The Jewish Link 255

vwwc FORMERLY THE COMMUNITY LINKS /07&.#&3 t $)&47"/ t 70- t *446&

IN THIS ISSUE: JUST GOT

AFMDA Raises Record $6 Million GREATER! LA Rabbi Takes Daf Yomi Class Online More on page 2 Secret Restaurant Recipes revealed

2

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

3

t .PTU EFOUBM JOTVSBODFT BDDFQUFE

110 ).0 .FEJDBM %FOUJDBM

t $IJME GSJFOEMZ FOWJSPONFOU

XJUI WJEFP HBNFT NPWJFT

t "õPSEBCMF QBZNFOU QMBOT

t 0SBM *7 TFEBUJPO BWBJMBCMF

t 'SFF QBSLJOH JO PVS

EPXOTUBJST HBSBHF

t 0QFO .POEBZ o 'SJEBZ

4VOEBZ

4

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

FREE UPGRADE

TO ESTHETIC ORTHODONTICS with this ad

$750 VALUE www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

5

in this issue

NOVEMBER 7, 2014 ‚ 14 TH OF C H ES H VA AN, 57 75

next issue CHANUKAH Adver tising deadline: Novv. 28, 2014 Circulation: Dec. 5, 2014

media kit & pricing 323.965.1544

e-mail info@thejewishlink.com

esss rreleases eleases e news & pr press 6

November 7, 2014 •

I WOOD IF I COULD Ar e you proud of what you’r e creating?

12

BUS INES S BROKERA GE & INVES TM ENT C ENTER

16

AFM DA RAISES $6 M ILLION Jay Leno & Paul a Anka suppor t IsrĂŚl

18

TOURO L A CORNER Under standing Chanah

22

INS PIRING STUDENTS WORLDWIDE New Daf Yomi o online shiur

28

BRINGING JEWS TO GETHER 14th annual Simxa S habbaton

32

BY ALL APPEARANC ES Giving the benefit of the doubt

40

S EC RET RES TA URANT REC IPES S imply delicious.

22

16

press@thejewishlink.com

10

40 CANDLELIGHTING TTIMES IM ES OOU.ORG U . O RG

+42 6 $ .+4* ' & / 1 0 5* .: # 0 & +4& +453+$ 6 5' & (3' ' 51 5* '

' 8 +4*

1 / / 6 0 +5: 1 ( 1 6 5* ' 30

# .+(1 30 +#

# % % ' 2 540 1 3' 42 1 0

4+$ +.+5: (1 35 : 2 1 ) 3# 2 * +% # . ' 331 341 3 3' .+# $ +.+5: 1 ( # 4* 36 41 (# 0 : # & 7 ' 3 5+4' 34 .. 46 $ / +44+1 0 4$ ' % 1 / ' 5* ' 2 31 2 ' 35: 1 (

# 0 & / # : $ '4 * 1 35' 0 ' &# 0 & 1 3 ' & +5' &( 1 3 .'

0 ) 5*# 0 & % .# 3+5:

35+% .'

4 2 6 $

.+4* ' & +0

' 92 3' 445 * ' 7 +' 8 41 (5 * ' +0 & +7 +& 6 # . 8 3+5' 34# 0 & / # : 0 1 50 ' % ' 44# 3+.: 3' 2 3' 4' 0 55 * ' (

1 # 7 +' 8 41

358 1 3 0 2 * / / 1 3# : # 35 1 (5 ' # ) # ;+0 ' # : $ '3 ' 2 3+0 5' &1 3 1 5* ' 38 +4'& 6 2 .+ % # 5' & 8 +5* 1 6 55 * ' 8 3+55' 0 2 ' 3/ +4 4+1 0 1 (5 * ' 2 6 $ .+4* ' 3

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com ww w.theejewishlink.com

No Nov. v. 7 Vayerah V ayerah

4:36 pm

Nov. No v. 14

4:31 pm

Chayei Chayei Sarah Sarah

Nov. No v. 21

4:28 pm

TToldot o ol oldot

Nov. No v. 28

800.613.1911

www.thejewishlink.com

•

Vayeitzei V ayeitzei

info@thejewishlink.com

4:26 pm

SER SERVICES November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

7

SIMCHA HAL AVAILAB L L FOR UP T E O 100 PEOPLE

abba’s fine catering

t

gourmet to go

t

eat in

thanksgiving than ksgiving

Take-out Menu

EVERYTHING E V VER RYTH T THING YOU YOU O NEED N FOR A COMPLETE COMPLETE T HA ANKS SGI SGIVING DINNER DINN N ER FOR THANKSGIVING

NG CATERI L SPECIA

3C COURSE OURSE D DINNER INNER F FOR OR A ANY NY SIMCHA SIMCHA Minimum Minimum 50 ppeople: eople: fla flatt rrate ate ooff $32 pper er pperson.* erson.* *t *tax ax and and waiters waiters not not included included MONDAY M ON DAY  THURSDAY THURSDAY

129 9NL LA AB BREA REA A AVE., V VE E., LA, LA, 90036 t 323.658.7730 8

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

9

The Observant Jew

I Wood if I Could RABBI JONATHAN GEWIRTZ

F

rom time to time, I visit a shul in which I notice a great many wooden items made by the same man. There are bookrests, lecterns, memorial plaque boards and even a large wooden tzedaka box. How do I know they were made by the same man? Because his name is featured prominently on each of them in large letters - “Made by Ben Martin*,” or “Donated by Ben Martin” or something similar.

The first few times I saw this, I was taken aback. It seemed that the fellow had an urgent need for recognition.

Why else would he put his name on these items, especially in such a noticeable way?

Of course, if I were to build something, I would definitely have to sign it. As I am not handy in the slightest, my creation, instead of being useful, would likely be a possible candidate for the Museum of Modern Art, and those pieces have to be signed. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized just how much sense it made for this man to mark his work.

You see, when I write an article, I, too, put my name on it. This is my craft, and I want people to know where to get more if they like it. More importantly, I’m advertising the fact that I am using the gifts and talents HaShem gave me for a good purpose. I’m a natural writer. If you can’t write, you don’t have to feel bad. Some of us have a way with words and others… um… well… others… “have not way,” I guess.

Because G-d gave me the ability to string subjects and predicates together, nouns and verbs and the occasional adjective or gerund, I use that ability to write things to hopefully bring people closer to their Father in Heaven. By putting my name on it, I’m letting people (including myself ) know that I’m fulfilling my obligation to use my gifts properly.

Ben the woodworker could be making birdhouses but he chooses to make items for his shul (though for all I know he makes beautiful birdhouses too.) By putting his name on things he’s telling the world that G-d gave him the skill and aptitude to build and create with wood and he’s using it.

When people dedicate buildings for shuls, schools and Yeshivos, or put their name on an ambulance, it’s not a call for attention. (Or maybe not JUST a call for attention.) What they’re actually saying is that G-d blessed them with financial wherewithal and they’re using it for Him! They’re taking what He gave them and doing what He wants with their money.

It’s an amazing lesson. We all have gifts and abilities, and we all sign our work product. The question is what statement we’re making. Doaig HaEdomi (a contemporary of King David) was a brilliant Torah Scholar, but he had a darker side. He used his Torah abilities to ridicule others, to embarrass them until they got red in the face, hence his moniker, “Edomi,” the red one.

YOUR NAME HERE

10

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

His signature move was to take his talents and abuse them, along with whoever was unlucky enough to get in his way.

Some names are less insulting, but not that much more praiseworthy. A woman who is a perfectionist in the kitchen or when tablescaping might be called “a real Martha Stewart,” but it doesn’t tell you that she’s using her talents to brighten her family’s life or to enhance the Shabbos.

The question to ask ourselves is what our name will mean to people. What will they consider our “signature” talent? We’re building and creating constantly. Is it making the best use of our G-d-given talent? Are we proud of what we’re producing?

Take a lesson from Ben the woodworker that your craft in life is to be the best you can be and use what you have for the glory of G-d. Make sure you will be proud to put your name in big block letters on everything you do because, after all, that’s how others will see it.

Chanuka is coming! Why not give your family the gift that will keep on giving? With easy-to-read, humorous insights that strengthen bitachon, midos tovos, and simchas hachaim, The Observant Jew, a compilation of some of Rabbi Gewirtz’s best articles from years past, is a perfect choice.

Look for it in your favorite Jewish Book Store or visit Feldheim.com and see what a difference it can make!

Jonathan Gewirtz is an inspirational writer and speaker whose work has appeared in publications around the world.

He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion.

Sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English. E-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter. com and put Subscribe in the subject. © 2014 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

We’re building and creating constantly.

Is it making the best use of our G-dgiven talent? Are we proud of what we’re producing?

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

11

T

he Business Brokerage and Investments Center (BBI), a division of Parnassah Neetwork, is on a roll, earning its place as the global Orthodox community’s address for business sales, venture capital, partnerships and investment opportunity.

BBI builds upon the vast network of businesses, entrepreneurs and communities that haave come together under the Parnassah Network umbrella in recent years. “ Every day, people turn to Parnassah Network to help them find the right job or business,” says founder and director Reb Duvi Honig. “Our mission is to answer the call in the most profes e sional and effective way possible.”

Parnassah Network has earned renown in recent years for helping myriad businesses launch, grow and change haan nds through various services and resources. At its 2014 Parnassaah Expo, the famous “Accelerator” investors paan nel helped steer $1 million in capital to help propel several promising businesses to the next level.

The BBI Center is poised to take these efforts to the next level, and fill a real and growing need within the business communityy, as the contemporary business world is constantly in flux.

Neew skills are needed in each industry. Business veterans are looking to retire from a venture, but haave difficulty finding the right person to take over the reins. Injection of capital is often

needed to keep a business afloat, or take it to the next level. Ambitious young entrepreneurs are eager to put their skills to work and succeed, but don’t haave the right resources to access and cultivate the business of their dreams.

A key member of the Business Brokerage and Investments Center’s team is the world’s leading business brokerage guru, Ed Pendarvis. Mr. Pendarvis founded Sunbelt, the world’s largest business brokerage firm, and is on the board of the International Business Brokerage Associaation (IBBA).

He will play a leading long-term role in BBI’s operations and training. Mr. Pendarvis is scheduled to personally deliver a training session to newly joined brokers in mid-November.

The BBI Center’s roster of businesses, entrepreneurs and capital listings is growing at a solid pace. Individuals and businesses looking to take advantage of BBI services are welcome to contact the Center. In addition, BBI is accepting 4-5 new qualified applicants to join the brokerage team.

“B’ezrras Hashem,” says Reb Duvi, “the Center’s resources are very impressive and we look forward to making them work on behalf of our community every day.”

To list list your your business/invest business/invest oorr to jjoin oin oour ur te team am of bbrokers rokers pplease lease visit visit www.pnbizbrokerage.com www w.p . nbizbrokerage. g com or or eemail mail iinvestments@parnassahnetwork.com. nvestments@parnassahnetwork.com.

turn “Every day, “Every daay, people people turn to P arnassah Network Network to Parnassah help ttoo h elp tthem hem fifind nd tthe he right right jjob ob oorr bbusiness. usiness.”

12

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

13

14

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

15

AFMDA Raises Record $6M

Los Angeles Red Star Ball Raises Record $6M for MDA’S New National Blood Center and Ambulances

O

n the heels of Operation Protective Edge, American Friends of Magen David Adom’s Los Angeles Red Star Ball celebrated MDA’s wartime medics at a star-studded gala on Thursday at the Beverly Hilton. The event raised more than $6 million, a record for an event benefitting MDA, which will be used to help build MDA’s new national blood center, sponsor life-support ambulances, and purchase essential medical supplies.

The highly anticipated event was hosted by Jay Leno, whose comedic timing and improvisational quips were matched only by his generosity. By night’s end, he pledged $10,000 toward the cause. “We need to get more non-Jews to donate!” he said.

Guests were treated to a rousing musical performance by legendary singersongwriter Paul Anka, while the Star Spangled Banner was sung by Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying, and Israel’s national anthem — Hatikva — was performed by Pastor Robert Stearns. Honorees included David Wiener (Lifetime Achievement Award), Dr. Bill Dorfman (Humanitarian of the Year Award), and Gina Edwards (Next Generation Award).

But the emotional highlight of the night — in fact, the engine that drove the record donations — was the moving reunion between two Israelis who were nearly killed in rocket attacks during Operation Protective Edge, and the MDA paramedics who saved their lives. The reunions, kept as surprises for the survivors, happened live onstage following the premiere of a short film recounting their harrowing stories.

Yarin Levy, 16, of Ashkelon, was reunited with MDA’s Einav Asulin and Neomi

16

November 7, 2014 •

“The reunions between the Israeli civilians and their MDA lifesavers was one of the purest displays of human emotion and joy I have ever seen,” Zvi (who, in 1972, became Israel’s first fulltime female paramedic). Jehan Berman, 31, of Nahal Oz, was reunited with MDA’s Dr. Oren Wacht, a volunteer paramedic who teaches emergency medicine at BenGurion University.

“The reunions between the Israeli civilians and their MDA lifesavers was one of the purest displays of human emotion and joy I have ever seen,” said AFMDA Western Region Chairman Paul Guerin, who chaired the event with his wife, Vera, and Benny and Adele Alagem. “We owe it

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

to MDA’s heroes to show Americans what MDA does in Israel every single day. And supporting these incredible medics and building them a new MDA national blood center is the least we can do.”

The $6 million raised on Thursday eclipses the record set by last year’s AFMDA Los Angeles Gala, which generated $4 million.

“We’ve been so fortunate to count on the LA community’s support of MDA and its medics who are on the front lines during times of war and peace,” said AFMDA Western Region President Dina Leeds, who was honored at last year’s gala, along with her husband Fred Leeds. “After all, Israel relies on two critical agencies to save lives: the IDF and Magen David Adom.

And now that Angelinos have met some of these MDA heroes in person, we hope that support will only grow.”

Industry titans in finance, business, and entertainment lent support to the evening, including Toni Braxton, Pat Boone, J.R.

info@thejewishlink.com

Martinez, Amy Paffrath, and Dr. Jim Sears. Israel’s Consul General to Los Angeles, David Siegel, opened the event.

California Congressman Brad Sherman presented MDA Director-General Eli Bin with an award and an official American flag that once flew atop the U.S. Capitol. Both items will be located in the new blood center once it’s built.

An after-party sponsored by AFMDA’s Heartbeat NextGen community was hosted by J.R. Martinez at the Beverly Hilton and raised several more thousand dollars.

MDA is Israel’s national emergencyresponse, ambulance, and blood-services organization. However, it’s not a government agency and relies on charitable donations for funding. Israel’s current blood center, built in the 1980s, no longer accommodates the nation’s growing population and is vulnerable to terror and rocket attacks, as well as natural disasters like earthquakes. The Los Angeles Red Star Ball, along with September’s Detroit annual gala, which raised more than $1 million, kicks off a promising event season for AFMDA in the U.S. The organization’s next ma-

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

jor events are in New York (December 2), Aventura, Fla., (December 14), Palm Beach, Fla. (February 22, 2015), and San Francisco (March 1, 2015).

“The Los Angeles Red Star Ball is not only galvanizing the community in southern California, it’s also part of a broader, national effort to build a new MDA national blood center,” said AFMDA Chief Executive Officer Arnold Gerson. “We still need a lot of help to reach our goal of $100 million, and we hope that support will continue coming from all over the country. Ultimately, we must succeed if MDA is to continue its lifesaving work.”

Magen David Adom (MDA) is Israel’s national emergency medical response organization, providing skilled disaster-relief, ambulance, and blood services, to Israel’s 8 million people. MDA is the only organization mandated by the Israeli government to serve in this role, but its operations are not funded by the government. Instead, MDA relies on funding from donors around the world.American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) is the largest supporter of MDA worldwide.

For more information please visit www.afmda.org.

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

17

Touro-LA Corner

Understanding Chanah RABBI HAROLD RABINOWITZ

I

t never fails to move me; in fact, I’ve noticed that it moves me more with each passing year. It’s the Haftorah of Rosh Hashanah—the reading from the book of Samuel recounting the prayer of Chanah for a child. Unable to bear a child for her beloved and righteous husband, Elkanah, and taunted by her rival, Peninah, who had born many children for E l k a n a h , Chanah came to the sanctuary at Shiloh to pray for a child, as she had many times before.

Though Elkanah loved Chanah dearly and always treated her with the best he could give her, she was despondent, bitter in her heart and in despair.

Elkanah finally asks her (Samuel 1:8): why is she weeping, why does she fast, and why is there bitterness in her heart?

“Am I not better to you,” he asks her sincerely, “than ten sons?” How devastated Chanah must have been upon hearing that. She is even more bitter, more despondent—more hopeless.

Why? Because, the Malbim explains, with these words, Elkanah tells Chanah that he had given up all hope of her ever having a child, and this was more than she could bear.

Chanah then does something that (according to Rashi) no one had ever done before: she prayed silently, uttering the words in a whisper that no one besides her could hear. Tradition has it that during the days of the Sanctuary at Shiloh (and later of the Temple in Jerusalem), people would shout their names from beyond the walls, along with their particular needs, so that the Kohanim inside would think of them as they performed the service. “Reuvein the son of Shimon! In need of a cure from illness!” they might shout, in hopes that a Kohein inside would bear that name and that need in mind as he offered the sacrifice. The din of supplicants became so loud, that the Kohanim inside couldn’t make out what was being shouted and were distracted from their duties. Another 18

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

tradition has it that some resorted to attaching small notes with their names to rocks and throwing them over the wall into the Temple courtyard, hoping that a Kohein would find it and make note of the name while making an offering on the altar. And still another tradition has it that, in order to discourage this practice (and save a hapless Kohein from being injured by such a hurled rock), a deal was made with the people outside the wall: place your name on a small piece of parchment and stick into a crevice of the wall, and they would be collected every day and turned over to the Kohanim—giving rise to a custom, some say, practiced to this day.

But Chana has given up trying to reach the Divine ear through any intermediary. Elkanah’s words, uttered with love to be sure, convinced her that the depths of her despair and frustration could not be understood by any man. She could only pray directly to G-d, and that required not shouting, but sincere, tearful, and private prayer. So strange and novel was this, that the High Priest, Eli, upon seeing her, chastises her; he thought she was mumbling because she was intoxicated—an insult to the sanctity of the Sanctuary. But then Eli apologizes for scolding her, and tells her that her prayer will indeed be answered—and indeed it is, for in due time, she gives birth to a son, and she calls him “Samuel”—Hebrew for “the Lord has heard me.”

From that time onward, praying silently has become the hallmark of Jewish prayer. The climactic prayer of each service—the Amidah, the “Shemonah-Esrai,” The “Eighteen Blessings”— is said in silence. After praying the introductory Psalms aloud and with fervor, and saying the “Shema”—the “Hear O Israel”—aloud and with concentration, the congregation stands and recites the most fervent and sacred prayer silently. (In the literature, in fact, this service is called simply Tefillah”—“prayer,” quintessentially and

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

defining.) Like Chanah, it is how we Jews communicate the deepest yearnings and thoughts directly to the Almighty. And we have Chanah to thank for this. Every day, the core and climax of Jewish prayer is the silent “service of the heart” conveyed directly to the Almighty.

I’ve always wondered why this act of a desperate woman should have such a deep and long-lasting influence on the entire tenor of Jewish prayer; it practically defines us as a people and as believers. Surely it is because Chanah experienced the ultimate loneliness and isolation when she realized no one—certainly no man, if not Elkanah— would be able to understand her despair at being childless. And she reacted by praying to the only ear that could hear and understand her.

And I have often thought, we in our time may have a better understanding of this despair and loneliness, better than people have understood the inner life and longings of women in times past. It’s an old quip that it’s a good thing men are not relied upon to bear children—if they did, the population of the world would be zero. But that only underscores how far we men are from understanding the desire and joy of giving birth to

life. We don’t, and never will.

And I also thought while listening to that Haftorah on Rosh Hashanah, how we, living in Los Angeles, might be able to understand the loneliness of Chanah better than people elsewhere. Living as spread out as we do (as we have to), the hot city of Los Angeles can be a cold and isolated place—where getting together with loved ones and enjoying the warmth of friends is more difficult than in other cities. Perhaps Chanah can also inspire us to make greater efforts to get together with our friends, our fellow Jews, our loved ones—to enjoy the warmth of their company. For in the final analysis, heat is not warmth.

Chanah can also inspire us to make greater efforts to get together with our friends, our fellow Jews, our loved ones— to enjoy the warmth of their company.

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

Rabbi Harold Rabinowitz, a member of the TC-LA Faculty; served as the Rabbi of Cong.

Beth Israel of Malden, Massachusetts, in the 1970s; translated the work of Yiddish writer, Chaim Grade; served as Executive Editor of several large publishing houses, including The Jewish Publication Society, McGraw-Hill; and his own Judaica imprint at Macmillan; and is currently President of BookWorks, a leading bookweb producer, based in Los Angeles.

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

19

Yeshivat Yavneh’s 4th Annual Chanuka Boutique S unday November 16 — Yeshivat Yavneh PTA invites you to our 4th Annual Chanuka Boutique, the largest in Los Angeles, providing fun for the whole family. Amazing vendors from LA, Florida and New York will be among over 50 vendors attending the boutique. There will be products for men, women, and children - this is the one stop shop destination for all your Chanukah needs! Bring your children and spend the day enjoying Orange Delite & Grill, Rita’s Ices, moon bounces, art and crafts and more!

Free admission.

5353 West 3rd Street, 12pm-5pm.

20

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

Chazan Arik Wollheim & Beth Jacob Congregation Present

SAVE THE DATE! Reserve now for early bird discount.

Sunday January 11 6:30 pm

8440 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills

Musical Director:

Tomer Adaddi Generously Sponsored by

Photo credits: Bor Boruch ruch Ezagui

For tickets visit bethjacob.org/concert, call 310-278-1911 or visit ticketmaster.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

21

Inspiring Students Worldwide LA Rabbi Takes his Daf Yomi Class Online Video classes on Jewish.tv were recently enriched by the addition of a daily Talmud class given by Rabbi Avraham Meyer Zajac, who co-directs Chabad-Lubavitch SOLA-South La Cienega, Calif., with his wife, Stery.

Zajac, who grew up in Brazil, went out on shlichus to California in 2007. Here, he reflects on his journey to the rabbinate, his community’s growth, and what he looks forward to offering a global audience.

Q: Can you share a bit about your community in southern California?

A: Ours is a young, diverse community with a real range of backgrounds. Located between the larger Jewish communities of Pico-Robertson and La Brea in Los Angeles, there are many young families attracted to the area by the affordable housing, and more are coming all the time. Some are yeshivah-educated—from Chabad and non-Chabad institutions—and then there are many who are really just starting out, so there is a real mix, reflecting the whole Jewish community.

In addition to the many other classes, we learn a page of Talmud at 6 a.m., before 7 a.m. prayers. We’re a lively bunch, and we feed off each other’s energy. There are around a dozen of us who attend regularly since we began the class six years ago, and it’s really become part of our lives, something most of us cannot imagine starting our day without. Over the years, I have seen the Torah study really change people, some in subtle ways, and some in also more obvious and always in profound ways.

Q: How about you? How did you become a master Talmud teacher?

A: I grew up in Brazil, where my family 22

November 7, 2014 •

“Over the years, I have seen the Torah study really change people, some in subtle ways, and some in also more obvious and always in profound ways.” had been living since my grandfather was sent there by the Previous Rebbe (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory) to serve as a community shochet (ritual slaughterer).

My love and passion of learning came from my parents, Rabbi Motel and Rivka Zajac, may they be well. My earliest childhood memories include hearing my father learn every day in the wee hours of the morning.

When I was a child, we had the privilege of hosting Rabbi Shmuel Dovid Raitchik from Los Angeles, who would come to Brazil for around a month every year. He left a very strong impression on me.

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

In 1982, I came by his recommendation to learn in Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad in L.A., where I had the merit to learn Talmud and other subjects with the one-of-akind Rosh Yeshivah, Rabbi Ezra Schochet.

The Torah institutions of the Rebbe (Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory) are permeated with joy and passion towards learning and teaching Torah.

Now, years later, I have the unique privilege to serve as the Rebbe’s emissary under Rabbi Boruch S. Cunin, director of West Coast Chabad, and part of the team of California shluchim (Chabad emissaries) who are exceptional in both Chassidishkeit(Chassidic warmth and teachings), and in making Torah learning and teaching a cornerstone of their mission. This gives me additional inspiration to do my part in learning and teaching Torah.

After I completed my studies in New York and a few months after I married my wife, Stery, in 1991, we moved to Hong Kong as Chabad emissaries under Rabbi Mordechai Avzton. There, I began to give my first daily Talmud class following the DafYomi (page a day) cycle. There were

info@thejewishlink.com

many businesspeople passing through Hong Kong, and such a Torah class was a service that many of them appreciated. Thank G-d, throughout the years, I continued to teach the daily Daf Yomi, and shortly after establishing Chabad Sola here in Los Angeles in 2007, I continued this class with our community.

Q: Now that your class is online, what changes did you need to make, either in the content or the presentation?

A: Again, we are a lively bunch, so some of us need to restrain ourselves a bit. Also, since we learn every day of the year—including Shabbat and Jewish holidays, days when we don’t record—we’re relearning those classes the day after Shabbat or the holiday for Q: With hundreds of such classes taking place all over the world, the benefit of the online audience. in what way would you characterize the uniqueness of this class?

I really must acknowledge the guidance and inspiration I’ve reA: Our studies are colored by the teachings of Chassidus. There ceived from Rabbi Joshua B. Gordon of Encino, Calif. He’s been are probably 80 people in our congregation who learn Chitas (a giving online classes for many years on Chabad.org, and I am in Hebrew acronym for Chumash, the five books of Moses; Tehillim, touch with him regularly. or Psalms; and Tanya, the seminal work of Chassidic philosophy In fact, Rabbi Gordon is about to complete the full corpus

by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe), of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah, which he has been teaching for The Rebbe encouraged the daily study of Chitas, Maimonides’ three years now following the cycle the Rebbe established. That Mishneh Torah and HaYom Yom (the Rebbe’s compilation of is a wonderful milestone for him and the thousands all over the teachings of the Previous Rebbe) emphasizing that these daily world who have grown in their Torah learning along with him. study portions are applicable to everyone, and many of us learn other Chassidic tracts as well.

Q: Any final thoughts?

In this setting, it’s only natural to find resonance between the A: We’re all very excited about our class, and thank G?d that we subjects we are learning. When you live with what you learn, it can share it with many other people. It’s an honor and privilege for influences every area of your life, and your learning is no exception. us to be joined by the Chabad.org community.

Seeing the mechanics of Talmud through the lens of Chassidus is very inspiring and has a very deep effect on all of us.

Rabbi Avraham Zajac’s daily class can be viewed on Jewish.tv.

MAKE YOUR YOUR NEXT PRINTING PROJECT PROJJECT A

SUCCESS

Serving Serving the Jewish Jewish Community Community

CONCEPT November 7, 2014

DESIGN •

323-965-1544

PRINT

500

BUSINESS CARDS

$10 First time customers

ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS PRINT NEEDS Large-format printing, Vinyl Banners and Photo posters 3535 Cahuenga Blvd West #111  Los Angeles, CA 90068 323-876-3500  www.universalprintandcopy.com eddieprinter@gmail.com

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

23

24

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

25

26

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

27

Bringing

Jews Together

14th Annual SimXa Shabbaton to take place Thanksgiving weekend

T

he fourteenth annual Simxa Company Shabbaton will take place this Thanksgiving weekend at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Simxa Shabbatons are intended to connect Jews of all walks of life from unaffiliated to fully observant, American, Russian, Bucharian, Persian, Israeli, and provide educational and inspirational lectures to encourage growth in Torah and mitzvos.

The first Simxa Shabbaton, conducted jointly with Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) took place in 2001 in Laguna Beach and had 63 participants. Over the years, the Shabbatons grew. Last year’s thirteenth “Bar Mitzvah” Shabbaton in Newport Beach drew 340 participants.

Most attendees come from the Los Angeles area and San Diego, some come from Northern California, and others fly in from Seattle, Chicago, and the east coast. Originally, the program included lectures only in Russian for Russianspeaking Jewish immigrants, but has expanded in recent years to include parallel lectures in English for all participants. The Shabbatons became so popular that almost a third of the families that come are non-Russian-speaking.

All participants enjoy the lectures and the opportunity to relax and learn in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

For Jews who grew up in the Soviet Union, where religion was considered opium for the masses, the Shabbatons are especially meaningful. The attendees find themselves among hundreds of other Russian Jews who have rejected the atheism they were raised with and who believe in G-d or are at least willing to consider the possibility of His existence. The lecturers, some of them also Russian Jews who 28

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

Children especially enjoy coming to the Shabbaton and participating in a funfilled children’s program. discovered Judaism against all odds back in the Soviet times and risked their lives for Torah and mitzvos, share their own stories and inspire the listeners to learn more about the heritage that was denied to them by the Soviet regime.

Many families grow in their observance after attending a Simxa Shabbaton. Some kasher their kitchens. Others enroll their children in Jewish schools. For some, the Shabbaton is an opportunity to connect with a rabbi or rebbetzin and continue their Jewish learning after the Shabbaton.

Those taking their first steps in mitzvah observance are able to get advice and encouragement from others who are farther along on their journey. Friendships born at the Shabbaton continue for years ahead, and families support each other as they continue their spiritual growth. Those families that have been observant for years have the opportunity to

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

share what they have learned along the way with other fellow Jews, and they find it to be a rewarding experience.

True to its name, SimXa Shabbaton is also a place to celebrate simchos. Over the years, the Shabbatons have hosted a wedding, six Bas Mitzvahs, five Bar Mitzvahs, and numerous birthdays and anniversaries. Also, two shidduchim were made through recent Shabbatons.

Children especially enjoy coming to the Shabbaton and participating in a fun-filled children’s program. In the past, the program has included team sports, games and tournaments, learning the art of scripture, making decorative Havdallah candles, challah baking, pickling cucumbers, moon bounce, petting zoo, surrey biking, magician, bonfire concerts with roasted marshmallows, hike and learn, scavenger hunts, drum roll, the art of Jewelry making, clowns and other characters, birthday parties, swimming, Zumba classes and more.

The upcoming Shabbaton promises to continue the tradition of learning and inspiration in a relaxing environment conducive to growth. The speakers include Rabbi Shimon Grilius, a famous Soviet Era refusnik and founder of the Sh-

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

vut Ami yeshiva for Russian Jews in Jerusalem, Rabbi Sholom Rodal of Chabad of Mount Olympus who works with many Russian Jews locally, Rabbi Yaakov Ephraim Parisi, a former Christian pastor and a supervising engineer for the Israeli Air Force, Chana Weisberg, a bestselling author and a popular lecturer and educator, and Katya Kapelnikova, an award- winning performing artist, poet and musician. The program also includes live concerts, comedians, dancing, and tours to local attractions. The Shabbaton offers luxury accommodations, gourmet catering, and baby- sitting which is part of the children’s program.

Simxa Shabbatons are administered by a non-profit organization called Simxa Company, established in the year 2000 for the purpose of bringing authentic Jewish law, tradition, and culture to the Jews of Russian descent. In addition to Shabbatons, holiday gatherings, and classes, the organization also runs a child care facility, called Gan Simxa, for children of ages 1½ to 5 years old.

For more info on Simxa Company programs contact admin@ simxa.org or go to www.simxa.org.

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

29

30

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

31

The Observant Jew

By All Appearances RABBI JONATHAN GEWIRTZ

O

ne day, as I entered BJ’s Wholesale Club, I fished in my wallet for my membership card. I smiled at the greeterr, showed him my card, and then, due my inquisitive nature and somewhat contrary opinion on the matterr, I asked him, “ By the way, why DO you require us to show our membership cards on the way in? We clearly can’t check out without one.” His answer threw me for a loop. “ We don’t ask to see your card,” he replied. “That’s Costco.” Sheepishly, I excused myself and walked on into the store. I had made a common faux pas, ascribing some action or behaavior, plus some perceived negativityy, to an entity that didn’t deserve it merely because it “ looked” like another entity that did what I questioned.

There I was, ready to get annoyed at him, who was only doing his job, because of a practice I felt was objectionable, and it was I who had done something wrong!

How often haave we sized people up based on how they look? We see a fellow in a certain type of clothing and assume certain things, both good and bad, about him. I remember one day at shul when some fellows were discussing a Ramban on the Parsha. I passed by, joined in the discussion, and gave some of my insights into the matter. Glancing at my striped shirt, and reflecting on my rather Chasidishe insight into the posuk, he said to me, “ I can’t figure you out!”

32

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

I know he meant no ill will, so I replied, “ I guess you just haave to get to know me. I may not fit into any particular box you can think of.”

How often do we make the same mistake as I did with the Big Discount Club Store and assume that someone believes something simply because of how he or she looks?

How many times do we get the wrong impression about an entire group simply because of how one person who dresses like that did something objectionable? Does it mean that EVER RYONE in that group agrees? Does it even mean that they condone the action? Maybe they’re just as bothered as you, and you missed it because you got stuck on appearances.

I heard a story that I hope is apocryphal. A woman saaw a Chasidic woman buying baby food, but not one with a hechsher (Kosher Certification.) Gently, she went over and said, “ Here, this is the one with [name of national Kosher organization.]” The other woman nearly spat and said, “ Feh! That hashgacha is treif ! (not Kosher.) I buy the one withOUT the [national certification.]” It had been so drilled into her that she could not trust the certification that she had unwittingly served her child actual treif, so as to avoid the one that was not “ Kosher enough.”” Like I said, I hope it didn’t really happen, and if it did, that it never does again.

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

A friend of mine is a skilled worker. He had gone to a home to fix something and he heard the children conversing in Yiddish, assuming that he would not understand. (He’s a rather learned fellow, with a deep connection to HaKadosh Baruch Hu, and they vastly underestimated him.)

He heard the boy say to his sister, “The truth is, he’s wearing a yarmulke, but his shoes [he was wearing workboots] are goyish.” They couldn’t decide whether he was a Jew or not because the shoes he wore weren’t the ones their father in Kollel wore.

Who taught them to look at people that way? Is it not most likely that the adults in their lives judge people on appearance the same way? But as I’ve shown you today, appearances are far from conclusive.

My suggestion? Look at everyone in the best possible light, give them the benefit of the doubt, and assume you don’t know them. Your preconceived notions may just dis-“appear.”

Chanuka is coming! Why not give your family the gift that will keep on giving? With easy-to-read, humorous insights that strengthen bitachon, midos tovos, and simchas hachaim, The Observant Jew, a compilation of some of Rabbi Gewirtz’s best articles from years past, is a perfect choice.

Look for it in your favorite Jewish Book Store or visit Feldheim.com and see what a difference it can make!

Jonathan Gewirtz is an inspirational writer and speaker whose work has appeared in publications around the world.

He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion.

Sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English. E-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter. com and put Subscribe in the subject. © 2014 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

Look at everyone in the best possible light, give them the benefit of the doubt, and assume you don’t know them.

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 Prices Prices Wool Suits Suits vv 100% 100% Wool from size 8-20 Made in Italy v Regular v Regular & Husky vv 100% 100% Wool Pants v 100% v 100% Wool vv 100% 100% Cotton Shirts Super 100 vv 100% Ties 100% Silk Designer Ties vv Leather more...

Leather Belts & more...

NOVEMBER SPECIAL

323.936.7123 7123 Beverly Blvd. 323.422.0839

YOUR PURCHASE

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

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

33

34

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

35

Yaldei Yisroel EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY

F O R C H I L D R E N A G E S 2-5

Playful Learning Is The Key To Prosperity: Play is crucial to social, emotional, cognitive, and even physical development, helping children to grow up better adjusted, smarter, and less stressed.” —Forbes

Mom, I want to go to Yaldei Yisroel!

Providing your child with: t

t t

t t

t t t t

t

t t

t t

For information & tours please contact our pre-school Director Chana Blugrind at (310) 288-5920 or email chana@yaldeiacademy.com

36

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

What is Livescan Fingerprinting?

Livescan is an inkless fingerprinting process where fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the Department of Justice for background screening.

Ink fingerprinting is still required in many states.

However, as a result of legislation passed in 1997, the California Department of Justice (CA-DOJ) has developed the automated background check process, which requires Livescan fingerprints for criminal history background checks that may be required as a condition of employment. Livescan technology replaces the ink process of recording fingerprint images. The CA-DOJ may also forward Livescan fingerprints to the FBI if required.

Who Needs Livescan?

Livescan may be required as a condition of employment for: Teachers, Care Givers, Contractors, Security Guards, Nurses, Doctors, Surgeons, Real Estate Licensees, Appraisers, Notaries, DMV Licensed Professionals, Foster Parents, Stock Brokers, Volunteers, and anyone applying for a professional licensing, certification, or permit. Persons applying for foreign adoptions or VISA/Immigration clearances may also need Livescan processing.

8512 Whitworth Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90035

Phone: 310-360-8512 Fax: 310-360-8510 email: info@thenesscenter.org www.thenesscenter.org November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

37

Make My Soul Better

Mental Health in Israel’s Hareidi Communities

BY ANNA HARWOOD Chavi* awkwardly positions herself on the chair in the group therapy room.

The doctors gave her parents no choice, hospitalize her or she will develop organ failure as a result of her deteriorating anorexia. Chavi is just 16 and has grown up in the Hareidi enclave of Bnei Brak where there was little public knowledge about the signs of this debilitating disease. One in four people will experience mental illness in their lifetime and this community is no different.

The group therapy room is on the adolescent unit where she has been hospitalized, a couple of miles away from her community and yet a world away from the life she knows. Girls are talking graphically about intimate experiences. They discuss the influence of media on their eating disorders and they talk about their secular lifestyles. Chavi understands the words but not their connotations. They tell her this place will help her get better but she feels lonelier than ever before, like an outcast, thrown from her community and implanted into an alien world.

Chavi is one of the lucky ones; her parents noticed the signs of mental illness and took her to seek help. She is in treatment but it is far from ideal, but times are changing. Israel’s most stigmatized sector of society, the Hareidi community are breaking down barriers to tackle their own internal stigma, that of mental illness.

“The last few years have seen the community join together to fight mental illness,” explained Nechami Samuel, a Psychotherapist at Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Centre (MHMC) in Bnei Brak. What was once a 38

November 7, 2014 •

continued Samuel. “These Rabbis are now referring families to us, seeking professional guidance and together with MHMC, leading a revolution in reducing the stigma of mental illness.” The revolution could not have come sooner; within the first day of the recent Operation Protective Edge, the sirens begun to wail in Bnei Brak.

“We have seen an influx in cases because of the war. For some, anxiety disortaboo subject is now being discussed and ders get worse, and people who have had debated by the Rabbis and the message is no prior anxiety issues may develop dishitting home. “People in our community orders because of the situation,” explained don’t turn to medical professionals in these Dr. Michael Bunzel, chief psychiatrist at situations, they turn to their Rabbi for help MHMC. “We have been charged by the with Shalom Bayit (domestic harmony),” ministry of health as an acute stress treat-

“We have patients all religious backgrounds, but it is an environment of religious respect which is unique to our institution.”

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

ment centre for Bnei Brak to deal specifically with trauma in the case of a national disaster. The idea is to create separate sites for trauma so that people don’t have to go to the emergency room.

Mayanei Hayeshua serves as one of these sites.”

In addition to the upsurge in cases of post traumatic stress and anxiety, MHMC is continuing to tackle basic mental health needs that effect the entire community. “Take for example post natal depression, ten years ago it just didn’t exist in our community,” added Shimon Goloveizitz, Head of Administration for MHMC’s psychiatric services. “We’re talking about a communal prevalence of 13% and yet it was brushed under the carpet.” Today in addition to the organizations which have been founded to provide support for sufferers, a substantial public awareness campaign has been instigated.

“Recently we hosted a Rabbi-therapist to give a lecture to men to help them spot the signs of post natal depression in their wives and support them effectively and the turnout was overwhelming.”

The revolution is slow and it has to come about from within. Prior to his position at MHMC, Goloveizitz managed a health centre in central Israel. “One day they decided to do an evening for Hareidim because they never came to any of their health-promotion events,” he recalled. “They chose a night during Hanukah, brought in Glatt Kosher food and entertained the Hareidi visitors with a female singer and scantily clad dancer.

They just simply didn’t understand.” There is a massive gulf of knowledge between secular and religious Israelis. For the majority of the Israeli population, religious Judaism is another religion all together and it is only with the furor over army service that the secular population are becoming exposed to the stringencies of this community.

Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Centre is currently home to both child and adult outpatient and day-care psychiatric services but they struggle to serve the high demands of this underserved population. Therapists take into account religious sensitivities and the particular challenges of conforming to religious norms.

“When I am conducting family therapy and the father doesn’t look at me, rather than racing to conclusions of Autism or communication disorders, I think shmirat haayin, (guarding the gaze),” said Samuel. “Even in standard diagnostic tests a child can be diagnosed with low intelligence because he doesn’t know culturally determined answers or a yeshiva student diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder because his religious lifestyle fits the criterion for this disease.”

MHMC is now halfway through the construction of a state of the art Psychiatric facility which will become the first in Israel solely dedicated to serving the religious population and promises to massively increase the available treatment options. “We don’t close our doors to anyone,” clarified Goloveizitz. “We have patients all religious backgrounds, but it is an environment of religious respect which is unique to our institution.” The new facility will house both inpatient and outpatient services and is hoping to become a centre of excellence for Israeli mental health care. “There is no doubt that there is a need for an inpatient facility when a person is endangering himself or others but our goal is not to be a sanatorium, we want to give people the tools to reintegrate into society as speedily as possible and for that we need to build a welcoming environment in which religious people, like Chavi, will feel comfortable living,” added Samuel.

Samuel is one player in the Israeli psychological system which is currently undergoing a major reform. Israel’s psychology services currently predominantly offer psychodynamic therapy, which is a long-term, in-depth therapeutic approach primarily focusing on unconscious internal conflicts.

Under the new reform, there is a slow but certain move towards evidence based practice which advocates the use of treatments which have a strong scientific backing. While this does not exclude psychodynamic psychology, for many disorders it often recommends more targeted treatment approaches based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). “Our main purpose is to get our patients back out to the community and we use whatever treatments have been shown to be most effective for that purpose,” outlined Samuel, who is an expert in CBT. “Especially with these treatments which have strict protocols, first and foremost, the research outlines the importance of cultural applicability and individual tailoring of treatment goals and plans.”

The future looks hopeful for Israel’s religious community.

With 3,350 patients accessing Mayanei Hayeshua’s psychiatric services in 2013 alone, the increased services cannot come too soon. “The first stage of the revolution on stigma has been a success,” said Samuel. “Now we have to stand up to the challenge of the increased demand for our services.”

“Our main purpose is to get our patients back out to the community and we use whatever treatments have been shown to be most effective for that purpose.”

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

Anna Harwood is a student of Clinical Psychology at Bar Ilan University, Israel. *Chavi is not the patient’s real name.

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

39

Secret

Restaurant

Recipes

From the World’s Top Kosher Restaurants The finest restaurants. The most talented chefs. The most delicious food. All in your kitchen.

H

ow many times have you been in a restaurant, savoring the last bites of your dish, quietly wishing, “If only I could make this at home!” You don’t have to wish anymore: Now you can turn to Secret Restaurant Recipes by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek.

After writing four popular cookbooks — by home cooks and for home cooks — Schapira and Dwek turned to an area of cooking that has always been inaccessible to most of us: professional restaurant kitchens. Professional chefs don’t cook the same way that home cooks do, and in Secret Restaurant Recipes, Schapira and Dwek set out to unlock their secrets.

Featuring dishes from more than 70 top kosher restaurants from all over the world, Secret Restaurant Recipes isn’t just a book full of recipes; it’s full of tips, techniques, and flavor pairings from today’s best kosher chefs. Within these pages, you’ll learn how to cook like a pro. As with their previous cookbooks, the Made Easy cookbook series, the authors fill the pages with their unique voices, their signature tips, and their friendly kitchen guidance. Go behind the scenes into the kitchens of the world’s top kosher restaurants, and then join Leah and Victoria as they make it easy for you to recreate these dishes at home.

Secret Restaurant Recipes features elegant dishes from acclaimed restaurants such as Reserve Cut and Prime Grill in NYC and Tierra Sur and La Gondola in LA, as well as from celebrity chefs such as Jeff Nathan of Abigael’s in NYC, Chopped Champion Chef Katsuji Tanabe, and one of Food and Wine Magazine’s Best New Chefs, Karen Nicolas. It also boasts family-friendly, everyday recipes such as Chicken Fingers with Dipping Sauce and Shallots’ Beer-Battered Onion Rings, and classic American-style Chinese food such as Sesame Chicken, Eggplant Chicken with Garlic Sauce, and Mongolian Beef. You’ll discover the background of the featured restaurants and your mouth will water as you read about their specialty dishes. No matter what your favorite kosher restaurants are, you’re likely to find one of their menu items in this book.

Secret Restaurant Recipes is a completely one-of-a-kind cookbook, featuring: t Secret techniques and cooking tips direct from the chefs t Beautiful, full-color photos for every dish t Simple, family friendly recipes for everyday, as well as sophisticated suggestions for special occasions t The perfect guide for kosher restaurant aficionados who want to learn more about their favorite dining spots t Complete menu suggestions for meals — from an elegant dinner party to a cozy winter dinner This oversized 9”x9” hardcover cookbook makes an excellent gift for Hanukkah and year round.

40

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

A Visit from the Sadigur Rebbe

T

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

41

EGGPLANT CHICKEN IN GARLIC SAUCE Segal’s Oasis Grill · Owner Daniel Gilkarov · Phoenix, Arizona “… Like many out-of-town restaurants, Segal’s is a casual spot that serves some American, some Chinese, and some Middle Eastern food. There’s a sushi menu and a deli menu. But the difference is that it’s all really, really good. My husband has returned to Phoenix on business and Segal’s remains the nightly stop …” -V Meat ∙ Yields 2 servings Ingredients 1 lb eggplant, cut into 1½-inch chunks kosher salt, for sprinkling 1 lb skinless boneless chicken tops, cut into bite-sized pieces 3 Tbsp cornstarch, for dredging 3 Tbsp chopped garlic ¼ tsp chili pepper flakes

1/3 cup shredded carrots canola or vegetable oil, for frying

Dark Sauce: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce 2 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp cornstarch

Directions 1. Sprinkle eggplant chunks with salt; allow to rest for 20-30 minutes (this process will prevent eggplant from soaking up too much oil during frying). Rinse salt from eggplant and drain well.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside.

3. Prepare the chicken: Place cornstarch into a shallow dish; toss the chicken in cornstarch to coat very well.

4. Heat 3-inches oil in a wok or 1-inch oil in a sauté pan over

medium heat. Add chicken to hot oil and pan-fry until golden, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from oil and set aside.

5. Add the eggplant to the same pan and fry until light golden, 2-3 minutes. Remove from oil and set aside. Discard oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the wok or pan.

6. Add garlic and chili pepper flakes and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Return chicken and eggplant to the pan. Add carrots and sauce and stir-fry for 2 minutes, coating all the ingredients well with the sauce.

SEA BASS SPRING ROLLS

Mocha Bleu · Owner Naftali Abenaim ·Teaneck, NJ “… The rest of the menu has great variety and creativity, including the tempting selection of pizzas … which emerge from Mocha Bleu’s cherry wood-burning oven. There are also gluten-free pizza and pasta alternatives. With glass-tiled walls and Lucite seating, the modern Mocha Bleu ambiance is very striking …” -V. Pareve ∙ Yield: 14 spring rolls Ingredients ½ lb Chilean sea bass, cut into ¼-inch cubes 1 lb kani (imitation crab), shredded 3 Tbsp mayonnaise

1 Tbsp sesame oil ½ tsp mirin ½ tsp kosher salt 14 sheets feuille de brick or spring roll wrappers oil, for frying

Directions 7. In a medium bowl, combine sea bass, kani, mayonnaise, sesame oil, mirin, and salt.

8. Spread filling over the bottom-center of each wrapper. Fold in sides; roll up tightly.

9. Heat oil in a saucepan or deep fryer. Add spring rolls, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Recipes from Secret Restaurant Recipes by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek Reprinted with permission from the copyright holders: ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications

42

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

43

Mazzel Tov! Mazel Engagements

Baby B aaby abby B Bo Boyoy Births B h

Babyy Girl Births B h

Rebecca Linfield and Leon Moskatel Levi Raicchiikk & Chanee Greennberg Nechama Litenatsky and Dovid Mordechai Wolfson Avi Horowicccz and Gittty Lehmann Binyamin Yasharpour and Aviva Levihaeim Boruch Noam Velvel DuBrow to Sheina Golda Brumm Shloimi & Raizi Freidman Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth and Penina Lowenstein Kovi & Estie Kessler Mendel & Sara Malka Gottleib Yisroel and Eliana Kovacs Michelle & Yona Conzevoy Steve & Ameilia Hoffm man Rabbi Naffttoli & Faayga Smithg Shlomo and Ahuva Gurwitz Dan & Sheina Dorn Rabbi Avremil & Devorah Leah Wagshul Levi and Sarah Chaaya Newman Avi & Aliza Gruen Meyer & Chaaya Rodaal Max and Chana Pinkerson Miriam & Ari Mark Nava & Rabbi Mooshe Adler Avi & Devorah Wei e ss Yeerachmiel & Yehudis Feernandez Max & Tammi Rabin Sean & Miriam Rhudes Rabbi Nachman & Elkie Abend

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

Sponsored Spo onsored by A Perfect Setting Gifts for all occasions!

CLASSY. CREATIVE. CONV

44

November 7, 2014 •

Featuring %RXMUYIW 4EMRXMRKW 4IVWMER 6YKW 'SPPIGXMFPIW *YVRMXYVI .I[IPV]

Dealers Welcome Web: ZZZ EXWWHUIO\ JDOOHULHV FRP E-mail: hh18hh@gmail.com or call 818 277 5233 Antiques-Furniture-Persian Rugs-Estates-Liquidations Bought and Sold

Dealers welcome we ship anywhere in the USA Antique delivery www.transitsystems.com Visit our website www.butterfly-galleries.com Click on top to view paintings,collectibles & jewelry,rugs,furniture

222 t 323.620.3618

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

First Quality Men’s Clothes

at Half the Price of Department Stores v 100% Wool Sports Jackets v 100% acketssv Boys v Boys v y Suits at a Discounted d Prices Prices 100% Wool vv 100% Wool Suits Suits from size 8-20 Made in Italy v Regular v Regular & Husky vv 100% 100% Wool Pants v 100% v 100% Wool vv 100% 100% Cotton Shirts Super 100 100% Silk Designer Ties vv 100% Ties vv Leather more...

Leather Belts & more...

Monte Carlo Wishes You a Happy Sweet New Year

SUKKOS SPECIAL BUY ONE SUIT RECEIVE A TIE

FREE!

November 7, 2014

•

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<

323-965-1544

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

45

46

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com

1. Extra blue strip for boy in yellow and blue-striped shirt on left. 2. Green chair on right is missing a leg. 3.

Boy in back with green t-shirt is now wearing yellow. 4. Purple-shirted boy in back has left. 5. Now there's a third vent on pipe hanging from ceiling. 6. Extra hand in back. 7. Rabbi's tie is now shorter. 8. Extra lines on floor on the left. 9. Extra green pole on the left. 10. Boy in front - his shorts are now purple.

qqq q qqq q qq

10 KEEP SCORE

Please email your pictures to info@thejewishlink.com

Have your picture double taked!

Valley Torah boys celbratedwith spirited dancing and live music

by VTHS Rabbi Samuels.

Simchas Beis Hashoeiva

Valley Torah Can you spot the differences in these two pictures?

DoubleTake

! r e d n i m Re Don’t forget to place your ads in our upcom upcoming Chanukah C hanukah issue!

December 5th Edition Deadline: Nov 28th

323-965-1544 6 5-154 4 EEmail mail info@thejewishlink.com or call 323-9 November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

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

47

B”H

LU TH THE HE LLOCKSMITH OCKSMIT OCKSMI OCKSM MITH

NE W LOCKS / REKEYS / LOCKOUT REPAI R S QUICK , F R IE N D LY A N D R E L IAB L E SE R VICE

SHEP ZEBBERMAN

Former Superior Court Referee

ATTORNEY AT L AW

Over 22 Years Experience

CRIMINAL DEFENS( JUVENILE DELINQUENCY DEPENDENCY LAW WWW.ZEBBERMANLAW.COM

SERVICING SER VICING THE VALLEY VA ALLEY AND CITY CIT Y AREAS AREAS SHABBAT SHOMER SHABBAT 818-384-6666  luthelocksmith@g luthelocksmith@gmail.com mail.com  License License # 13404

855.770.1836 shep@zebbermanlaw.com

16601 Ventura Blvd. Suite 400 Encino CA 91436

CLASSIFIEDS GIFTS

Great gifts for all occasions!

Invited out for a Shabbos meal? Baby gifts, Bas Mitzvah gifts, Wedding gifts, & House warming gifts. Don't put it off!

Come in today and go out relieved. Call for a special appointment.

Rochel Duchman 323-938-8222 or 323-620-3618

48

MUSIC BANDS

Music by Ariel Louk "Because a Simcha should be happy"

One man band to a full orchestra.

Please call now for availability & rates!

323-997-2647

PIANO TEACHER

Piano Teacher & Party's Entertainer Piano lessons for any Ages/Levels, Classical to Popular, Music Theory, Improvisation, Music/ Songs for Holidays.

Please contact Milan's Music Studio @ 818-518-9926.

First lesson is free.

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

NOW OPEN

Wigs by Neshe

Tehachapi Torah Center.

Suited for individuals, families and existing Torah organizations. Beis Medrash, Davening, Classes, Youth groups.

Healthy, Serene, Affordable.

'Learn More'.

Contact Roger M. kernkehilla@att.net 310-948-5137 www.pearlmancta.com/ kerncountykehilla.htm

great quality , great Sevice

323-243-7186 -1438-

MUSIC BY MENDEL SIMONS 310-595-5490 LIVE@ MUSICBYMENDEL.COM

loukmusic@sbcglobal.net

November 7, 2014 •

WIGS BY NESHE

•

info@thejewishlink.com

my health, MY WORLD.

Nobody pays attention to his teeth on a random day. You simply use them; to bite, to chew, to talk, to smile.

Until an ache sets in.

Ditto for the rest of life—mind, body and spirit. You don’t realize what’s going on when every organ performs as it should. But when something goes wrong, your entire life suddenly pauses; your entire world seems to come apart.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.

Enter Maxi-Health®. We understand what faulty body parts or unstable neurons can do to a person. We know how all-encompassing disease, trauma, or chemical imbalances can be. And we value the quality of your life.

That is why Maxi-Health® has devoted 40 years to intensive study and research. We’ve mastered the skill of producing top quality vitamins, helping our customers achieve optimal health.

In every age and stage, health comes into play. Your health affects your attitude, your behavior, your every decision. Make it your priority. It’s your essence… your life… your entire world.

800.544.MAXI 800.544.MAXI November 7, 2014

W WWW.MAXIHEALTH.COM WW.MAXIHEALTH.COM •

323-965-1544

INF INFO@MAXIHEALTH.COM O@MAXIHEALTH.COM

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

49

Community & Gemach Directory EMERGENCY SERVICES Hatzolah – Emergency Medical Services (800) 613-1911 or (310) 247-0584 Chaverim (323) 903-7613 Misaskim – Support during crisis or tragedy.

(855) 444-2252 Shmira Patrol -Security and response team.

(323) 484-4357

BABIES & CHILDREN Baby Equipment - Ezer LaYoledes - Strollers, play pens, high chairs, cribs, car seats for short or long term loan. Bella Greenfield (323) 934-0178 Baby Equipment - Yad Aliza Port-a-cribs, pack and plays, car seats, infant bouncers, strollers, bassinettes, booster seats, exersaucers for short term loan. www.LABabyGear.com Miriam Hendeles (323) 243-7116 Bris Outfits and Bris Pillow Devora Wieder Ruchie Klein Karen Assouline

(323) 939-9276 (323) 353-2494 (818) 398-7847

Diapers Tzipora Borenstein (Pico) (424) 279-9572 Miriam Berkowitz (Hancock) (323) 251-1729 Dena Kramer (Valley) (818) 985-2493 New Born Care Packages Sandy Gordon Michali Moore

(310) 838-8591 (310) 413-2721

Nursing Pumps Andi Shochet Dassi Weiner

(818) 753-9562 (818) 509-7791

Children’s Costume Gemach - Bubby Goldie’s (L’ilui Nishmas Chana Golda Krausz) Abi Katz (323) 395-7465 Miriam Montag (323) 646-5988 Rochel (323) 318-0108 (323) 936-8760

Maternity – Miriam’s Maternity Gemach Tzniusdig maternity clothes. Various styles for both weekdays and Shabbos. All Sizes. (310) 404-1155

COUNSELING & HEALTH Aleinu - Counseling & Family Resource Center 24 hour hotline (310) 247-0534 Bikur Cholim – Jewish Healthcare Foundation Medical Equipment Free Loan Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and all types of medical supplies are available at no cost for those

50

November 7, 2014 •

Chai Lifeline Providing support services to seriously ill Jewish children and their families.

(310) 274-6331 Etta Israel - Serving the special needs children of the Jewish community.

(818) 985-3882 Friendship Circle Providing social, recreational and Judaic programs for Jewish children with special needs and their families.

(310) 280-0955

FINANCIAL AID SERVICES Jewish Free Loan Association Small interest-free loans City (323) 761-8830 ext: 100 Valley (818) 464-3331 Hachnasas Kallah - Financial assistance and support for Kallahs.

(323) 938-8074

FOOD Masbia – Donate unused food from your Simcha (L’ilui Nishmas Chaim Yosef ben Aron Aryeh) (323) 997-6500 Tomchei Shabbos Provides Shabbos food packages for families in need.

Call to request an application.

(323) 851-1000 Arbis for Shalom Zachor Aviva Maller

(323) 931-9420

FURNITURE, HOME & DISHES 2nd Chance (Used furniture) Rivky Farber

(323) 851-1000

Beit T’Shuvah Thrift Boutique (310) 204-5200

CLOTHING

Kehila Shatnez Testing Joe Stoltz

leaving the hospital, recovering at home, or any emergency. www.bikurcholim.net (323) 852-1900

Chairs/Tables (for rent) Susan Osherovitz Council Thrift Shop

(310) 275-5640

Bikur Cholim Medical Appt. Transportation (323) 852-1900 Haimishe Express Taxi (323) 842-3666

WEDDINGS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS Benchers (L’ilui Nishmas Ahron Ben Yissachar) Mrs. Kest (323) 937-7060 Benchers: Al HaMichya in Lucite stands Esther Mayerfeld (323) 933-1891 Chupah: Candle Holders, Kallah Chair, Poles Mrs. Lebovics (323) 933-3377 Chupah: Self Standing - Gagy (310) 350-7378 Gowns for Kallah (Hachnasas Kallah) Ahuva Goldstein (323) 938-8660 Esther Braun (323) 933-2817 Gittie Feingold (323) 933-1197 Malka Breitman (323) 938-8008 Sarah Frankel (323) 934-7983 Gowns for Family of Chosson & Kallah Mrs. Dena Wolmark (323) 934-4151 Gift Gemach (Hachnasas Kallah) Libby Lehman (Donations) (323) 935-3791 Leba Hertz (Individual Gifts) (323) 574-7054 Mechitzah Gemach Rivka Berkowitz

(818) 331-3884

Simcha Gemach (Benchers, etc.)

(L’ilui Nishmas Rebbetzin Bella Simcha) Shedrowitzky

(323) 931-0306

Special Occasion Flowers, Centerpieces & Mirrors Mrs. Niehaus (323) 938-2406 Michal Poratti - Yad Simcha (323) 535-0267 Debbie Eidletz (818) 766-3574

(818) 763-0560

Tablecloth Gemach for borrowing - call for hours Rochel Haberman (323) 899-5390 Estie Silber (323) 652-6658

(323) 931-4030

Tehilim Cards for Chupah/Simcha Rochel Haberman (323) 899-5390

Mezuzah Gemach (30 day rental) Irwin Lowi (323) 932-1025

LEGAL SERVICES Bet Tzedek Legal Services Free legal counsel to the eligible needy and Holocaust reparations assistance.

(323) 939-0506

323-965-1544 •

TRANSPORTATION

Challah covers: 2 large, 48 mini; 18 kiddush cups + trays

(323) 595-0446 (800) 400-6259

Folding Beds (call during evenings only) Esti Tendler (310) 557-3461 Keilim Mikva Directory: Anshe Emes Keilim Mikva 1490 S. Robertson Shaaray Zedek Keilim Mikva 12800 Chandler Blvd.

Young Israel Keilim Mikva 225 S. LaBrea Ave.

Criminal/Arrest Guidance LA County Sheriff Department.

Shirley Friedman (women) (323) 568-4703 Howard Winkler (men & women) (323) 939-9236

www.thejewishlink.com

•

Wedding Shtick Mona Riss- Bubby’s Shtick Rivky Farber Nechama Denbo

info@thejewishlink.com

(818) 761-5077 (323) 744-1608 (310) 788-3981

Let us cater your next Simcha.

We will m ma ake you an event you will always remember.

CA CATER RIN ING cacatering36@gmail.com caca at tering36@gm ma m ail.com

November 7, 2014

•

323-965-1544

Bris vah a Bar/Bat Mitzv Priv vat te Par art ties weet Tab a les Sweet BBQ All Occasions

323-630-2802

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

51

52

November 7, 2014 •

323-965-1544 •

www.thejewishlink.com

•

info@thejewishlink.com