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Around the Community

Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island – Learning from Generations

THEJEWISHHOME A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY december 20 - december 26, 2012 | Distributed

Dealing with a National Tragedy Asking Why In the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sara Debbie Gutfreund

Page 40

Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns Brings a New Sefer Torah Home

Strengthening Our Emunah and the Emunah of Our Children in Times of Tragedy by Rabbi Dovid Morgenstern

The Second Amendment: A Matter of Conflict

Tips on How to Speak with Your Children

by Nate Davis

by Dr. Norman Blumenthal

Finding the Light Within

How to Explain to Children the Unexplainable

Page 62

Jewish Leaders Visit the White House for Chanukah Celebration

Weekly In The Five Towns, Queens & Brooklyn

by Jonathan Cohen, PsyD and Sarah Gluck, LCSW

by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn

Page 51

Rambam Captures Honors At Yeshiva University

Page 62

Menorahs Around Jerusalem Page 72

See Pesach/Travel Section Starting on Page 104

Page 74

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

Contents >> Community Readers’ Poll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Community Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

>> News Global. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 National. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Odd-but-True Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

>> Israel Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Chanukah in Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

>> People The Campaign of the Kokoda Trail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 The World That Was: The Story of Lola Lieber. . . . 90

>>Parsha The Shmuz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

>> Jewish Thought Results Oriented, by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz . . . 67 Ask the Rabbi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

>>Cover Story: In the Aftermath of the Sandy Hook Tragedy Asking Why In the Aftermath of Tragedy. . . . . . . . 74 How to Explain to Children the Unexplainable, by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Strengthening Our Emunah and the Emunah of Our Children in Times of Tragedy, by Rabbi Dovid Morgenstern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Tips on How to Speak with Your Children, by Dr. Norman N. Blumenthal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Dear Readers, I often mention my children in my Editor’s Note, not because I think you know my children, but because I know that the stories, wit and milestones of my kids are the same as the ones’ of your children. As parents, we all have a deep love for our children which makes them the front and center of practically every decision that we make and everything that we do. We may only see the inside of our children’s classrooms once or twice a year, yet we have such a clear mental picture of that room that throughout the day, when our kids are in school, we can practically see them sitting at their desks because that is the most important thing in our lives and on our minds. Two mothers sitting in the park may be complete strangers with nothing in common, but they can talk to each other for hours about the one thing they do have in common—their children. The tragedy at Sandy Hook causes our collective hearts to ache in a deeper way, I think, than it does when we hear about other events and tragedies that take place across the nation. For millions of Americans this tragedy hits close to home, not because they have experienced similar events or know the families of the victims, but because you don’t have to know these children to know that they were the most beautiful and innocent souls. This tragedy will forever be part of our collective lives. In twenty years from now, when you turn on your car radio and hear, “Today is the twentieth anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre,” you will feel a flutter of sadness in your heart. We will all always remember where we were when we heard about the tragedy, much like we remember where we were when we heard that two planes flew into the Twin Towers or that the Challenger exploded. I know that nobody involved in the Sandy Hook tragedy will read this letter, but as a parent in America who is the editor of a magazine that is read by thousands of parents, I feel that it is appropriate to acknowledge a very special group of people: the teachers of Sandy Hook elementary school who sacrificed and gave up their lives in order to shield the children they cared for. School psychologist Mary Sherlach and Principal Dawn Hochsprung gave up their lives to try and prevent the evil perpetrator from gaining access to the school. Victoria Soto, 27, literally put her body in front of the gunman to shield her students. Being a good teacher often requires selflessness and total devotion. In the last moments of their lives, these heroes optimized these attributes. We can debate school safety issues forever, but one thing is clear: the courage and love of these martyrs saved countless lives. As a society, we all owe them a debt of gratitude, and their families should be proud of them. When a tragedy such as this takes place, it seems like the knee jerk reaction is to ask questions. Perhaps it is constructive and perhaps it is simply a coping mechanism. Either way, the dialogue has already started: do we need tighter gun control laws? Are we paying enough attention to mental illness? Are violent video games and movies cheapening the value of life? In this issue we address some of those questions... At the memorial gathering on Sunday night, President Obama closed by saying: “Charlotte. Daniel. Olivia. Josephine. Ana. Dylan. Madeleine. Catherine. Chase. Jesse. James. Grace. Emilie. Jack. Noah. Caroline. Jessica. Benjamin. Avielle. Allison. G-d has called them home.” May Hashem bring solace to these families and may He protect all children and mankind from any more pain and suffering. Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern Publisher

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Finding the Light Within . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Classifieds

The Second Amendment: A Matter of Conflict. . . 79 My Baby’s Not Really Crawling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Nechama Wein Copy Editor

Rachel Bergida Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production

Editor

P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857

Friday, December 21 Parshas Vayigash — Candle Lighting: 4:14 Shabbos Ends: 5:18 Rabbeinu Tam: 5:44

Restaurant Review: Wolf & Lamb Steakhouse. . . . 82 Recipes: Mmmm Meat Dishes for Dinner. . . . . . . . 94

Weekly Weather

Travel: Idaho. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Room for Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shabbos Z’manim

>> Food & Leisure

>> Lifestyles

ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Editorial Assistant

Social Smarts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Travel: Passover in California. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Shoshana Soroka

Nate Davis

classifieds@fivetowns jewishhome.com 443-929-4003

>>Parenting

Yosef Feinerman

managing editor

fri. Dec. 21

sat. sun. Dec. 22 Dec. 23

mon. Dec. 24

tues. Dec. 25

wed. Dec. 26

thurs. Dec. 27

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Frustration!, by Rivki Rosenwald. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Your Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

>> Humor Centerfold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

>> Art

few SHowers / wind

From My Private Art Collection: The Practical Side of Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

High

>> Political Crossfire

LOW

Notable Quotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

>> Classifieds

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

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The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

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The Week Global Anti-Semitism in Denmark Decades After WWII

in certain places for fear of a violent response to their ethnicity. This week, Israeli Ambassador Arthur Avnon warned visiting Israelis not to wear their yarmulkes in public, to hide any Star of David jewelry, and to avoid chatting loudly in Hebrew. Avnon said this warning applies “irrespective of whether the areas [Israelis] are visiting are seen as being safe.” Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, had 39 reported anti-Semitic attacks this year. Local Jewish leaders confirmed that it has become progressively more dangerous to be seen as a Jew, and alluded that the problem may be caused from the growing Muslim influence in the city. That’s one landmark that was just crossed off my list…

Hungarian Lawmaker Burns Israeli Flag Decades after the Holocaust, Jews in Denmark are still being warned not to openly identify themselves as Jews

Hungarian police arrested a parliamentarian for setting an Israeli flag on fire during an anti-Jewish protest in the

In News nation’s capital, Budapest. The incident occurred on Friday during a demonstration near the Foreign Ministry that was protesting what they called Israeli “atrocities” against Arabs who live in Israel. Reportedly, there were more than one hundred people at the protest.

Balazs Lenhardt, an independent lawmaker in Hungary, was taken into custody and questioned Friday night and was released shortly after. Formerly Lenhardt was a member of the anti-Jewish Jobbik party. In October, Jobbik members burned Israeli flags in front of a synagogue in Budapest. They wanted the government to cut diplomatic and economic ties with

Israel. Jobbik leader Gabor Vona denounced Hungary’s ties with Israel and said any “agreement between Hungary and Israel should be canceled.” Jobbik holds 47 parliamentary seats out of 386, and has been anti-Israeli investment in Hungary; it considers Israeli business a threat to the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Friday night strongly condemning the ‘right-wing’ demonstration and the anti-minority speeches. The ministry said that setting a flag on fire “has the potential of inciting hatred against a foreign country.”

Serbia’s Richest Man Arrested Serbia’s richest man will spend 30 days in prison for a pending trial on suspicion of corruption. The arrest of influential billionaire retail tycoon Miroslav Miskovic is part of an anticorruption sweep that the new nationalist government says is necessary if the country wants to move closer to European Union membership.

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Miskovic, 67, was arrested on Wednesday along with his son Marko and eight others in connection with the privatization of several Serbian road construction companies in 2005, during which the suspects allegedly gained illegal profits of about $39 million.

The judge at Serbia’s special court for organized crime ruled that Miskovic, his son and five others must remain in prison during the pre-trial investigation. The rest were freed, with their travel documents seized. “We are now starting with the investigations,” said public prosecutor for organized crime Miljko Radisavljevic. “We will try to collect as much evidence as possible.” Miskovic is the owner of Delta Holding, the largest private company in Serbia, which deals with retail, real estate, insurance and agriculture business throughout the Balkans.

Mubarak Slips and Falls

Kim Jong Il: One Year Later

One year after the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the nation commemorated the anniversary of his demise with sadness and celebration over the nation’s successful satellite launch. The nation unveiled the embalmed body of the worshipped leader, still wearing his beloved khaki jumpsuit, but cameras were not allowed inside the mausoleum and no images were released of his body. A ceremony was held at the palace and thousands bowed before statues of the late leader. Many came to offer prayers and held moments of silence in his honor.

Egyptians Vote on Constitutional Referendum Last year, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was toppled during an uprising and sentenced to prison for life. He was accused of failing to prevent the deaths of around 850 protesters. Mubarak, 84, ruled Egypt for three decades before he was forced to resign on February 11, 2011 following 18 days of mass protests. Now, Mubarak is in prison and is being treated for a head wound and bruising after slipping in the shower in the ward.

Egyptians are being asked to accept or reject a constitution that must be in place before a parliamentary election can be held next year, an event many hope will stabilize the country. Last Saturday, long lines formed outside polling stations in cities throughout the country. Authorities were prepared following the deadly protests leading up to the vote; nearly 120,000 soldiers joined police to secure locations. Even so, street brawls erupted on Friday in Alexandria, Egypt’s second largest city. The opposition says the constitution is too Islamist and quells minority

In News rights. Morsi’s supporters say the charter is needed if progress is to be made toward democracy nearly two years after the fall of military strongman Hosni Mubarak.

“The times of silence are over,” bank employee Essam el-Guindy said as he waited to cast his ballot in Cairo’s upscale Zamalek district. “I am not OK with the constitution. Morsi should not have let the country split like this.” El-Guindy was one of about 20 men standing in line. A separate women’s line had twice as many people. Elsewhere in the city, hundreds of voters waited outside polling stations for nearly two hours before stations opened at 8

am. “I read parts of the constitution and saw no reason to vote against it,” said Rania Wafik as she held her newborn baby while waiting in line. “We need to move on and I just see no reason to vote against the constitution.” In the capital, Cairo, both sides made low-key final efforts to rally supporters. Flag-waving Islamists gathered peacefully at one of the main mosques, some shouting “Islam, Islam” and “We’ve come here to say ‘yes’ to the constitution.” Opposition supporters, who have been urged to vote “no” by their leaders, assembled outside the presidential palace. The referendum will extend to next Saturday. Official results will not be announced until after the second round.

World’s Best Places to Live There are some general factors that attract residents to cities. Low crime, good public transportation, clean streets, economic opportunities, and

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

The Week

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The Week good schools are probably high on most people’s priorities.

Human resources consulting firm Mercer has put together a list of cities that come closest to offering its residents all that. In its 2012 Quality of Living report, it looks at living conditions in 221 cities worldwide and ranks them against New York as a base city in 10 categories including economy, sociocultural environment, politics, education, and healthcare.

Coming in at number one is Vienna, Austria one of eight European cities to make the top 10 list. Vienna has the highest per capita GDP among all Austrian cities, at over $55,000. Vienna is also the world’s number one destination for conferences, drawing five million tourists a year. Zurich, Switzerland holds down the number two spot after holding the title of the city with the best quality of life in the world previously. Zurich is known as a global financial center; one out of every nine jobs in Switzerland is based in Zurich. Its low tax rates attract overseas companies and the assets of the 82 banks based there are equivalent to more than 85 percent of the total value of assets held in Switzerland. The cost of living in Zurich is the sixth highest in the world, according to Mercer. Zurich is followed by Auckland, New Zealand; Munich, Germany; Vancouver, Canada; Dusseldorf, Germany; Frankfurt, Germany; Geneva, Switzerland; and Copenhagen, Denmark. The number ten spot is shared by Bern, Switzerland and Sydney, Australia.

In News Russia Acknowledges Syria’s President Losing Control

Russia is Syria’s most powerful ally and that may be why a recent comment made by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov is sure to have serious effects. On Thursday, Bogdanov said that President Bashar Assad is losing control of his country which may cause the rebels to win the civil war. While Bogdanov gave no obvious signal that Russia would change its position and agree to impose international sanctions on Assad’s regime, his remarks will likely be seen as a betrayal in Damascus and could persuade many Syrians to shift their loyalties and abandon support for the government. Russia’s prediction may also strengthen the hand of the rebels who will be encouraged by this statement. Rebels have made significant gains in their offensive, capturing two major military bases and mounting a serious challenge to Assad’s seat of power, Damascus. “We must look at the facts: There is a trend for the government to progressively lose control over an increasing part of the territory,” Bogdanov, the Foreign Ministry’s pointman on Syria, said during hearings at a Kremlin advisory body, the Public Chamber. “An opposition victory can’t be excluded.” Bogdanov’s statement marks a clear

attempt by the Kremlin to begin positioning itself for Assad’s eventual defeat. He said that Russia is prepared to evacuate thousands of its citizens from Syria, although he didn’t say exactly when that might happen. At the same time, Bogdanov reaffirmed Russia’s call for a compromise, saying it would take the opposition a long time to defeat the regime and Syria would suffer heavy casualties. “The fighting will become even more intense, and you will lose tens of thousands and, perhaps, hundreds of thousands of people,” he said. “If such a price for the ouster of the president seems acceptable to you, what can we do? We, of course, consider it absolutely unacceptable.”

Readers Crown Kim Jong Un Person of the Year It’s been a big year for Kim Jong Un. He took over leadership of North Korea from his late father Kim Jong II, he solidified his control over the country, and now he has made it to the top of the list in TIME’s Person of the Year reader poll with 5.6 million votes.

Before he is handed the crown, TIME executive editors need to make Continued on page 18

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KOLLEL CHATZOS the Segulah with the Power of Torah

Vayigash

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CHATZOS PARTNERSHIP Become a partner And experience miracles!

A respected woman from Monsey, who has the honor of being a full-year partner with “Kollel Chatzos”, related the following story last week:

SEGULAH OF KETORAS The only Segulah written in the Torah!

As someone who has a “Kollel Chatzos Yearly Partnership”, she has the ability to switch around the names and causes throughout her association period, so that the kollel members pray for her personally and those in her family, for whatever reason necessary, as well as overall good health and luck.

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A short while ago, the Buildings Department decided to target a property owned by her son and “discovered” some sort of violation, which prompted the immediate eviction of all the residents by the Police Dept. Chaos and fear engulfed her son and the rest of the family, and she immediately called us and asked that we add her son’s name to her list and, in addition, we should mention him when the kollel says the famous holy “Ketoros Segulah” and pray that he should be cleared of this serious charge. Several days ago she got an excited call from her son: Thank Hashem! Everything has been worked out to the best possible outcome! The tenants are back in their apartments and the violation has been voided, thanks to the prayers of “Kollel Chatzos”!

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The Week their final choice. TIME’s Person of the Year will be revealed on December 19 on the Today show, on TIME.com and via TIME’s Twitter account. Readers are asked who they think influenced the news, for better or worse, in 2012. Now he has ranked first in TIME’s completely unscientific Person of the Year reader poll, with 5.6 million votes. Not bad for a man who didn’t make an official public appearance until 2010. “While we don’t make our selection based on the poll results,” says TIME executive editor Radhika Jones, “it’s always interesting to see where some of our preferred candidates end up.” Readers put Jon Stewart, Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas, Burmese leaders Aung San Suu Kyi and Thein Sein, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in the top 10 list. Pakistani schoolgirl and girls’ education advocate Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman for her outspoken activism, placed 15th. I doubt they even read TIME magazine in North Korea.

Israel University of Toronto Boycotts Israel

In News Over 150 graduate students were present at the meeting, of which approximately 97 percent voted in favor of the motion, with only a few students opposed, according to the group’s statement. The resolution states that “the Graduate Students Union endorses Palestinian civil society’s 2005 call for boycotts, divestment and sanctions by calling on the University of Toronto to refrain from investing in all companies complicit in violations of international law. This includes any company that: profits from the illegal occupation of Palestinian land, directly benefits from the construction of the Wall and Israeli settlements, is economically active in settlements, and profits from the collective punishment of Palestinians. This would include the companies BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Hewlett Packard.” According to Students against Israeli Apartheid, the resolution was adopted “in support of Palestinian rights and opposition to Israel’s illegal military occupation of Palestine and its violations of international law under the Geneva Conventions, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice in 2004.” “The passage of this resolution is a milestone in divestment activities in North America and will hopefully pave the way for a broader campaign which demands that the University of Toronto divest from any and all companies profiting from Israel’s illegal occupation,” said the group. Similar resolutions against Israel have also been adopted in the past year by graduate student associations at other Canadian universities such as York University, University of Regina and Carleton University in Ottawa. I’m so glad the world isn’t run by college students.

Rocket Perfume Top Seller in Gaza The Graduate Student Union at the University of Toronto has decided to endorse the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. A statement by a group calling itself “Students against Israeli Apartheid, University of Toronto” said that the Graduate Student Union overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution to endorse the global campaign for BDS at their annual general.

Sales of a citrus-scented perfume marketed in Gaza have soared since it was named in honor of the rockets that Palestinians shot at Israel during clashes last month, the manufacturer said. “M-75” perfume, which comes in men’s and women’s fragrances, is named for the missiles Hamas Islamist militants shot at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in an eight-day conflict that killed six Israelis, ending with an Egyptian-brokered truce.

than they could in their poverty-stricken home country. The money they send home is a major pillar of the economy, but they are often exposed to danger overseas.

Hollow Remarks from Abbas Although both sides proclaimed victory, and Israel had halted rocket fire at its towns, many in Gaza take pride in militants having shot rockets as far as Tel Aviv, the longest-range aerial strike by the Palestinians so far. “I hope the smell is strong enough for them to whiff in Tel Aviv and remind the Jews of the Palestinian victory,” Ahmed Hassan, a customer from neighboring Egypt, said as he bought 30 vials of the perfume as souvenirs in a Gaza City shop. Rajaey Odwan, director of Gaza’s Continental Style perfume company which markets imported fragrances and local knockoffs, said he thought he’d give customers a chance to smell victory and “turn it into a perfume.” “Sales have gone through the roof,” he said. There are some smells that even perfume can’t cover…

This week, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas insisted that his government had already fulfilled its obligation to recognize Israel back in 1993. But a few problems with Abbas’ position were immediately noted. Following meetings with the Turkish government in Ankara on Thursday, Abbas told reporters that he does not agree with recent remarks by Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal rejecting recognition of Israel, “because we, in fact, recognized it in 1993.”

In News Another hollow remark from the Palestinian leader…

Third Intifada Declared by New Islamic Group On Saturday, masked men belonging to various Palestinian factions announced in Hebron the establishment of the Brigades of National Unity and the beginning of a third intifada against Israel. In a video posted on several Palestinian websites, a spokesman for the new group said it consisted of members of Fatah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The spokesman said that although his group backed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s statehood bid at the UN, “We will not give up one inch of the land of Palestine, from the river to the sea.” He said the group would “pursue our struggle until we expel the occupation and liberate all Palestine.” The spokesman said that the new

group had decided to launch the third intifada “from the heart of Hebron so that it could extend to all Palestine.” He threatened to kidnap IDF soldiers and kill Israelis if Israel arrested or killed Palestinians. “We will strike at you with an iron fist with full force if you don’t stop your aggression against the Palestinian people,” the masked man warned. The terrorist demanded that Israel remove all checkpoints and barriers in the West Bank, release all Palestinians from Israeli prisons, withdraw fully from Palestinian territories, release funds belonging to the PA government and reopen all the border crossings.

National Heroism in Tragedy The nation was shocked when reports of children being brutally gunned down by a lone gunman in a school in Newtown, Connecticut reached their homes. The news was devastating— Continued on page 22

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Philippines Lifts Israel Travel Ban The Philippines is to resume sending workers to Israel as the situation returns to normal after last month’s rocket attacks from Gaza and subsequent IDF operation. “In view of improved security conditions in Israel and Gaza as a result of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the travel advisory... is now lifted,” a ministry statement said. Manila imposed a travel ban on Israel and Gaza last month and evacuated some Filipinos living in Gaza after the outbreak of violence. About 41,000 Filipinos work in Israel, many as caregivers, and the travel ban had raised fears that they would not be allowed to return if they left. As fighting ceased, the Israeli embassy in Manila urged the Philippines to lift the ban but the foreign department initially balked, saying the situation remained “volatile.” Roughly nine million Filipinos work around the world earning more

Abbas went on to note that Mashaal and Hamas recognize Israel’s existence as they have signed onto Palestinian government documents that acknowledge a two-state solution. The Palestinian leader’s words were meant to counteract harsh criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his failure earlier in the week to condemn the anti-Israel rhetoric coming from Hamas. But the two-faced nature of Abbas’ words was not lost on Israelis. Abbas cleverly continued to refuse to recognize Israel’s right to exist, and especially its right to exist as a national homeland for the Jewish people in their ancient land. Without that level of recognition, Israel’s leadership rightly argues that the stage remains set for future conflict. Additionally, Abbas’ own Fatah party this week chose a celebratory logo for its 48th anniversary that includes a map of the entire land of Israel being replaced by “Palestine.”

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a young man with access to weapons coldly and callously killed his mother and then entered a school with young children to murder 26 others. 20 children and six adults were killed. But out of the grief and devastation, there were many heroes who helped save and calm others around them. “The teachers were really, really focused on their students,” said the district superintendent. Some of them made the ultimate sacrifice. When Adam Lanza broke into the

school, school psychologist Mary Sherlach and principal Dawn Hochsprung ran towards him to stop the attack. Ms. Hochsprung died protecting her pupils. Eric Schwartz, who is Mary Sherlach’s son-in-law, said, “Mary felt like she was doing G-d’s work, working with children.” She died doing what she loved. Victoria Soto was a 27-year-old teacher who hid her students in a bathroom and died trying to shield them from bullets. The mayor of her hometown said, “You have a teacher who cared more about her students than herself.”

In News During the chaos, Teacher Theodore Varga said that a custodian ran around the school urging people to get down and hide. “He was actually a hero,” Varga said. The custodian managed to survive, it seems as if only female adults were killed, but his actions helped others protect themselves from attack. Another staffer switched on an intercom to alert others in the building of the chaos in the school office. Kaitlin Roig barricaded her 15 students in a bathroom, pulled a bookshelf across the door and urged her students to be “absolutely quiet.” Her bravery helped saved the lives of herself and her students. “I said, ‘There are bad guys out there now. We need to wait for the good guys,’” she told ABC News. One student claimed to know karate. “It’s OK. I’ll lead the way out,” the student said. Maryann Jacob, a clerk in the school, was working with 18 fourth graders when the shooting broke out. She herded them into a classroom in the library but then realized the door wouldn’t lock. Stealthily, they crawled across the room into a storage space and barricaded the door. To help the children overcome their fear, she had

them color with the paper and crayons she found. After an hour of being in the room, they were too scared to open the door even when the police came. Only after the officers slid a badge under the door did they open the door for law enforcement. The grief and devastation felt in this small town and across the nation is sharp and painful. Our hearts are broken by the tragedy of what occurred in Newtown. May they know no more pain.

Senator Inouye, 88, Friend of Israel, Dies Senator Daniel Inouye, who served in the Senate since January 1963, died on Monday. He was the longest serving senator and the president pro tempore of the Senate, third in the line of the presidential succession. The Senator was a World War II hero and a Medal of Honor recipient who lost an arm to a German hand Continued on page 26

23 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

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The Week grenade during a battle in Italy. When elected to the House in 1959, he broke racial barriers when he became the first Japanese-American to serve in Congress. He won election to the Senate three years later and served longer than anyone else in history aside from Robert Byrd of West Virginia who served in the Senate for 51 years. Inouye would recount an event in his life that helped define him and his career. When recovering in an Army hospital after losing his arm, the young Danny

In News

Inouye wanted a cigarette and needed a light. But the nurse on call just threw the matches at him, and he wanted to curse her for her lack of sensitivity to his situation. Instead, she taught the young soldier how to light the cigarette onehanded. “Then she said, ‘I’m not going to be around here for the rest of your life. You’ll have to learn how to light your own matches, cut your own meat, dress yourself and do everything else. So from now on you’re going to be learning,’” Inouye recalled decades later.

And from that day on, it seemed as if nothing could stop the determined young man. He played key roles in congressional investigations of the Watergate and Iran-Contra scandals. He routinely secured tens of millions of dollars annually for Hawaii’s roads, schools and national lands. He was extremely popular nationwide and in his home state; he won the 2010 election with 75 percent of the vote. Despite his popularity, Inouye generally tried to avoid the spotlight. In 1994, the Senator gained power as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairman of defense of the appropriations subcommittee. In 2006, when Democrats regained control of the Senate, Inouye became chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee and two years later became chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. During his time on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Inouye worked with philanthropist Zev Wolfson on behalf of Israel. His interest and love of Israel started during his recovery after the war. Together, he and Mr. Wolfson helped refinance loans at lower interest rates and were instrumental in helping Israel secure Patriot missiles during the Gulf War. In fact, Abe Biderman, the chairman of Shuvu, recounts that he met the Senator numerous times at the Wolfson home. Recently, the Senator warned that an attack against Israel would be tantamount to an attack against America. “If one looks at most of this world, especially the Middle East, one country stands out as a foundation of stability and as a pillar of democracy,” Inouye stated. “And at a time like this, when you have revolution in

Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan, thank G-d we have Israel.” He believed that Israel was the most important ally for the United States in the Middle East and determined that investing in Israel would save America billions of dollars in maintaining security outposts in the region.

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Inouye was not just a friend of Israel. He was made an honorary member of the Navajo nation and given the name “The Leader Who Has Returned with a Plan.” The Senator was the last remaining member of the Senate to have voted for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and was a champion for civil rights and equal rights for women, Asian-Americans, African-Americans and Native Hawaiians. 1. Pick up Cleaners Grocery OrderJohnson In2. 1968, President Lyndon urged3. ViceAsdfasdfs President Hubertdasdfsdf Humphrey, who had won the Democratic nomination for President, to select Inouye as his running mate. Johnson told Humphrey that Inouye’s World War II injuries would silence Humphrey’s critics on the Vietnam War. “He answers Vietnam with that empty sleeve. He answers your problems with [Republican presidential candidate Richard] Nixon with that empty sleeve,” Johnson said. But Inouye was not interested. Born September 7, 1924 to immigrant parents in Honolulu, Inouye was 17 and dreaming of becoming a surgeon when Japanese planes flew over his home to bomb Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, changing the course of his life. He volunteered for the Army and rose to the rank of captain. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross and Bronze Star. “I tried to put myself in the shoes of my neighbors who were not Japanese,” Inouye once said. “I felt that there was a need for us to demonstrate

and the first black Republican to serve in the Senate since Edward Brooke of Massachusetts lost his bid for reelection in 1978. It also makes him the first African-American senator from the South since Reconstruction and only the seventh black person to serve in the Senate.

that we’re just as good as anybody else. The price was bloody and expensive, but I felt we succeeded,” he said. But war crushed his dreams of becoming a surgeon when a German grenade shattered his right arm. After the war, Inouye graduated from George Washington University’s law school. He proposed to his first wife on their second date and had one child together during their wonderful 58 years of marriage. The Senator lived for his constituents and prided himself in what he could do help them. His love of Hawaii was evident as his last word on this earth was “Aloha.”

Tim Scott: First Black Senator Since 1978

Scott, 47, is the son of the nurse’s aide who worked 16-hour shifts. He grew up in Charleston, South Carolina at a time when Strom Thurmond, the segregationist, was at the peak of his powers in the Senate. His rise to power is historic, particularly in South Caro-

On Monday, Governor Nikki Haley (R) of South Carolina selected Timothy Eugene Scott to replace Senator Jim DeMint (R), who is retiring. Scott will be the only black Republican in Congress

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In News lina where the Confederate flag is still seen in front of the statehouse. The state’s senior senator, Senator Lindsey O. Graham (R), advised Scott to stay true to himself and to his beliefs despite the new prominence the appointment brings. “You got here by being Tim Scott — not Lindsey Graham, not Jim DeMint,” Graham said. “You have a unique opportunity for the conservative cause. You have unique burdens.” The appointment brings a more diverse face to the GOP. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Senator-elect Ted Cruz of Texas and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal are lawmakers who also bring diversity to the party. In fact, Governor Haley herself is the daughter of Indian immigrants and broke ground as the state’s first female governor.

U.S. Orders Soldiers Not to Criticize Taliban The new U.S. military handbook for troops deployed to the Middle East

orders soldiers not to make derogatory comments about the Taliban or criticize “anything related to Islam” or advocate for women’s rights. In other words, according to the White House, mass beheadings, gender-cide, gassing of girls’ schools, mass slaughter of nonbelievers and less than devout Muslims, attacks on US soldiers, acid attacks on women, and brutal burka enforcement must not be criticized. The soon-to-be-released Army handbook is about 75 pages long and still being drafted, but a mainstream newspaper got a sneak preview and published an article that should infuriate the American taxpayers funding the war on terror. There have been more than three dozen insider attacks that have killed 63 members of the U.S.-led coalition this year. The handbook suggests, “Better situational awareness/understanding of Afghan culture will help better prepare [troops] to more effectively partner and to avoid cultural conflict that can lead toward green-on-blue violence.” Earlier this year, the Obama Admin-

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The Week

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The Week istration changed the way federal agents are trained to combat terrorism and violent extremism by eliminating all materials that shed a negative light on Muslims. Under White House orders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) destroyed instructional material that characterizes Muslims as prone to violence or terrorism in a government-wide call to end Islamophobia.

WE EE T N A R A U G E R O M % 30 THAN ANYONE ELSE!

In News 2004 presidential campaign. The news will not be announced for a few days for a variety of reasons including the finalization of the process, other pending Cabinet decisions, and the national reaction to the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is recovering from an illness and a concussion, is set to retire in the next few weeks.

Hillary Clinton Rests After a Concussion

Additionally, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signed a special order to allow the reentry of two radical Islamic academics whose terrorist ties long banned them from the U.S. and the administration sent an America-bashing mosque leader (Feisal Abdul Rauf) who blames U.S. foreign policy for the 9/11 attacks on a Middle Eastern outreach mission. A new government-funded meal program offers halal cuisine for homebound seniors that are prepared according to Islamic law. It seems that the Obama administration is on a crusade to make nice to Islam.

Obama to Nominate Kerry as Secretary of State

Sources say that President Obama has chosen who he will nominate as secretary of state: Senator of Massachusetts John Kerry. His name may sound familiar to you if you remember the

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sustained a concussion last week after becoming extremely dehydrated and fainting at home while suffering from a stomach virus, the State Department said. Clinton, 65, is recovering at home and has been advised by her doctors to get a lot of rest, avoid strenuous activity and cancel all work events for the next week. She had been scheduled to testify before a pair of congressional panels looking into the September 11th attack against a diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya. She also cancelled overseas trips to North Africa and the Persian Gulf this past week because of her condition. She contracted the virus during a recent visit to Europe. The former First Lady is known for her grueling travel schedule and is the most traveled Secretary of State, having visited 112 countries while in the job. The State Department said in a statement that Clinton will continue to work from home in the weeks ahead and looks forward to returning to the office “soon.” President Barack Obama telephoned his top diplomat Saturday to wish her well, a White House official said.

Detroit Sells CityOwned Lots for $200 Let’s make a deal… The city of Detroit is expanding its

White Picket Fence Program, designed to end blight by allowing residents to buy adjacent city-owned lots for $200. Buyers also receive $200 gift cards to be used for fencing their properties, upkeep, and supplies.

The city’s idea is that they will sell the land for cheap and in exchange, residents will maintain the property. “There are approximately 300 vacant pieces of property owned by the city over in the north end,” Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said. And many of those lots are abandoned and overgrown. Fifth Third Bank and First Independence Bank are sponsoring this phase of the Picket Fence Program. “They’re offering a total of $300,000 for home repair grants to eligible home owners in the north end community,” Bing said. Phase one of the program began in southwest Detroit; the latest expansion brings the program to the city’s North End. Bing said it’s an important component for the city’s effort to reduce blight and deter illegal dumping. “We are looking forward to continuing to grow this program in various parts of the city,” Bing said. For the pilot program, property owners in Hubbard Farms, Springwells Village and Southwest Detroit were invited to buy vacant lots next to their homes. To date, more than 100 lots in those areas have been sold.

Hold Your Nose When You Visit Fresno The results are in. The Dirtiest City in America today is Fresno, California. This Central Valley city suffers some of the worst air in the nation, and a water supply so degraded that the city used to tell pregnant women not to drink from the tap. Of the 10 cities on the “Dirtiest City” list, four are in California. Next in line is Bakersfield, Califor-

nia, the oil capital of California. It is home to some of the oldest and biggest oil fields in the nation. According to the Lung Association, the population of 800,000 is subject to the worst particle pollution in the country.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania holds the third spot. The city rests on the Delaware River which has been lined with refineries and chemical plants for decades. The region has 18.5 million pounds of toxins released per year, according to the EPA, with 7.2 million pounds discharged into the water. Despite being one of the nation’s richest states, Bridgeport, Connecticut’s air is highly polluted. For decades, the Raymark Industries site manufactured car parts and asbestos and filled in wetlands by dumping toxic waste on them. The EPA has been removing lead, asbestos, arsenic and dioxins for 20 years. The number ten spot goes to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Decades of heavy industrial development along the Milwaukee River has contributed to significant amounts of PCBs and heavy metals polluting groundwater and draining towards Lake Michigan. According to this EPA report, America’s air quality overall has been getting better. Cars and trucks are more efficient, fuel blends are cleaner, and coalfired power plants have been forced to install air-scrubbing technology. Nonetheless there is still a long, long way to go…

Citizens Prevent More Deaths At Mall Shooting Citizens’ coolheadedness and individual preparation for coping with gunfire in public settings may have curtailed the casualty count from Tuesday’s shooting at a Portland, Oregan shopping mall, law officers suggested on the day after the tragedy. Two people died and one was critically wounded before the shooter, 22-year-old Jacob Tyler Roberts of Portland, killed himself a few minutes

In News after running into the food court at the Clackamas Town Center mall. Officials say Mr. Roberts, wearing camouflage and a white hockey mask, had methodically fired “multiple” rounds from an assault-style rifle at random shoppers. Most of the 10,000 shoppers at the mall appeared nearly as ready and able as police to deal with a gunman appearing suddenly in their midst, Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts said on Wednesday. “Many people have asked me why there were so few victims during this incident,” said Sheriff Roberts. He listed the fact that Mr. Roberts’s AR-15 semiautomatic rifle intermittently jammed and noted a well-practiced mall lockdown procedure. But he also credited “10,000 people in the mall who at one time kept a level head, got themselves out of the mall, helped others get out, secured themselves in stores… It was really about a whole group of people coming together to make a difference.” In Clackamas County, Sheriff Roberts said local law-enforcement personnel had trained earlier this year for a

shooting scenario at Clackamas Town Center, an exercise that involved both police and retailers. On Tuesday, arriving police, in keeping with evolving police tactics nationwide, formed small teams and quickly entered the mall to pursue the shooter. Police could not say on Wednesday whether any officers saw the shooter before he killed himself. Dennis Curtis, the mall’s general manager, noted that police officers told him that they were amazed “how many stores were secured and people were locked in place” upon entering the mall to look for the shooter.

That’s Odd This Ticket Makes You Happy When Hayden Carlo was pulled over for an expired registration, he got a little more than he expected from the police officer.

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The Week

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The Week

Carlo, 25, was forced to tell a Plano, Texas police officer the truth about his outdated registration sticker. He just didn’t have the money to update the vehicle. “I said it was either feed my kids, or get this registration done,” Carlo said. That was when the Plano cop wrote Carlo a ticket. In a heartwarming gesture, however, the anonymous officer also slipped something extra inside the folded citation. “I opened it up and there’s a 100 dollar bill. I broke down in my car – what else could I do?” Carlo stated. Carlo’s grandfather, Billy McIntire, was so moved by the kind gesture he wrote a letter to the police department. “I get emotional when we talk about this type of thing,” McIntire said. “You just don’t find that many officers who would do this type of thing.” The police officer wants to remain anonymous; however, his co-workers plan to honor him anyway. “As he told me, this man needed it more than him, and it was the right thing to do,” fellow officer and department spokesperson David Tilley said. “He helped me out when I needed it and I appreciate that. I’ll never forget that man,” Carlo added. “It definitely restored my faith in G-d.” With the $100 gift, Carlo was able to update the registrations on his and his wife’s car.

These Dogs Speak French

Earlier this week, Montreal city councilor Benoit LaDouce proposed a bylaw that would require all dogs in public parks to be bi-lingual. According to Mr. LaDouce, “Dogs parks in our city are chaotic and communication is at the heart of the conflict.” In his mind, K9/citizen relations would be more harmonious if dogs in public spaces understood commands in both English and French. I thought teaching dogs one language was hard enough…How do you say “sit” in French?

cleaning crew in the home of a reclusive cousin who quietly stashed away a treasure of more than $7 million before he died this year.

A college student who moved from India to Illinois has won $1 million in a scratch-off game. Asif Kahn, 21, who lives in Chicago suburb Villa Park, bought a ticket for the Illinois Lottery’s Gold Bullion game three days before Thanksgiving at a Shell gas station. “I just took the ticket and went to my car, and I made a U-turn and went straight back home,” Kahn said. “I walked into my house and I said, ‘Mom, you’re not gonna believe what happened.’” Kahn plans on paying off his student loans and is putting away some money to pay for medical school. He has been borrowing his mother’s 1993 Honda Accord, and he said his one splurge would be a new Mercedes. He also plans to transfer to University of Illinois at Chicago, now that he can afford the tuition. Not too shabby!!

A substitute teacher from California was found to be the only heir to a fortune of gold coins discovered by a

they have a true claim, they’ve got to file court papers,” he said. So now you know to be nice to that twice-removed cousin on your mother’s side of the family…you never know what they have stashed in their walls.

High Price for Letters from the Tsar

Student Wins $1M in Lotto

Long-Lost Cousin Inherits Fortune Take out the dictionary. It’s time to teach an old dog new tricks.

In News

A court hearing in Carson City is scheduled for Tuesday, when a judge is expected to certify first cousin Arlene Magdon as the lone heir to the treasure valued at $7.4 million found in the home of Walter Samaszko Jr., according to Carson City Clerk-Recorder Alan Glover Samaszko, 69, lived a quiet life in Nevada’s capital city since the late 1960s and apparently no one knew of his wealth. Records show he withdrew just $500 a month from his stock accounts to pay modest bills, Glover said, who was handling Samaszko’s affairs as public administrator. Samaszko apparently had no living family in Carson City, so genealogical researchers went to work to find relatives elsewhere. They found Arlene Magdon, who is the only living heir to what appraisers say is an estate worth more than $7.4 million. A crew hired by Glover to clean up the man’s house discovered the eyepopping stash: boxes of gold coins and bullion in the garage. More boxes were later found, and Glover said the gold coins, some neatly wrapped in foil and plastic cases, were enough to fill two wheelbarrows. Samaszko also had money market, stock and bank accounts totaling $165,570 and $5,330 in other property in the home. But the vast majority of the fortune was in gold coins. Appraiser Howard Herz filed his report several weeks ago listing a total of 2,695 coins appraised at more than $7.4 million. Glover said there have been a few callers trying to claim that some or all of the gold is theirs — one of them annoying enough that Glover got a court order blocking him from further communications. None of the callers presented any evidence to support their claims. “If

A Russian collector living in Monaco paid a record 120,000 Swiss francs ($128,700) for four letters written by the last Tsar, Nicholas II, during World War One, a Swiss auction house said this week. Nicolas Romanov, the tsar’s 90-year-old second cousin and a member of the former Russian imperial family living in Switzerland, sold the letters, which had been estimated to fetch 9,000-14,000 francs, on Monday night. “It gives me great pleasure to know that these documents have been purchased by a single bidder who is keen on history. The fact that he is Russian makes it doubly satisfying,” he said in a statement. Romanov, in an interview with Reuters Television two weeks ago in his home in the Swiss Alps near the resort of Gstaad, said: “Of course I am sorry to part with them, but I am 90. I have taken a decision which means that before the festivities of next year for the centenary of the family, perhaps these letters will get in the hands of a historian or biographer or somebody who’s writing something.” The letters were sold at a large auction of historical documents and artifacts. The auction netted a total of $1.3 million.

Unknown Man Gives 5,000 Bikes to the Poor For 20 years, a donor has been giving away bikes to underprivileged children in Phoenix, Arizona. What started out as 50 bikes has bloomed into a giveaway of 5,000 bikes this year. The drive is organized by a church program in the city and has become a holiday tradition. Luke Barnett, who is a lead pastor at the church, said, “We understand that every year this will probably be the only…gift they receive.” Tickets are distributed in advance for the bicycles and all 5,000 bikes are set to be donated. Even so, people start

lining up at 5am for their gift. Those that are not donated will be given to children on Indian reservations.

Cost of a helmet: $25. Cost of a bike: $150. Making a child happy: priceless.

Porcupine-Based Needle Discovery

The hypodermic needle has been around a while—many believe the concept even dates back centuries. Of course, there have been upgrades

throughout the years, and now there might be another: Researchers believe porcupine needles could serve as inspiration for a new and improved version. According to a scientific paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that porcupine needles contain “microscopic backward-facing deployable barbs” that enable penetration and “high tissue adhesion.” In English, that means the needles are really good at both breaking the skin and staying in place thanks to the barbs. The discovery could help those who require long-term IVs and be used for medical treatments that require staples to keep a wound from splitting. The scientists made the discovery by measuring “how much force it took to push in and pull out porcupine quills into pig skin and raw chicken meat,” according to the Smithsonian, which also reported on the study. The researchers then repeated the experiment using quills without the sticky barbs. Guess which quill worked better?

In News In a statement, study co-author James Ankrum of MIT said “If you can still create the stress concentrations, but without having a barb that catches tissue on removal, potentially you could create something with just easy insertion, without the adhesion.”

Scientists have re-created the porcupine quills in plastic. The Smithsonian reports that they “worked like a charm.” Good for porcupines and humans…

Mountains for the Brave

The five peaks of Mount Hua have been vertical sanctuaries for monks, hermits, and spiritual seekers, espeContinued on page 34

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The Week cially Taoists, for centuries, but to get to them, pilgrims must cross treacherous trails, such as those made from links of chain and wooden planks joined by iron staples. Now with winter approaching, it’s the most dangerous time of year to attempt what could be the most dangerous hike in the world. All five peaks are joined by steep, narrow trails, stairs, and ladders, and dotted with temples and lookout points. Though some peaks involve riskier ascents than others, all hikes require slow and steady climbing along the trails, or you’ll risk a speedy descent. Numerous visitors have embarked on the hike and never returned, although the Chinese government isn’t saying how many. Not something I’d recommend for a rainy day.

Man and Pet Reunited After Five Years An Indiana pet adoption center says it reunited a man with his Shih Tzu five years after the little canine went missing. The ReTails adoption center in

Greenfield said it received a Shih Tzu that had been picked up as a stray and a microchip scan identified an owner and listed a working phone number. ReTails said the chip identified the dog as Bandit and staff quickly phoned the dog’s owner, who was identified as Mike.

Mike said the dog had escaped from his home while he was working a full five years ago and had not been seen since despite his efforts to find him. Workers said the owner came to the center within 10 minutes of being called for an emotional reunion with Bandit. What a wonderful reunion.

Gold For the Poor Every year, unusually generous donations end up in the Salvation Army

MULTIPLE ERS

POLICIES . E V R E S E ONE D O SAAGENT. E R O M VE V I R D E SAF

In News red kettles. This year has been no different. On November 9th in Bettendorf, Iowa, a 1/4-ounce gold coin worth about $500 was dropped in a volunteer’s pot outside Schnuck’s Market. It was nestled in a cardboard setting with cellophane wrapped around it, so it stood out when the kettle was opened, said Holly Nomura, development director for the Salvation Army’s Quad Cities Corps.

A week later, outside a Sam’s Club in southwest Houston, someone — no one but the donor knows who — left a 1-ounce gold coin worth almost $2,000 in the pot, wrapped inside a $1 bill. Since the holiday campaign has started this year, gold coins worth many

times their face values also have been left in Salvation Army kettles at a Sam’s Club in Mishawaka, Ind.; at a JewelOsco store in Kankakee, Ill.; and in a kettle somewhere in Johnson County, Tenn. (It wasn’t discovered until the bank started counting donations, so the precise location isn’t known.) The Red Kettle donation campaign began in San Francisco in 1891, and presumably gold coins — which were legal tender until 1933 — were part of the haul from the beginning. But the specific tradition of anonymously leaving a single gold coin in the pot is more recent. Most accounts say it began 30 years ago, in Quincy, Ill., but there’s a friendly dispute over that — the Quad Cities unit in Iowa says it believes that the tradition began there, though it acknowledges it can’t prove it. For years, someone would anonymously leave a single 1-ounce gold coin in a kettle in the Quad Cities (besides Bettendorf, the three other cities are Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline, Ill.). That anonymous donor is believed to have died about four years ago, but not the tradition, as smaller gold coins have continued to pop up.

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CHANUKAH SALE

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Community

Chaverim—Lending a Hand This past Sunday’s weather was far from ideal for an outdoor, communitywide Chesed project. Nevertheless, many people were helped as part of a free “Generator Winterization” project led by Chaverim of the Five Towns and Rockaways.

Those who purchased generators during the period of Superstorm Sandy were more than happy to put them away. However, most people do not realize that if not maintained properly,

the generators might not work if (G-d forbid) ever needed in the future. Anyone entering Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s parking lot on Sunday witnessed numerous Chaverim members servicing generators in a production-line manner. Siphoning the remaining gas, giving oil changes, and replacing spark plugs and air filters were all done quickly and efficiently. This necessary service saved what could have potentially have been thousands of dollars wasted on nonfunctioning generators. Chaverim would like to thank their devoted volunteers who ensured this event’s success, as well as Achiezer for

The Gift of Giving

publicizing the project. This was just another display of Chaverim’s dedication to our community, always there to lend a helping hand. Chaverim can be reached at (718)337-1800.

Yaira Lightman, daughter of Dr. Hylton and Leah Lightman, recently celebrated her Bat Mitzvah. For her chessed project, Yaira and her friends wrapped over 80 children’s books which she then donated to Cohen Children’s Hospital at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Here, Yaira, who is a 7th grade student at Torah Academy for Girls, is pictured giving a bag of wrapped books to a representative from the Child Life Center at Cohen Children’s Hospital.

Menorahs on Campus Chabad of Queens College held a large menorah public lighting on campus on Monday, December 10. VP of Student Affairs, Adam Rockman, lit the menorah and recited the blessings. Over 100 students enjoyed a Chinese dinner and were entertained and inspired by the humorous and thoughtful author, Rabbi Simcha Weinstein, aka “The Comic Book Rabbi.”

VP of Student Affairs, Adam Rockman, lighting the 8-foot tall Menorah

Professor Tim Rosen and Avi Schwartz

L-R Esther Bae, Marielle Horowitz, and Micollete Levine

L-R: Yoni Skurowitz, David Rand, Shira Litchman, Jeff Meckler, Zack Goldglantz, Sara Just-Michael, Benji Goldsmith, Hanna Garber, Tzvi Glanzman

One-Week Winter Kollel Set for Dec. 25th – Jan. 1st The 24th Annual Flatbush OneWeek Kollel (Yarchei Kallah), a project of Torah Connections, will again be held at Rav Feivel Cohen’s Shul (Congregation Tomchei Torah), 1966 Ocean Avenue (between Avenues N and O) from Tuesday, December 25 – Tuesday, January 1, from 9 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. Despite its name, many of those who join come from other communities in the New York Metropolitan area. Under the direction of Rav Psachya Fried, shlita, Rav of Khal Bnei Yisroel of Boro Park, the Rosh Kollel, since its inception in Flatbush in 1989, this program has afforded hundreds of Jewish men a special opportunity to rediscover the enthusiasm for dedicated Torah learning that they had enjoyed in their former yeshiva years. Even baalei teshuvah have found the Flatbush Winter Kollel advantageous to igniting an enthusiasm towards the study of Gemara

and Torah. The sugya chosen for this year’s Flatbush Winter Yarchei Kallah is from Mesechta Shabbos 102b (Perek Haboneh). The program is geared to those with previous Gemara learning experience, whether on an intermediate or advanced level. However, even men without a yeshiva background have discovered the great value of this Weeklong Winter Kollel. Joining Rav Fried in delivering shiurim to the Flatbush One-Week Winter Kollel members are Rav Feivel Cohen, shlita, Morah D’Asra of Congregation Tomchei Torah; Rav Yisroel Belsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Mesivta Torah Vodaath; and Rav Moshe Twersky, shlita. For information on registering for this year’s Winter Yarchei Kallah in Flatbush please call (718) 998-5822 or (718) 253-3554.

Chanukah with Brooklyn Jewish Xperience:

The Modern Day Maccabees Jewish people everywhere celebrated Chanukah with gusto and joy. On Chanukah we celebrate the triumph of the Maccabees over the Hellenists whose goal was the assimilation of the Jewish people and the abandonment of Torah. Chazal tell us that as great as a victory Chanukah was, it wasn’t complete as we are still reeling from the intentions of the Hellenists and the repercussions of assimilation. Who would imagine that in Brooklyn, the world’s epicenter of Yiddishkeit, tens of thousands of Jews don’t celebrate Chanukah? Brooklyn Jewish Xperience (BJX), Brooklyn’s outreach organization, is committed to bringing Yiddishkeit to young Jewish adults ages 18-34 years old to ensure that they feel connected to their heritage and build Jewish families. BJX made sure to coordinate an evening that would steal the heart of even the most distant, secular Jew, as well as students that come from frum homes who unfortunately gave up Yiddishkeit. It’s a delicate balance to be able to reach the hearts and souls of both audiences simultaneously. This is quite a challenge and BJX may well be the nation’s only educational and outreach organization that straddles such a complex arrangement. Rabbi Yitzchok Fingerer, Rav of

BJX, recently reflected on the unique challenge. According to Rabbi Fingerer: “Ideally there should be two separate programs but due to lack of an appropriate budget, BJX is servicing two very divergent demographics; students from the most secular families and students from the most Orthodox, devout families. However, there is one common thread: Whatever their background they need to feel loved, respected and inspired with an exciting, meaningful and fulfilling approach to Torah.” Mr. Moshe Caller, Chairman of BJX, worked feverishly with Rabbi Fingerer to organize a beautiful, spiritually uplifting Chanukah party for Brooklyn’s unaffiliated Jews. Mr. Caller asked his close friends, Mr. and Mrs. Issac Greenfield, to host the evening. The Greenfields’ graciously opened their home and set up a lavish buffet dinner. Mr. Caller also asked famed guitarist Mr. Aaron Zutler, a BJX host and mentor, to perform a Kumzitz. Aaron and his chevra livened up the evening with soul-stirring music. The students’ neshamos were aflame. A student from Sunset Park was honored to light the Menorah, with musical accompaniment. There were tears in many eyes as the students witnessed the candle lighting, many for the first time.

NEWS

Community

Ateres Yaakov’s ARISTA Chapter “Wraps Up” Another Chesed Project As with every ARISTA National Honor Society Chapter, MAY has its own unique requirements for students to be members of this elite academic society. Top grades are required; consistent attendance a must; proper conduct, mandatory. And, something more unique, every member must accept upon themselves a significant chesed project to be performed throughout the school year. The Mesivta provides ample opportunities, both within the Yeshiva and after school, and boys can also find a project of their own. Chesed is an essential component to being a complete ben Torah, something which the Yeshiva tries to cultivate into its talmidim. Additionally, the ARISTA Chapter at MAY throughout the year undertakes group chesed projects, encouraging not only its members to get involved, but the entire student body. This past week, the Mesivta learned of a boy in Eretz

Yisrael who already had his bar mitzvah, but could not afford a pair of tefillin. Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, the Menahel, suggested that this be an ARISTA group chesed project. To launch this project, Senior and ARISTA President, Gavriel Guttman, delivered a passionate plea to his fellow students at the Mesivta’s Chanukah Mesiba last Monday encouraging his peers to participate in this great mitzvah. Immediately, one senior decided to openly pledge $20 to the cause. This spurred Rabbi Yaffe to open the floor for bidding. The response was overwhelming. By the end of the day, the Yeshiva had raised well over the requisite $750, all coming from the pockets of the students (and staff) of Ateres Yaakov. “Chesed is not simply a part time project,” commented Rabbi Yaffe, “it is part and parcel of being a ben Torah. That is what we feel at the Mesivta, and that is what we experienced here today.”

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Shaare Zedek Medical Center Debuts New Cookbook for the Discerning Cook “From Our Hearts To Your Home” is a new and exciting cookbook comprised of personal family recipes from board members, family and friends of Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Bassie Gold, vice president, cookbook chair, spearheaded this project with the help of her excellent committee. Well-written, fun cookbooks are the gift du-jour and this cookbook is no ex-

ception. Debbie Kestenbaum, president of the Shaare Zedek Women’s Division, is very excited about the completion of this cookbook, as it brings the wonderful work of the women’s division into everyone’s home. Foodies will appreciate the wide range of international recipes from all over the United States, Israel and Canada—everything from bubby’s tradi-

tional chicken soup to homemade babaganoush. These incredible women have created a cookbook worthy of even the most discerning cook! For more information regarding the cookbook or the women’s division, please contact Blimi at bsigler@acsg. org or at 212-764-8118.

Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island – Learning from Generations The recent Father-Son Chanukah Learning Program at the Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island was a true gift for the 7th and 8th grade talmidim and their fathers. Joyful learning was exactly what the Yevanim sought to destroy, and this

Chanukah event was testimony to the victory of Yiddishkeit over darkness. A beautiful shacharis and a moving Hallel set the tone for the day. As always, the boys’ decorum during davening was

exemplary, and it was particularly moving to see the generations davening together. A sumptuous gala breakfast followed, lending even more festivity to the learning program. Rabbi Zvi Bajnon, the Menahel, addressed the participants with an uplifting message about the meaning inherent in living a life that is inspired by Torah. “When the world around us is in chaos, our Torah gives us light. Learning Torah gives us the strength and direction we need to truly thrive.” This encouragement further fueled the enthusiasm for the upcoming learning program. Rabbi Eli Rubin, Junior High Principal, dedicated the program to the YKLI Rebbeim. “Our Rebbeim lovingly teach in a way that truly conveys that learning Torah, doing Mitzvos, and always having a higher purpose in mind with even our regular daily routine is the

channel through which one can develop a meaningful and close connection to Hashem.” How fitting that this precious relationship between teacher and student was highlighted during Chanukah. Next, fathers and sons learned together, generating such palpable kol Torah. Enjoyment and enthusiasm radiated from the chavrusas as they prepared for the shiur with real mar’eh mekomos on the sugya of Hallel. The parents were thrilled to see that their boys had mastered the skills they needed, and it was evident that the Rabbeim had provided their talmidim with the ability to keenly apply their skills to unfamiliar texts. One delighted parent explained, “My son’s ability to read and teich a sugya in a mesechta that he has never touched before is priceless.” Rabbi Radner, 8th grade Rebbe, presented an outstanding shiur – true lamdus – that resonated with both the adults and children, our future talmidei chachamim, each at his level. Rabbi Rad-

ner knew that the YKLI Rabbeim had well-prepared their talmideim and he was able to expound upon the material without needing to review what the boys

had learned b’chavrusa. The fathers schepped nachas from seeing their sons’ progress, and the talmidim were clearly pleased with their success. This Chanukah learning event bespeaks the commitment of the 7th and 8th grade Rabbeim who work tirelessly to teach by example and cultivate within their talmidim a life-long love of learning. Their efforts yielded fantastic results. One grateful parent shared, “This event will go down in my mind as one of the most memorable of my son’s wonderful years at Yeshiva Ketana. Watching the look on my son’s face as he chapped what Rav Radner was giving over will be cherished forever. This is the best Chanuka gift that a father could hope for.”

NEWS

Community

40th Yeshiva Darchei Torah Dinner to Be Held on Yeshiva Campus By D. Maimon Yeshiva Darchei Torah will be holding its 40th annual dinner on January 6th on its campus in Far Rockaway, New York. Among the distinguished honorees will be Mr. and Mrs. Naftoli Tepfer and Mr. and Mrs. Motty Jacobowitz. Mr. and Mrs. Naftoli Tepfer Parents of the Year Exemplary parents like Tuli and Rachel Tepfer are one of the Yeshiva’s greatest assets. Their readiness to graciously assist whenever called upon raises the bar for loyalty and parental involvement. Their connection with Darchei Torah began 14 years ago with their son, Chaim, who is now married and living in Eretz Yisroel. Five other sons are currently talmidim in Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid, Mesivta Chaim Shlomo or el-

ementary school, giving their parents a unique overview of the Yeshiva. That vantage point is enhanced by Rachel’s “insider” status as one of the Yeshiva’s highly regarded fifth grade teachers, having taught math, science and social studies for the past ten years. “Darchei Torah has been the best partner that parents can have when it comes to the chinuch of their children,” Tuli says. “At Darchei, not only is the learning on the highest level, but the Yeshiva is filled with a ruach and warmth that allows each boy to thrive and excel.” Rachel concurs, noting that “the caring atmosphere permeates the Yeshiva and has taught our children to be sensitive to the needs of others. Every day our children witness firsthand the importance of chesed and the responsibility that each student must have to all of Klal Yisroel.” As a member of the staff, Rachel has herself witnessed numerous occasions when the Hanhala went to special efforts to help a child, even at a financial or political cost. “This is a place where people don’t merely pay lip service to doing chesed—they act,” she says.

Words of Torah from Rabbi Elon Soniker Fifth and Sixth Graders at HANC’s Samuel & Elizabeth Bass Golding Elementary School in West Hempstead celebrated Chanukah with words of Torah from Rabbi Elon Soniker, Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Anshei Shalom. Rabbi Soniker challenged the students to think about the number of days of Chanukah and why we celebrate

eight days of Chanukah, when in fact the miracle was that the oil lasted for seven extra days. Shouldn’t Chanukah be for seven days, not eight days, so we can remember the days of the miracle? The students offered several insightful answers and Rabbi Soniker told a powerful story that illustrated that even things that occur every day and seem completely natural, are really miracles. Rabbi Soniker explained that on Chanukah we celebrate that Hashem controls the word and that even many of the “natural” events that we often don’t take note of are actually miracles from Hashem.

Tuli, a son of Berel Tepfer, a”h, and Thea Tepfer, is an alumnus of Yeshiva Shaar Hatorah of Queens and Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim, where he continues to learn and enjoy a close relationship with the roshei hayeshiva. He is the owner and president of High Road Press LLC, a Manhattan-based marketing/printing company founded in 2004. Tuli is also the past president and chairman of the board of Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi in Cedarhurst. He gives a daily daf yomi shiur at 5:45 a.m. to shul members and is often asked to give various shiurim in the neighborhood. Rachel, a daughter of Simcha and Pesi Tsatskis, attended Prospect Park High School, Michlala Seminary and Baruch Business School. She holds degrees in education and accounting. Before coming to Darchei, Rachel was a mechaneches and limudei kodesh teacher in a local girls’ high school. In addition to her teaching and homemaking responsibilities, Rachel finds time to think of others, devoting hours to working on shidduchim, as well as providing free shidduch-coaching, a much needed service in the frum community. In addition, for many years she coordinated Shabbos meals for families temporarily in need of outside help and chizuk. Mazel Tov to the Tepfers on their well-deserved award. May they continue setting a sterling example for others to follow. Mr. and Mrs. Motty Jacobowitz Young Leadership Award The Yeshiva is fortunate in having among its parent body Motty and Hadassa Jacobowitz, outstanding individuals and role models in their community. Both were raised in homes steeped in chesed and communal responsibility. Motty, a son of Jack a”h and Susan Jacobowitz, is an alumnus of Torah Temimah, Torah Vodaath and Mercaz HaTorah of Yerushalayim, where he formed a close bond with Rav Chaim Kreiswirth zt”l. After his marriage to his eishes chayil, Hadassa Zwebner of To-

ronto, Motty learned in kollel while also attending Touro College. He worked at Deloitte and Touche for two years where he earned his CPA. In 2003 Motty founded Bluejay Management LLC, a real estate investment and management firm. Motty’s financial savvy and business integrity have won him a sound reputation in the field. Despite the pressures of business, Motty continues to make learning Torah a focal point of his life, with an early morning chavrusa session with Rav Dovid Weinberger, rav of Shaaray Tefilah, and an evening seder with various kollel members framing each day. Hadassa, a daughter of Chaim and Leora Zwebner, is an alumna of Bais Yaakov of Toronto and Bnos Chava Seminary. In addition to being a devoted mother, she is also a skilled social worker, with a Master’s degree from Fordham University. After several years with the TOVA mentoring program, Hadassa currently works for the JCC of the Rockaway Peninsula, providing supportive counseling and guidance. The couple moved from Flatbush to Lawrence about six years ago. Their three daughters attend Torah Academy for Girls, and their youngest, 4-year old Yaakov Zev, is enrolled in the Yeshiva’s kindergarten. Yaakov Zev is named after his late grandfather, Jack Jacobowitz, who performed myriad acts of quiet chesed throughout his life. Long before they became Yeshiva parents, Motty and Hadassa enjoyed a strong connection with Darchei Torah through Motty’s siblings. “All of my nephews are current or former talmidim of the Yeshiva,” he explains. “In addition, many of our friends and members of our shul send their boys to Darchei Torah. Hadassa and I are fortunate to belong to a yeshiva with such an outstanding track record.” The yeshiva is proud to bestow the Young Leadership Award on this deserving couple. May little Yaakov Zev rise up through the Yeshiva’s ranks, bringing much nachas to his wonderful family. The Dinner will also honor Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Landa and Mr. and Mrs. Yisroel Salamon. A special presentation will be made to the Gruss Life Monument Funds, and Mr. Ronald Lowinger will serve as dinner chairman. For more information please call 718-868-2300 ext. 237 or email dinner@darchei.org.

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Chabad’s 18th Annual Chai Celebration was Full of Life Close to 500 people came to pay tribute to five well deserving couples— Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Sandy Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Esta Gordon, Dr. and Dr. Yakov and Rachel Lowinger, Mr. and Mrs. Gidon and Alla Shema, and Mr. and Mrs. Zack and Dovi Tomaszewski. These guests of honor are all good friends of Chabad, and it was wonderful to see their friends, family and colleagues paying homage to them for their hard work on behalf of Chabad. Delicious food, camaraderie, inspiration, humor, and fun were all part of Chabad’s 18th Annual Dinner celebration, which was held on December 16th in the Grand Ballroom of the Sephardic Temple. The Dinner gave everyone the opportunity to reflect on the milestones we have reached as a community under the capable leadership of Rabbi Zalman and Chanie Wolowik and dynamic youth directors Rabbi Meir and Hadassah Geisinsky and to recognize the important work that Chabad of the Five Towns continues to do for the community. What an incredible evening it was! The spirit and energy were palpable and hundreds of action-packed pictures were taken by Vision’s Fine Photography and exceptional video was taken by Three Star Photography. Genadeen Caterers did a spectacular job. The food was great and the atmosphere elegant. Once at their tables, guests enjoyed the gorgeous pink orchids and silver tablecloths compli-

ments of Jerusalem Florist and Premier Skirting. Guests were treated to an upbeat video presentation that highlighted the many successful programs that Chabad offers. It acknowledged all staff and volunteers who continue to work hard to help with Chabad’s outreach efforts. The video taped messages from the Honorees and their families kept everyone’s attention as they detailed their commitment and involvement in Chabad. Gan Chamesh parents of the year, Zack and Dovi Tomaszewski, demonstrated their feelings that Chabad is an extension of their family with their “Tomaszewski Bunch” rendition. Guests of honor were presented with beautiful custom artwork and Penina Popack received a special mention to thank her for all her hard work on behalf of the dinner. Exquisite memory albums are being prepared for each honoree, to include personalized letters and tributes. Everyone danced enthusiastically to the upbeat music provided by Gary Wallin Orchestras. The guests enjoyed the sumptuous dessert buffet and had a chance to take their pictures in the photo booth provided. Guests were given an elegantly wrapped copy of “Miracle in the Ashes,” generously donated by the Lowingers in memory of their grandfather. What a meaningful way to end a beautiful evening.

Rabbi Lam and Rabbi Cohen to Speak in Queens Rabbi Label Lam will be speaking on Sunday Night, December 23rd, 2012 for CHAZAQ in conjunction with Beth Gavriel. The renowned lecturer will be speaking about “How to Become a Leader.” Refreshments will be served at 8:00pm and the lecture is scheduled to begin at 8:30. All are encouraged to attend—admission is free. Come join and be inspired. Beth Gavriel Community Center, 66-35 108th St. Forest Hills, NY 11375. For more information, call 718285-9132 or email info@chazaq.org. There will be a special event in Hebrew on Wednesday night, December

26th, 2012! CHAZAQ and Hidabroot present renowned lecturer R’ Zamir Cohen live in Queens! The lecture will be about “Future Prophecies from the Torah.” There will be a special appearance by Shimon Peretz. The program will be scheduled from 8: 30pm. Men and women are welcome and admission is free. The lecture will be held at Yeshiva Ohel Simcha, 141 – 41 72nd Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367. For more information, call 917-6173636 or email info@chazaq.org.

NEWS

Community Bnot Yaakov of Great Neck Celebrates Chanukah!

Chanukah came to Bnot Yaakov of Great Neck in many different ways this year. It arrived with the Third Grade’s “I’m a Candle Because…” compositions that focused on the symbolic use of “candles,” and with the Second Grade’s “Jugs of Oil” stories where students wrote about their imaginary fantasy menorahs. Tuesday afternoon brought Chanukah outdoor fun where all grades separated into two teams of “Shemen” and “Nerot” to compete in relay races, a chocolate coin scavenger hunt, and a Chanukah Song Sing-Down. Morah Eisenberg’s Second Grade also created a giant menorah in their classroom where girls paired off to create their own “ner”/candle in an assortment of color and texture while Morah Ronit’s Pre-1-A girls added a candle to their class menorot for each day of Chanukah. The week ended with Chanukah celebrations for all with

mothers and their Pre-1-A and First Grade daughters enjoying arts and crafts activities while older classes treated their parents to a musical Chanukah play topped off by Chanukah Salad with dips and dressing-making after. One of the most meaningful activities, however, was the Bnot Yaakov toy-drive for Chai Lifeline children and victims of Hurricane Sandy. The girls really took collecting toys for children in need very seriously and are proud to have so many toys to donate. Bnot Yaakov believes that the integration of academics, music, drama and play creates good students and happy Bnot Yisroel!

Nationwide Search For Relief From Facial Pain Leads Pennsylvania Man To Mercy Medical Center Neurosurgeon Walter Jaypak had endured years of chronic facial pain, and his efforts to find relief at leading medical institutions proved unsuccessful. But the 65-year-old Pennsylvania resident had better luck when he recently traveled from his home in Harrisburg to undergo a special minimally-invasive procedure performed by Mercy Medical Center’s Director of Neurosurgery, Dr. Jeffrey Brown. Mr. Jaypak was suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by episodes of searing pain, lasting from a few seconds to many hours, generated from the primary nerve responsible for sensations in the face. He experienced no improvement from treatment with drugs that are often prescribed for the condition. Then he heard about the percutaneous balloon compression technique available at Mercy. “The procedure is performed under general anesthetic, with a small catheter carrying a deflated balloon at its tip inserted in the skin just above the mouth and guided to the trigeminal nerve,” explained Dr. Brown. “Once properly positioned, the balloon is inflated and puts pressure on the nerve and defuses

its ability to trigger pain.” Mr. Jaypak reported that the pain-relieving effect was immediate, and in the hospital’s recovery area immediately following surDr. Jeffrey Brown. gery, the only sign he bore of the procedure was a small bandage on his right cheek. He subsequently described the procedure as “life-altering.” Dr. Brown, who has both written about trigeminal neuralgia in medical journals and presented on the subject at medical conferences, notes that studies have shown the technique to be successful in more than 90 percent of patients. Immediately following minimally-invasive surgery to relieve chronic facial pain, the only sign of the procedure at Mercy Medical Center was a small bandage on Walter Jaypak’s right cheek.

NEWS

Community

Every Child Was A Star at the Madraigos Chanukah Café Photo credits Ira Thomas Creations

M- Madraigos, you really did a superb job. A- All day long scrumptious food. D- DJ was an amazing hit. R- Rocking concerts and music every night of Chanukah. I- I loved wrapping up gifts for others. G- Games and toys galore. O- Outstanding jugglers, photos, magicians, and more. S- Smiling children who never wanted the fun to end. Thank You, A Child from Far Rockaway Dear Madraigos, As I reflect over the last week and the happy times we have shared on Central Avenue... I know that no words can properly convey the feelings of gratitude and appreciation that my family experienced. Over this past week you and your incredible team managed to restore the “light” back into so many people’s eyes. We came every night and spent the evening with you; we were treated as members of the royal family. Thank you for the tremendous gift of giving! It felt so wonderful to be on the giving end once again and to wrap up a gift and give to others. Thank you. For me, that was the greatest gift of all. Our children, were each able to pick out a toy from the beautiful shelves to replace the ones they lost. My son commented, “Ima, everyone is robbing the man’s store! Doesn’t he mind?” Dov calmly responded with a smile, “Don’t worry there are plenty more in the back.” As I looked around night after night as the entertainment was going on, I couldn’t help but marvel at the smiles around the room. I saw so many people many of whom are still displaced, without heat, electricity, or their homes destroyed (r”l) all with one thing in common. They were all smiling, something many of them haven’t done in weeks! Men, women, and children, sat around dining, dancing, and singing, it was a true Kiddush Hashem. All I could say is Mi Kamacha Yisroel! May you and your families be zoche to much bracha, simcha, and nachas, in the zechus of the ohr and simcha which you infused back into our community. With Heartfelt Gratitude, A Far Rockaway Resident Madraigos’ Community Resource Division launched the Chanukah Café for local families affected by Hurricane Sandy drawing crowds of over 3,300 people throughout the week of Chanu-

kah, Sunday, December 9th thru Sunday, December 16th. In line with the objectives of NEXT STEP Initiative, a community-wide program to address trauma resulting from Hurricane Sandy, the message of the Chanukah Café was Supporting our Youth and Strengthening Our Community In the Aftermath of the Storm. Staffed by the Madraigos clinical office, the aim of the Café was to provide a warm, inviting place to enhance the Chanukah celebration for local families recovering from the storm. Madraigos provided social workers and interns to give guidance and support to local families affected by the storm. Families completed surveys describing how the storm affected them so that Madraigos can better meet their needs and offer the appropriate services as they embark on the second phase of the Next Step Initiative. The Madraigos Lev Tov Toy Drive, the highlight of the project, gave children the opportunity to choose gifts for themselves to replace toys destroyed in the storm. Every child was also encouraged to choose a toy, gift wrap, and write a friendly note for Israeli children who are victims of terror, showing that they empathize with their plight and help them to feel less alone. Top notch entertainment included live concerts by Lipa Schmeltzer and Eitan Katz, magic shows, face painting, a photo fun booth, interactive games for younger children, and live music – all free of charge. Madraigos thanks these individuals for coming out to uplift Chanukah in the community. Delicious, gourmet meals donated by local food establishments including Brachs, Central Perk, Delicious Dishes, Gotta Get a Bagel, Gourmet Glatt, Hapina, Le Chocolat, Seasons, Shula’s Pizza, Sushi Tokyo and Traditions made it possible for the Café to serve its participants in impeccable style. Tasty meals featured

the popular Chanukah donuts and latkes but went way beyond to include more unique gourmet fare. Families displaced from their homes due to storm damage especially benefitted and enjoyed wonderful meals together. The Chanukah Café was the brainchild of Mr. Ephraim Kutner, Chairman of the Board of Madraigos, who spearheaded the entire project from inception to completion, planning every detail while soliciting vendor donations and rallying support from public officials. “The response to the Café far exceeded our expectations. I’m very pleased that we were able to express heartfelt support in a concrete way to families who are faced with unbelievable challenges as a result of Hurricane Sandy. If we were able to alleviate even a small amount of stress and make their Chanukah a little brighter, it was worthwhile,” Mr. Kutner stated. Hundreds of teen girls from local high schools volunteered their help, enabling them to serve the community in a hands-on manner and have fun in the process. Many other volunteers helped in a variety of ways during Chanukah and beforehand in preparing for the event. Madraigos thanks each and every one of them for their hard work and service. Based on research published by the University of Michigan, engaging in community service like the Chanukah Café can increase students’ personal, interpersonal and social development (Billig 2000), increase motivation, student engagement, and school attendance (Billig 2000), and lead to new perspectives and more “positive lifestyle choices and behavior.” (Civic Literacy Project 2005) Faigy Kutner, who recruited and managed all volunteers, commented, “The volunteers had a great time while learning an important lesson in helping others in need. They felt they gained more than the attendees. It was a winwin situation.” Rabbi Dov Silver, Founder & Executive Vice President of Madraigos, remarked, “Madraigos is honored to have been able to serve the community

in such a meaningful way this past Chanukah. The program was a product of a tremendous heart of Ephraim Kutner. Every aspect had his fingerprint on it.” Madraigos would like to express special heartfelt gratitude to Basser Kaufman, Inc. for donating the rental of prime retail space on Central Ave. which proved to be the perfect location for the Café. Without the generosity of Mr. Steven Kaufman, the event would not have been the huge success that it was. Madraigos acknowledges the help of Governor Mario Cuomo who sent a wonderful collection of toys for girls and boys with the National Guard. Mr. David Lobl, Special Assistant to Governor Cuomo, who visited the Café one evening, accepted public thanks on behalf of the Governor for this donation of toys. Madraigos also recognizes Mayor Andrew Parise of Cedarhurst and Mr. Ari Brown for their invaluable support and constant involvement in making the program an effective endeavor. Madraigos appreciates the local newspaper publicity, a key to the success of the event, donated by The Jewish Home, a dedicated friend of Madraigos. Many thanks to Jerusalem Florist, who sent beautiful fresh flowers to the Café and Luxe Event Rentals, who donated the wonderful furniture. Their generosity made the atmosphere festive, yet welcoming and comfortable. Madraigos also expresses special thanks to the K.I.D.S. Foundation (Kids In Distressed Situations) who donated exclusive toys and dolls. “It was a privilege to see how so many people from different venues came together for a wonderful cause. They rolled up their sleeves and collectively made it happen,” noted Dov Snow, who managed the project and helped bring it to fruition. For more information about THE NEXT STEP Initiative of the Community Resource Division at Madraigos, please contact Clinical Director, Eli Shapiro, LCSW at 516-371-3250 ext. 2. For donation and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rabbi Josh Zern, Executive Director, at 516-371-3250 ext. 5. To learn more about all of Madraigos programs and services, please visit www. madraigos.org.

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Peninim Inspired In trying to think what it is about Peninim Tznius Sensitivity Groups that inspires me, I decided to research the name “Peninim,” translated into English as “pearls,” as a way to convey these feelings. It is no coincidence how relevant the name of this revolution is to the definition and character traits of such a gem. Peninim, pearls, are unique in many ways and like so many things in Hashem’s world, their lessons can teach us a lot about ourselves and our mission in life. It is my hope that through this prism and analogy I can give you a sense of what I experience each time I attend a Peninim meeting. As you may know, pearls differ greatly from other gems in that they are not mined but are rather formed over time from within a shell. Pearls evolve through a process of multiple layers piling upon a once intrusive foreign matter inside the shell. As these masses bind together, they form a cohesive, beautifully finished and very expensive pearl. This process resembles a life where-

in which one strives to take the foreign matter, the Yetzer Hara, and cover him over with layers upon layers of learning, growth and development of sensitivities for the purpose of uncovering the ultimate Pearl of Wisdom that we were each created to become. It is not surprising therefore that the pearl is one of the most valuable gems, as it is so finely perfected over time. Likewise, it is no wonder why a program, whose goal is to assist and encourage this type of fine-tuning, has become so widespread and popular throughout our community and so many others across the globe. Another interesting fact about pearls is that when a blemished pearl is worked on to remove the blemish, its value increases because of the work that has been done to perfect it. It stands to reason that this is why Hashem values the work we do on ourselves. Though it may seem counterintuitive to seek out those areas which we have yet to improve for fear of highlighting our flaws, in truth it is precisely by identifying these aspects

of ourselves that we are able to work on them in a personal and constructive manner. When we chizzle out the thoughts, ideas, and perspectives which are not in harmony with Hashem’s ratzon and replace them with those of higher meaning and kedusha, we become closer to Him and even more beautiful in His eyes. Peninim Groups afford each member the appropriate time and atmosphere to think about where she is holding in the area of tznius and contemplate what she feels she would like to develop in herself. These meetings are opportunities to find support for the nuances a woman feels she wants to discuss, learn, understand and improve further. They yield long-lasting effects because they encourage heightened awareness and greater sensitivity towards tznius yet are in no way competitive or pressuring. As with everything, we are all meant to assess only ourselves. Our speech, behavior and dress are personal aspects of our beings and each member is encouraged to move at her own pace. When I think of Peninim meetings, both those taking place in my home and in the homes of others, I am moved by the sincerity and honesty with which the women of our community approach the arduous task of forming and reforming themselves into women who are not just pushed along with the tide and the times, but who continuously strive for more inner growth and depth. These women represent the pearl’s essence in more than just their evolving nature, but in their capacity to, like the finest of pearls, absorb and reflect the light from within. There is a profound understanding and clarity which is attained through the carefully selected topics and give and take of each Peninim meeting. Just as there are delineated instructions of how to handle, use and store pearls lest their delicate nature become vulnerable to damage from outside elements, so too our minds, bodies and neshamos require halachic guidelines regarding tznius to protect them from threats that abound. This is precisely what the Greeks set out to destroy. By disconnecting us from our Torah lineage, their hope was to sever our connection to Hashem. They forbade us from learning Torah for this reason. But our response then and our response now are one in the same; we will forever learn and grow and infuse whatever we do, wear and say with kedusha. Though the Greeks broke through our boundaries and tried to blur

the line that separates us from them, we persevered because of our acknowledgement that what they found beautiful and exciting was truly vain and empty. Though we may be tempted to adopt their ideas of “beauty,” we know deep down that our lives, our bodies, and our souls were created with the potential to achieve so much more. Peninim affords us the opportunity to do just that. By not just living a life of rote but rather a life where we think about and discuss what we are involved in and the image of ourselves that we display to our families and friends, we are in essence protecting that vulnerable side of us by reconnecting it to its Creator. Once we are aware of this reality, the messages we give over through our actions and behaviors change because we realize that each move, each choice of clothing and words makes a difference. Our decision to be that much more careful and sincere in our tznius is the difference between having a blemish and achieving perfection, between connection and disconnect. Our increasing awareness in tznius serves as a conduit by which we can elevate ourselves, our families, our homes and our communities. With the introduction of Peninim into our midst, we women have been granted a wonderfully practical opportunity to maximize our potential, to strengthen our boundaries and to create a tremendous Kiddush Hashem. May our lives be filled with choices that bring us closer to our goal and our true essence. May we be zoche to rebuild our homes, our perceptions and our commitments to bringing the ultimate light of Kedusha back into the world. May we merit experiencing the final Geula as a result of our never-ending dedication to fulfilling Hashem’s ratzon and yearning to cling to Him. I look forward to welcoming all of you to my home for the Peninim Inaugural Event where you and your friends will have the opportunity to learn more about Peninim and how it has impacted the many, truly wholesome, women of our community. Please join us on Sunday Night, December 23rd, to hear how you can become a part of the Peninim Revolution. Wishing you tremendous hatzlacha and bracha, Yael Renov

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HAFTR Opens New Sports Complex On December 12, 2012, HAFTR celebrated a Chanukat HaBayit as the school opened the doors of its brand new Sports Complex, the Hawks Nest—home to the HAFTR Hawks Basketball and Hockey Teams. Highlights of the evening included a ribbon cutting by Martin Scharf and Joel Wiener who contributed very generously towards the Complex, as well as a menorah lighting by families of those who contributed. This truly was an incredible Chanukah present for the HAFTR family.

The Nine Days at Camp Sdei Chemed By Ronnie Sugerman In spirit of the nine days, Camp Sdei Chemed takes more serious trips appropriate for this important time (without limiting the fun, obviously). In the beginning of the week, we went to The Deaf Museum, where we were each given headphones to wear over our ears which took away our ability to hear. Each group was then led by a deaf tour guide through four different rooms. In the first room, we learnt how to use our whole body to express any sort of action. The second room focused on our face and how we could use facial expressions alone to convey how we are feeling, whether it be happy, surprised, or curious etc. Next, we learnt how to use our hands themselves to show a specific object or verb, for example, shoveling, brushing your teeth, or simply eating. We then ventured to the last room of the museum, where we were each given a special hand gesture unique to our individual appearance/personality to use as a sign for our name. After the museum, each group sat down with their tour guide for a chance to ask them any questions they might have for them. Every tour guide had their own unique story, whether they were born deaf into a hearing family, or whether their entire family along with them is deaf genetically, each had to face their own unique challenges. Regardless, there was one thing that each guide had in common: a feeling of pride for who they are and not viewing their situation as a burden. Each story was extremely inspirational. Not only did it teach us what a

blessing it is that G-d has given us the gift of hearing, but more importantly, there is no obstacle in life that is too big to overcome. With a newfound appreciation for The Deaf Museum, and life itself, we headed to our next activity: Leket Israel. Leket Israel is an amazing organization that collects the leftover produce from farms and fields and distributes them to soup kitchens all over Israel. We were going to be collecting fresh tomatoes from a field grown specifically for Leket’s purpose. We were assigned three rows of the huge field, and had twenty minutes to collect as many tomatoes as possible. We immediately spread out over the field and started picking. After a mere 20 minutes, the entire camp worked together to collect 880 pounds of tomatoes. It felt great to be a part of such a giving organization. Later, after an awesome night activity of dodge ball, the camp got together and made a bonfire on our very own campus grounds. We all gathered around the fire and sang zemiros and roasted marshmallows. Besides for reaching a spiritual high, we also created a deeper bond. Later in the week, we took a trip to Yad Vashem, a Holocaust museum and memorial. First, we were led by our tour guide to a memorial for the 1.5 million innocent children who were murdered in the Holocaust. As we walked through the memorial’s optical illusion of infinite burning candles, we also heard the

names and ages of some of the children victims, reminding us that the 1.5 million children who were killed are not just a statistic, but rather each and every child has a unique and special story.

We were then taken to the museum section of Yad Vashem, where we not only learnt about the Holocaust itself, but also about all the events leading up to the Holocaust, from the Jews’ assimilation in Europe to Hitler’s (curse his name) rise to power. After an hour and half of further education from our tour guide, we exited the liberation room (where Hudie recognized his grandfather in a photo pictured in the museum), and then spoke with our tour guide for the last time. He emphasized that as the last generation to be able to see and talk to Holocaust survivors, we have an obligation to make sure that the story of the Holocaust never be forgotten and must ensure that the tragic story does not end up being just another dusty page in a his-

tory book. Walking out of Yad Vashem, we all left with a better understanding of the Holocaust, and with an immense amount of pride in being Jewish. Next, in our very own bulletproof bus, accompanied by R’ Reznek and his family, we headed to Chevron to visit the Maares HaMachpalah. Once inside, we gathered around Avraham Aveinu and Sarah Emainu’s graves and individually and as a group said tehillim. Afterwards, we sang a few zemiros and heard a speech from Dovid, our camp director, about how important it is for all Jews to get along and accept one and another, and how he sees here in Sdei Chemed, while we come from many backgrounds, we have all embraced each other and already notices the strong friendships that have been formed. After we hung around in Chevron for a while and davened mincha at The Avraham Aveinu Shul, we headed to our final destination: Kever Rachel. Like before, we said tehillim and sang some zemiros while inside (this time including the English song “Momma Rachel Cry”), and a real sense of brotherhood could truly be felt. In Sdei Chemed not only can you have a blast, but you can also feel a real sense of fulfillment while doing so. This article was written by Ronnie about his experience in Camp Sdei Chemed in July 2012.

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Glatt Kosher at The White House for Chanukah Special Report by The Friedlander Group It has become a tradition for the the OU; Dr. Alan Kadish of Touro ColPresident of the United States and the lege; famed Attorney Alan Dershowitz; First Lady to host the Jewish community Rabbis Hier and Cooper of the Simon for a Chanukah lighting ceremony and Weisenthal Center were in attendance to reception. usher in the 6th night of Chanukah and However, this past Thursday, the on hand to celebrate Chanukah with the 6th night of Chanukah offered a distinct frum White House Chief of Staff Jack NY flavor as President Obama wel- Lew. comed many Jewish dignitaries from The President’s Chanukah Menorah the NY metropolitan area lighting featured including: Rabbi Chaim a Menorah from Dovid Zwiebel, Rabbi Lathe hurricane bish Becker, Rabbi Shlomo devastated Long Gertzulin of Agudath Israel Beach—in fact of America; Michael Miller Vice President of JCRC; Richard Joel of Joe Biden and Yeshiva University; AsWhite House semblyman Phil Goldfeder; Chief of Staff Issac Wertzberger of WilLew was seen liamsburg; Herbert Block huddled with of the “JOINT”; Chanina Far Rockaway Sperlin and Eli Slavin of Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder with Vice Crown Heights; Avi Schick; Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder President Joe Biden Gregory Schneider, Claims who is a tireless Conference; Rabbi Benjaadvocate for the min G. Kelsen, of Teaneck, NJ among devastated Far Rockaway area and was others who were all warmly welcomed seen smiling after their brief huddle, apby Jarrod Bernstein, the White House parently satisfied that he accomplished Director of Jewish Outreach. something tangible for his community. It goes without saying that Malcolm Perhaps it was a first to see (what Hoenlein and Richard Stone of the Con- is seen ordinarily at weddings and ference of Presidents of Major Ameri- Bar Mitzvahs) was a sign in the White can Jewish Organizations; Rabbi Abba House “grand foyer” reassuring the Cohen, VP and Washington director of multitudes of frum guests that all food Agudath Israel of America; Abe Fox- preparation was prepared under the strict man of the ADL; Nathan Diament of rabbinical supervision of Rabbi Levi Sh-

L-R: Ezra Friedlander, CEO The Friedlander Group; Jarrod Bernstein, the White House Director of Jewish Outreach; Rabbi Levi Shemtov of the Lubavitch Center of Washington

L-R: Rabbi Labish Becker, executive director of Agudath Israel of America, Vice President Joe Biden, and Rabbi Shlomo Gertzulin, Agudath Israel of America’s executive vice president for finance and administration

emtov of the Lubavitch Center of Washington announcing to Supreme Courts Justices, Cabinet members and “simple” members of Congress that all meats are “Chassidishe Shechitiah and all baked goods are Pas Yisroel,” and that wines are “mevushal with a mashgiach temidi.” “Attending the White House Chanukah reception is in many ways an affirmation of the how far the American Jewish commu-

nity have come from the days of the pleading Rabbis on behalf of European Jewry who were refused entry through its front gates during the dark days of the Holocaust. Having a Glatt Kosher reception is indicative of how far Orthodox Jewry has come—and that is truly a miracle,” said Ezra Friedlander, CEO of The Friedlander Group, who attended the reception at the White House.

Shiur for Women in Queens

SKA Honor Students Win Scholarships to YU’s Stern College For Women

Miriam Pearl Klahr

Tova Hammer

Yeshiva University has chosen five outstanding students at the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls for early admission to the S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program. All five of SKA’s applicants have been awarded scholar-

Ziona Isaacs

Shira Aharon

ships to Stern College for Women. The girls are talented leaders in the school, have strong academic records and an impressive list of awards and activities. All plan to spend a year in seminary in Israel before taking their places

Ruthie Glass

in Stern. In addition to the scholarships, the program helps students grow intellectually as well as personally. Mazel tov to our scholars Shira Aharon, Ruthie Glass, Ziona Isaacs, and Miriam Pearl Klahr!

Chachmat Nashim Women’s group and the CHAZAQ Women’s Division present a special lecture for women only by Jackie Bitton entitled, “Achieving the Impossible,” to be held on Tuesday night, December 25th, 2012 at 7:30pm. Sushi and refreshments will be served. Come join at Yeshiva Ohel Simcha (downstairs), 141 - 41 72nd Avenue, Flushing, NY. The Shiur is given in the merit of a Refuah Sheleima for R’ Yigal ben Yael. For more information, call Sarah Yagudaev at 347-809-0102 or email Info@Chazaq.org.

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SmileShop Spreads Simcha This Chanukah By Mordechai Kastlebaum

Mother, fathers, children, teenagers, even some bubbies and zaidies… they all converged on the White Shul in Far Rockaway to enjoy a treasure of free gifts to brighten up their Chanukah. The Chanukah SmileShop, a unique gift boutique, was presented to help the families hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy, giving them a bright and exciting family evening to help them cope during their difficult ordeal. The event was organized as a grassroots effort, spearheaded by a coalition of Jewish book and Judaica gift companies who pooled together merchandise to distribute to local families. A truckload of brand-new merchandise was on display, including popular books, English seforim, toys, games, music CDs, software and novelties. Adults and children enjoyed the opportunity to replenish their home libraries and toy shelves,

many of which were wiped out by the storm. The response was overwhelming and inspiring. The doors opened at 6:00 pm and within minutes, the SmileShop was jam-packed with appreciative attendees, many leaving with boxfuls of new presents for the whole family. It was truly a Kiddush Hashem as 500+ people were treated that evening with beautiful new gifts. The Judaic industry-wide event was spearheaded by the following generous companies: Aviv Judaica, Davka Software, Feldheim Publishers, Five Towns Jewish Times, Hachai Publishers, Israel Bookshop, The Judaica Press, Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Rite Lite, Sameach Music, Suki and Ding, Torah Communications Network, and Torah Educational Software. The White Shul graciously hosted the event.

Chanukah – Great Success at Ezra Academy Although the school days that coincided with Chanukah this year were limited to only three days when vacation days and weekends were finished, Ezra Academy jam-packed those days with fun and excitement. Ezra students were greeted with a beautiful davening on Wednesday morning when they returned from vacation. Then the whole school departed for an ice skating trip at Flushing Meadows Park. Thursday morning, another beautiful davening led into a “boys vs. girls” Torah Bowl and school-wide dreidel games. Thursday

ended with a lively and spirited chagiga filled with food, dancing, raffles/prizes, divrei Torah and ended with Mincha. Ezra finished out their week with the annual locker room showdown. Odd grades faced off against even grades to see who know the most “Ezra Trivia.” In the end, it never really matters if the odds or evens win since everybody received yummy doughnuts to commemorate the Chanukah miracles. The week was such a success the question was raised by students if we could celebrate Chanukah again this week.

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Yeshiva Orchos Chaim – A Besurah Tova When the most significant news item in many years reached the city of Radin, the Chofetz Chaim’s grandson excitedly rushed over to his zaidy’s home and shared the news. The Chofetz Chaim showed no reaction. Thinking that his elderly grandfather did not hear him properly, he repeated it again, this time a little louder – and once again, no reaction. A little exasperated, the grandson said “Zaidy, isn’t this news a besurah tova (good news)?” The Chofetz Chaim zt”l responded, “If you would tell me that Yeshivos are opening, that indeed would be a besurah tova.” With all the difficulties our community has recently endured, it is particularly satisfying to be able to share a “besurah tova” – the opening of a new Yeshiva that will add to the beautiful, ever growing landscape of Torah institutions in our truly wonderful Five Towns community. Yeshiva Orchos Chaim, the newest branch affiliated with the world renowned Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim of Queens, is set to open its doors with a ninth grade class for Mesivta bochurim this coming September 2013. Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, entering its 80th year, was led by the unforgettable Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Henach Leibowitz zt”l for more than 60 years until his passing several years ago. The Yeshiva has enjoyed remarkable growth over the last few decades, and has opened dozens of yeshivos, shuls, and kiruv centers throughout the country. They have transformed entire cities with their commitment and total dedication to the spreading of Torah and Mussar to thousands of fellow Yidden. The latest addition to the Chofetz Chaim network of mosdos haTorah is Yeshiva Orchos Chaim, which will be opening in the Five Towns community. The Yeshiva will be led by the Rosh HaYeshiva Rav Shlomo Yonoson Harris, who served as Menahel at Mesivta Chofetz Chaim in Queens for close to twenty years. Rav Harris is well known for his clear and challenging shiurim that motivate and develop the minds of his talmidim. Additionally, the love and devotion that he shows to each and every one of his talmidim is legendary. His personal kesher and involvement with his former talmidim doesn’t end at graduation, but spans over decades. Many former talmidim of Rav Harris, who are now parents raising their families in the Five Towns, are eagerly anticipating that their children will develop a

lifelong relationship with Rav Harris as well. One member of the community who graduated from high school over a decade ago commented that the care and concern that Rav Harris had for him personally during those formative years is one of the things that continues to guide and inspire him to this very day. Joining Rav Harris in this exciting new venture are two young, vibrant talmidei chachomim, Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Fertig and Rav Yaakov Moshe Harris, products of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, who bring a combination of enthusiasm and love of talmidim, and will no doubt make their mark quickly as superb mechanchim in the coming years. Aside from the emphasis on indepth learning and the special focus on mussar and middos, the Yeshiva takes special pride in offering a high quality General Studies program. Rabbi Avrumi Portowicz, a veteran principal who has led the General Studies program of Yeshiva Ohavei Torah of Riverdale for the past ten years, will be at the helm of the General Studies program at Yeshiva Orchos Chaim. Building on his reputation for excellence, Rabbi Portowicz will lead a serious and professional program which talmidim will find to be both stimulating and challenging. Highlighting the intensive curriculum will be a variety of AP courses and a dynamic English language program that bolsters students’ creative writing and composition skills. One of the many factors that has made the Chofetz Chaim derech of chinuch truly unique is the closeness and camaraderie among the talmidim, where relationships last for a lifetime. To further develop this achdus, Yeshiva Orchos Chaim will feature mesibos, shabbatonim, overnight trips, and extracurricular activities that will nurture and foster these important relationships. Yeshiva Orchos Chaim will be having an Open House at the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center, 7 Derby Ave. in Cedarhurst, at 8:30 pm this Motzei Shabbos, December 22. For more information about Yeshiva Orchos Chaim, please call the Roshei Yeshiva directly at (516) 453-5163 and experience firsthand the depth of enthusiasm and dedication that will no doubt earn Yeshiva Orchos Chaim its place as one of the foremost mosdos of chinuch in the Five Towns community in the years to come. It truly is a “besurah tova.”

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Community Turns Out For Chanukah on Ice The Chanukah-on-Ice party at Grant Park on Tuesday evening was attended by more than 200 people. Activities included ice blocks being carved into a giant menorah, ice skating on the rink, decorating (and eating) jelly donuts, and enjoying the warm fireplace in the park building. A fun time was had by all, especially the many children who participated in crafts, played dreidel, tried

ice skating for the first time, and participated in a raffle for holiday prizes. Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim of

Chabad of Hewlett wants to thank the whole Hewlett community for participating in the week’s events. “I’m proud to be part of neighborhood that shows such unity. These events are really for the whole community and the whole family,” said Tenenboim. “We all need some brightness and warmth at this time of year.” The Chabad of Hewlett expresses sincere appreciation to these community leaders who participated in the lighting of the Hewlett Menorah located on Broadway & East Rockaway Road this past week: Dr. Zachary Gerut, Elise and Mark Weiss Mayor of Hewlett Harbor , Mr. Bernard Fuchs, Mr. Dan Vaknine, Mr. Joe Cohen, the Honorable Howard Kopel, Mr. Richard Obshotcko, and Mr. Steven Bouskila. For more information about the Chabad of Hewlett including the numerous classes open to the community, please contact Rabbi Tenenboim at 516537-8770 or email toRabbi@JewishHewlett.com. Chabad of Hewlett website is www.jewishhewlett.com.

Rambam Chanukah Chagiga Spotlights Chevra and Chesed The 5773 Rambam Mesivta Chanukah Chagiga was one for the ages. Featuring the outstanding sounds of Gemara Iyun Rebbe, Rabbi Ari Boiangiu, alongside the Rambam Band with Rami Teeter on drums, and Chaim Dov Cohen and Ari Roth on guitars, the music was punctuated by the sounds of dancing and singing by the Rambam talmidim. Senior Eric Grossman, of Rambam Harmonidies fame, also held the mike and as did current Rambam Rebbe, Rabbi David Bloch, a former Maccabeat and current star of StandFour. The Rambam Chanukah Chagiga was an opportunity to reflect on the chag and have talmidim and their rebbeim link arms and sing about achdus and a love of Klal Yisrael.

The Chagiga concluded with a soulful rendition of “One Day” led by Rabbi Bloch before turning over to the Chesed/ Drive Committee for a Tzedakah Goods and Services Raffle to benefit those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Singing, dancing, ruach, kesher, a commitment to Chesed, all hallmarks of the Rambam Mesivta mentality. Even when they are singing with smiles on their faces, they are still thinking of those less fortunate and helping to bring the light to their darkness.

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Rav Yitzchok Scheiner shlita Visits Yeshiva of South Shore

On the 4th day of Chanukah, the talmidim of Yeshiva of South Shore were treated to a visit from zkan Rosh HaYeshiva Rav Yitzchok Scheiner, shlita, who spoke to both the elementary and mechina divisions and greeted

the talmidim with warm lessons and brochos. Rav Scheiner spoke about his relationship with his revered Rebbe, Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky, zt”l, and about how excited he was to visit

the Yeshiva of Rav Yaakov’s son. The Rav also gave chizuk to the older boys in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. It was a tremendous boost for the children

who were able to understand the words of the Rosh Yeshiva who spoke in perfect English. It was a truly uplifting experience in the spirit of Chanukah.

Kids of Courage Chanukah Extravaganza Kids of Courage and Pomegranate teamed up once again to light up Chanukah for special children and their families. Pomegranate supermarket was transformed into something magical as over 300 Kids of Courage counselors and campers, as well as their parents and siblings rocked the aisles for the annual Kids of Courage Chanukah Extravaganza on Monday evening. After an inspiring speech by Pomegranate owner and longtime Kids of Courage friend, Mr. Abraham Banda, the crowd was treated to an amazing performance by Yehuda Green and band. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Banda, to Posh NY for providing the amazing lighting, and to Yehuda Green and band

The next best thing to standing there. www.aish.com/wallcam

for their incredible performance. Junee and Mitzvah Man of Brooklyn distributed gifts to all.

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White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew Keynotes Yeshiva University Hanukkah Convocation White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew delivered the keynote address at Yeshiva University’s 88th Annual Hanukkah Convocation and Dinner on Sunday, December 16 at The Waldorf Astoria in New York City. President Richard M. Joel bestowed an honorary doctorate upon Lew, calling him “perhaps one of the highest-ranking Orthodox Jewish advisers to a head of state since the Abarbanel” and an embodiment of the value-infused and driven lifestyle members of the YU community seek to lead. “We are the world’s Torah-informed University, charged with the sacred undertaking of engaging the world around us with our wisdom and our values and yes, our actions,” said President Joel. “We are a dynamic, caring and reflective community, learning from our past, improving our present and enshrining our future. We are in the business of nurturing and educating young men and women in a safe place as they refine them-

selves and seek wholeness in their own personal spheres, and yet seek to bring that wholeness to the fractured world around them.” Lew began his career in Washington as an aide to Congressman Joe Moakley and served as special assistant to President Bill Clinton in addition to multiple roles in the Office of Management and Budget before assuming his position in President Barack Obama’s administration. At the Convocation, President Joel praised Lew’s steadfast commitment to Torah as he pursued challenging public duties. “You have earned the respect of your colleagues because they know that whatever the issue, you act from principle, not from partisanship or ideology,” said President Joel. “What better example can we offer the students of Yeshiva University than that of a national leader of unwavering values and impeccable judgment, whose actions are consis-

Mesivta Yam Hatorah Celebrates Chanukah with Song This week Mesivta Yam Hatorah had its annual Chanuka Mesibah. The boys enjoyed a beautiful breakfast that included an award ceremony for those students who had over a 90% average in both the Judaic and secular departments. The boys enjoyed Divrei Torah from their Rebbeim and from Yisroel Meir Berger who is one of the students who received an award for his high grade point average. The Mesibah culminated with dancing and an inspiring kumzitz.

Yisroel Meir Berger receiving his award for his high grade average

Chanukah kumsitz

tently guided by the highest ethical and Joel recognized eight Points of Light— moral values we teach?” students, faculty and alumni who exemLew opened his keynote remarks plify the mission of the University— with words of remembrance for the 26 calling each one up to light a symbolic victims of the mass shooting at Sandy candle on the menorah Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday, saying, “We all mourn the children whose lives ended too soon, and the teachers and staff who were killed as they tried to protect them. Our thoughts and White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew receives an honorary doctorate from Yeshiva University President Richard M. Joel prayers are with their loved ones and the entire community.” “Tonight, we focus on eight indiLew also discussed the sacred re- viduals who serve as exemplars of the sponsibility of all educational institu- past, present and future of Yeshiva Unitions to protect children from danger. He versity,” said President Joel. “These are then reflected on the two ethical systems the stories which illuminate not just our which had influenced his life—citing his community but the world beyond our parents’ and grandparents’ fervent belief boundaries. These are stories that nurthat it was equally important to exercise ture our faith, strengthen our beliefs, and their right to vote and observe the Jewish feed us with the urgency of purpose.” holidays, living fully in both worlds. The convocation and dinner, which “As an observant Jew I honor the serves as the University’s main annual practices of my faith and the rights, cre- fundraising event, raised more than $3.8 dos and responsibilities it stands for; as million. In addition, the public phase a proud citizen I believe in working to of YU’s capital campaign, “Mandate to make sure that this is a world full of op- Matter,” was announced. Inspired by a portunity where you can achieve any- historic gift of $100 million from Ronthing if you’re willing to work for it; and ald P. Stanton in November 2006, the as a public servant, I believe that these campaign has already raised nearly $800 values, both religious and secular, in- million of its $1 billion goal during its form, inspire and elevate the impact that quiet phase, enabling YU to increase fieach of us has on our homes, commu- nancial assistance to deserving students, nity and the world,” Lew said. “Taken strengthen its faculty, research and acatogether they bring wholeness and ful- demic programs, enhance the quality of fillment—shleimut—to our lives.” student life, campus infrastructure, and President Joel also conferred honor- community outreach. ary degrees upon management consultAt the dinner, YU Trustee Ira ing and investment banking executive Mitzner ’81YC said that the campaign Stanley Raskas, a 1965 Yeshiva College would expand to include an additional graduate and 1969 graduate of YU-affil- $400 million for undergraduate scholariated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological ships. Seminary; Moises Y. Safra, a philanthro“For Yeshiva to sustain the progress pist and accomplished financier; and we have witnessed, even during a peHolocaust survivor Diane Wasser, who riod of budget constraints, there is nothis a national vice president and member ing more important at this time than of the Executive Council of the Yeshiva to provide the necessary scholarship University Women’s Organization and support to all deserving students,” said founding member of its President’s So- Mitzner. “Our case is clear and compelciety for Torah Chessed. ling. We are a University with a manDuring the dinner portion, President date to matter.”

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

SALE DATES DECEMBER 23 - 29, 2012

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

61 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns Brings a New Sefer Torah Home Photo credits Naftoli Goldgrab Photography

The excitement was in the air as the Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns was about to complete the writing of its first first Sefer Torah that they could call their own. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Fine, the Yeshiva was about to complete a beautiful Sefer Torah written by Rabbi Yaakov Dermer, shlita, in Eretz Yisroel, l’iluy nishmas their grandson Mordechai ben R’ Chaim Dov Verschleisser, and Mrs. Fine’s late brother Mordechai Yechiel

ben Yitzchok. There was a tent set up at the site of the new building which will become the permanent home of the Sefer Torah in the near future, be”H . The tent was crowded on both sides of the mechitzah with friends of the Fines and of the Yeshiva who came to share in this tremendous simcha. After the Kesivas Haosiyos to complete the Sefer Torah, there were inspiring Divrei Torah given by Rav Yitzchok Knobel, shlita, the Rosh Kollel; Rav Mordechai Dov Fine,

Rambam Captures Honors At Yeshiva University

Once again, the senior students at the Rambam Mesivta have been awarded academic recognition and scholarships at Yeshiva University. All four students who applied early decision to the special honors program were accepted. Moshe Dyckman, Michael Rosenfeld and Yair Lichtman were admitted to the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Honors Program at the Yeshiva College. Dovid Simpser was accepted to the Sy Syms Business Honors and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. The e-mail informing Rambam Mesivta of the news stated, “This year we had an especially large pool of applicants – our biggest ever! And we were very impressed with so many of them but especially the young men from Rambam! This is hardly an aberration as Rambam has a proud tradition of Yeshiva University honor students. The scholarships, along with a full tuition scholarship, are classified as early decision distinguished scholarships, all of which represent the highest level of investment in the most promising students.” Rambam’s Rosh Mesivta, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, stated, “We are so proud of our boys and are fortunate to have so many wonderful talmidim who

excel in Limud haTorah and academic achievement. They are destined to make a positive impact on the Jewish community, a real Kiddush Hashem.” The Principal, Rabbi Yotav Eliach, said, “These achievements are consistent with our long-standing track record of producing real bnei Torah who achieve on the highest academic level.” Mr. Hillel Goldman, Assistant Principal, added, “This should come as no surprise because Rambam is a small school by design and it is specifically geared to nurture each student’s potential allowing them to achieve their best and work together with their peers to help each other reach their potential.” Rambam Mesivta has a track record of over two decades of commitment to excellence in learning and college preparatory studies. It has produced hundreds of graduates who have successfully combined a life of learning Torah along with the pursuit of various professional careers in medicine, law, accounting, psychology, business, etc. The students in this year’s graduating class are clearly on the path to follow in that very same tradition.

shlita, a prominent Rav in Scranton, Pennsylvania; and Rav Moshe Zev Katzenstein, shlita, Rosh Hayeshiva. Rav Knobel remarked how this Sefer Torah represents a third generation of the Fine Family with a presence in the Yeshiva. Steve learns in the Yeshiva daily and Chaim Verschleisser, the Fine’s son-in-law, and the father of Mordechai, a’h, learned in the Yeshiva as well. Rav Knobel added that the Yeshiva and its dedication to the understanding of Torah SheBaal Peh is a perfect place for the Sefer Torah, which is only understood through the limud of Torah SheBaal Peh. Rav Fine spoke about the mesiras nefesh of the previous generation to provide both Mr. and Mrs. Fine with a Torah education. He conveyed how they must be feeling now, seeing the generations of Bnei Torah that have been produced. He imagined the simcha they would have felt, partnering in this special endeavor with this makom Torah. Rav Katzenstein spoke about the uniqueness of the simcha of a Hachnosas Sefer Torah. He quoted Rav Ahron Leib Shteinman, shlita, who said that the simcha of a Hachnosas Sefer Torah is like no other simcha in that it is purely a simcha of ruchniyos, a simcha of receiving a new Torah to be your own. Rav Katzenstein explained that the significance of the route from the new building site to our present storefront location is that the Torah can clear a path of all obstacles, as it did in the midbar. Following the ceremony, the new Sefer Torah was accompanied with music and dancing to the Yeshiva’s present location. While it was raining outside, that in no way damp-

ened the enthusiasm and simcha of the crowd. Amidst songs about the beauty and chashivus of Torah and learning, the Sefer Torah was fittingly marched to its Aron Kodesh. Upon reaching the Yeshiva parking lot, the other Sifrei To-

rah were brought out to meet their new chavrusa. Beautiful dancing followed, in the place where the Yeshiva holds its renowned Simchas Torah hakafos. All those present then ushered the Sefer Torah to its place with song and accompanying tefillos. The beautiful event was culminated with a Mincha that included Al Hanissim. The hoda’ah that is part of Chanuka was especially felt by everyone in thanking Hashem for His kindness in giving the Yeshiva the opportunity to have such a special benefactor, a special kehilla,

Bais Yaakov of Queens and ‘Kids to Kids Connects’ Personally Through Tefilla!

Bais Yaakov of Queens joined with the Shmira Project, making a commitment to daven for someone specific in Eretz Yisroel with a person-to-person match. Mrs. Reisbaum, the general studies assistant principal, made the connection during the recent strife in Eretz Yisroel. The project originated with Rav Simcha HaCohen Kook, Chief Rabbi Rechovot and The Hurva, with the Bostoner Rebbe, zt”l in 2009 during the Gaza Operation Cast Lead. The program pairs residents of Israel who are in danger with Jews around the world who do acts of kindness, tefilla or learning Torah. Rabbi Gewirtz, dean of Bais Yaakov of Queens, enthusiastically encouraged the implementation of the program saying, “An opportunity to daven for someone living in danger is one we should not overlook!” His ‘haskamah’ was all that Mrs. Somerstein, the Limudei Kodesh principal, needed for the next step, as she said, “Having the girls include these names in their davening will be a most meaningful way for Bais Yaakov talmidos to make a spritual connection.” With the technological assistance of Mrs. Shapiro, the school was assigned more than forty names of residents in danger. These names were divided up, every class received two names. Students and teachers discussed why these names were added to their tehillim list, making the experience and davening more meaningful. The names are posted in the class in large, bold lettering, not only a reminder during davening and tehillim, but throughout the day, as well. Caring for others comes in many forms. The students made Shabbos

treats for children who were displaced during the hurricane, collected toys for Chanukah, made cards for children in Eretz Yisroel and continue to think of new ways to help. Mrs. Bergman, the general studies prinicpal, said, “At Bais Yaakov we learn and apply the learning to life situations.” Rabbi Gewirtz concluded, “We know from Chazal that the power of children’s tefillos is special, and we are confident that their davening for our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel will indeed bring the yeshuos and nechamos for which we so fervently hope.”

NEWS

Community

Sixth Grader at Yeshiva Har Torah Initiates “Hearts for Hebron” Debbie Rogelberg, a 6th grader at Yeshiva Har Torah, was honored this past week by The Hebron Fund for her self-initiated chesed project to benefit the residents of Chevron. Debbie recently celebrated her Bat Mitzvah and as her chesed project, she chose to bake cookies and sell them to raise money for the Hebron Fund. Having been very moved by the experience of visiting Chevron with her family in Israel earlier this year, Debbie looked for a way to help the residents of Chevron. Calling her project, “Hearts for Chevron,” Debbie had the idea of baking cookies and selling them at her Shul, with the monies going to support the Hebron Fund. She began taking orders at her Shul on Sunday mornings, while simultaneously giving out samples, and later delivering the orders in beautiful packaging. Debbie ended up making hundreds of cookies and raising over $2,000 for the Hebron Fund!

On Monday morning, Yoni Bleichbard, the chief security officer for Chevron, visited Yeshiva Har Torah to talk about Chevron and to honor Debbie for her work. In an inspiring presentation, Yoni showed the middle school videos of life in the holy city of Chevron and told the students of his responsibilities in maintaining the security in Chevron. Yoni is the first responder and chief officer to any situation of danger ch”vs in Chevron, and has been involved in many dangerous and life threatening situations over the years. The students sat mesmerized listening to Yoni’s stories of heroism in defending our holy city of Chevron. At the end of the presentation, Debbie Rogelberg was presented with an award for her generosity and kindness to Chevron. Yoni was visibly moved as he related to the students that he has seen it all in his duties in Chevron, but this young girl’s actions really touched his heart.

63 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

Around the

LOCAL

Riddle

Kidding!

Submitted by Claire Altberg Jimbo is sitting at a bar‚ just staring at his drink for a half hour.

Submitted by Shlomo Fertig

Suddenly‚ Johnny, this big, trouble-making truck driver steps up next to him‚ takes the drink from poor Jimbo‚ and just drinks it all down. Jimbo gets all upset, so Johnny says, “Come on man‚ I was just joking. Here‚ I’ll buy you another drink. Don’t be such a baby.”

At a family reunion were the following

“No‚ it’s not that,” says Jimbo, “I am having the worst day of my life. First‚ I fall asleep‚ and I show up late on the farm so my boss fired me. When I leave the farm and go to my car, I realized it was stolen. The police said that they can do nothing. I get a cab to return home and leave my wallet with all my cash in it. The cab driver just drives away. I walk into my house and realize that it was robbed. I leave Everything home‚ and come to this bar. And just when I was thinking about puttingDecember an end to my life‚ you show up and drink my poison.”

At a family reunion were the following people: one grandfather, one grandmother, two fathers, two mothers, four children, three grandchildren, one brother, two sisters, two sons, two daughters, one father-in-law, one mother-in-law, and one daughter-in-law. But not as many people: grandfather, peopleone attended as it sounds.one Howgrandmother, many were there, and who were they? Answer on next page

1 2

4 5 6

Down 1. Propels the U.S. into WWII. 2. These brothers finally get it right in 1903 and take off. 4. Every worker hopes for one this month. 6. Ben’s book about weather predictions, humor, proverbs etc. 8. Impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice. 9. Completely deaf by the time he wrote his Ninth Symphony. 10. Alcoholic beverages outlawed in the U.S. 13. First 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. 15. African American woman sparks civil rights movement in Alabama when she refuses to go to the back of the bus.

Down

Across 3. Jelly Donuts 5. Euro 7. Boston Tea Party 11. Winter Solstice 12. Manhattan Bridge

14. Delaware 16 Martin 17. USSR

Across 3. Many will get eaten this month. 5. Currency of European Union. 7. Tea overboard in Boston Harbor. 11. Winter begins. 12. Third span across the East River in NY City opens to traffic in 1910. 14. First state to adopt the Constitution. 16. Despite his foreign last name, ______________ van Buren is 1st U.S President born in the U.S. 17. This once powerful republic breaks apart on December 8, 1991.

1. Propels the U.S. into WWII. 2. These brothers finally get it right in

8. Bill Clinton 9. Beethoven 10. Prohibition 13. Bill of Rights 15. Rosa Parks

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

You Gotta be

Across

Down: 1.Pearl Harbor 2. Wright 4. Bonus 6. Poor Richards Almanac

3. Many will get eaten this month. 5. Currency of European Union.

2. Which team has defeated the Knicks the most times in the playoffs? a. Boston Celtics b. Indiana Pacers c. Chicago Bulls d. Miami Heat 3. Which team did the Knicks beat in 1999 to become the first #8 seed to defeat a #1 seed in the Eastern Conference? a. Milwaukee Bucks b. Boston Celtics c. Miami Heat d. New Jersey Nets 4. Who scored 8 points in 9 seconds in the ‘94-‘95 playoffs to defeat the Knicks? a. Michael Jordan b. Steve Kerr c. Charles Barkley d. Reggie Miller

5. How many 3-pointers did John Starks miss in game 7 of the 1994 finals? a. 6 b. 9 c. 11 d. 17 6. What is Patrick Ewing’s middle name? a. Gerald b. Milhous c. Herbert d. Aloysius 7. When was the last time the Knicks won a playoff series? a. 2008 b. 2002 c. 2000 d. 1998 8. Who coached the Knicks for the most years? a. Red Holzman b. Pat Riley c. Joe Lapchick d. Jeff Van Gundy 9. How many Jews were on the first Knicks basketball team? a. 1 b. 3 c. 4 d. 6

Scorecard: 8-9 correct: Carmello Anthony!! 4-7 correct: You would be a good Knick, not too bad but not too good either (let’s hope that’s not the story this year). 0-3 correct: You are like John Starks in game 7 of the ‘94 finals.

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Answer to riddle: A total of seven people: two little girls and a boy, their parents, and their father’s parents.

Got funny? Let the Commissioner decide.

Send your stuff to centerfold@fivetownsjewishhome.com

65 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

1. How many times have the Knicks won the NBA Championship? a. Never (what do you think they are—the Nets or something?) b. Twice c. Four times d. six times

Answers: 1. B- 1970, 1973 2. A 3. C 4. D- With 13.5 seconds left in Game One of the Conference finals, the Knicks led 105-99. Miller hit a quick 3. He then stole the in-bound pass, ran out behind the 3-point line and hit another 3, tying the game. John Starks was the fouled and had a opportunity to put the Knicks ahead, but he missed both free throws. Ewing rebounded the ball and put up a short jumper but missed. Reggie Miller got the rebound, was fouled and nailed both free throws. 5. C-After scoring 27 points in Game 6 of the finals, Starks missed all 11 of his 3-point shots. Regarding the game, Starks has said, “To this day, people bring it up. You can’t get away from it, but it doesn’t stop you from living.” 6. D- I guess that is not as bad as Dikembe Mutombo’s full name which is Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo. 7. C- In 2000 the Knicks Won the Conference Semifinals vs. Miami Heat, 4–3. 8. 8- A Red Holzman served as coach for 12 full seasons. 9. D- In the first game in NBA history, on November 1, 1946, the Knicks put four Jews on the court for the opening tip-off and carried six Jews on their roster. The Knicks won the game. Leo “Ace” Gottlieb led scoring with 14 points. Sidney “Sonny” Hertzberg captained the team. Oscar “Ossie” Schechtman scored on the first shot of the game — thus becoming the first man in the history of the NBA to score a point. Ralph Kaplowitz was the fourth Jew in the Knick’s starting five, while Nat Militzok and Hank Rosenstein played as reserves.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

The Shmuz Parshas Vayigash

R’ Ben Tzion Shafier

Life is Like a Video Game And Yaakov said to Pharaoh, ‘The days of my sojourning are a hundred and thirty. Few and difficult were the days of my life, and they haven’t reached the length of days of my father’s life. — Bereishis 47:9 For most of his life, Yaakov Avinu suffered tests, trials and tribulations. Throughout his youth he endured living with his wicked brother. That period ended with his running for his life— from his brother, his sworn enemy. He then spent the next twenty years as a lackey for a deceitful father-in-law, being defrauded and duped time after time. When he escaped from that situation, he lost his beloved wife Rochel on the road. No sooner did he set up camp than his daughter was kidnapped and ransomed. Shimon and Levi rescued Dina by killing the inhabitants of Shechem, and again Yaakov was in danger, this time threatened by the surrounding nations. Then the brothers brought the news: Yosef had been killed. He mourned the loss of his most beloved son for twenty-two years. It seems that his days were spent moving from adversity to crisis. Clearly, he didn’t have it easy, and the suffering took its toll. When Yaakov came down to Mitzrayim and appeared in the king’s court, Pharaoh was so astounded at how aged Yaakov looked that his very first utterance was, “How old are you?” The Rishonim explain that Yaakov looked older than anyone Pharaoh had ever seen. Yaakov responded that it wasn’t that he was that old; it was that he had a hard life. “Few and difficult were the days of

my life.” The Medrash says that when Yaakov said these words, Hashem responded, “I saved you from Aisav and Lavan, I returned Dina and Yosef to you, and you are complaining about your life? Because of this you will lose 33 years!” (Das Zakainim 49:9) This Medrash is very difficult to understand. Every word that Yaakov said was true. He did live a very difficult life. He was beset with troubles and distress. He suffered for decades. The proof of this was his appearance — his suffering aged him. What possible sin did Yaakov commit by expressing the reality of his hard life?

circles. He swings wide, you block and counter. THUD! He falls to the canvas. The count: 1, 2, 3 . . . But no. He’s back up and now on the offensive. He throws a power right to your midsection — thud! Now, a hook to your jaw — smash! Now it’s you that’s down. The count 1, 2, 3, 4. . . but you’re back up, and the fight continues. Jab, jab, hook. Duck. Jab, jab. Move right. The bell rings again, signaling the end of the round. And you are sweating. No matter what shape you are in, the pace is so

Every ounce of suffering, every event that is to befall a person, is all decided, defined and directed by Hashem Himself.

The answer to this question can be best understood with a parable. Virtual Boxing Game If you enter a video arcade, you might notice the boxing game. For your two dollars in tokens, you get to fight a virtual professional boxer. When you put your money in and put the gloves on, up on the screen the referee will appear to usher you and your opponent into the center of the ring. And then, “Ding!” — the action starts. Jab, jab, duck, punch. Jab, jab, duck, punch. Your opponent

fast and the simulation so real that you are putting everything into it. And then you go to spend the rest of your day with your children. No headaches, no bruises. If you speak to someone who has been in a real boxing ring, you get a very different picture. Likely, you will hear something like, “Nothing in my life prepared me for those two minutes — the punches to the jaw, the jabs to the head, and more than anything, the fear that at any moment this beast is going to smash my brains in. . .” All of that make boxing a very different experience than the boxing arcade. It’s a whole lot less fun. Life is Like a Video Game This is a very apt parable for life. Throughout our lives, Hashem puts us through many different situations, all measured, all finely focused for our growth. Some are tests of endurance, some are tests of faith, and some are tests of patience, but each one is custom-designed for our growth. But like a video game — it’s not real. It’s a mirage, just a frightening image. When it is over, we see it for what it was — an empty threat. The Chovos HaLevovos (Shaar HaBitachon) explains that one of the basics of our belief system is, “You can’t harm me; you can’t help me.” Ev-

erything is decreed by Hashem. Every ounce of suffering, every event that is to befall a person, is all decided, defined and directed by Hashem Himself. No human being can inflict damage to me that wasn’t already decided by Hashem. With this cognition comes a deep understanding: the doctor isn’t the determinant of whether I live or die; the threat isn’t the failing economy; the danger isn’t man. All humans are powerless to affect my destiny. Like a simulated opponent in an arcade game, they look very menacing, but it is just smoke and mirrors. Hashem is hiding behind every scene, orchestrating the outcome. And all along, I am always safe and sound, guarded and protected. This seems to be the answer to the Medrash. Yaakov suffered during his lifetime, and that was the problem. For any mortal going through these events, it would have been expected and reasonable for him to have felt fear and anxiety. But this was Yaakov Avinu. This was the man who walked with Hashem. This was the man who saw Hashem in every moment and every action. He should have recognized the fight scene as the mirage that it was — a mere illusion. If he felt fear and actually suffered, then on some level he didn’t see through the smoke and mirrors, and for Yaakov Avinu, that was unacceptable. This concept is very applicable to us. The various life challenges that we are presented with are a significant tool in our development. As we face them, if we feel a sense of dread and anxiety, it is time for us to ask ourselves: Who runs the world? The more that we come to understand that Hashem is always present, controlling every situation, the more we feel a sense of calm security. Ultimately, our job is to be able to see the threats for what they are: mere bluffs — changing video games to challenge us to grow.

67 Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

Results Oriented

A few weeks ago, a couple of radio show hosts from Australia called King Edward VII Hospital in London, England where Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and wife of Prince William, a direct heir to the British throne, had been admitted for “extreme morning sickness.” While normal people have to be sick in a bucket, when you’re royalty, you get to go to the hospital on the taxpayer’s shilling. Pretending to be Queen Elizabeth and her son, Prince Charles, the disc jockeys called the hospital as “con-

cerned grandparents.” The nurse who took the call transferred it to a colleague who gave out private information about Kate’s pregnancy and her condition. Lots of fun, no one got hurt, it was a harmless prank, right? Wrong. When the news broke that it had been a prank, the very proper Indian nurse who had connected them to the Duchess’s private nurse was so upset and ashamed that she committed suicide. An investigation is under way. At the time, the DJs could not have known that this would happen. They didn’t think they would get through, and were shocked when they did. It was a beautiful success – for a short time. Though they didn’t violate any of the radio station’s protocols, and would never dream the prank’s victim would be so upset as to take her own life, they

were being blamed for the nurse’s death. In a sense, what we’ve seen in this situation is a glimpse of the future—of the end of the world. You see, when a person goes up to Heaven after 120 years, they have to give an accounting of what they did and what they didn’t

had, and they will be accountable for it. It works conversely as well. If someone did something good, and had a positive effect on someone else, the first person will get credit for it even if they didn’t intend it to happen, nor could they have known it would. There

As human beings, however, and not just workers, we need to see beyond the results and be “consequence-oriented.”

do. That’s the first Day of Judgment. But there’s another one. When the world ends, everyone, including those who’ve already passed on, will be summoned for a hearing called the “Yom HaDin HaGadol V’haNorah, the great and awesome Day of Judgment.” Not only will people be judged for what they did or didn’t do, but they will be judged for what they caused indirectly. [Please note: I am not an expert on these matters, having never experienced them personally, but I am relating what I understand from shiurim and teachings that I have received.] In other words, though the DJs did not violate any rules in making the call (other than lying, one of the most basic ones, just not one of the radio station’s rules) and can’t be held accountable under normal rules of law, according to the rules of the Final Day of Reckoning, they would be held responsible for causing the nurse the pain that made her do what she did. More than that, under these guidelines, they will be responsible for the pain of her family, how her children grow up, and what they do because they didn’t have a mother at a certain point in their lives. The tabulation will continue forward through the rest of time (lucky for them there’s not too much left) and calculate what ripple effect their actions

is a famous apocryphal story of the person who received a letter when he was in his sixties, thanking him for picking up someone’s dropped book when he was in seventh grade. The writer confided that after having been bullied, feeling alone and depressed, he had been walking home to kill himself. The boy’s kindness in picking up the book changed his mind and he led a productive life. Often, employers are looking to hire people who are “results-oriented,” meaning they don’t just work to kill time, but because they like to see a finished product or the fruits of their labors. When you have a picture in your head of what you want to achieve, you will be able to work towards that goal even when you run into obstacles. That’s why it’s great to be results-oriented. As human beings, however, and not just workers, we need to see beyond the

results and be “consequence-oriented.” We may want someone to do something so we bark orders or ask in a way that shows disrespect for the other person. We may get the desired result and it gets done, but we are also causing the consequences that the person may be hurt or resentful by the way we spoke, and may pay it forward or speak ill of us. If we want to win a contest or an election so badly that we disparage others to the judges or voters, we may get the immediate result we wanted, but someday we will have to face the music for what we did to those others, and what effect it will have down the line. On the other hand, if we keep the consequences of our actions in mind, both the intended and the ones that seem far-fetched, and speak to others properly, being honest in our dealings, and trying to make others happy, then when it comes to the great day of reckoning the only sound we will hear is the gleeful “cha-ching!” of all that goodness finally catching up with us.

Jonathan Gewirtz is a freelance writer 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. For more information, or to sign up for his weekly Dvar Torah in English, e-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com. © 2012 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

f the Mayans have their way, by the time you read this, the world as we know it will likely be over. For whatever reason, the Mayan calendar ends at December 21, 2012, and many an apocalyptic prediction has been made about these times. I’d like to talk about the end of the world too, just not in the same terms.

The Jewish Home n

The Observant Jew

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

Chanukah in Israel Photo credits: Kuvien Images

The Kaliver Rebbe Lights the Chanukah Candles

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Cover Story by Sara Debbie Gutfreund

The Connecticut School Shooting Asking Why In the Aftermath of Tragedy

W happened.

hen I first heard the ambulances, I didn’t even pause to think about what

I was cooking for Shabbos as my boys ran in and out of the kitchen. When we lived in Israel, I was used to checking the news anytime I heard more than one or two ambulances, but here in quiet, suburban Connecticut, I had stopped doing that. After the sixth echo of ambulance sirens, I began to wonder what was going on. I picked up my phone to check the news and just kept shaking my head in horror and disbelief as I read about the shooting in a nearby elementary school that left 20 small children and six teachers dead. I was so shocked that I didn’t notice my six-year-old standing next to me and peering over my shoulder. “What happened?” he asked me. I closed the news story and tried to think how and if to explain the shooting. “Nothing, it’s okay,” I said, heading back to the kitchen as the helicopters and ambulances echoed in the distance. A couple of minutes later, I noticed that it was eerily quiet in the living room. I peeked through the doorway and saw both my sons with their noses pressed to the window, listening to the sirens rolling through the mid-morning winter light. Then I heard my son say to his little brother, “Something bad happened, but I don’t know what. Shhh, Ima doesn’t want to say.” And as they stood there, stiller than I had seen them stand for a long time, the questions began to run through my mind. Why did he do it? Minutes after the tragedy, everyone wanted to know what the killer’s motive was. What could possibly be a reason for killing 20 children? Police still haven’t figured it out, but people are trying to guess. He was angry. Depressed. Was he on drugs? Insane? People want to pinpoint a motive so that they can somehow understand what happened. But evil needs no motive. It randomly destroys. It fills the world with hatred. It is the opposite of light. But I have seen senseless, random goodness too. Like the elderly woman who I used to see on my morning runs

in the Judean hills, picking up each piece of garbage on the street at dawn and putting it into a huge, plastic bag that she dragged along with her. Each morning I wondered what she was doing. One day I finally asked her and she said, “I’m cleaning the world. One piece at a time.” At first I thought she was a little crazy but gradually I began to admire her random goodness. She was making the world better even if no one else saw it. Even if no one thanked her. Even if no one understood why she was doing it. Why did G-d let this happen? We ask this question after most tragedies. Why didn’t G-d cause the gunman’s car

these words, I can stop my own whys. I can accept that there are answers even though I don’t know what they are. Why is this story in my life? Sometimes we hear about an event and forget about it soon afterwards. Or we dismiss it as too far away to be relevant. But every news story that we read and every event that crosses our paths is meant to teach us something. So what is the message in the wake of this tragedy? Maybe it’s that we should appreciate each day with our own children. Maybe it’s that we should realize that human suffering is never far away, happening to someone else. It should and does impact

“This is my song for the mommies and daddies. I’m sending them Yaakov’s prayer so they shouldn’t be scared. So that they should know how to pray for their children.”

to break down? Or have the kids somehow not be in the classroom? Or have his guns get stuck? G-d could have saved those children so why didn’t He? I don’t know any strong answers to this question, but something that Avivit Shaer said after she lost her husband and five children in a freak fire last year still stays with me whenever I hear myself ask this question. She said that she has many questions for G-d, but she has begun to understand that G-d does not give us answers in this world. “It’s not that there are no answers. But we humans are not equipped to handle the complexity or wholeness of G-d’s answers. He has eternal considerations.” When I hear someone who has lost her entire family in one night say

everyone that hears about it. Or maybe the message is that we should be sending our kids off to school not only with a sandwich but with a prayer for their safety. But for me, the most crucial message hit me when I explained to my son what happened. The ambulances were still blaring when I walked back into the living room and found the boys racing matchbox cars on the floor. I sat down next to them and watched them play before telling my six year old vaguely what had happened in words that hopefully wouldn’t terrify him. I asked him if he wanted to say a prayer for the children who were ‘hurt’ and their parents. He nodded without looking up from

his cars, and then he started singing a song he had recently learned in school. “Esau was coming with 400 men but Yaakov was davening to Hashem.” I sat there confused for a moment until my son said, “This is my song for the mommies and daddies. I’m sending them Yaakov’s prayer so they shouldn’t be scared. So that they should know how to pray for their children. Should I sing it again?” I nodded as I thought about the words my child was saying. Evil is loud and senseless and comes in an army of 400 men. It comes in the deafening gunshots in a kindergarten classroom. Goodness is quiet. It comes in a prayer that no one else can hear. It’s in the almost invisible steps of an elderly woman cleaning the streets at dawn. And goodness sits behind the scenes in a life like Avivit Shaer’s who could have given up and crawled into a hole of grief after losing her family in the fire but instead continued teaching and inspiring her high school students with her rock solid faith and perseverance. Even though goodness is quieter and humbler than evil, it is far more powerful. Perhaps this is the message we need to hear in the face of such a senseless tragedy: the power of goodness is far stronger than evil. We don’t have complete answers to the whys that run through our minds in the aftermath of the second-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. But we have hope. If every single kind deed that we do is far more powerful than any evil act, then we can at least wake up each morning with determination like the elderly woman who cleans up the world, street by street. My son’s song soon drowned out the sirens in the distance, and I hoped somehow that it reached the parents a half hour away outside the school. I stood by the living room window as he sang and pressed my own face against the glass, remembering the words of Avivit Shaer: “It’s about bringing light into the world even when it looks dark.” Piece by piece. Song by song. Word by word. Let’s rebuild. Reprinted with permission from aish.com.

Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

How to Explain to Children the Unexplainable sufficient. Since you really don’t know the details, it is perfectly okay to say, “I don’t know” when a child asks, “But how did they hurt them?” Whether or not you do know more details, this is a case of pikuach nefesh. Teenagers, on the other hand, can’t be shielded from life, nor should they be. They are on the brink of independence and must be armed with information and logic to handle the difficulties they will encounter. Pretending evil and tragedy do not exist will not serve them at all. However, this does not mean immersion in evil or tragedy. On September 11, 2001, I made a point of not watching the video replays myself. There is nothing good that can come from immersing oneself in evil. Onlookers to evil and tragedy

For that reason, people get a sense of comfort in making up plausible explanations of events even if there is no way of knowing their accuracy or even if they are wrong. One way that people have of comforting themselves in the face of cruel and inexplicable behavior on the part of others is to say those others were crazy. Interestingly enough, “craziness” is in the eye of the beholder. Right now there is an uproar in the mental health community because many psychiatrists and other practitioners are opposed to the newest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders due to its weak basis in science. Nevertheless, most people would call the shooter in Connecticut crazy. Although this term doesn’t explain how

Pretending evil and tragedy do not exist will not serve them at all. However, this does not mean immersion in evil or tragedy. may eventually become desensitized to pain. While that is an immediate coping mechanism for unbearable pain, desensitization should not be a life goal. So where is that balance between putting topics about evil and tragedy on the table and too much focus on them? If we return for a moment to the story of how the brain develops, it becomes clear that as children emerge from infancy, they start to try to make meaning out of life. It is hardwired into us to create meaning out of disparate bits of information. That process gives us a sense – however false that may be – of being somewhat in control of our lives. That sense of control is a powerful tool in fighting the depression that comes from helplessness in an untenable situation.

a person could act this way, it is an allencompassing way of dismissing what we don’t understand. For most people, it is probably satisfactory and if it gives you and your child some sense of at least categorizing that which we don’t understand, it is useful. A more fruitful approach might be to classify this person’s behavior as “evil.” We can understand evil as something that humans have the capacity to perpetrate because God created us with the ability to choose it or refuse it. This is fruitful because it makes room for a discussion about “choice.” Children, especially adolescents, make choices all the time, many of which can border on the forbidden. By bringing the discussion around to the topic of where people draw the line on doing what is forbidden, a won-

derful thing happens: Suddenly, in a tragic world, we can see that we do have a measure of control for we have control over ourselves and our choices. To know that we would not make a particular choice, however aggrieved we were, is to insert a little control into the chaos. Where, for example, would that teenager draw the line if he were told that the class had “obtained” a copy of an upcoming test and he could take a look at it, too? If his school outlawed movies, would he comply given that no one would (probably) ever find out? What about other things to be found online? Another discussion regarding choice might be about dealing with anger. From the news reports, it could be that the individual in question was unable to express his feelings in a healthy way, so he exploded. It is not shameful to feel rejected in school as may be the case with this individual nor is it shameful to be angry because of it or to let someone know that is how you feel. Use this news account to help empower children to tell someone how they feel when they are upset. Another way to create a feeling of control amidst chaos is for people to reach out to help. Teens could be invited to weigh in on how they think they could help the community they live in and whether such help might ultimately prevent other tragedies. If schoolchildren did hear about the tragedy, this might be an opportunity for them to find some meaning, too: They could make cards for the remaining classmates and this is an activity that alert teachers may have already undertaken. We don’t know why evil is periodically visited on us, but we are required to cope with it constructively and teach our children the same. My prayer is that we don’t see such things for a long time. Dr. Deb Hirschhorn has had over 35 years clinical experience. She has been in numerous publications, both professional and for the public, and has appeared on TV and has been featured on radio. She practices Marriage-Friendly Therapy. She has a local practice in Woodmere, N.Y. See her website, http://drdeb.com, or call her at 646-54-DRDEB.

d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

n September 11, 2001, I got a call from my daughter, concerned about a plane that seemed to have gone astray into the World Trade Center. Within a short while we all learned that the news was about a planned attack. The news was frightening, tragic, disturbing, and traumatizing. Worst of all, I later heard that people, including young children, had witnessed the replay of the video on the news numerous times. That was a mistake. Research shows that, of the five senses, people are predominantly visual. For example, babies born visually handicapped, if not given special training, have a lower statistical probability of coping in life than those born deaf. The right hemisphere of the brain is available from birth to receive information and it includes receiving visual images. The left hemisphere kicks in at about 12 months and begins to learn how to explain in words the meanings gleaned from those visual images. Trauma is predominantly a visual problem although as any war veteran will tell you, the other senses most certainly are involved. Even without seeing the image of the planes going into the towers, humans will automatically create mental images to fit the words and those images can be traumatic. That is the essence of childhood nightmares, especially repeating nightmares: The child creates the images and is now afraid of them. The images carry some meaning for the child that he may or may not be able to explain. We are now faced with a new tragedy that took place in Connecticut and I am hoping that your school-age children are totally unaware of it. There is no need to explain it to them if they have not yet heard about it. Part of parenthood is knowing what to shelter children from and what not to. They need to be sheltered from this. What if they have already overheard grownups talking? How do you explain it? In order to avoid a child automatically creating frightening mental images, it is best to do as little describing as possible. “Someone bad hurt some people and it is a sad thing,” would be

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

Cover Story Rabbi Dovid Morgenstern

Strengthening Our Emunah and the Emunah of Our Children in Times of Tragedy

he tragedy that transpired in Newtown, Connecticut shook the entire nation. We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and wish the survivors the strength and fortitude to move forward. Our community schools did a marvelous job with giving guidelines based on children’s ages on how to talk to children about these events. The Rebbeim report that for the most part, there is minimal conversation amongst the students about the tragedy. Naturally, children from homes with more media exposure have access to more information than those that don’t. Nonetheless, your child can hear information from a friend that has more information and his concerns should be addressed. Experts are recommending

that minimizing the media exposure is most beneficial for our children as the media is creating heightened anxiety. It is incumbent upon us to be empathetic

gerous event and especially one that is so highly unlikely. If you notice any significant or excessive change in your child’s behav-

These are trying times when we need to strengthen and develop our own emunah and convey it to our children.

to our children and to make sure that they feel our empathy and feel comfortable. We need to reassure them that our schools are safe and that there are safety measures in place (and more is being done) to help prevent any dan-

ior, be it a change in sleep patterns, eating habits, or any other noticeable change, reach out to a health care professional. Assistance can be obtained through several avenues. Feel free to contact your school, Achiezer or Chai

Lifeline if the need arises. In life we are faced with various situations that are trying and stressful. As parents and educators we need to make use of these teachable moments. As we are living in the aftermath of the destruction of Hurricane Sandy, I asked a boy how he was doing. He responded that things were absolutely terrible and he went on to describe how horrible his circumstances were. I asked another child, a neighbor of the first boy (whose home suffered the same, if not worse, damage), how things were going? He went on to describe similar destruction but then added that iy”H, everything will be OK. Both children were echoing what they heard from their parents. The strength continued on next page

Tips on How to Speak with Your Children in the Aftermath of a Tragic Event Norman N. Blumenthal, PhD

As with any general remarks and suggestions, these comments cannot pinpoint or precisely predict the reaction of every child whose temperament, background and outlook is personal and unique. Anyone who has more specific questions regarding their child is invited to contact Dr. Blumenthal (nblumenthal@chailifleline.org) or any of the numerous agencies and experts available within our community. • In today’s world of internet and rapid dissemination of information, you may not have been the first person inform your children of these frightening events. Nor can you categorically filter or oversee what they view or read. • Be available to clarify and openly discuss what your child has found out and be particularly alerted to unfounded rumors or exaggerations. • Do not try to conceal or downplay the reality of these events. • For children six and older, it is advisable to impart the rarity of such calamity especially if the child is evidencing undue fear or worry. • For pre-school age children, just assure them of their safety. The concept of “rare” is not

continued from previous page and attitude of the second boy is a credit to his parents. These are trying times when we need to strengthen and develop our own emunah and convey it to our children. The Klausenberger Rebbe was once serving as sandak for a Bris in Teveriah. He asked the mohel to make sure that he does not get distracted as we were about to hear Shofar Shel Mashiach. All those assembled were gazing at the door eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mashiach as the Rebbe said it with such authority and certainty. After the Bris, one of the Chassidim approached the Rebbe and asked how it was possible for the Rebbe, who lost his family and his Chassidim in the war, to still speak of Mashiach with such strong conviction. The Rebbe explained that what kept him alive and

meaningful to them. • Limit and contain the amount of coverage that is viewed by your children and particularly pictures or videos that highlight the atrocity and carnage. Research on post-catastrophe trauma is incontrovertible that excessive exposure to such horror increases anxiety and distress. • School-aged children (especially boys) may be particularly invested in the facts and details. To such inquiries you should respond accurately and succinctly. • Children who are scared respond as much to your voice tone and body language as they do to your words. Make sure you are composed and managing your own fears and vulnerability before talking to your child. • Adolescents (particularly girls) may be more prone to imagine themselves the victims or bereaved families and respond with heightened grief and emotional outpouring. When it is your sense that such hysteria has taken on a life of its own, it is perfectly suitable to contain and distract. • Adolescents may also aggressively challenge the existence of such injustice and evil with religious observance and belief. Here too, discuss such matters until it appears to be rooted more in rebellion and oppositionalism than interest or theological struggles. • If a child or one of his or her family members has a history of having been victims of violent assault or terrorist attack, keep a closer watch on

what continues to keep him alive is that he envisions Mashiach standing on the doorstep waiting to bring the Geulah. My Rebbe, Rav Pam zt”l, repeatedly shared with us the following sentiment. At the time of the Petirah of Rav Pam’s mother, his Rebbetzin was out of town. In the emergency room, they kept Rav Pam’s mother waiting and as the night dragged on, she passed away while sitting next to Rav Pam. Rav Pam said, “As you all know, the Rebbetzin has a very spirited personality and had she been at the hospital my mother would most likely have been admitted to an examination room. However, we can be sure, that she would have passed away at exactly the same time; just not next to her son.” The Mishna teaches us regarding vessels made from different materials that can become Tamei that everything

his or her reaction to such events. • Children with predispositions to depression or anxiety may also be more susceptible to untoward responses or fear. • If your child is frightened and inconsolable, it may help to give them an activity. This can include but is not limited to letters to bereaved families, prayer or devotional study, art work or commemorative dedications or actions. • Trauma reactions can be delayed or come in waves. It would not be anything out of the ordinary if a child responds adversely weeks from now or alternates between periods of carefree inattention and worry. • Please do not fault any child who may be more stoic or cavalier. We all differ in emotional vulnerability and expression. For some children a natural or spontaneous composure or resilience is not at all out of the ordinary. • Look for the teachable moments and silver linings that coexist with the horror and anguish that typically dominate such events. The heroism of the staff, the universal outpouring of support and grief are themes that are important for our children to hear and can help ameliorate the terror and vicarious distress.

Dr. Norman N. Blumenthal is the Director of Bereavement and Crisis Intervention Services at Chai Lifeline.

that is in the sea is Tahor, except for Kelev Ha’mayim [possibly the seal], because it flees to the dry land: these are the words of Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva teaches that even though the Kelev Ha’mayim lives most of its life in the water, the fact that it takes refuge in times of danger on the dry land, determines that it is a land animal; where it goes in a time of crisis determines its orientation. (A utensil made from the hide of the Kelev Ha’mayim is thus capable of becoming Tamei.) While the infamous events of 9/11 were unfolding and bits and pieces of information were trickling in, there was a person in the yeshiva that made a tremendous impact on us all. While there were those who were trying to gather more information, when we walked into the office, we were taught a life lesson as the school secretary was seen

crying with her Tehillim. She showed us where a Yid is supposed to go when there is pain, where a Yid goes to take refuge—to the Tehillim. How we react to tragedy defines who we are. In conclusion we need to remember that we are always in the hand of Hashem and the more we are able to crystalize and internalize this for ourselves we will be able to transmit this Emunah to our children, thereby giving them the Hashkafah and skills to cope with whatever they will face in life. We have a responsibility to bring up a generation of Maaminim Bnei Maamin; Ashreinu Ma Tov Chelkeinu. Rabbi Dovid Morgenstern is the Menahel of the Upper Elementary School of Yeshiva Darchei Torah.

d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

n the aftermath of the wanton murder of scores of school children in Newtown last week, parents are understandably concerned about their children’s responses and fears. Dr. Norman N. Blumenthal, Director of Bereavement and Crisis Intervention for Chai Lifeline, is offering the following advice and recommendations.

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Cover Story Finding the Light Within

ast week, a tragedy occurred at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. The tragedy is unspeakable. The knowledge that evil exists in an extreme form is very difficult to swallow. What causes someone to commit an act of violence toward innocent children? There is no way to explain the senseless violence. There are no good answers or reasons for what happened. The media has been releasing heartbreaking images of the deceased, and even though we are miles from Newtown, CT, we are left struggling to process the many feelings that may arise. We don’t want to picture a world where deliberate murder could occur in a school for children. For most of us, trag-

edies do not fit with the way we think about our world. Our minds may seek an explanation that we could tolerate. Our instinctual response is often to find a way to understand what happened. When tragedies, such as the massacre of children, are hard to explain, we no longer know how to view the world. The stark contrast between our beliefs about the world and our harsh reality may

cause us to feel psychological distress. Finding the Strength Within Although it may not feel like this right now, people are often able to handle the most stressful of life situa-

onstrated extraordinary love and care while afraid for their own lives—the heroes are proof that there is light and warmth and goodness in our world. • Pray: Yes, the APA actually recommends prayer. Studies have shown

We each have an ability to tap into our inner stores of resilience when tragedy occurs.

tions over time. We each have an ability to tap into our inner stores of resilience when tragedy occurs. Each person may have a different way of dealing with stress, and an individual road to finding strength. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines resilience as a choice that we can make- a choice that involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned. The APA identifies some things that people can do to build their resilience: • Make connections with people who can be supportive. Reach out to friends and family and talk about what you are experiencing. Consider whether there is anything that you can do to help the victims and the community affected by the shooting. • Keep things in perspective: remember that while evil is a part of our world, so is kindness. Think about all the heroes of Sandy Hook who dem-

that people with a spiritual/religious connection tend to have higher levels of resilience. If you can, draw upon the belief that we are never alone. For Children: Many of our local schools and community organizations have released excellent tips on how to speak to children about the tragedy. We encourage you to refer to those tips for advice about how to talk with children in a clear, calm, and honest manner. Reaching Our Ability to Cope There are many things we do to cope with events that are overwhelming. We may look for ways to shield ourselves from the pain and discomfort so that we can live our lives. One common reaction is avoidance. This can take many forms. We may avoid talking about the event, reading about the event, thinking about the event, or watching coverage of the event. Alternatively, we may focus only on the stories of courage that occurred in Sandy Hook as a way to distract ourselves from feeling the pain. We may get caught up in discussions about the political and socioeconomic aspects of the tragedy in an effort to block out the gruesome images. These avoidance strategies protect us from facing a reality that may be too much for us to handle. They are natural and normal reactions to painful emotions. With time, it is healthiest to move toward developing an ability to deal with the real situation, even if it is stressful. When we do face our real feelings about the murders, we may feel worse before we feel better. That is a sign that we are no longer avoiding the reality and that we are beginning to heal. Seeing The Greater Picture One way to find our inner strength is to consider the tragedy in the context of

Jonathan Cohen, PsyD Sara Schwartz-Gluck, LCSW

a greater picture. We can choose to think about adversity in an accurate manner that includes both the good and the evil. When we reach a balanced view, we are effectively increasing our resilience and decreasing our psychological distress. The fact is, there was one gunman who committed unforgivable atrocities. There were many more people who committed acts of self-sacrifice and kindness. There were teachers who put their own fear aside while they hid, comforted, and spoke lovingly to their students. There were staff members who ran straight into gunfire in order to save others. And there were teachers whose first instincts were to sacrifice their lives and use their bodies to shield their young students. In the aftermath of the tragedy, there was an outpouring of support from the community and the nation. Neighbors opened their doors to children suffering from shock. Children sent cards and letters. Adults sent generous donations to memorial funds. When one NY Giants player heard that a young victim had idolized him, he visited the victim’s family and went out of his way to provide some comfort. A set of twins who attend Solomon Schechter Day School reached out to a child whose twin was murdered and offered their empathy, reminding her that she is never alone. These are just some of the people who showed pure goodness at a time of crisis. While we cannot hide from what happened, we can remember that evil was in the minority at Sandy Hook.

South Shore Cognitive Therapy (SSCT) uses the latest scientific and evidence-based cognitive and behavioral treatments to alleviate emotional problems. Our experienced clinicians offer intensive and customized treatment plans that enable our clients to maintain a high level of personal control throughout the treatment process. Jonathan Cohen, PsyD is the director of SSCT and has advanced training in evidenced-based therapies for emotional and behavioral problems. Sara Schwartz-Gluck, LCSW is a Clinical Social Worker who works with children and adults, and has lectured at schools and mental health organizations throughout NY and NJ. They can be reached at 516-568-7493 or on the web at www.south shorecognitive.com.

Nate Davis

The Second Amendment: A Matter of Conflict

The Conflict Over Guns Each side in this debate is armed with their statistics which support their arguments that “guns kill” or, conversely, that “guns don’t kill, people kill.” It is true that among industrialized nations, the United States has the highest rate of murders by guns. It is also true that within the United States itself, the states with the strictest gun control laws seem to have a higher death-bygun rate than states with looser gun control laws. According to the FBI, in 2011, for every 100,000 people, Washington D.C. had 12.46 firearm murders and Arizona had 3.53 firearm murders; Washington D.C. has the strictest gun control laws in the country while Arizona has some of the most lax gun laws in the country. For most of us living in the New

York city area—where there are strict gun laws and hunting is not a common sport—the issue of gun control is not on the forefront of issues we concern ourselves with until gun violence rears its ugly head. But in most of the country, it is one of the most hotly contested social issues. There are an estimated 300 million guns in the United States, and according to a recent Gallup survey, fifty percent of United States’ citizens are gun owners. It is also one of those issues where practicality takes a

The peculiar way that this amendment was written leaves it open to interpretation. The words “a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State” are the prefatory clause, which announces the amendment’s purpose. The words “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed” are the operative clause, which is the command. The amendment can thus be understood in two conflicting ways: Gun rights advocates focus on the operative

It is one of those issues where practicality takes a back seat to ideology—gun rights advocates seek unfettered access with no restrictions and many gun control advocates seem to want to eradicate the Second Amendment.

back seat to ideology—gun rights advocates seek unfettered access with no restrictions and many gun control advocates seem to want to eradicate the Second Amendment. But now, in the wake of tragedy, it seems like everybody is ready to talk about the difficult issue of gun control. Just how far the status quo will change—if at all—remains to be seen. The Second Amendment: What It States and What It Means...At Least for Now It is obvious that the Second Amendment won’t be repealed—that would require a vote to be to be passed by two-thirds of the House and the Senate and ratified by three-fourths of the states, which is not happening. But, in the near future, the Second Amendment may be interpreted in a way which makes it effectively useless. The Second Amendment states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

clause, “the right of the people to bear arms,” as proof that having a gun is an individual right. Gun control advocates argue that the Second Amendment was intended to allow for the forming of militias for the purpose of protecting the states, and the government would not be infringing on the Second Amendment if it takes away the right of individuals to have guns, as long as it does not infringe on the right of the individual states to form militias (which is doubtful to occur). For now, this debate has been resolved by a seminal Supreme Court decision in 2008, which ruled that the Second Amendment is an individual right. However, during President Obama’s second term he will likely appoint several judges to the Supreme Court. Those justices will be free to reinterpret the Second Amendment. The Assault Weapons Ban and the Gun Show Loophole There are other, simpler ways to rein in guns that wouldn’t be as radical and may be more palatable to the

country as a whole. Yes, to some it may seem like the first steps in the process of eradicating guns. But to many, it seems like logical steps to ensure that guns do not get into the wrong hands and are not used for the wrong purpose. In the 1990’s, Bill Clinton and Congress passed a ban on assault weapons. The logic was that these weapons of mass carnage have no use for hunting or protection. The ban expired in 2004 and was not renewed when either the Republicans or the Democrats had control of Congress and the White House. Opponents of an assault weapons ban are armed with studies—as always— that show that the 1990’s assault weapon ban had no impact on gun violence. Whether that is true or not, Congress will almost certainly pass an assault weapon ban over the next few months. And due to the recent tragedy in Sandy Hook and similar tragedies in the nation, even organizations that had previously been opposed to such a ban may now finally admit that these weapons have no use for hunting and are merely tools of mass killings. Congress will likely also close what is known as the “gun show loophole.” Current federal law requires criminal background checks only for guns sold through licensed firearm dealers “engaged in the business” of selling firearms. However, private gun owners are not restricted from selling guns, and buyers who purchase guns from private gun owners are not required to submit to the federal background checks in place for licensed dealers. Most of these sales are made at the estimated 5,000 gun shows which take place every year throughout the country. If the gun show loophole is closed, gun shows will be one less place where a person who wouldn’t pass a background check can buy a gun. This is hardly an objectionable proposal. Over the weeks and months ahead, the gun debate will play itself out and may result in substantial changes to our nation’s gun laws. Hopefully those laws will satisfy the need for balance of liberty and safety. Because, after all is said and done, liberty without safety and safety without liberty can be equally tragic.

d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

he argument over gun control reflects the very essence of what guns are: tools of conflict the presence of which are felt despite the fact that they usually remain hidden from public view. The right to bear arms was so important to the Founding Fathers that it is prominently placed in the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Yet, much like everything else about guns, the language of the amendment has been the subject of conflict for over two hundred years. Can we resolve the question of gun control by looking at studies and statistics? Predictably: no; they are too conflicting and seem to be all over the map. Are we honoring the 26 innocent victims by allowing this horrible tragedy to quickly morph into a gun debate or are we being insensitive? Is the focus on the gun debate taking away from other issues which certainly played a role in this tragedy as well? Unsurprisingly, that too has become a conflict. The fact is, the big public gun debate is here once again. The first shots of that debate were fired when President Obama—either courageously or inappropriately—stated in his otherwise emotional comments in the hours after the tragedy, “We must put politics aside to resolve these acts of violence for once and for all.”

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Cover Story

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Restaurant Review Wolf & Lamb Steakhouse Wolf & Lamb Steakhouse NYC 10 East 48th St. NY, NY (212) 317-1950

Wolf & Lamb Brooklyn 1635 Avenue M (718) 627-4676

Under the hashgacha of the O-K and Rabbi Yisroel Gornish (Brooklyn location)

few weeks ago, a friend of mine went to meet his future in-laws at their favorite steakhouse in Manhattan. Wisely knowing to report back to me, his restaurant-reviewing friend, with details of his trip to this steakhouse, he told me that while the food at this restaurant was very good, the tacky atmosphere was a far cry from welcoming and he never wants to return. In response to his in-laws’ claim that they like to dine at nice kosher steakhouses upon their visits to New York, he mentioned to them of the steakhouse I had just recently visited and have since been raving about and they unfortunately had never heard of it. While many people only know of Le Marais, The Prime Grill, and Abigail’s as New York City’s finest kosher restaurants, the well-established, yet somewhat under-noticed Wolf & Lamb is right on par with them. Wolf & Lamb Steakhouse is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, just around the corner from Rockefeller Center/Radio City Music Hall and a couple of blocks from Times Square, and is currently operating in their fifteenth successful year. If you are looking for a nice restaurant, I highly recommend giving Wolf & Lamb a try. The ambiance is classy, yet casual, making it very inviting for any special occasion or just casual dining. The service was also great, while not overbearing. At some other nice restaurants, the busboys stand over you waiting to re-fill your water glass and bread basket, and the waiters are overly attentive. Here your glass was always full and you are paid full attention by your waiter, but you are still given space to dine relaxed. On my visit to Wolf & Lamb, I opted for the special of the day—a 16 oz. bone-in rib-eye steak cooked in a sweet maple sauce with roasted butternut squash and garlic sautéed spinach. The steak, a seasonal take on their regular menu choice of the 16 oz. Cowboy Ribsteak, was cooked to perfection per my request of medium rare, and the butternut squash and spinach were some of the best vegetable sides I have ever eaten at a restaurant—both very wellseasoned and cooked (which is many times hard to find with sautéed spinach). I was most excited to try Wolf & Lamb’s southern fried pickles which I had anticipated having since learning about the restaurant and was not at all disappointed (thinking about them now makes me want to hop on a train back to the city). Half sour pickles, sliced, lightly breaded, deep-fried and served with a creamy pesto sauce—I can’t think of anything more that a southern “foodie” could wish for. What I find great about Wolf & Lamb is that they really try to have fun with their menu, playing with unique ingredients and flavor combinations to create exquisite and delectable dishes year-round

and especially when it comes to re-defining seasonal favorites. For instance, their Thanksgiving menu offered a honey-lime seared duck, pear and shitake mushroom French bread stuffing, and a pecan, bourbon, and butterscotch bread pudding. What is even more impressive, I think, is that their Chanukah menu went even farther with the culinary creativity, offering potato and wild mushroom latkes fried in duck fat and served with a horseradish crème fraiche, homemade cream cheese and carrot-jam stuffed doughnuts, and Mexican chipotle hot chocolate. Wolf & Lamb is not at all afraid to raise the bar of culinary creativity. Food presentation is also taken very seriously at Wolf & Lamb, with much detail given to making sure that in addition to tasting superb, every order served looks like a piece of artwork (if you don’t believe me check out their Facebook page). In addition to their NYC location, Wolf & Lamb has a convenient location in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, which opened just this past spring. The Flatbush location offers many of the same menu items as the Manhattan location and offers diners a rooftop dining experience, in addition to two levels of seating in the beautifully designed building—which most interestingly sports a floor made of over 180,000 U.S. minted pennies. So, when in search of a top-notch kosher steakhouse, Wolf & Lamb is a must-try, offering great food, great service, great atmosphere, and an overall wonderful dining experience—and now you’re in the know! *The above review is based solely on the dining experience at Wolf & Lamb’s Manhattan location. Alex Idov, exclusive restaurant review columnist of TJH is a passionate and dedicated “foodie”. Idov runs a personal chef business, The Cooking Yeshiva Bochur/ The CYB in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway Communities. Visit his website at www.thecyb5towns.com or contact him at thecyb5towns@gmail.com

Alex Idov

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Motzei Shabbos, February 16, 2013 • d ” g a , r s t ‘ z 7:30pm Ye s h i va K e ta n a C a m p u s 321 Doughty Blvd • Inwood, NY

Honorary Chairmen charles harary | eric stern Dinner Chairmen motti lazar | moshe majeski Journal Chairmen shlomo katz | yehuda samter

Dinner Committee avrum pultman howard balter avrumi rosenberg david bugayer dani rosenthal aryeh gibber binyamin schwartz mendy haas ushi shafran shalom huberfeld yaakov spinner avi krasnow david vegh steve landau

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

Forgotten Heroes

Avi Heiligman

The Campaign of the Kokoda Trail

he topics generally discussed in this column are of a forgotten person or battle but there was an entire campaign during WWII that was forgotten in the annals of military history. Just like the Germans needed to win the Battle of Britain to invade England, the Japanese would have had to conquer Papua New Guinea in order to invade Australia. The series of battles was called the Campaign of the Kokoda Trail. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese not only attacked Pearl Harbor but many other strategic bases in the Pacific and Asia. Once Singapore fell to the Japanese Empire, the next step was New Guinea. They tried to attack Port Moresby, the capital situated on the southeastern part of the big island; however, the invasion was turned away during the Battle of the Coral Sea in

May. After the loss of four aircraft carriers to the American fleet, it was decided that the next big attack would come on New Guinea. A new plan was devised, and this time, the Japanese would invade from the north and cross the Stanly Owens Mountains along the Kokoda Trail and capture Port Moresby overland. The Japanese were already in control of sections of western New Guinea and it was easy to stage an attack on the eastern part. New Guinea is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest islands and has the formidable Owen Stanley mountain range on the western part of the country. The Kokoda Trail runs through the 150 or so miles of the range. It twists and turns through 13,000 foot tall mountains and jungle terrain. This topography was the setting for the most challenging part of the war. Not only would the Allies

have to battle the Japanese but also have to deal with the mud, rain, terrain, nearly vertical mountain climbs, insects and disease. The Americans and Australians did have one advantage over the Japanese; they had the support of the locals. Affectionately known as Fuzzy Wuzzys (due to their hair styles), the locals were porters, guides and fighters during the battles. On July 21, 1942, the Japanese landed troops and established troops at

map of the Kokada Trail

Sanananda, Gona and Buna. The landings at Buna were harried by the Allied

forced to retreat. The battle for the trail land was finally cleared of Japanese in was over as the Allies had pushed back 1944 but only after another bitter campaign. Success on the Kokoda Trail the Japanese to the northern coast. For the green and untested Al- was the first taste of victory for the lied soldiers it had been a tough and Allies, especially the Americans, who costly training ground. 30,000 men from that point on took the leading role were committed to the campaign, and 625 were killed and 1,000 were wounded. The terrible terrain had taken its toll on the men as 4,000 had been listed with tropical diseases, such as malaria and heat exhaustion, but nearly every man suffered the effects of the wars toughest battleground. The Japanese had suffered Australian soldier on the Kokada Trail in the Owen Stanleys much worse. Of the 13,500 soldiers that were sent down in the war in the Pacific. The men who the trail, 6,500 did not come back. Not fought in this almost unknown camall of those dead were because of Al- paign are truly forgotten heroes. lied bullets; many men died of starvation as the Empire came to terms with Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to dwindling supplies. Operations were not over in New The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comGuinea as General Douglas MacArthur ments and suggestions.for future columns wanted to use the Island as a stepping and can be reached at aviheiligman@ stone to invade the Philippines. The Is- gmail.com.

d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

had to finish the job of taking back the mountains and clearing the trail of the enemy. The Japanese now started to feel the effects of a long campaign far away from home. Most of the soldiers were exhausted, starving and there was no hope for reinforcements as troops destined for New Guinea were diverted to the battle raging on Guadalcanal. Their advance went as far as Ioribaiwa, about 30 miles from Port Moresby. On September 26, the Australians halted the advance and started pushing them back. The American 32nd Division landed on the island and joined the fight from a different angle on the trail During the next six weeks, the Japanese fell Fuzzy Wuzzys helping a blind Australian soldier back over the mountains. along the trail They were pursued by troops and in the early hours on the morning of of the 25th Brigade. Significant actions July 29, the Japanese took control the were fought at Templetonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossing, town of Kokoda itself. They thought where it took more than a week of hard that the Australians had 1,200 soldiers and costly fighting for the 25th Austradefending the key mountain town with lian Brigade to push back the enemy, an airstrip, but when the Australians and at Eora Creek where the 16th Brigade also dogpulled back down gedly attacked enthe trail, they had emy strongpoints only 77 men. to slowly make Austraground. Finally, lian reinforceon November 2nd, ments were comKokoda was reing as well as taken. The AusAmerican troops, tralians had one but for the moment more tough battle the only soldiers to fight at Oivithat were sent to Gorari, where the the front were Japanese were deuntrained and untermined to make tested young men. another stand beSoon the Japanese fore they were were at Isurava, a able to finish the point on the trail advance over the that was only 60 mountains. By miles from Port an Australian soldier taking a break November 18th, Moresby and were continuing their advance although they the Australians had reached the Kumuwere showing signs of slowing. The si River. On January 2, 1943, the AlAustralians had made many mistakes lies took Buna and the Japanese were on all levels of command but they were learning from them and soon became a formidable fighting force. Things became more complicated when the Japanese landed more troops at Milne Bay in the southeast. These invaders were surprised by the Australian strength in the area and soon were forced to retreatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the first time they had to do so in the war. It was a major victory for the Allies but they

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air forces but some supplies did land and the Japanese land forces started moving south. They made steady progress against inferior Australian forces

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

Health & Fitness

Social Smarts

Devorah Gerber Schmeltz

My Baby’s Not Really Crawling Dear Devorah, My 10-month-old son is doing wonderfully and is crawling around the house. I noticed, though, that instead of crawling, he kind of drags himself around. Is this something I should be concerned about? He is able to get where he has to go but should I be worried that he is not developing the right muscles that he will need in the future?

notable that you are keenly observing and questioning your son’s movement. I do not like to worry a parent, but you should be concerned. Make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to perform a thorough examination. The doctor should be able to determine the cause and how to best address your son’s movement patterns, whether with therapy or otherwise. Wishing you much hatzlacha and nachas from your son!

Thank you for posing your question. It sounds like your son is curious and likes to explore Devorah (Gerber) his environment, Schmeltz, MS OTR/L As an occupational which is wonderful is a 2003 alumnus of and healthy! I am Downstate Medical therapist, I cheer concerned, however, Center’s OT Prowhen children if he gets around by gram. She is a senior occupational theradragging himself. move around, but pist at United CereWithout seeing him bral Palsy’s Brooklyn and without further not when quality Children’s Program. description it is difDevorah maintains is compromised. ficult to infer what a private practice, may be going on. Bumble & Tumble There could be many Occupational Therapy P.C., in Far reasons why a baby Rockaway, NY providing pediatric occupamay drag himself, such as paresis, mustional and physical therapy. Department of cle imbalance, leg length discrepancy or Education vouchers/RSAs are gladly accepta fracture. As an occupational therapist, ed. Your questions and comments are welI cheer when children move around, but come. She can be reached at BumbleTumble not when quality is compromised. It is Therapy@gmail.com or 917-971-5327.

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Rifka Schonfeld

Is My Son a Bully? Q: Mrs. Schonfeld, thank you for your wonderful column! The rebbe of my six-year-old son expressed his concern that my son teases and bosses his friends (especially whoever sits next to him in class). As a mother, I would like to give the rebbe as much support as I can by trying to address the matter at home. My difficulty is that I have hardly seen this behavior at home, so I have limited “hands-on” opportunity to help him improve in this area. I can talk to him and explain why this sort of behavior is inappropriate and try to help him understand that the recipient of his teasing feels bullied, but how else can I help my son? (Our son is the younger of two boys, his brother being ten. Although we have a relatively small family, friends do play in our house constantly, so he still receives ample social stimulation and learning opportunities.) Thank you! A: I’m really impressed that you asked this question. Many parents think that if their children are not acting out at home, they are probably model students in school as well. In fact, The Journal of the American Medical Association estimates that over 30% of children are involved in bullying, either as the target or as the perpetrator. Though a six-year-old may seem a bit young for bullying, it is great to catch the behavior early because studies have shown that those who act as bullies seem to maintain these characteristics into adulthood, often negatively influencing their ability to develop mature adult relationships. So, good for you for asking this question! It shows how much you care about your son. There are several ways that you can go about helping your son in order to minimize his bullying behavior in school: Observe. Pay close attention to the way both of your sons interact. Does your ten-year-old boss your six-yearold around? Is it the opposite? Your tenyear-old could unknowingly be ordering his younger brother around at the table, in the backyard, or in the car. Your older son might simply be trying to help his brother, but it might come off as bossing or bullying to your six-year-old. Perhaps without realizing it, your six-year-old is modeling the relationship he has with his older brother. If this is the case, talk to both children about ways that they can help and support each other without be-

ing bossy or domineering. Role-play. Even if you do not see the bullying at home, another option for addressing the negative behavior can be through role-playing. Set aside some quiet time in the evening or on a Sunday when your six-year-old is wellrested and relaxed. Then, reenact situations both as the bully and the victim. This will teach him the correct responses when he finds himself in a circumstance where he feels the urge to boss or bully. Right the wrongs. A great way to deter your child from negative behavior is to encourage him to reverse the damage that he has done. Some suggestions for righting the wrong are writing a letter to the target, inviting the child for a play date, or giving a sincere compliment. This will not only make the victim feel more comfortable around your son, but will also give your six-year-old the satisfaction of positive social interactions. In turn, your child might hesitate to bully in the future. One of the hardest things for parents to contemplate is that their cute, innocent child is acting in a way that is hurtful to others. Yashar koach to you for confronting the bullying and making an effort to work on it. Possibly, understanding that these drives are natural and instinctive can help you deal with this difficult behavior. Dr. Michael Thompson, author of Best Friends/ Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Lives of Children, explains, “All human beings have aggressive impulses, even children. And kids show their aggression through teasing and intimidation – it can begin when they’re as young as two and a half.” So, don’t worry about your son. His behavior is quite typical and if you react appropriately, you will be able to channel all of that energy into positive endeavors.

The opinions expressed in this article reflect the view of the author and those cited by her. In all matters of hashkafah and chinuch, readers should seek reliable rabbinical guidance. Mrs. Rifka Schonfeld, founder and director of Strategies for Optimum Success (S.O.S.) in 1980, services all grade levels in secular as well as Hebrew studies. A long-time kriah and reading specialist, she offers evaluations, as well as G.E.D. preparation, social skills training and shidduch coaching. She can be reached at 718-382-5437 or at rifkaschonfeld@verizon.net.

Quotes

“Say What?” –White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, when a reporter prefaced a question by saying, “Given that the President is not running for reelection.” “The only thing left for Barak Obama to do is to work like a third world dictator and put all these guys in jail.” - Harry Belafonte on MSNBC, discussing what he believes President Obama should do to those who oppose his agenda. “New Jersey Democrats say Republican Governor Chris Christie will be impossible to beat. It’s unclear if they’re talking about the 2013 governor’s race or Coney Island hot dogeating contest.” –Conan O’Brien “According to a new poll, most Americans think Santa Claus is a Democrat – which is really odd because when I think of a fat, old white man who hires unskilled labor, I think Republican.”

“Dominant powers, like the United States, cannot halt the progress of independent states, who through resistance can quickly tread the path of scientific and technological self-reliance.” - Iran’s armed forces deputy chief congratulating North Korea on Wednesday for its “successful” launch of a long-range rocket “Figures in Brazil are big. We plan to build 800 regional airports or more.” -Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff “We’re going to have a civil war.” - Teamsters head Jimmy Hoffa on CNN discussing Michigan’s new ban on mandatory union dues “M-75” - name of a perfume sold in Gaza, the sales of which went through the roof every since it was named after the Gaza M-75 missiles that were launched into Israel “It’s really getting boring.”

-Conan O’Brien

- Minority Speaker Nancy Pelosi discussing the fiscal cliff debate in Washington

“In what’s being called a stunning literary find, a Danish historian has discovered the last remaining, unpublished fairy tale from Hans Christian Andersen. It’s called “Congress Solves the Fiscal Cliff.”

“Wal-Mart may buy Hostess Bakeries. So the next time they find someone making [illegal drugs] in a Wal-Mart it will only be the second most unhealthy thing in the store.”

- Jay Leno “Over the weekend, Hillary Clinton passed out, hit her head, and suffered a minor concussion. Well, we found out today why she passed out. Apparently, she heard the Lakers won two games in a row.” - Jay Leno “It’s rumored that John Boehner and President Obama are considering a partial deal to avoid the fiscal cliff at the end of the year. Yeah, it’s RUMORED that a PARTIAL deal is being CONSIDERED — or to put that in layman’s terms: We’re going off this cliff.” - Jimmy Fallon “CoryBookerForPresident.com.” - Domain name recently purchased by Bari Mattes, advisor to Cory Booker, mayor of Newark, NJ

- Jay Leno “The other night the White House had its Chanukah party. Everything was going great until Joe Biden ran in, made a wish and blew out all the candles.” - Jay Leno “What happens when you put a giant with a midget in a cage fight?” - Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) on the House floor, in a metaphor about the Michigan labor situation “It was out of ignorance, not spite or hatred. I will never use that term again.” -Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) after facing much backlash about his comments “And we heard from Victoria Nuland [spokesperson for the United States Department of

State] that it’s a bad bug. I think that it’s perhaps a Benghazi allergy. She seems to have a severe Benghazi allergy. Five days after the attack, she was not there to address the American people. She sent out someone whom the president himself had no idea, was not involved at all in Benghazi. And now that she is supposed to speak to the Congress about this, she has this illness now.” - Charles Krauthammer on Fox News discussing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s having come down with an illness as she was about to testify in front of Congress about the Benghazi attacks. “The Lakers lost again. Do you hear their latest excuse? They are now saying that they were using Apple Maps to try and find the basket.” - Jay Leno “I was told money was tight but I guess the Arte had money hidden under a mattress. Business is business but don’t lie.” - Former Angels’ outfielder, Torii Hunter, who was not resigned by the Angels, upon hearing that the Angles gave Josh Hamilton a $125 million deal “I thought they were going to take me outside and execute me.” - NBC correspondent Richard Engel recounts his terrifying kidnapping in Syria as he is freed after five days “I appreciate Senator Hagel’s record of public service. While he has not yet been nominated, I am concerned about his prior positions with regard to Israel and Iran. If he is nominated to serve as Secretary of Defense, I intend to vigorously question him on those prior positions.” -New Hampshire Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte discussing the prospect of Senator Chuck Hagel’s nomination for Secretary of Defense in light of his record as being anti-Israel “Jets coach Rex Ryan is fifty years old today. If you’d like to send him a gift you can send him a quarterback if you have one.” - Jay Leno

d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

“Barring a change in the Constitution.”

Compiled by Nate Davis

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Notable

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

Lola's Story

Lola Lieber Schwartz

A World After This

A Memoir of Loss and Redemption Lola Lieber Schwartz is a world-renowned artist whose paintings have been exhibited in art galleries throughout the United States and are part of the Yad Vashem archives in Jerusalem. Most importantly, Lola is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to many. She has myriad friends and sees life in all its vibrancy and vitality. But life was not always easy. Lola was only sixteen-yearsold when Hitler ym”sh invaded Poland, and Lola was forced into hiding and spent years on the run with her husband, Mechel. Through six years of trying times, near

starvation and brutality, Lola and her husband held onto their faith and values. It was Mechel’s words of encouragement, “There will be a world after this,” that helped them cling to the hope that there will be a life of light and joy waiting for them at the end. This is the story of Lola’s life—from her grandparents’ “enchanted garden” to meeting Eichmann ym”sh to making the Pesach seder for the Bobover Rebbe during the war—her words will take you back to a different world.

Chapter 1 - Continued Through the Garden Gate

her. Mammiko’s wigs gave her a more modern appearance, but they also added to her beauty. Everything about Mammiko’s appearance and dress was carefully considered. I am sure my taste in clothes and wigs began with my admiration of beloved Mammiko’s flair for fashion and understanding of style.

partner, a Mr. Rapaport. For some reason, all his efforts and attempts to make his chocolates popular in Munkach just didn’t work out, and this caused great stress for my parents. Inevitably, after a time of trial and experimentation, they returned to Krakow and he went back to his company. One part of the problem was that as a Polish citizen my father was unable to obtain proper business licenses in Hungary. Not being fluent in Hungarian was also a severe handicap for him. He tried just about everything, even buying old wine-press parts and trying to resell them. My father was a man of stature in Krakow, a successful entrepreneur. In Munkach my father was a sad man and understandably depressed without a profession or status in the community. Finally, my grandparents must have understood that my parents could not tolerate this, and they relented. That is probably why I stayed on with them as a sort of “consolation” prize.

lthough I was separated from my parents and siblings much of the time, mostly at my grandparents’ request, my childhood was not at all deprived. In fact, I lived a privileged life. My grandparents really wished we would all live together, but in Munkach not in Krakow. Poor Mammiko tried to keep both her husband and her parents happy. This is why Mammiko seemed always to be coming and going between Krakow and Munkach. No matter how hard she tried to make her parents happy, they never understood why Mammiko wanted to live in Poland. Perhaps it was some sort of geographic or regional “snobbery,” but I doubt it. It was that only Mammiko, of the seven Segel children, lived in another country. My grandparents could not understand the separation of family members. Periodically, both my parents would come to Munkach to see if Father could get a business Mammiko enjoyed going there. He was a and appreciated all fine gifted candy maker, but things. She traveled to not of common candy. Budapest and to ViMy father made a unique enna to have her couchocolate wafer that had ture dresses and outfits been made popular in designed and made. I Vienna originally. He think often of MamLola’s mother, Shaindel Leser, manufactured Piszinger miko’s beautiful wigs, during the war in Niepolomice brand confections. Fawhich she was very ther’s chocolates were very popular proud to own. Mammiko had numerous in Krakow also and therefore he was wigs, and changed them daily. She left a successful businessman. After much them on the doorstep each morning, and pressure from his in-laws, he decided to the shop would pick them up, refresh turn his business in Krakow over to his them, recomb them and return them to

my life. Goldie was highly intelligent and exceedingly talented musically, but her life was determined by her skill with her hands. Uncle Bela was so impressed by how quickly Goldie learned to do machine embroidery on a then-stillnew invention, the deluxe sewing machine, that he hired her. Goldie was beautiful and she was Not everyable to turn out, seemthing about living in ingly without effort, Munkach was perbeautifully embelfect, mainly because I lished fabrics. Being didn’t spend as much such a good businesstime with my siblings man, Uncle Bela had as I would have liked. Goldie sit in the winMy oldest brother, dow of his shop to atMoishe, was chosen as tract business. There one of ten students to she would sit for study with the Belzer hours, on display, at Rebbe, whose beis meher sewing machine, drash (study hall) was with the public obabout 100 miles north serving her. There is of Munkach. Moishe no question that it was did spend most of his good for his business. vacations in Munkach, In the final analysis, Lola’s father, Lazar Leser, though, so we had however, it was not during the war that time together and good for Goldie betherefore knew each other very well. cause it meant she never got a proper Goldie, my older sister, seemed al- education, which she deserved. At that most ethereal to me because she was so time, however, I was jealous of Goldie. kind and gentle, and so willing to help She had a skill and a craft, and I wanted everyone. She thought of the welfare to be special and accomplished at someof others before she considered her- thing too. self. When I was about twelve Goldie I was good at art and loved to draw moved from the family home in Kra- and sketch. Goldie made me realize kow to Munkach. Like Mammiko, I could be an artist – she told me I alGoldie also had a talent for clothing ready was an artist. So I began to take design and for cosmetics. She was very art classes. My art classes met twice a good with wigs too, and learned how to week, but it wasn’t enough for me. Evmake them when she was about sixteen. erywhere I went I sketched what I saw. It wasn’t easy to construct wigs in those In fact my mathematics teacher said days. Everything was done by hand, she would not have given me a passwith human hair of course, and required ing grade if my drawings had not been tremendous concentration and a steady so delightful. My art teachers started hand. Goldie’s essential nature of want- to keep my assignments, and I was too ing to accommodate others, combined obedient to confront them about it. I did with her talents, probably worked not know they were entering my drawagainst her best interests. It is a reality ings and paintings into competitions I would comprehend only much later in where prizes were awarded to the best

a few minutes I grasped the gravity of the situation we were in if we tried to stay in Munkach. Within twenty-four hours we would become illegal aliens. There was no time for consolation or conversation. “Leiku, pack up now, you and Mammiko must leave tonight.” My grandfather, usually so softspoken and gentle, was firm and barely able to contain his feelings of fear and panic. These were not emotions I had ever seen on his face or heard in his voice. This was the first of many future occasions when I observed adults with a look of dread on their faces, followed by momentary paralysis, followed by a strategy session with rapidly made decisions. It was Thursday; we would leave that very night, in order to cross over the Czech border before Shabbos began. We had only a Little Leiku of very few hours to get Munkach was starting things ready. I wanted to mature. I was ready to stay. I had many to attend high school, friends at school. I excitedly looking forloved the notion of atward to playing tennis, tending high school in as I was a good athlete, Munkach, and I wantand so signed up for the ed to continue my life team. I liked to skate with my sister and my and to ski too. It was grandparents and the autumn and the Days daily activities and of Awe were comrituals of life behind ing. Mammiko arrived the garden gate. I was from Krakow for Rosh also quite vain, but for Hashanah. As a matter a girl of fifteen that of protocol and in conwas understandable. Lola’s sister, Goldy Leser, 1938 formance with normal I was worried about regulations, without any concern in her not having enough clothing to take with mind, she stopped in at the Polish con- me! I ran almost the entire way to my sulate in Ungvar to extend her passport, wealthy uncle’s store and got some silk which was a Polish one about to expire. fabrics from him. Mammiko and I then She came out of the consulate in shock. stuffed the silk fabrics under our coats The officials could not renew her pass- to get past the customs officers. It would port, nor were they able to give her even be the first time we were layering oura modest time extension. It was 1938. selves with clothing and possessions, Poland and Czechoslovakia were not but it would not be the last. Then it just getting on with each other. There was seemed like a stupid inconvenience, and at best a chill in diplomatic relations it made me angry and sad. between the countries. Needless to say, Before we started out, I walked this was due to the Nazi ascendancy. through the garden slowly and alone. I We proceeded to Grandmother’s must have sensed then that I might not house, with Mammiko talking normally come back to its enchantments. I did not and attempting bravely to keep from admit it, but I was bidding a silent fareweeping in front of her parents and us, well to all of it. I was recording it visuso at first I did not understand what it ally so it would remain in my memory all meant. Goldie, who was already – just in case. I took it all in as artists sixteen, had her own passport and was do when they can’t afford to forget imtherefore “safe.” Because I was listed ages that matter deeply. It was the very on Mammiko’s passport as were my end of the summer, and many flowers younger siblings (who were in Krakow were showing their last triumph to the at the time), neither Mammiko nor we world. I circled the garden many times, had any right to remain in Munkach, noting the dahlias, the orchard with its nor could we return thereafter without apple, pear, and cherry trees. Mostly, I proper documents. When I returned stood in front of the sunflowers, my fafrom school later that day, I walked into vorite residents of the garden. I think I an emotional storm that soon turned must have said a prayer in front of the into a full-blown family drama. Within sunflowers, a childish prayer no doubt,

but a real prayer nonetheless. I asked Hashem (God) to keep sunshine in our lives, to bring our family back together, clustered together again the way the seeds of sunflowers are in their centers. Then, with a premonition of the longing to come, I had to do as Grandfather told me. We climbed onto the coach to make the short trip to the train station. Mammiko was silent, her complexion suddenly and alarmingly turning pale. I thought she might faint. I tried to reach for her hand, but thought it was better for her to have privacy in her sorrow at our departure. As we approached the station, I heard a familiar voice call out to me, “Leiku, Leiku, don’t forget us. We’ll write to you. Write to us.” It was one of the girls from my class, with whom I did my homework and who often came to the house. She was running after the coach and I saw tears in her eyes. “I will write you. Of course, I will write to you.” I yelled back, trying not to cry. By the time the coach reached the station, it was no use. I couldn’t stop crying. It was Goldie who consoled me. “I have many friends in Krakow. You have to remember I know many girls there. They will be your friends now too.” I had never liked Krakow. Standing at the train station in Munkach with virtually nothing of my present life remaining, I wasn’t going to decide then that I was going to like it. For the first time in my life an intense and strange anger come over me. It was anger against forces I did not understand. I had been in squabbles and disagreements with my siblings and classmates, but I had never had the feeling I did that night on the platform. I was enraged at something I could not see and could not comprehend. Whatever it was, or whoever they were, those “others” had the power to destroy my family’s continuity and to determine whether we could stay in or leave our own homes. It would be only the first of many deportations, departures, escapes, and passages filled with uncertainty. It would not be the most dangerous one, not by a long shot. But it would be the most important in many ways, because it was the first glimmer of recognition that we were no longer in charge of our own destiny. It was only a brief glimpse of the future, but it remains etched permanently in my mind, and written in acid across my heart.

Lola wrote this book with the help of Alida Brill.

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Anne Frank and her now-world-famous book, The Diary of a Young Girl. After its original publication, the story of her life was turned into a play and then a movie. As everyone now knows, Anne Frank was in hiding with her family in an attic in Amsterdam. She perished. We have her brave words and the record of that time written as perhaps no other young woman could have done. As anyone who reads the Diary even all these years later can see, it is easy to believe that Anne Frank would have become an accomplished writer and journalist if she had lived. What remains for us is that she dreamed about a future life while she wrote in her private little book. Perhaps all Jewish European women of a certain age who somehow survived the Shoah remember from time to time that the spirit of Anne Frank lives inside each of us.

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entries. I knew nothing about my teachers’ secret efforts on my behalf. I was particularly proud of one of my paintings, which was another one my teacher did not return to me. One afternoon, when I was twelve or thirteen years old, I came home and found one of our favorite cats in proud residence in the parlor. She was on Grandmother’s expensive sofa, happily positioned on a precious needlepoint pillow. The pillow design was a still life of flowers intricately done with multicolored threads. There sat our favorite cat, with her four tiny, newborn kittens, their eyes still partially closed; she was nursing them. I started toward her to touch the sweet little creatures, and to let our cat know it was fine with me if she was in the parlor on the sofa with her babies. This beloved pet gave me a look more appropriate to a mother lion than to an average mother housecat in Munkach. I got the message and retreated quickly, but I did not leave the room. I took my art supplies from my schoolbag, sat down across the room from them, and quickly sketched the scene, including the background of our parlor, sofa and needlepoint pillow. Immediately after that I took the sketch to my bedroom and made a full size watercolor of the scene. When I took the painting to school, my art teacher was stunned by the quality of what I had done. Somehow I had managed to capture the look of pride, protection and defiance in the mother cat’s eyes. There was an exhibition in town sponsored by the Russian gymnasium (high school), and my teacher entered my painting. It won! It was a serious prize, not just a fancy ribbon or medal that would soon be forgotten. I was offered a fully paid scholarship to study art in Amsterdam. The painting traveled all around the region from exhibition to exhibition. I never saw the painting again, nor do I have any idea what happened to it eventually. I was not told at the time that I won the scholarship. It was customary to announce such things to the parents or family of a student first, not to the child. My family simply did not tell me. It was many years later before I learned about the missed scholarship opportunity. A serious art education in a sophisticated European city could be thought of as an incredible opportunity. I was denied this “chance of a lifetime” because of my family’s strict adherence to tradition and their idea of what was deemed appropriate for an Orthodox Jewish girl. By the time I finally knew about this, I recognized that my family’s restriction might well have saved my life. In these years after the Holocaust, I have thought about Amsterdam, the cat painting, and another young Jewish girl and her diary. I speak, of course, of

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In the Kitchen Jamie Geller

Mmmm Meat Dishes for Dinner Tonight Ropa Vieja The archipelago of The Canary Islands, though just off the coast of Africa, is officially part of Spain. The islands would be the last stop ships made on their way to The New World, and the first stop on their way back. This meat dish originated there and made its way to both Spain and Latin America. Ingredients 1 (2-pound) skirt steak 1 carrot, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 1 yellow onion, quartered 1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 cloves garlic, smashed 1 bay leaf ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns ½ cup canned diced tomatoes, drained 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small green bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, thinly sliced Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium ovenproof Dutch oven or heavy pot, place steak, carrots, yellow onions, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Cover with water, and cover the pot with lid. Transfer to the oven and bake until the steak is tender and falling apart, about 2 hours.

Balsamic London Broil with Roasted Onions

Transfer meat to a plate, and let cool. Strain liquid and return to pot, discarding vegetables and spices. Bring to a boil and reduce by about half, simmering rapidly for about 20 minutes. Shred meat when it is cool enough to handle. Return meat to strained sauce, add diced tomatoes, and keep warm over low heat. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add red onions and bell peppers, and sauté until softened and tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. To serve, combine shredded meat with sautéed onions and peppers. Arrange on a serving plate and drizzle sauce on top.

Ingredients 1 (2 ½ -pound) London broil 5 cloves garlic, minced 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil plus 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 medium red onions, peeled and cut into wedges 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and cut into wedges 8 medium shallots, peeled and cut in half Directions In a large re-sealable bag, combine meat with garlic, balsamic vinegar and ¼ cup olive oil. Marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 6 hours. Preheat oven to 400° F. Combine onions, shallots and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil on a large sheet pan and roast 40 to 50 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, remove meat from refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. Season meat all over with salt and pepper. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium high heat and sear London broil 5 minutes per side or until nicely browned. Transfer meat to oven and cook for about 12 to 18 minutes or until a thermometer reads 130 F for medium rare. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. To serve, place sliced roast on a large platter and garnish with roasted onions. Reprinted with permission from joyofkosher.com.

A little south-of-the-border flair for Sunday night dinner.

Directions In a large re-sealable plastic bag, combine steak with lime zest, juice, and cumin. Marinate meat at room temperature for 15 minutes, or in the fridge for as long as 24 hours. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch (or larger) skillet over medium high heat. Add steak and sauté 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Set aside. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until slightly softened, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add corn, and sauté until heated through, about 4 minutes. Slice steak thinly, against the grain, and add to the skillet with salsa, cilantro, salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine. Serve with sliced avocado.

Beer Braised Sausages These beer braised bites have deep layers of flavor and get a nice balanced kick from the spicy mustard. Ingredients 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, such as Gold’s Dijon Mustard 1/2 to 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, such as Gold’s White Horseradish 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 6 turkey sausage links (about 1 pound) 1 cup beer Directions Prepare dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, soy sauce, mustard, horseradish, and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage links and brown on all sides, cooking about 12 minutes total. Carefully add beer and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until sausages are cooked all the way through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from pan and cut into bite-size pieces. Serve with spicy mustard dipping sauce.

Jamie Geller is the only cookbook author who wants to get you out of the kitchen – not because she doesn’t love food – but because she has tons to do. As “The Bride Who Knew Nothing” Jamie found her niche as everybody’s favorite cook next-door. Specializing in scrumptious meals that are a snap to prepare, she authored the Quick & Kosher Cookbook series and is cofounder of the Kosher Media Network, which recently launched the Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller magazine and companion website JoyofKosher.com, a social network for foodies. Jamie hosts the popular Quick & Kosher cooking show online at youtube.com/joyofkosher and on-air on JLTV. Jamie and her “hubby” live in Israel. Their five children give her plenty of reasons to get out of the kitchen — fast.

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Ingredients 1 (1 ½-pound) skirt steak Zest and juice of 1 lime 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium red onion diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen corn, thawed 1 cup chunky salsa, such as Gold’s Extra Chunky Salsa 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or 1 teaspoon dried 1 teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced

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Mexican Skirt Steak with Corn

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Ask the Rabbi Yehoshua Levy

Intermarriage and the Jewish Family Dear Rabbi, Recently my wife’s sister became engaged to a non-Jewish man. Although they had been dating for years, she was hesitant to commit because my in-laws did not approve. My wife’s parents are not observant but they are proud Jews and want their children and grandchildren to be also. It seems that now they are coming to terms with my sister-in-law’s decision, and expect that we too welcome her fiancé into the family. They will be hurt if we don’t come to the wedding. Frankly, I don’t want to attend any family gatherings that include the new couple. My wife loves her family and feels that I will do irreparable damage to our relationship. I love my in-laws, but feel that I have no choice. Any advice? The Rabbi Responds: This is one of the toughest situations that we face, because we don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, especially loved ones, yet we must act in accordance with Jewish law. Although your in-laws are proud of their Jewish identity, you can hardly blame your sister-inlaw for choosing to marry a non-Jewish man, as she was unfortunately deprived of a wholesome and meaningful Jewish education and upbringing. To attend the wedding of a relative or friend, regardless of how close, between a Jew and non-Jew is not allowed. The ceremony and affair is a celebration of a forbidden union that violates the essence of the covenant between G-d and His Chosen People. Attending such an event is to imply on some level, a tacit approval of the marriage, and is considered a desecration of G-d’s name. Gandhi said, “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” You need to convey that your inability to attend is not a judgment or rejection of her and her family. It’s also more than statement regarding your personal values and principles. Your wife’s sister’s Jewish roots are more than her historical origins and culture of her ancestors: it’s her very essence and identity. It’s because you love and care about her that you can’t participate in an affair in which she denies her very identity. Hopefully, with some sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy, you can explain to your wife’s family that you still can’t attend the wedding—not despite your

love for them, but because of your love for them. And just as they still love your sister-in-law despite the fact that her fiancé was not a choice they were happy with, maybe they can still feel close to you and your family despite your choice not to attend this event. I have close relationships with many intermarried Jews who recognize and appreciate that I sincerely care about them even though I can’t approve of all their choices in life. One friend even asked me to officiate at his wedding, and I had to explain to him that I wouldn’t even be able to come. He is open-minded and accepting, and we remain close. Other family events, whether celebratory, social, or familial in nature, where the intermarried couple will be present do not present such a problem, because attendance to the gathering is not an approbation or approval of any one’s relationship. When deciding if you will participate, you should you consider the consequences of your absence and the strife it will cause in the family. You and your wife are the only Orthodox Jews the family knows on an intimate level, and therefore you are an ambassador for Orthodox Judaism. Like it or not, your conduct can translate into negative perceptions of the Orthodox community as a whole, contributing to mischaracterization of Orthodox Jews being intolerant. On the other hand, by staying close with your wife’s family, you can show that your love for them is unconditional, and you can still be a positive influence on the family. If you fear that your family will be influenced instead of being an influence, you should discuss the situation with a competent rabbinical counselor as the details can be critical, and often there is more grey than black and white. All the best, Yehoshua Levy Please note, the information written above is not meant as a rabbinic ruling. If you have any questions, please consult your rabbinic authority for clarification. Yehoshua Levy, a teacher of Torah, is a writer and lecturer who dares to think outside the box to bring his thought-provoking insights and facts to his readers. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

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From My Private Art Collection

Room for Design

Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg

The Practical Side of Art

o your children want to create a picture and you just have no clue as to where to begin? Do you wonder what type of paper to use with this pencil or which marker to use on that surface? In this week’s column, I am going to introduce a practical side to art that will help an amateur make sense of all the different options. A highly popular type of paint is acrylic paint, which is moderate in price, easy to apply and is washable, when wet. Once it dries, it becomes permanent. The best surface for an amateur to use would be butcher block paper, mat board or cardstock. Tempera paint is washable and inexpensive. It can be applied onto butcher

block paper, mat board, cardstock, construction paper and white drawing paper. Watercolor painting is a lot of fun and there is a certain “magic” to it. There is no way to really know how the paint when diluted with water will run onto the paper. Therefore, you cannot predict how the picture will actually come out. For best results, use only watercolor paper. Oil pastels are messy but they do blend in a good way. Butcher block paper, mat board, cardstock, construction paper, white drawing paper and newsprint are the choices for best results. Wax crayons are great for color

but it is extremely difficult to do fine line drawing with them. Once again, butcher block paper, mat board, cardstock, construction paper, white drawing paper and newsprint are the best

choices. Markers come in a variety of styles and thicknesses. Some are for fine line drawing and some have special tips. Almost any surface will take a marker as long as it is a permanent one. Washable markers are the ones that can be used to draw on paper surfaces of all kinds and some fabrics. A #2 black drawing pencil is a medium grade, not too soft and not too hard. It is perfect for sketching and shading and can be used on almost any paper surface, mat board and cardstock. Chalk pastels are great for sketching as well. They work best with special pastel paper which comes in white, cream and additional colors. Drawing pens are a wonderful addition to any sketch and can be used on most paper surfaces. Charcoals are great for doing sketches and should be used together with charcoal paper which comes in many textures. This is just a short list of many of the art supplies that are readily available and how to match them for a better art experience. Mix and match and have a great time drawing. Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg is a professional art educator, artist and designer. Among her known artwork is a floral sculpture presented to Tipper Gore, Blair House, Washington, D.C. Presently she is the Director of Operations at Shulamith School for Girls. Please feel free to email nherzberg@optonline.net with questions and suggestions for future columns.

Naftali Landau

Creating A Luxurious Master Bathroom I am currently renovating my master bath and wanted to add some new amenities. What are some good ideas that I can add to my bathroom? P.K. Having a master bath is a great addition to any home and a perfect place to relax and enjoy some much needed private time. When designing your new bathroom, there is a multitude of different options that you can put in your space that will increase your comfort ability and feeling of the bathroom. Depending on your specific needs and more importantly, your budget, you can really add a dramatic difference to a more common bathroom space. One of the more popular choices that people are trending to nowadays is bigger shower areas. Having a bigger shower is becoming more important to people because of the ease and uses of showering as opposed to bathing. Nowadays there are a tremendous amount of options and choices in regard to configurations of a shower. You can add shower jets along the walls to create a full-body spraying experience and even add a second showerhead if you have room to create an even more luxurious feel. There are options that allow you to add lights and even music players intergraded into the shower body so you can really have the utmost enjoyable experience. Another idea that many have done in the past and which you can do is put in a whirlpool bath. As I said before, more and more people are leaning more towards showers than baths but whirlpools still are a great addition to any bathroom. Whirlpool baths create a bubbling and massaging effect in the water and can really relax the occupant considerably. There are many styles to choose from and they range in price depending on the configurations that you request. Just as in the showers, whirlpools nowadays come with ports for music and lighting illumination so you can really experience that spa-like feeling.

Another great idea to add to a master bath is to put in a steam room or sauna. These are an ultra-luxurious option that can create a perfect, relaxing and healthy space for you to unwind. Saunas or steam rooms create an atmosphere of heat with or without wetness depending on your preference. Adding one of these rooms before required a complete construction to fit it in but nowadays they can easily be retrofitted into your existing space because they

are made to be self-contained. Just like the other options, there are a wide range of different models and styles to choose from including ones that have seating for multiple people at a time. They are made to be user-friendly and like the other amenities of this caliber, you will find options like lighting and music intergraded. In summary, when designing your new master bathroom you have many choices in amenities to pick from that can add real value and comfort to your space. Depending on your space and budget, which will make the most determination because these options are not inexpensive, you can really create a most enjoyable and relaxing bathroom. Good luck. Just a reminder: I am offering 20% off on all orders to anyone unfortunately affected by the storm. Naftali Landau is owner and chief designer of Exclusive Cabinetry and Design and has been designing kitchens for the past 12 years. For questions or ideas for future articles, he can be reached at 917-468-7693 or at naftalilandau@gmail.com

Life Coach Allan J. Rolnick CPA

By Any Other Name a “Medicare contribution,” the money doesn’t actually go into the Medicare trust fund. It goes straight into the general revenue fund, where Washington can spend it on whatever they want. The “unearned income Medicare contribution” isn’t Obamacare’s only euphemism for “tax.” Beginning on January 1, 2014, applicable large employers with 50 or more employees have to offer their employees minimum essential coverage or pay a $2,000/employee “assessable payment.” That’s a nondeductible “assessable payment,” by the way, so the actual cost might be even higher. Sure sounds like a tax to us. Finally, there are taxes in disguise that have the same bottom-line effect as more direct taxes. If you start taking Social Security benefits before your normal retirement age and earn more than the retirement earnings test exempt amount ($14,640 for 2012), you’ll pay a Social Security earnings penalty of one dollar for every two dollars you earn above that limit. Doesn’t that sound like a 50% tax? (The penalty drops to one dollar for every three dollars in earnings above $33,880 in the year you reach normal retirement age, then disappears after that year.) Whether you’re looking to pay less “tax”, minimize your “unearned income Medicare contribution,” sidestep the “assessable penalty,” or avoid the “Social Security earnings penalty,” planning is your plain-English solution. So make sure you do it now before Washington comes up with any more new names for taxes!

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@ aol.com.

Frustration!

’ve had “it”! I’m not going to take “it,” anymore! I’m done! That’s “it,” I-am-so-done! Whether you’ve given voice to it, or just thought it in your head, these sentiments are often felt by many of us. And then, unbelievably, we simply go on with it! So I ask, how much power, do we really have to control “it.” Or any situation for that matter? Now you may be thinking, “Well, it depends on what “it” is or what situation we are talking about?” And I agree—that is a good point…However, there are still some general rules that can help us in our time of frustration. Think the 3 R’s—which is not the old Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmatic, but rather: Recognize, Reflect, Regroup. 1. Recognize you are upset! Something or someone is really getting to you. And I mean REALLY GETTING TO YOU! 2. Reflect on your part in it. Are you setting them off? Are you doing something to provoke or perpetuate the situation or problem? Maybe, just maybe, can it be your behavior, attitude, lack of awareness, action, or inaction that is compounding the issue, or perhaps, their limitation. 3. Regroup (no, don’t just walk away and find a different group –though sometimes that is such an appealing solution. But we can’t just replace our parents, kids, coworkers, etc. that easily, now can we?!) Collect your thoughts, give it some time, get some new perspective on the situation, often a little education or new information can help, and come back at things from a new vantage point. Because ultimately it is us, not the other situation or person we can control. 



I know, I know, frustrating! We love to be able to move all the other pieces around…our kids, our parents, our friends, our jobs, our mates, our dates! But it keeps coming back to this, the only “it” you really have any true control over is you. How you react, move forward, choose to behave—that’s about the best you’ve got. Now don’t think, “Ick, STUCK in the same vicious cycle.” Not if you change somehow! Not if you really make an effort to deal differently from your side. Because when you do things differently, the force opposing you or setting you off either: 1. Takes on different importance or meaning for you, or 2. Has to change in order to deal with the new you. And that creates a new situation which hopefully will not get to you the same way. If it does…Recognize, Reflect, Regroup: • Maybe you didn’t come up with the right solution. • Maybe secretly you are still trying to change them, not you. • Maybe that old vicious cycle is more comfortable and familiar to you than the effort of changing yourself, in which case you may be back to: I’m done! I’ve had it! I’m not going to take it anymore! And if that’s the case, the best advice I can give you (since these sentiments usually indicate you are right back in the same rut) is raise your eyes, slide your finger up this page, and start reading this article all over again from the top!

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

  

d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

n Shakespeare’s classic drama Romeo and Juliet, star-crossed protagonists from feuding families meet and fall in love. In Act II, when the impossibility of their courtship has become clear, Juliet leans out her balcony and declares, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The line, of course, implies that Romeo’s last name should mean nothing, and the two should be together. Shakespeare may or may not have been right about love and roses. But what about taxes? Does that which we call a “tax,” by any other name smell as sour? Apparently, Washington thinks not—if you pay attention to all the new euphemisms, you’d think Washington has given up imposing new “taxes” entirely! In 1952, the IRS started charging “user fees” when the government provides special benefits to a recipient beyond those given to the general public. Today the government raises over $200 billion per year in fees for services like approving retirement plan applications, driving heavy vehicles, entering national parks, and even walking to the top of the Statue of Liberty. But “user fees” are still “fees,” and Americans seem to have figured out that trick. So, what now? Now we’re seeing even more clever names for what most of us would consider plain old taxes. Take, for example, the new “unearned income Medicare contribution” that goes into effect on January 1. This is a 3.8% levy on “investment income” (interest dividends, capital gains, rents, royalties, and annuities) for individuals earning over $200,000 or joint filers earning over $250,000. Washington created it as part of the Obamacare package, along with an increase in the Medicare tax on earned incomes over those same thresholds. But, while they call it

Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

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Real Estate For Rent

Available vacation week Far Rockaway Room for Rent Jan. 20- 27, 2013 Furnished Call bedroom with full bathroom 516-569-0995 available in 2BR apartment. Available immediately. (Heimish) Far Rockaway RoomFemale for Rentonly. Furnished bedroom with fullutilities bathroom $500/month including availableFor in 2BR Available moreapartment. information, immediately. (Heimish) Female only. please call Miri @718-327-5153 $500/month including utilities For more information, 1st floor apt on beach 9th $1300 a month please call Miri @718-327-5153 includes heat and water perfect for young couple washer & dryer hook up 1stWalking floor apt on beach 9thfor $1300 month distance to lirr morea info includes heat and water perfect for young call or text 347-637-8346 couple washer & dryer hook up Walking distance to lirr for more info Belle Beach 118 St. callHarbor or textArea 347-637-8346 Extra large modern 2 room studio apt. or unfurnished BelleFurnished Harbor Area Beach 118 St. or long termstudio apt. Extra largeShort modern 2 room Near Boardwalk, Shuls, Yeshiva, Furnished or unfurnished shopping, Short all or transportation. long term Owner 917 Shuls, 543 0497 Near Boardwalk, Yeshiva, shopping, all transportation. 3 Bedroom Apt. Rent Owner 917 543For 0497 Far Rockaway 3 Bedroom Apt. Rent Near Kollel andFor Shuls Rockaway In a 3 familyFar house on 3rd floor, also Near Kollel andfor Shuls basement ideal office In a 3Sunny familyapt. house on23rd floor, also with porches basement office Available Augustideal Callfor 516-225-4558 Sunny apt. with 2 porches Available August Call 516-225-4558

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Full time executive secretary position available at local yeshiva. Starting immediately. Compensation commensurate to experience. Full time executive secretary position Please resume to availableemail at local yeshiva. yhalpern@shoryoshuv.org Starting immediately.

Job Available

Compensation commensurate to experience. CATAPULT LEARNING PleaseTeachers email resume to P/T School for Yeshivas in yhalpern@shoryoshuv.org Brooklyn, Queens and Far Rockaway

*B.A. Required LEARNING *StrongCATAPULT desire to help children learn P/T*Excellent School Teachers for Yeshivas organizational skills in Brooklyn, Queens Far Rockaway *Small groupand instruction *B.A. Required *Competitive salary *Strong desire to resume: help children learn Email *Excellent organizational skills nyteachers@catapultlearning.com *Small group Or Fax# (718)instruction 381-3493 *Competitive Attention: Hiringsalary Manager Email resume: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com MidyearOr opening at TAG High School for Fax# (718) 381-3493 teacher proficient in global and/or Attention: Hiring Manager European history. Up to five periods a day available. Relevant and for Midyear opening at TAGdegree High School experience required. Email resume teacher proficient in global and/or to mshepard@tagschools.org. European history. Up to five periods a day available. Relevant degree and Res. Hab. Positions Available experience required. Email resume Workto part time with a special needs young mshepard@tagschools.org. adult. Pays $14 an hour Res. Positions Available No Hab. Certification Necessary. Work part time with to a special needs young Great opportunity do Chesed and get adult. Pays an time hour paid at the$14 same No Certification Necessary. ext. 0 Call Metropolitan 718-633-3334 Great opportunity to do Chesed and get paid the same Firm in 5atTown area time seeking Call motivated Metropolitan 718-633-3334 ext. 0 individual to handle AR/collections and general office work, Firm in 5 Town area seeking must be organized, detailed oriented and motivated individual to handle professional, excellent salary + benefit AR/collections and general office work, package and room for growth, please must be organized, detailed oriented and email resume to + benefit professional, excellent salary jobopening36@gmail.com package and room for growth, please email resume to Executive Assistant: PT, Exec Assis for jobopening36@gmail.com

Lawrence office, Must have superb organizational & phone skills. Executive Assistant: PT, ExecMicr.Office Assis for experience, abilityMust to sched acquire Lawrence office, have&superb appointments&with topskills. CEO's.Micr.Office Ability to organizational phone experience, sched & acquire multi-task aability must.toEmail resume to appointments with top CEO's. Ability to chayaweinberg@yahoo.com. multi-task a must. Email resume to chayaweinberg@yahoo.com. Looking for Shadow/tutor in five towns girls yeshiva high school LookingPlease for Shadow/tutor in five towns call 347-524-3864 girls yeshiva high school Please call 347-524-3864

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Experienced P-3 Provider, with M.S. in Education and Permanent N.Y. State Teacher Certification- Available to work with students in all grades Experienced P-3 Provider, with M.S. in Mondays through Thursdaysmornings Education N.Y. State until 11 A.M. and and Permanent anytime after 5:30 P.M.; Teacher Certificationand Sundays Available anytime to work withcall students all grades Please Tsivia:in516-526-2385 Mondays through Thursdays- mornings until 11 A.M. and anytime after 5:30 P.M.; and Sundays anytime Please call Tsivia: 516-526-2385

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FOUND Found ring a few months ago in the Stop & shop parking lot. Please call FOUND (718)327-3807. Found ring a few months ago in the Stop & shop parking lot. Please call Due to schedule change, looking to (718)327-3807. fill our spot in Morah Chevy Wachsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-year-old playgroup in Due to schedule Hours change, to Far Rockaway. arelooking Mondayfill our spot in Morah Chevy Thursday 9-1. Please call Debra at Wachsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-year-old playgroup in 347-524-6121. Far Rockaway. Hours are MondayThursday call Debra at Lost9-1. whitePlease gold diamond 347-524-6121. bracelet/covered watch either at

Misc.

Kennedy Airport or in Boro Park. If found Lost white diamond please call gold 347.578.4165 bracelet/covered watch either at Kennedy Airport or in Boro Park. If found A piece of jewelry was found on July please call 347.578.4165 19th in Cedarhurst, on the street near LIRR station. If you know who it belongs A piece of jewelry was found on July to, please contact rwilam@gmail.com. 19th in Cedarhurst, on the street near LIRR station. If you know who it belongs to, please contactofrwilam@gmail.com. The Yeshiva Far Rockaway

admits students of any race, color, national ethnicoforigin to all the rights, Theand Yeshiva Far Rockaway privileges, programs and activities admits students of any race, color, generally accorded or made available to national and ethnic origin to all the rights, students the school. does not privileges,atprograms andItactivities generally accorded made to discriminate on theorbasis of available race, color, students at the It doesinnot national andschool. ethnic origin discriminate onofthe of race,policies, color, administration its basis educational national and ethnic origin and in loan admissions policies, scholarship administration its educational programs, and of athletic and otherpolicies, schooladmissions policies, scholarship administered programs.and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.

Drop off Drop off Babysitting Babysitting Available Available in in Woodmere Woodmere Mon-Thurs 9:30-2:00

Mon-Thurs 9:30-2:00 For more info please call Rochel Cohen For more info please call Rochel Cohen 516-456-7184 516-456-7184

d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

Beautiful 20 ft., corner Colonial, brick house In HEART of KGH, 1 block off Main St., semi-attached house, 3BR, 11/2 baths, finished basement, side hall, EIK, large LR/DR, large backyard and large Beautiful 20 ft., corner Colonial, brick frontInporch, front garage with off private house HEART of KGH, 1 block Main driveway and electric eye garage door, St., semi-attached house, 3BR, 11/2 central A/C. Onebasement, block fromside shul. ForEIK, sale baths, finished hall, by motivated owner, asking and 595K. Call large LR/DR, large backyard large 917-650-5623 and garage leave message, if no front porch, front with private answer. driveway and electric eye garage door, central A/C. One block from shul. For sale by motivated owner, asking 595K. Call 917-650-5623 leave message, if no Large House forand Sale in Far Rockaway by answer. owner with 3 apts available for rent. Located on corner of Sage and Bolton, near shuls and LIRR.$ 985,000. For more Large House in Far Rockaway by infofor callSale 718-916-2724 owner with 3 apts available for rent. Located on corner of Sage and Bolton, near shuls and LIRR.$ 985,000. For more Jerusalem Hotel Suite Available info call 718-916-2724 $950, Sleeps 3 inc. breakfast Available vacation week Jan.Hotel 20- 27, 2013 Jerusalem Suite Available 516-569-0995 $950,Call Sleeps 3 inc. breakfast

Job Available

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Real Estate For Rent

INWOOD BAIS MEDRASH for rent INWOOD GYM for rent Complete Beis Medrash ideal for Kollel or small Yeshiva. Fully equiped gym. Both 1 1/2 blocks from INWOOD BAIS MEDRASH for rent LIRR.-free parking 917-399-5154 INWOOD GYM for rent Complete Beis Medrash ideal for Kollel or Yeshiva. For rent small 2 bedroom apartment Fully equiped gym. Both 1 1/2 blocks from Far rockaway near BBY - Available NOW LIRR.-free parking 917-399-5154 Kosher Kitchen New appliances Call 516-225-4558 For rent 2 bedroom apartment Hewlett Neck Ocean Mansion Far rockaway near BBY -Front Available NOW for RentKitchen 9,000 square feet, fully Kosher New appliances furnished, with TV and WiFi Call 516-225-4558 Sleeps 20, kosher kitchen, inside eruv, Hewlett Neck Front Mansion walkOcean to all shuls Rent 9,000 feet, fully for Canfor rent weekly orsquare monthly, Perfect furnished, with TV and WiFi any Simcha or vacationers Sleeps 20, Call kosher kitchen, inside eruv, 631-484-6781 walk to all shuls Can rentReal weekly or monthly, Perfect for Estate for Rent/Sale any Simcha Cedarhurst colonialor invacationers excellent condition Call 631-484-6781 Three Bedrooms 1 Bath - Den, cellar, fenced backyard close walk to synagogues Real Estate for Rent/Sale Call 516-569-4628 or 516-547-8930 (cell) Cedarhurst colonial in excellent condition Three Bedrooms 1 Bath - Den, cellar, fenced Office space for rent backyard close available walk to synagogues in Lawrence by owner. Call 516-569-4628 or 516-547-8930 (cell) Shared waiting room with other health related professionals. Utilities covered Office space available for rent andininternet access available. Lawrence by owner. mymanagement360@yahoo.com Shared waiting room with other health related professionals. Utilities covered and internet access available. mymanagement360@yahoo.com

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n d e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2012

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Leisure & Travel

From Sea to Shining Sea : Idaho

hen I think of Idaho, I think of potatoes. Don’t get me wrong—there’s a lot to explore in this state—but ever since I’ve been young, I’ve been told that potatoes grow in Idaho. So, I guess you’re thinking—what could be exciting about a state that’s known for its spuds? Well, it turns out that Idaho is also known as the Gem State because nearly every type of gemstone can be found here. And Idaho is the only place in the world (besides for India) where star garnets can be found in significant quantities. Idaho is home to geysers, mountains and relaxing hot springs. It is a favorite place to vacation for those who love swimming, fishing and boating in the warmer months and like to enjoy snowmobiling and skiing the cooler seasons. Things You Won’t Want to Miss Shoshone Falls Located on the Snake River, the Shoshone Falls are known as the Niagara of the West. The sheets of water plunge from a height of 212 feet—that’s 45 feet taller than Niagara Falls. The view of the falls is spectacular, particularly in the spring and summer when water levels are at their peak. Visitors can enjoy the day at the Shoshone Falls/Dierkes Lake Complex. Here, families can take hikes, picnic, go boating, swimming and enjoy the playgrounds while enjoying the majestic view. Lava Hot Springs Looking for a little R&R when you’re on vacation? Then take a trip to Idaho’s Lava Hot Springs. The area is home to Idaho’s world-renowned hot springs and there are myriad things to do in this quaint town. Over 2.5 million gallons a day of water course through the hot springs here. On cooler days, steam rises from the pool and cocoon visitors in layers of mist. Make sure to get a relaxing massage and enjoy the spas located here. In the summer, have fun kayaking or tubing down the Portneuf River. Depending on the season, there’s biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing too.

Hell’s Canyon Hell’s Canyon is the deepest gorge located in North America. It was carved by the Snake River and now many dams located here provide electricity for the region. Most of the canyon is inaccessible by road but there are viewpoints along the canyon that afford visitors a glimpse

into the majesty of this natural wonder. Sawtooth Mountains These mountains are the crown jewels of Idaho’s mountain ranges. The Sawtooth Wilderness, which is surrounded by the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, is also managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Hundreds of glass-smooth lakes nestle between the forty-two peaks. There are numerous trails to hike and guided tours are available as well. The mountain range received their interesting name because of the jagged profile of their peaks. Boise As the capital of Idaho, Boise is the busiest and most populated city in the state. It’s a great place to visit, as there is so much to do. The Idaho Botanical Garden is located here, as are many museums as well. In the summer months, visitors can take short rafting or tubing trips down the Boise River. Idaho Potato Museum No trip to Idaho is complete without a trip to a museum all about potatoes! The Idaho Potato Museum will lead you through the revolution of the potato industry. You’ll learn about the first potato ever planted in the state to the largest potato chip made by the Pringle’s Company. It’s located in Blackfoot, Idaho and is a great place to visit if you find yourself nearby.

Susan Schwamm

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2013

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Leisure & Travel Passover in California Passover Resorts is returning for its 5th consecutive year to the HYATT REGENCY VALENCIA, just 30 minutes from Los Angeles, California in the village of Valencia. The resort has recently been voted 100% family-friendly by travel websites. Here, you have the best of both worlds. You can explore nature trails or stroll through the village, stopping to sit and watch the fountains dance or window shop in Town Center’s vast assortment of boutiques and stores. Walking at night is an atmospheric treat with stars in the sky and tree-lit thoroughfares and walkways illuminating the mountains in the background. There’s a world famous theme park, Magic Mountain, just a 2 minute drive from the hotel. Lake Castaic with an array of boating activities is less than 10 minutes away. With 3 golf courses, public tennis courts and many family fun economical activities close by, you don’t even have to leave Valencia to enjoy your vacation. Check out our website at www.PassoverResorts.com where we not only tell you about all of the local attractions but we let you know

how long a walk or drive they are from the resort. And if you do want to explore L.A.’s world famous attractions, you’re only a 30 minute drive from most of them. Each Hyatt Regency luxurious room or suite features a flat screen TV, plush Hyatt Grand Beds, Deluxe Portico bath amenities, refrigerator, high speed internet access, dual line phones, quality cell phone reception, coffee maker, iron/ ironing board, marble bath and individual air conditioning controls. The hotel’s fitness center features the latest cardio and weight training equipment, with 24-hour availability to fit your schedule. Whether you prefer to begin your day with an invigorating run on a treadmill or are more of a night owl, you’ll find all you need for a complete workout. Our adult guests and teens also have access to The Spectrum Club just a few steps from the front door of the resort. There you can utilize their giant fitness center, their lap pool, and the two regulation gyms and basketball courts. As you can imagine, the teens spend a lot of time using the gyms and basketball courts

Our Seders are events of quintessential elegance set to every detail. We maintain a synagogue where services are held three times a day. Our roster of scholars, rabbis, professional speakers will enlighten, entertain and amuse you. Guests are treated to exciting family entertainment with comedians, Jewish and Israeli vocalists, Illusionists, hypnotists, tournaments and many surprises. We have a Pre-School Day Camp ages 18 months thru 4 years, a Day Camp from 5 years – 12 years, and a teen program. Your kids will be kept busy from morning till night thanks to our experienced staff. Our guests are treated like royalty by a caring, warm and experienced staff during your festive and fun-filled kosher vacation at this luxurious warm weather resort. Visit www.passoverresorts.com to see photos of the resort, a listing of its amenities and the nearby attractions. Our Passover Package rates begin as low as $ 2,349 pp/do + tax and tip. Kids 5 and under are FREE if they’re in the same room as 2 adults or 2 teens. Our Early Bird Special in Valencia offers you

the first 50 Kids 6 - 12 FREE if they’re in the same rooms as 2 adults or 2 teens. Passover Resorts has been making Passover guests happy for more than 20 years. We are noted for coordinating the most classic and elegant Passover Programs. Our menus are designed to delight the most sophisticated palette while satisfying those with more traditional tastes, children and those on special diets. Our chefs and staff go the extra mile to ensure you are served the finest quality foods. All of our meals are cooked and prepared on site using only fresh foods and produce. We stock a wide selection of the finest kosher wines. We are Glatt Kosher and have strict orthodox Rabbinic Supervision provided by the Va’ad HaRabonim of San Diego. Join us for 1 to 9 nights for a joyous, relaxing but fun-filled Passover at the HYATT REGENCY VALENCIA. For more information , please contact us at 1 800 PASSOVER (1 800 727-7683) or visit our website at: www.Passover Resorts.com.

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RECHARGE YOUR SPIRITUAL BATTERIES!

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RIVETING shiurim and an unforgettable shabbos! TOUR Prague's ancient Jewish community, and the famous Theresienstadt camp DAVEN at the kevarim of the Maharal and Kli Yakar ENJOY Prague's magniicent sites, relaxing with friends, and our delicious gourmet cuisine!

CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE! NESIVOS / JEWISH LEGACY TOURS In the US: 718-407-4447 • In Israel: 972-54-528-1991 • Fax: 972-2-652-6646 info@nesivos.com • www.nesivos.com

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IG DREAMS, BIG HEARTS, SMALL WHERE IT COUNTS. Yeshiva Darchei Torah is recognized for its large-scale accomplishments and widespread influence on chinuch in America.

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