooff tthe ddestruction estruction ooff tthe he T em e ple w he T orah - H alathrough Torah Torah study ccha. ha. IItt iiss only only through study that that we we can can aachieve chieve ttrue rue Thus, s, when when we jjoy. oy. Thu we rejoice rejoice over over the the Torah Torah on on Simchas Simchas Torah, Torah, Presence G-d with tthe he Divine Divine P resence ooff G -d rrejoices ejoices w ith uus. s. May May we we merit merit tthis his Simchas Simchas Torah Torah to to truly truly rejoice rejoice over over the the Torah Torah DiT orah and and ggrow orah ssoo tthat row iinn our our appreciation appreciation ooff T hat tthe he D iPresence mayy oonce midst. vvine ine P resence ma n oour nce aagain gain ddwell well iin ur m idst. Courtesy www.torah.org C ourtesy of www .torah.org

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

Some uccos Succos sion Decisions Are Easy e Ea sy

N MEHADRIIN TS MATS MA We Ship Worldwide E FREE FRE LD MOLD MO

Beautiful eautiful Desig Designs g asy T o Assemble Assemble Easy To o Last Last a Li fetime Built To Lifetime

BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND SAVE!

NEW WOOD PANELS • SNAP SUKKAHS • CANVAS • PORTABLES CUSTOM SIZES • BAMBOO & SCHACH MATS

IN LOS ANGELES:

IN THE VALLEY:

ATARA’S JUDAICA 369 N. FAIRFAX AVENUE 323-655-9282

18118 MIRANDA ST. TARZANA, CA 818-605-2066

US SK US AS A OUR UT OU BOU BO A AB ALS NTAL RENT AH RE KKAH KK SU SUK 66 2066 5-20 6058-60 188 81 We Ship Worldwide

NY SHOWROOM: 3720 14TH AVE BROOKLYN, NY • 718-436-6333

877-4LA-SUKA • WWW.SUKKAH.COM September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

facebook.com/Sukkahs

ROSH HASHANAH CHICKEN AND QUINCE Since people are always looking for new chicken recipes and quince is a new fruit, we decided to put them together! The result was really fantastic: a sweet and ﬂavorful chicken with caramelized quince that makes you wonder...” Hmmm... I don’t know exactly what it is, but I like it!” Times Prep Time : 14 min Cook Time : 1 hour Ready Time : 1 hour, 14 min Ingredients 4 quince 1/4 cup sugar 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 pounds skinless, boneless, chicken thighs

Servings 4-6

1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baharat or allspice if you cannot find it 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 1/4 cups orange juice 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup toasted slivered

Directions Sprinkle quince with 1/2 tsp cinnamon until well coated In a large deep skillet place quince and sugar cook in medium low for 5 minutes, add lemon juice and keep cooking for another 10 minutes until quince is caramelized, but still firm.

Using the same skillet, heat oil sear chicken on both sides about 5 minutes each side Add quince with its juices, add orange juice and raisins. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 30-40 minutes until sauce concentrates.

Put caramelized quince on a plate including all its liquid.

Right before serving add fresh cilantro and almonds.

Season chicken on both sides with salt baharat and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.

ENJOY! Reprinted with permission from www.joyofkosher.com.

BRAISED SHORT RIBS WITH HONEY Braising is an easy technique that makes the most tender short ribs. Times Prep Time : 10 min Cook Time : 4 hours min Ready Time : 14 min

Servings 6

Ingredients 5-6 pounds short ribs with bones or 4-5 pounds boneless all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 large onions, sliced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 cup bottled chili sauce

1/2 cup red wine 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup honey 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon ground ginger salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions Dredge the meat in some flour and shake off the excess. Heat 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the meat, a few pieces at a time and cook them for 3-4 minutes per side or until lightly browned. Remove the meat to a dish and set aside. Pour the remaining vegetable oil in the pan. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook briefly. Pour in 58

the chili sauce, red wine, water, apple cider vinegar and honey. Add the bay leaf and ginger and stir the ingredients. Return the meat to the pan and spoon some sauce over the meat a few times. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Cover the pan, turn the heat to low and cook for about 4 hours or until the meat is tender. Reduce the sauce if desired: skim the fat and cook at high heat. Reprinted with permission from www.joyofkosher.com.

September 4, 2013• 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

SIMPLY SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE IRRESISTIBLE RUGELACH RUGELACH Times T imes Prep Time : 30 min Cook Time : 20 min Ready Time : 50 min

Servings S ervings 96 rugelach

IIngredients ngredients FOR THE DOUGH 12 cups flour 1 tablespoon salt 2 cups sugar 4 ounces instant dry yeast (4 envelopes) 3 whole eggs plus 4 yolks (reserve egg whites for o assembly) 2 cups oil 3½ cups water 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract F O R T H E VVAA N I L L A F I L L I N G ½ cup vanilla sugar 1 cup conffe ectioner’s sugar

CHICKEN CHICKEN SOUP SOUP WITH WITH KR KREPLACH EPLACH Times T imes Ready Time : 20 min IIngredients ngredients SOUP 1 3 to 5 pound chicken, quartered 12 cups water 3 carrots, sliced 1 stalk celery 1 ti 2 parsnips 1 onion 1 tablespoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 clove garlic, peeled several sprigs fresh dill several sprigs parsley 1 tablespoon Hawaij (optional) K R E P L AACC H 1 3/4 cups flour 2 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons oil 1 cup ground beef 1 small onion, grated 1 teaspoon salt

D irections Directions FOR THE SSOUP OUP Clean chicken. Fill an 8-quart pot with the 12 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Place chicken and vegetables in pot. Add salt and pepper. Add garlic and herbs and Hawaij if using. Simmer covered for about 2-4 hours. Remove garlic. Allow to cool and put in fridge overnight. The next day skim off the layer of fat and remove vegetables and chicken. Take the chicken off the bones and put in soup if desired with sliced carrots or strain soup and use broth as is. Reheat and serve with kreplach. FOR THE KREPLACH KREPLACH Dou ugh g You can use store bought wonton wrappers, but if you have the time, making your own is worth it. In a large bowl combine flour, eggs, salt and oil. Wrap in a damp cloth and let sit for one hour. Knead and roll out the dough very thin on floured board. Cut into 3-inch squares. Filling In a large frying pan, saute onion and beef and add salt to taste. Allow to cool. Assembly Place a teaspoon of filling carefully into center. Fold one side over the other into a triangle, moisten edges with a bit of water and seal with fingers while pressing out any air.

F O R T H E C H O CCOO L AATT E F I L L I N G 1 cup conffec e tioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa powder FOR THE CINNAMON FILLING ½ cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Reprinted with permission from www.joyofkosher.com

F O R T H E A S S E M B LLYY ½ cup oil 4 egg whites, slightly beaten Reprinted R eprinted with with permission permission from from www www.joyofkosher.com .joyoffkkosher.com

September 4, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Mazzel Tov! Mazel Engagements We offer counseling for: Domestic Violence/Anger Management Groups Sexual Addictions

Weddings

Drug/Alcohol Education, Assessments & Testing

Baby B aaby abby Boy Booy B Births B h

Parenting Classes Monitored Visitation /Child Exchange

Avi Wer e theimer to Ri Riki Smilow Baruch Dovid Rauch to Zahaava Blinder Ari David Goldner to Zhenya Lein Levi Robin to Aden Ratner-Stauber Shimon aannd Eliaana Solomon Steven Davis an and Elana Yammer Ben an and Mindy Lyons Yael an and Reene Messinger e Zack and Daanniella Plotzkker Nehemia and Libby Kraft

Individual/Family/Marriage Counseling Eating Disorders

Babyy Girl Births B h

Teen Counseling DNA/Paternity Testing

Ezra an and Margot Grabie Chaim Moshe and Faigie Rechnitz and Anthony Krinsky Melissa Blashka an Zev an and Chana Shifrin Tzzvi an and Stephaanie Ratner-Stauber

Women Support Groups

S Send end yyour our M Mazel azel T Tovs ovs ttoo iinfo@communitylinks.com nfo@c o ommunitylinks.com