Five Towns Jewish Home March 7

137 SPRUCE STREET

516-569-2662

— See page 5, 70 & 71 —

Around the Community Senator Dean Skelos Visits the Five Towns at Agudath Israel Breakfast Page 40

THEJEWISHHOME A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY MARCH 7 - march 13, 2013 | Distributed

Weekly In The Five Towns, Queens & Brooklyn

n a m o W The Jewish

Doing It All and Doing It Well

Hundreds Fill the White Shul in Celebration of Yeshiva of South Shore’s 56 Years Of Jewish Education

Page 94

Page 42

Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island — A Dinner of Inspiration Page 58

AIPAC Convention Takes Center Stage in Washington Page 15

SKA Shabbaton Highlights Emes in All Facets of Life

Page 75

Gush Katif Museum Dinner This Motzei Shabbos – Friend of Israel Mike Huckabee to Attend Inside the JCCRP: Hurricane Sandy Relief Team

Page 51

Spin Class:

Taking on the School 6 Debate Page 98

Page 88 Page 88

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n march 7, 2013

2

3

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

4

SELL THE NUMBER SIX SCHOOL?

! — HERE'S WHY

A March 20th referendum asks voters if the Lawrence School District 15 should sell the Number Six School in Woodmere to Simone Healthcare Development. The Community Coalition of the Five Towns wants to preserve our community.

FACT:

Simone Healthcare Development will turn the Number Six School and its 6.7-acre site into a “Mega-Medical Center” serving thousands of outpatients daily.

FACT:

Strangers will be coming and going through our neighborhoods and around our schools from early in the morning until late at night.

FACT:

Thousands of additional vehicles will be packed onto Rockaway Turnpike and onto Peninsula and Branch Boulevards, causing maddening gridlock – with cars, delivery trucks, laboratory pick-ups, service crews and salespeople. Cars and trucks will be forced onto residential streets throughout our community.

FACT:

This is the wrong location for a “Mega-Medical Center” – including an urgent care center – that will be open seven days a week and 14 hours a day. It will forever damage the quality-of-life in our quiet, residential neighborhoods.

FACT: This project will rob our children of their ball fields and our community of precious open space.

To create parking for its Mega-Medical Center, Simone Healthcare will blacktop acres of ball fields now enjoyed by our children and area families.

FACT:

The Mega-Medical Center would permanently damage residential property values, forcing families to sell; their homes converted into medical offices, adding even more traffic.

FACT:

There is no binding agreement to limit the number of doctors, hours of operation, or size of this huge medical facility. If approved, Simone will maximize revenues without any concern for our community.

FACT:

Our community is getting ripped off. The tax revenue comes to a measly $35 per family and does not account for the additional municipal services required by this Mega-Medical Center.

at the March 20th referendum. Other interested buyers are offering better proposals that won’t destroy the quality of life in our community.

POLLS ARE OPEN FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 10:00 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 There are now four voting sites: Lawrence High School (2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst) Lawrence Middle School (195 Broadway, Lawrence)

Atlantic Beach Village Hall #2 School (1 Donahue Avenue, Inwood)

If you have any questions regarding where to vote, please call the District Clerk at 295-7032.

NO CLINIC

NO TRAFFIC

NO CRIME

Community Coalition of The Five Towns OPPOSE OVERDEVELOPMENT OF THE NUMBER SIX Contribute to CC5T — P.O. Box 104, Cedarhurst, N.Y. 11516 Contact Us: voteno@cc5t.org or 516-405-0423 • www.cc5t.org

5

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

6

Contents >>Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 >>Community Readers’ Poll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Community Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

>> News Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AIPAC Convention Takes Center Stage in Washington, DC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 National . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Odd-but-True Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

>> Israel Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Demystifying Meah Shearim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

>> People An Inside Look at the JCCRP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Cover Story: The Jewish Woman: She Does it All…and She Does it Well. . . . . . . . . . . 94 The Powerful Flamethrower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 A World After This: The Story of Lola Lieber . . . . 124

>>Parsha The Shmuz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Dear Readers, For weeks I have been getting mailings about the upcoming referendum vote to be held on March 20 for the Number Six School.

Proponents of the project feel that it would offer the community better access to quality healthcare and bring more jobs and revenue to the town. Opponents of the project are concerned about the threat to our children’s safety and our quality of life. This week, in Michael Fragin’s Spin Class, representatives from both sides of the debate joined Michael to give his listeners more clarity into the issues. I felt that the excerpts offered me a unique insight into the matter. Hopefully you will learn from it as well. Whichever side you choose to support, it is important to go out and vote on March 20; every vote counts.

On the note of every vote counting, take a few minutes to read Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder’s letter to the community regarding the importance of voting. As a Lawrence resident, I was not eligible to vote in the recent special election. But as someone who knows Pesach Osina and who considers herself part of the Far Rockaway community as well, I am disheartened that our community was not able to carry him to victory. Perhaps, the silver lining, though, in our community’s defeat will be that residents will start to realize the importance of every single vote. Politicians don’t pay attention to people because of how they dress or what they do. They pay attention to communities that have a voice. And we can only express our voice by voting. We must become a powerful voting bloc, and it starts with small and local elections.

One of this week’s featured stories talks about the Jewish woman and how she manages to do it all. When I worked in corporate America, every November I would hear cries of panic from some of my co-workers about their Thanksgiving dinners. They were stressed about being able to shop, cook and clean for the six guests they were having. Turkey, pie, sides and dessert—it was overwhelming! At first I shared their panic—how will they be able to do it all—but then I realized that this was something my mother did every week in preparation for Shabbos. My mother, who is an efficient physician assistant, works full-time in a busy Brooklyn hospital. And yet, every week she shops, prepares food for two (and a half—shalosh seudos is always easier) full meals on Shabbos, cleans the house and takes time out for her children and grandchildren. I am amazed at how she does it with such aplomb. But as I look around, I see that all woman in the Jewish community are juggling their myriad responsibilities—for their home, for their husband, for their children, for their jobs. TJH spoke with many women about their experiences and some of the insights offered were wonderful. So many of the women spoke about their challenges but also about their joys. Many spoke about the importance of doing for yourself and knowing your limits.

“We are not meant to run ourselves ragged,” one said. As Pesach approaches and we are all busy readying our homes and our families for this joyous yom tov, please take some time for yourself—even just 15 minutes—to decompress and enjoy life’s little pleasures.

As always, we look forward to hearing from our readers. So many of you told me how you enjoyed looking through our Purim photo spread. We’d love to feature your photos on these pages. Feel free to send me your comments, insights and photos, of course, to editor@ fivetownsjewishhome.com.

>> Jewish Thought

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Go With Your Gut, by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz. . . 91

Shoshana

Ask the Rabbi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Yitzy Halpern

>>Parenting

Publisher

Social Smarts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

>>Health

Classifieds

I Think Therefore I Am, by Jonathan Cohen, PsyD and Sarah Schwartz-Gluck, LCSW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

classifieds@fivetowns jewishhome.com 443-929-4003

Remaking Ourselves, by Deb Hirschhorn, PhD. .111

Yosef Feinerman

Shoshana Soroka

ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

managing editor

Nate Davis

Rachel Bergida Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits

Editorial Assistant

Nechama Wein Copy Editor

Design & Production

How to Obliterate Emotional Binging During the Holidays, by Avromy Segal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Recipes: The Aussie Gourmet: Pesach Dips. . . . . . 82 Recipes: Passover Made Easy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Travel: Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

>> Lifestyles Your Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 And I Thought Krispy Kreme Was Just a Doughnut!,

by Rivki Rosenwald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

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

Friday, March 8 — Parshas Vayakhel-Pekudei Candle Lighting: 5:37 Shabbos Ends: 6:36 Rabbeinu Tam: 7:08

>> Food & Leisure

Ask the Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Editor

Weekly Weather

fri. sat. sun. mon. tues. wed. thurs.

March 8 March 9 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 13 March 14

>> Humor Centerfold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

>> Art From My Private Art Collection: The Art Of Wood Burning And Wood Carving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

>> Political Crossfire Spin Class: Politics with Michael Fragin. . . . . . . . . . 98 Notable Quotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

>> Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

few snow showers / wind High LOW

39° 32°

sunny High LOW

47° 33°

cloudy High LOW

48° 40°

partly cloudy High LOW

49° 41°

partly cloudy High LOW

48° 38°

partly cloudy High LOW

50° 37°

partly cloudy High LOW

43° 33°

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.

Dear Editor, I am really not into politics, but I was deeply disappointed that Pesach Osina did not win the special election. As a community we must, must, must all vote. I know that we all have busy lives, but he lost by a handful of votes. If people would have taken out a few minutes to go vote, we would have one of our own representing us in the City Council right now. In Korean communities, they have Korean politicians representing them; in African American, communities they have African Americans representing them, in Hispanic communities, they have Hispanics representing them.

But we are too busy to vote so we don’t have one of our own representing us.

It’s not cool. All those who didn’t go vote (at least 79 of you, which is what Pesach Osina lost by) should take this as a lesson for future elections – go vote! It may be hard, but it is harder for our community to get what we need when we don’t have one of our own representing us.

Sincerely, Yanky P. Dear Editor, I am writing this letter to commend you on your recent stories highlighting the JCCRP. The JCCRP is an amazing organization and I am glad the community is learning more about their services through your articles. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the JCCRP for all that they have done for me and my family.

The JCCRP has been instrumental in helping us back on our feet after Hurricane Sandy, and I honestly do not know how we would have made it without their help. Our home sustained a lot of damage from the hurricane. We lost our entire basement and part of our first floor, along with all of its contents. We had no beds, no furniture, lots of water damage and mold, and we were very lost. A friend suggested that I come to the JCCRP for help. I had no idea what to expect but I was very desperate, so I decided to follow her advice and made my way. As soon as I came into the office I was greeted by their staff with a warm smile and open arms. I met with one staff member who sat with me and encouraged me to tell her the difficult situation my family was facing. She was a sense of calm and security during that chaotic and stressful time, and being able to sit and talk to her made me feel much stronger. The staff collaborated together on my behalf and handed

the Editor me a number of gift cards that I was able to use to purchase the basic things that we needed at that time. They also helped me research mold and debris removal, and I was able to use that information to properly clean out my house.

During that visit, we also went down to the food pantry, and I was able to collect food items that my family enjoyed for the next few weeks. We were facing a huge financial burden with putting our house back together, and every dollar we could save and put towards fixing our home was essential in keeping us above water.

The following week, I was in touch with another one of their staff members who arranged for two brand new beds to be donated and delivered straight to my home. My husband and I had been sleeping in sleeping bags on the floor until those new beds arrived. I can’t even begin to explain how happy we were to have beds to sleep in. One major issue that we had, besides for the loss of furniture and belongings, was the destruction of our hot water tank and boiler. By then we had been living without heat for over three weeks. Once again I made a visit to the JCCRP office. With the help of their wonderful staff, I was assisted in applying to Met Council’s Hurricane Sandy Grant, and I received $2,000 that went towards a new boiler and hot water tank for our home. We finally had heat and we began to see that there was an end in sight. The stress and chaos was slowly beginning to fade.

There is a famous parable about a man who was walking along the beach, picking up the starfish that had been washed ashore, and one by one throwing them back into the ocean. When asked by a passerby why he was bothering to do that, as there were hundreds of washed up starfish and he couldn’t possibly make a difference, he picked up another starfish, threw it into the ocean and said, “I made a difference to that one.” This is how I feel about the JCCRP, and all that they have done for my family. I know there are hundreds of families who were affected by the hurricane and there is so much need for help in the community. With the JCCRP’s continued, unwavering dedication and hard work, they are helping each family, putting them back in their homes and on their feet, and “one by one they are making a difference.”

Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Liat Rubin

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Letters to

7

Readers Poll Compiled by Jannah Eichenbaum

How many magazines do you subscribe to?

None

44%

1-2

46%

3-5

10%

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

8

9 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

A NEW FIVE TOWNS LOCATION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES Meeting the increased needs of everyday individuals and families, OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services has opened a storefront location that provides a number of key services and provides a gateway to the world of OHEL care.

KEY AREAS OF SERVICE

MEET SOME OF THE OHEL SPRUCE ST. TEAM HARRIET BLANK

Director Spruce St. Office and of OHEL Geriatric Services

SARAH KAHAN

OHEL Social Worker

ELDERCARE SERVICES A breadth of senior services including: Geriatric Assessment, Care Coordination and Caregiver Support, Information and Referral

CAMP KAYLIE Information, registration for the groundbreaking integrated camp in Wurtsboro

RABBI NETANEL GRALLA

Boys Head Counselor Camp Kaylie

SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS Monthly groups for adults with developmental disabilities (ages 18-50) who enhance their communication and social interactions skills amongst peers

GENERAL INFORMATION

RABBI YITZY HABER

Program Director, Camp Kaylie

Comprehensive information and resources to all OHEL services in Five Towns, Far Rockaway and Brooklyn

125B SPRUCE STREET In the Gourmet Glatt Shopping Center CEDARHURST, NY 11516 • 1800-603-OHEL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

10

The Week Global So You Want to Be a Billionaire?

This year, Forbes has uncovered a record 1,426 billionaires around the globe, and I wasn’t on the list. That’s not really surprising, considering that I make way less than a billionaire dollars a year, but this year’s list did have a few surprises. For one, the list included 200 more billionaires than in 2012. It also had nearly ten times as many billionaires as in 1987, the year Forbes started tracking down the lucky people.

In total, the group on Forbes’ list is worth $5.4 trillion—a 17% jump from a year ago. The average net worth for those on the list is $3.8 billion, and only 259 from last year’s list are poorer than a year ago.

For the fourth year in a row, Mexico’s Carlos Slim is officially the world’s richest person. He is worth an estimat-

ed $73 billion, primarily from the telecom industry. He is also Latin America’s most generous person—he has pledged to translate 1,000 educational videos into Spanish and will be working with fellow billionaire Bill Gates to fund research to improve farmers’ crops and reduce hunger.

America’s Bill Gates came in second on the list. But don’t feel too bad for the founder of Microsoft; he is worth $67 billion. Gates doesn’t just hoard his cash. He is considered the world’s biggest philanthropist and has given away $28 billion and has worked to eradicate diseases such as polio and malaria.

The founder of Zara, Amancio Orgeta, is a surprise on this year’s list. He is number three with a net worth of $57 billion. The Spanish billionaire’s assets went up by $19.5 billion last year, the most of anyone else on the list, and he is now even richer than Warren Buffett.

America’s sweetheart, Warren Buffett, takes the fourth slot on the list. He is now worth $53.5 billion; his fortune increased by $9.5 billion last year. This is the first time since 2000 that the billionaire is not in the top three on the list.

Buffett likes to share his wealth; his is

In News the world’s second most generous person—he gave $1.5 billion to the Gates Foundation in July, bringing his lifetime giving to $17.3 billion.

Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, follows Buffett with $43 billion.

Charles and David Koch share the sixth and seventh spots on the list. They are the world’s richest siblings, with a $34 billion net worth. David is the richest New Yorker. Hong Kong’s Li Ka-shing took the eighth spot on the list with $31 billion. He is Asia’s richest person and the only one from the region among the world’s top 20 richest.

L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, number nine on the list, is the world’s richest woman. She is worth $30 billion. This is the first time since 1999 that she moves back into the top ten.

Bernard Arnault is the tenth richest person in the world. The Frenchman is worth $29 billion.

Among notable newcomers to this year’s list were founders of some of the world’s hottest brands – such as Dolce & Gabbana, Tory Burch and Chobani yogurt — as well as the first ever billionaires from Angola, Guernsey, Nepal, Swaziland and Vietnam. Seventeen

Israelis made the list this year. Idan Ofer is the wealthiest Israeli with an estimated fortune of $6.5 billion.

Dennis Rodman: Kim Jong Un is a Great Guy

Basketball Legend Dennis Rodman may not be the person to take advice from—on anything. Famous for his Continued on page 14

an dI

Th

11

d N

e r ew ec n! lo S se to O ou nl Tc re on p ne Ic i n cT e io ku n. p co m

by

Elite

EmbroidEry

Beautiful Pesach sets affordably priced at 59.99-69.99

Boro Park 4518 13th ave.

718.854.2595

Lakewood todd pLaza cedarhurSt 134 Washington ave. 1091 river ave (Route 9) 732.364.8822 516.218.2211

Upscale. On sale.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Or

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

12

13

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

14

The Week interesting hairstyles and bad attitude, Rodman told ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos about his recent trip to North Korea. “He’s my friend,” Rodman said, referring to the North Korean despot, Kim Jong Un. “I don’t condone what he does, but as a person to person, he’s my friend.” He added, “He’s a great guy.”

Interestingly, Rodman told Stephanopoulos that Kim Jong Un would like to start a diplomatic conversation with U.S. President Barack Obama and urged Obama to “call him.” The NBA star pointed out that both leaders share an affection for basketball. At one point during the interview, Stephanopoulos pointed out, “It sounds like you’re apologizing for him…someone who…is a murderer who’s your friend is still a murderer.”

Even after the interviewer showed Rodman a report from the Human Rights Watch about the North Korean prison camps, Rodman still expressed a desire to return to North Korea. “Thanks for the report,” he said. “Guess what, don’t hate me.”

Later, Rodman tweeted: “I’m not a politician. Kim Jung Un [sic] & North

Korean people are basketball fans. I love everyone. Period. End of story.”

Chavez Puts His Life in The Hands Of Cuba’s National Healthcare...and Dies

Rabble-rousing socialist and hater of Israel, Hugo Chavez, succumbed to cancer and died this past Tuesday at the age of 58. Chavez, who has ruled Venezuela for 13 years, recently handpicked for-

In News mer bus driver Nicolas Maduro as his vice president and successor. Maduro, who lacks the charisma of Chavez, has recently been lifting his profile by using similar rhetoric to that used by Chavez.

At a recent rally, he decried capitalism and declared, “Better to be dead than traitors to the people and to Chavez!”

As a young leader who rose to power as an anti-capitalist and advocate of the poor, Chavez drew inspiration from Cuba and Fidel Castro. During a trip to Cuba in his first year of power, he said, “Venezuela is traveling towards the same sea as the Cuban people, a sea of happiness and of real social justice and peace.” After forming a close personal bond with Fidel Castro, Chavez said, “Fidel to me is a father, a comrade, a master of perfect strategy.”

Chavez received his medical treatment not in his own country but at the jewel of Cuba’s health system, the Medical Surgical Research Centre, the same hospital where Fidel Castro receives medical care. The fact that Chavez was treated in Cuba enabled Fidel Castro to continue perpetuating the myth that Cuba has a superior national health care system, despite the fact that most of the population in Cuba receives subpar medical care. Ironically, Chavez’ decision to be treated in Cuba may have caused his death. According to Dr. Jose Marquina, who has over the past several months become well-known for having had accurate information regarding Chavez’ treatment, the Cuban doctors misdiagnosed the cancer, treating Chávez with chemotherapy and other treatments designed for the wrong type of cancer.

With Chavez’ death, Israel’s enemies lost a friend and Israel lost an enemy.

After returning from a tour of Middle Eastern and Arab countries in 2009, Chavez said, “The question is not whether the Israelis want to exterminate the Palestinians. They’re doing it openly.” After Israel’s military excursion into the Gaza Strip in 2009, Chavez expelled Israel’s ambassador to Venezuela. Like many of Israel’s enemies, Chavez was adept at using propoganda against Israel. “Israel is financing the Venezuelan opposition,” he said. “There are even groups of Israeli terrorists, of the Mossad, who are after me, trying to kill me.”

Israel was in good company on Chavez’ enemy list: Perhaps even more than his hatred for Israel was his hatred for the United States. Ever colorful in his hateful rhetoric , in 2006 while addressing the U.N. General Assembly one day after then-President Bush spoke, Chavez stated: “Yesterday the

devil came here. Right here. And it smells of sulfur still today.” He criticized then-President Bush and said, “You are a coward, a killer, a [perpetrator of] genocide, an alcoholic, a drunk, a liar, an immoral person, Mr. Danger.

You are the worst, Mr. Danger. The worst of this planet… A psychologically sick man, I know it.”

Chavez seemed more wishy-washy about President Obama. In 2011, he said, “You are a fraud, Obama. Go and ask many people in Africa, who might have believed in you because of the color of your skin, because your father was from Africa. You are an Afro-descendant, but you are the shame of all those people.” Yet one year later, he said, “I think that Barack Obama – aside from being ‘the President’ – is a good guy.”

I guess it’s that Obamacare thing that he liked. But then again, what did it do for him in Cuba?

Over 40K Concentration Camps and Ghettos Discovered Throughout Europe Thirteen years ago, researchers at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum began the grim task of documenting all the ghettos, slave labor sites, concentration camps, and killing factories that the Nazis set up throughout Europe.

Their findings have shocked even the most pessimistic, well-informed scholars and historians.

The researchers have cataloged some 42,500 Nazi ghettos and camps throughout Europe, spanning Germancontrolled areas from France to Russia and Germany itself. All these sites were responsible for oppressing, killing, and abusing prisoners during Hitler’s reign of brutality from 1933 to 1945.

The findings were previewed at an ac-

ademic forum in late January at the German Historical Institute in Washington.

“The numbers are so much higher than what we originally thought,” Hartmut Berghoff, director of the institute, said in an interview after learning of the new data. “We knew before how horrible life in the camps and ghettos was,” he said, “but the numbers are unbelievable.”

The lead editors on the project, Geoffrey Megargee and Martin Dean, estimate that 15 million to 20 million people died or were imprisoned in the sites that they have identified as part of a multivolume encyclopedia.

When the research began in 2000, Dr. Megargee said he expected to find perhaps 7,000 Nazi camps and ghettos, based on postwar estimates. But the numbers kept climbing — first to 11,500, then 20,000, then 30,000, and now 42,500.

The numbers astound: 30,000 slave labor camps; 1,150 Jewish ghettos; 980 concentration camps; 1,000 prisoner-of-war camps; and thousands of other camps used for euthanizing the elderly and infirm, performing forced abortions, “Germanizing” prisoners or transporting victims to killing centers.

Dr. Dean, a co-researcher, said the findings left no doubt in his mind that many German citizens, despite the frequent claims of ignorance after the war, must have known about the widespread existence of the Nazi camps at the time.

“You literally could not go anywhere in Germany without running into forced labor camps, P.O.W. camps, concentration camps,” he said. “They were everywhere.”

Turkey’s Slur Causes Upset Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused his Turkish counterpart of making a “dark and false” statement by calling Zionism a crime against humanity and equating it with anti-Semitism and fascism.

The Turkish premier’s statement, made at a U.N. meeting in Vienna on Wednesday, was also condemned by the head of Europe’s main rabbinical group who called it a “hateful attack” on Jews.

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, chief rabbi of Moscow and the head of the Conference of European Rabbis, said Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s criticism of Zionism amounted to anti-Semitism.

Continued on page 18

In News

AIPAC Convention Takes Center Stage in Washington In what was a temporary reprieve of the toxic atmosphere in Washington, the American Israel Political Action Committee Convention brought together the largest bi-partisan gathering of members of Congress and Senators with the exception of the State of the Union address or a joint session of Congress. The conference featured speakers such as Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), the House Minority Whip, along with top Republicans like Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.).

In one panel event on Sunday, the chairman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Reps. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), both addressed the audience.

“In a time when Washington, D.C., is becoming increasingly polarized along party lines, AIPAC Policy Conference is a place to appreciate the deep, bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship,” said Aaron Keyak, the executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council, in a statement. “We know that the pro-Israel community is at its strongest when we hold true to our beliefs and leave partisan arguments aside as we advocate for the unifying cause we care so deeply about.”

Although he usually appears at the AIPAC Conference in person, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was only able to address the conference via satellite because he is currently faced with the daunting task of weaving together a governing coalition. The prime minister joked, “Ladies and gentlemen, I was hoping to speak to you in person. But unfortunately, I had to stay in Israel to do something much more enjoyable – put together a coalition government. What fun!”

Aside for discussing the pressing issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed President Obama’s upcoming trip to Israel. He promised to show the President the side of Israel that doesn’t get the world’s attention. “I’ll have a chance to show President Obama a different side of Israel,” he said. “Israel, that has become a technological marvel teeming with innovation. Israel, that each day pushes the boundaries of medicine and science to the ends of human imagination. Israel, that has one of the world’s most vibrant cultures and one of the world’s most dynamic peoples. Israel, the modern Jewish State living in the ancient Jewish homeland — an oasis of liberty and progress in the heart of the Middle East where these ideas have yet to take root. That is the Israel that all of you know.”

Vice President Joe Biden, who has always been this administration’s “good cop” when it comes to Israel, addressed the conference and began his speech by highlighting his affectionate relationship with AIPAC. “I did more fundraisers for AIPAC in the ‘70s and early ‘80s than — just about as many as anybody. Thank G-d you weren’t putting on shows like this, we would have never made it. We would have never made it.”

Mr. Biden seemed to address the sometimes-contentious relationship between the President and Israel and sought to

reassure the audience that America’s commitment to Israel remains strong. “While we may not always agree on tactics — and I’ve been around a long time; I’ve been there for a lot of prime ministers,” he said. “We’ve always disagreed at some point or another on tactic. But, ladies and gentlemen, we have never disagreed on the strategic imperative that Israel must be able to protect its own, must be able to do it on its own, and we must always stand with Israel.”

After highlighting how closely this administration has been working with Israel and the high level of military and financial support provided to Israel, Mr. Biden declared: “I’ve served with eight Presidents of the United States of America, and I can assure you, unequivocally, no President has done as much to physically secure the State of Israel as President Barack Obama.”

Mr. Biden recalled a memorable, sad and at the same time, amusing visit with Prime Minister Gold Meir: I sat in a chair in front of her desk, and a young man was sitting to my right who was her assistant. His name was Yitzhak Rabin. [Laughter.] Seriously — an absolutely true story. [Applause.] And she sat there chain-smoking and reading letters to me, letters from the front [lines of] the SixDay War. She read letters and told me how this young man or woman had died and this is their family. This went on for I don’t know how long, and I guess she could tell I was visibly moved by this, and I was getting [emotional] about it.

And she suddenly looked at me and said — and I give you my word as a Biden that she looked at me and said — she said, “Senator, would you like a photo opportunity? “[Laughter.] And I looked at her. I said, “Well yes, Madam Prime Minister.”…We stood there — no statements, and we’re standing next to one another looking at this array of media, television and photojournalists, take — snapping pictures. And we’re looking straight ahead.

Without looking at me, she speaks to me. She said, “Senator, don’t look so sad.” She said, “We have a secret weapon in our confrontation in this part of the world.” And I thought she was about to lean over and tell me about a new system or something. Because you can see the pictures, I still have them — I turned to look at her. We were supposed to be looking straight ahead. And I said, “Madam Prime Minister” — and never turned her head, she kept looking — she said, “Our secret weapon, Senator, is we have no place else to go.

We have no place else to go.”

Despite Vice President Biden’s attempt to portray President Obama as an ardent supporter of Israel, skeptics require more than mere words to be convinced. Former U.S. diplomat and Bush aide Elliott Abrams, who spoke at the conference’s opening session, said that on President Obama’s upcoming trip to Israel he needs to convince Israelis that he has undergone a “kishke transplant” – that is, that he has had a change of heart.

Mr. Obama better start eating a lot of shwarmas if he wants that kishke transplant to take place in time for his trip.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

The Week

15

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

16

17

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

18

The Week

“Just as with Zionism, anti-Semitism and fascism, it has become impossible not to see Islamophobia as a crime against humanity,” Erdogan said at the Civilizations Forum.

A statement from the Israeli premier’s office said he “strongly condemns [Erdogan’s] statement about Zionism and its comparison to Nazism.” “This is a dark and false pronouncement the likes of which we thought had passed into history,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying.

“This is an ignorant and hateful attack on the Jewish people and against a movement with peace at its core, which relegates Prime Minster Erdogan to the level of Mahmoud Ahmadinejadand, to

Soviet leaders who used anti-Zionism as a euphemism for anti-Semitism,” Goldschmidt said in an emailed statement.

Ties between Israel and mostly Muslim Turkey have been frosty since 2010, when nine Turks were killed by Israeli commandos who stormed their ship carrying aid to Palestinians in Gaza, under a naval blockade.

In recent weeks, there have been rumors circulating about efforts to repair relations. Earlier this month, a senior diplomatic meeting was held in Rome and military equipment was transferred implying a possible reconciliation.

The speculations have not been confirmed by either government.

The Haggadah Comes Alive In Egypt A swarm of an estimated 30 million insects has swarmed the fields and farms about 15 miles southwest of Cairo, devastating crops and fuelling

In News apocalyptic fears. When they get hungry, a one-ton horde of locusts can eat the same amount of food in one day as 2,500 humans, according to the UN. “Against our predictions, a swarm of locusts has reached the region south of Cairo … and is causing great damage to agriculture in the Giza area. Egyptian armed forces and the border guards are attempting to fight the swarm with the means at their disposal,” Egyptian minister of agriculture Dr. Salah Abd Al Mamon told the Alwatan News.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, the swarm originated from breeding that has been in progress since November in southeast Egypt. As vegetation dried out, small groups and swarms moved slowly north along the Red Sea coast. The locusts reached Cairo by flying on warm southerly and southeasterly winds associated with a low pressure system over the central Mediterranean.

It’s not like this is the only makkah that we have seen in Egypt recently.

After all, makkas arov, wild animals, is commonly on display in that region.

Cuban Cigar Sales on the Rise

Despite the never-ending economic crisis, Cuban cigar sales rose last year in most important European markets, including number one buyer, Spain.

State-run tobacco company officials revealed on Tuesday that sales totaled $416 million in 2012. That’s a $15M increase from last year’s $401M in sales.

Habanos SA representatives gave over this information to reporters at a smoky press conference held to kick off Cuba’s Cigar Festival in a Havana convention center.

Around 1,500 participants from 70 countries attended the 15th annual stogie-fest, which will include a sommelier contest, an exhibition of tobacco-infused cooking, and an auction of humidors that can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars apiece.

Spain, which is currently suffering from a 26 percent unemployment rate, continues to be the top importer of Cu-

ban cigars, although officials said sales there were hurt by economic woes. That was offset by a 6 percent uptick in China, the No. 3 buyer and an increasingly important market for cigars.

Washington’s 51-year economic embargo prohibits Cuban cigars from being imported to the United States.

Al Qaeda’s Most Wanted List This is one list you most definitely do not want to be on.

On March 1, al Qaeda published its “Wanted: Dead or Alive” posted in Inspire magazine, available in English.

The list includes: Molly Norris, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Flemming Rose, Morris Swadiq, Salman Rushdie, Girt Wilders [sic], Lars Vilks, Stephane Charbonnie, Carsten Luste, Terry Jones, and Kurt Westergaard. The names and photos of most of the individuals were listed. An image of Pastor Terry Jones being shot in the head was also depicted.

No further reason is provided to explain why these folks were singled out for the hit list, though many are notably outspoken critics of radical Islam and have insulted the prophet Mohammed and not necessarily those who have killed Muslims or even waged war directly against the radical al Qaeda organization.

An image on the page of the article has a caption that reads, “Yes We Can. A Bullet A Day Keeps the Infidel Away.” Then the words, “Defend Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him,” are written.

2013 Hotspots On the Radar reporter Martha Raddatz sat down with retired US Marine

James Cartwright to discuss the most dangerous places in the coming year.

The former general says he’s most concerned about the growing number of volatile regions across the globe.

“They’re spreading rather than consolidating,” Cartwright said of the dangerous areas around the world, known as hotspots. “Africa is probably the biggest one that we are…seeing in the media right now with the Mali challenge, but that’s not limited to Mali.”

The growing threat of Africa can be traced in large part to the expansion of al Qaeda-affiliated terrorist groups such as al Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM)— the group behind the recent hostage situation at a natural gas facility in Algeria. Cartwright says the threat posed by offspring al Qaeda groups in Africa shouldn’t be underestimated.

“It’s got the same potential to be as violent, certainly, as what we saw in Iraq and Afghanistan, with even less governance than what they had in Afghanistan and Iraq,” says Cartwright of North Africa.

Of course the Middle East came up.

General Cartwright warned that the continued civil war in Syria, which he

describes as “genocidal type activity,” poses a long-term strategic threat to the security of the region.

“The longer this goes on, the less likely, or the longer it’s going to take to recover from it. And that’s probably more worrisome than anything else,” says Cartwright. “You’re going to have a Syria which sits in a very strategic position basically in a condition of disruption for tens of years.”

Places not to visit on my next vacation: North Africa and Syria. I think I’ll head to Miami instead.

Flowers in the Desert Despite its desert climate, Dubai created a glorious garden boasting 45 million flowers arranged in all forms of mosaics, patterns, and shapes.

It took 60 days and 400 people to create the tremendous 721,000 square foot Dubai Miracle Garden. The park features about 30 different varieties of blooms, including petunias, geraniums and marigolds.

In News

Dubai is certainly no stranger to eyewidening attractions. It is home to the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and the biggest mall in the world. But the creator of this project feels the garden has something special to offer.

“People get tired of malls, closed places,” said Abdel Nasser Y. Rahhal, general manager of Akar Landscaping Services and Agriculture. “I hope people will understand that this country is not only for extremes in concrete and steel. This country is given beautiful weather for seven months…With a little care, you can get a really beautiful production.”

Blooming season hits Dubai in midOctober and lasts through mid-May. During those months, temperatures hang in the 70-80 degree range and drop

to about 50 degrees at night (Fahrenheit). Perhaps the hardest challenge is to ensure that the garden survives throughout the intense summer heat and lack of water. The park will be closed for those four months.

Organizers installed an eco-friendly irrigation system that uses water retention materials, like capillary mats and polymers, to deliver moisture most efficiently throughout the entire year.

Rahhal estimated the cost of the project at around $11 million.

One blogger, Anna Abit who lives in Dubai, wrote, “I was stunned.” But she noted it wasn’t as peaceful as she had imagined since there were caretakers every step of the way carefully watching visitors and blowing their whistles at anyone who was too close to a single petal.

During the hottest time of year in Dubai when the park is closed, designers will redecorate the entire garden.

Rahhal says, “If you come next year, you will never know you were in the same garden.” Expect to see the addition of a butterfly garden, retail space, Continued on page 22

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

The Week

19

20 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

THIS SUNDAY! 19TH ANNUAL DINNER

SUNDAY, MARCH 10TH, 2013

d”ga, rst j”f

Yaakov & Lani Zoldan mazdesign 718.471.6470

Parents of the Year award

David & Carolyn Levy avodas hakodesh award

Shaindy Markovits rebbetzin basYa bender teacher excellence award

____________0____________

0Honoring0

Reservations: 718.337.6000 ext. 129 Fax: 718.337.9160 Email: dinner@bbyschool.org Web: www.bbydinner.org Ateres Nechama Liba Simcha Hall 613 Beach 9th Street Far Rockaway, NY

21

To the Five Towns/ Far Rockaway community for hosting us this past Shabbos, Parshas Ki Sisa

A S P E C I A L T H A N K Y O U T O T H E PA R T I C I PAT I N G S H U L S & T H E I R R A B B O N I M AGUDATH ISRAEL OF LONG ISLAND

CONG. BAIS AVROHOM ZEV

KHAL MACHZIKEI TORAH

Rabbi Yaakov Reisman

Rabbi Asher Stern

Rabbi Nosson Greenberg

AGUDATH ISRAEL OF WEST LAWRENCE

CONG. KENESETH ISRAEL

KHAL NESIV HATORAH

Rabbi Moshe Brown

Rabbi Eytan Feiner

Rabbi Binyomin Forst

BAIS MEDRASH OF HARBORVIEW

CONG. SHAARAY TEFILAH

KHAL ZICHRON MOSHE DOV

Rabbi Yehoshua Kalish

Rabbi Dovid Weinberger

Rabbi Aaron Stein

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING HOSTS Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Friedman

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Stern

Mr. and Mrs. Mutty Ribowsky

Dr. and Mrs. Ernest Isaacson

Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Brecher

Rabbi and Mrs. Zvi Bloom

THANK YOU T O MR. AND MRS. SHLOMO REI CH F OR H OSTI NG THE LE IL S H ABBOS O NEG THANK YOU TO DR. AND MRS. SHAMSHY EISENBERGER F O R H O S T I N G T H E B R E A K FA S T R E C E P T I O N W I T H S E N AT O R D E A N S K E L O S

FOR THE SAKE OF...

Our

Children Our Families Our Mosdos

this year’s advocacy focused on: SANDY Relief Funds • School bus transportation Mandated Services and CAP funding for our yeshivos Repayment of outstanding CAP debt Special Education services for our children Infertility treatment funding • End of Life issues

agudath israel advocacy last year helped accomplish the following:

R R

$5 million grant for the purchase of new buses

R

Mandated service payments ($90 million, of which $30 million goes to yeshivos)

R

Amending the Palliative Care Act to enhance patients’ rights

R

Increasing base budget for Comprehensive Attendance Policy (CAP) reimbursement by $7 million

R

$4 million grant for Infertility funding ($90 million over the past 10 yrs)

State funding for late busing transportation ($3 million)

R R

Legislative passage of a special education bill TAP funding for Rabbinical colleges (with close to $18 million in checks already received)

COMMITTEE: YOCHANAN BODNER • ELISHA BRECHER • SIMCHA DAVID • YOILY EDELSTEIN • DOVID GOLDFARB • MOTI HELLMAN ERNIE ISAACSON • YOSEF NUSSBAUM • YAAKOV PANETH • NECHEMIA SALZMAN • URI SCHLACHTER • ERIC STERN

AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA / 42 BROADWAY / NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004 / 212.797.9000

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

! u o y k n Tha

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

22

The Week and an “edible plants dome” that will allow people to pick their own fruit.

Dubai Miracle Garden also hopes to be recognized by Guinness World Records as having the world’s biggest flower clock, the longest wall of flowers, and the largest pyramid of flowers.

The Dubai Properties Group, a partner in the project, expects the park to draw more than one million visitors over the next year.

Moscow is Billionaire Capital of the World Russia’s capital is home to 76 billionaires. Yes, you heard right. Moscow is the city with most billionaires after New York’s 70 and Hong Kong’s 54. London comes fifth with 40 billionaires, just behind Beijing with 41.

Moscow has the reputation of being a fountain of new wealth and now, with its title of billionaire capital of the world, expect to see more glitzy boutiques and extravagant homes popping up.

Steel magnate and Arsenal Football Club shareholder Alisher Usmanov is the richest Russian on the list of billionaires compiled by Chinese luxury publishing group Hurun Report with $19B, followed by Viktor Vekselberg, the metals and energy tycoon who is believed to be worth $18B. Moscow’s richest residents generally live on the Rublevka highway west of the city, a neighborhood of luxury villas and walled compounds where Lamborghinis, precious diamonds, and designer handbags can be bought at local shops.

The United States has the greatest number of super-wealthy with 409 billionaires, compared to China’s 317 and Russia with 88. The UK trails in fifth place with 56 “members of the NineZero Club.”

Not shockingly, Carlos Slim, 73, the Mexican telecom tycoon, takes top spot as the “Richest Man on the Planet” with an astounding personal fortune of $66B. The youngest billionaire on the list was Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg, 28, who ranked 42nd with $17bn.

115 Years-Old and Going Strong The oldest woman in the world has been identified as Misao Ookawa. The 114-year-old Japanese woman, born the same year that radium was discovered,

In News was recognized as the world’s oldest woman by Guinness World Records on Wednesday, February 27.

Ookawa was born in 1898 and now lives in the western city of Osaka.

She received a certificate acknowledging her status from the Guinness World Records and said she was pleased. The award came as an early birthday present. She turned 115 the next week on March 5.

“Given everything, it’s pretty good,” she told a gathering at the nursing home where she resides.

Japanese media claim that the elderly woman has never had a major illness in her life, was married in 1919 and has three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

If you’re reading this thinking it sounds awfully familiar then you’ve got a good memory and you must be really loyal to TJH’s weekly news roundup.

We published a story about the world’s oldest living man several weeks ago.

Japanese Jiroemon Kimurai is 115 and is also Japanese (shidduch?!).

Japan has more than 50,000 centenarians, according to government data released last year, reinforcing its reputation for longevity.

Afghan Policeman Murders Colleagues In the latest string of “insider” attacks in Afghanistan, a police officer drugged and shot 17 colleagues with the help of Taliban. Understandably, these type of attacks have weakened the trust between coalition and Afghan forces.

Police are under mounting pressure to contain the Taliban insurgency before most NATO combat troops withdraw by the end of 2014. There have been several of these types of attacks in recent months, involving security forces and Taliban. They are also referred to as green-on-blue attacks. This latest attack has been the most deadly.

The incident occurred at a remote AfContinued on page 26

23

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

new from Over three decades of Torah Literacy

sc∑ottenstein e∂ition

NEW VOL. 3

‫ שלא נאכל חלב‬:‫ מצוה קמז‬/ ‫צו‬

NOT 121 œ TZAV / MITZVAH 147:

19

20

21

ֵ‫וְ עוֹד י‬ ִ ,‫שׁ ִבּ ְב ֵה ָמה ִמלְּ �בד ֵאלּוּ �ה ְשּׁל ָֹשׁה‬ ִ ‫חוּטין ְוּקרוּמוֹת ֶשׁ ֲא‬ ‫סוּרין ִמ‬ ‫משּׁוּם‬ ָ ‫זִ ְכרוֹנָ ם לִ ְב‬ ‫ וְ ָא ְמרוּ‬. ‫שּׁוּם ֵחלֶ ב‬ ִ ‫ר ָכה )שם פ”ט ע”ב( ֶשׁ �ה �טּ ָבּ ִחין �ה ְבּ ִק‬ ‫יאין ְבּנִ קּוּר �ה ֵח‬ ‫החלֶ ב נֶ ֱא ָמנִ ין �על‬ ‫על �ה ָדּ ָבר ָכּל זְ �מן‬ ָ ‫ֶשׁלּ ֹא יָ ְצאוּ ֵמ ֶחזְ �קת ְבּ ִק‬ ָ ‫יאוּתן וְ �כ ְשׁ‬ . ‫רוּתן‬ � ‫וְ ֵחלֶ ב �הלֵּ ב וְ ֵחלֶ ב �ה ֵמּ‬ ֲ �‫ ֻמ ָתּ ִרין �ו‬,‫ וְ ֵהן �ה �דּ ִקּין �ה ְמלֻ ָפּ ִפין‬,‫עיִ ם‬ ‫וה‬ ְ ‫ חוּץ ֵמר‬,‫ה ֵרי הוּא ְכּ ֻשׁ ָמּן‬ ‫מראשׁ‬ ‫ֹאשׁ‬ ְ ָ ‫ ֶשׁ‬,‫�ה ֵמּ �עיִ ם �ה ָסּמוּך ל� ֵקּ ָבה ֶשׁהוּא ְתּ ִחלּ� ת ְבּנֵ י ֵמ �עיִ ם‬ , ‫צּ ִריך ָה ָא ָדם לִ גְ רֹר �ה ֵחלֶ ב ֶשׁ ָעלָ יו‬

23

25

TRANS

27

the fat has the areas in the animal where of our mitzvah, and identifies Chinuch returns to the subject : (see introduction to this mitzvah) within the anithe status of cheilev and is forbidden are three areas of cheilev There — ְ ‫וּשׁ‬ ‫ל‬ ָ ‫ֹשׁ‬ ‫ה‬ ֲ ‫ח‬ ָ‫ל‬ ִ ‫ב‬ ‫ים‬ ֵ ‫ה‬ ally:[19] ‫ם‬ ‫ִבּ ְב ֵה ָמה ֶשׁ ֵהן ְבּ ִחיּוּב ָכּ ֵרת‬ penalty of kares if eaten intention and therefore carry the which is upon [20] mal that are forbidden Biblically (2) ‫ — וְ ֶשׁ �על �ה ְכּלָ יוֹת‬that [22] ֵ that is upon the innards; ‫וּפרוּשׁ ְשׁלָ ְשׁ ָתּן‬ (1) ‫ — ֶשׁ �על �ה ֶקּ ֶרב‬the cheilev which is upon the flanks. that and — ְ‫ו‬ ֶ [21] ‫שׁ‬ � ‫ע‬ ‫ל‬ � ‫ה‬ ְ ‫כּ‬ ָ ‫ס‬ ִ‫ל‬ ‫ים‬ (3) explanation, the kidneys; three areas, with a detailed elucidation of these[23] ‫ — ְבּ ֵבאוּר ָר ָחב ִבּ ְמקוֹמוֹ �בּגְּ ָמ ָרא‬The 93a).

(Chullin Gemara the in can be found in its place is forbidden: fat found in these three areas , have Chinuch notes that not all the Sages], of blessed memory ִ — As a general rule, [our ְ ‫וּב‬ ‫כלָ ל ָא ְמרוּ זִ ְכרוֹנָ ם לִ ְב ָר ָכה ְבּ ֻחלִּ ין‬ ֶ ‫ — ֵחלֶ ב ֶשׁ �ה ָבּ ָשׂר‬Cheilev that ‫חוֹפה אוֹתוֹ ֻמ ָתּר‬ Chullin (ibid.): ְ ‫ — ֶשׁ �על �ה ְכּ ָסלִ ים ָא �מר �ר ֲח ָמנָ א וְול ֹא ֶשׁ ְבּ‬for stated the following in Tractate ‫תוֹך �ה ְכּ ָסלִ ים‬ d, permitte is flanks,” meat the by is covered over Leviticus 3:4, 10, 15), “upon l One stated in His Torah (Leviticus [24] regarding this cheilev, the Mercifu flanks, i.e., covered by its meat. not that which is within the

TRANS

adds other parts of the animal

that are treated as cheilev by

Rabbinic law: whose cheilev is Biblically

Chinuch areas ְ‫ — ו‬Aside from these three ִ — threads and ָ ‫עוֹד יֵ שׁ ִבּ ְב ֵה ָמה ִמלְּ �בד ֵאלּוּ �ה ְשּׁל‬ ‫לשׁ‬ ‫ֹשׁה‬ ִ ‫חוּטין ְוּקרוּמוֹת ֶשׁ ֲא‬ ‫סוּרין ִמשּׁוּם ֵחלֶ ב‬ also has within it

CZUKER FAMILY ELUCIDATION OF THE TORAH’S COMMANDMENTS

VOLUME 3

[25] prohibited, the animal ally forbidden as cheilev. membranes that are Rabbinic trusting a butcher: ‫ֶשׁ �ה �טּ ָבּ ִחין‬ Chinuch cites a law regarding , have stated (ibid. 89b) Sages], of blessed memory in excising cheilev ‫[ — וְ ָא ְמרוּ זִ ְכרוֹנָ ם לִ ְב ָר ָכה‬Our the butchers who are expert that — � ‫ה‬ ְ ‫בּ‬ ִ ‫ק‬ ִ ‫קיא‬ ‫יא‬ ‫ין‬ ְ ‫בּ‬ ִ‫נ‬ ‫ָכּל זְ �מן‬ ‫קּוּר‬ � ‫ה‬ ֵ ‫הח‬ cheilev, ‫חלֶ ב נֶ ֱא ָמנִ ין �על‬ ‫בר‬ ‫על �ה ָדּ ָבר‬ have removed all the forbidden they that i.e., of matter, status this d lost their presume may be trusted in ‫ — ֶשׁ‬as long as they have not ָ ‫[לּ ֹא יָ ְצאוּ ֵמ ֶחזְ �קת ְבּ ִק‬26] ָ ‫יאוּתן וְ �כ ְשׁ‬ ‫רוּתן‬ . rthiness expertise and trustwo fats within the animal: permitted the other upon discusses [27] Chinuch now ‫ — וְ ֵחלֶ ב �ה ֵמּ �עיִ ם‬and the cheilev of the heart (i.e., the small in‫ — וְ ֵחלֶ ב �הלֵּ ב‬As for the cheilev are the convoluted intestine ‫ — וְ ֵהן �ה �דּ ִקּין �ה ְמלֻ ָפּ ִפין‬which have the same status as entrails, are permitted, and they ‫ — ֻ ְמ ָתּ ִרין ו� ֲה ֵרי הוּא ְכּ ֻשׁ ָמּן‬these upon the intestine are pertestine), ‫ — חוּץ ֵמרֹאשׁ �ה ֵמּ �עיִ ם‬The fats � ‫ה‬ ָ ‫סּ‬ ‫מוּך‬ �‫ל‬ ֵ ‫קּ‬ ָ ‫ב‬ ‫ה‬ that is fat. shuman, permitted the extremity of the intestine n of that which is upon is the beginmitted, with the exceptio ‫ — ֶשׁהוּא ְתּ ִחלּ� ת ְבּנֵ י ֵמ �עיִ ם‬which ‫יך ָה ָא ָד‬ ְ ‫ֶשׁ ָצּ ִר‬ fourth stomach), ‫ם לִ גְ רֹר �ה ֵחלֶ ב‬ near the abomasum (the from the abomasum, emerges it .[28] where , section] [that intestine ning of the that is upon to scrape off the cheilev ‫ — ֶשׁ ָעלָ יו‬as a person is required

NOTES

NOTES

PARSHIYOS TZAVAlso available — METZORA

Volume 1: Mitzvos 1-65 Volume 2: Mitzvos 66-130

NEW!

sold by a butcher who 26. If cheilev is found in meats that butcher is no longer claims to have removed it, Maachalos Asuros 7:21). trusted (see Rambam, Hil. around the heart. One 27. There are two areas of “fat” es that encases the heart is the fibrous sac of membran is a hard, thick layer of (pericardium), and the other the heart (the subepicardial white fat that sits on top of are permitted (see fats these of Both adipose body).

40:1 with Beur HaGra).

Chullin 49b, Shulchan Aruch descriptions found in the [Many of the anatomical Chullin Illuminated by notes to this section are from a Publications, 5764).

R’ Yaakov Dovid Lach (Hamesivt ns and photographs of See there for in-depth descriptio these structures.] stomach of a ruminant, fourth the is abomasum 28. The prohibited.

MITZVOS 131-183

in the meat is permitportion of cheilev that is enveloped but within them (Chulted, for it is not upon the flanks, ‫ ;ד’’ה‬Rambam, ibid. 7:7). lin 93a with Rashi ‫חלב שהבשר‬ nerves that branch out from 25. “Threads” refers to thin through the cheilev of the the spinal column and pass the cheilev that surflanks, and those that pass through ibid. ‫)ד’’ה חוטים‬. It includes, rounds the innards (Rashi vessels that pass through blood or nerves the well, as the kidneys, as well as the membrane that surrounds the length of the spleen tothe major artery that runs 93a; Rambam ibid. gether with its branches (Chullin 64:11). “Membranes” refers 7:11; Beis Yosef, Yoreh Deah encase the spleen and kidthat sheets to the thin fatty as the thin sheet that lines neys (Chullin 93a), as well l cavity, separating the inside of the entire abdomina the meat of the flanks from the digestive organs and their fats ‫ד’’ה‬ Rashi (ibid. with ‫)חלב שהבשר‬. [These “threads” and membranes are forbidden only by Rabbinic law; see ibid. 92b, with Rashi ‫ד’’ה אסורין וד’’ה‬ ‫ואין חייבין‬.]

22

24

26

28

œ 120

ְ ‫וּשׁל ָֹשׁה ֲחלָ ִבים‬ ֶ , ‫ֵהם ִבּ ְב ֵה ָמה ֶשׁ ֵהן ְבּ ִחיּוּב ָכּ ֵרת‬ ‫שׁ �על �ה ֶקּ ֶרב וְ ֶשׁ �על �ה ְכּלָ יוֹת וְ ֶשׁ �על‬ ֵ , ‫�ה ְכּ ָסלִ ים‬ ‫וּפרוּשׁ‬ ְ‫ְשׁלָ ְשׁ ָתּן ְבּ ֵבאוּר ָר ָחב ִבּ ְמקוֹמוֹ �בּגּ‬ ִ‫ז‬ ‫ ִוּב ְכלָ ל ָא ְמרוּ‬, (‫ָמ ָרא )שם צ”ג ע”א‬ (‫ְכרוֹנָ ם לִ​ִ ְב ָר ָכה ְבּ ֻחלִּ ין )שם‬ , ֵ ‫ח‬ ֶ‫ל‬ ‫ב‬ ֶ ‫שׁ‬ � ‫ה‬ ָ ‫בּ‬ ָ ‫שׂ‬ ‫ר‬ ֶ ‫חוֹפ‬ ‫ה‬ ְ ‫א ֶשׁ ְבּ‬ ‫ ֶשׁ �על �ה ְכּ ָסלִ ים ָא �מר �ר ֲח ָמנָ א‬,‫אוֹתוֹ ֻמ ָתּר‬ ‫ ד’( וְ​ְ ל ֹ​ֹא‬,’‫)ויקרא ג‬ . ‫תוֹך �ה ְכּ ָסלִ ים‬

TO CONSUME (CHEILEV)

© 2013, MPL. Reproduction

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

24

its mother was a tereipermit it for consumption when shechitah for a fetus that fah. (2) The requirement of its mother’s shechitah is stepped on the ground after of the regular disqualifiRabbinic, and therefore many shechitah. cations do not apply to this 3:3-4) that describes 19. In the Torah passage (Leviticus burned on the Altar, the the cheilev of animal offerings mentioned by Chinuch verses clearly list the three areas below. That passage concludes 17): with the words (ibid. v. ֵ ‫ �כּל ֵחלֶ ב ל ֹא ת‬, you may not . . . ‫ֹאכלוּ‬ consume … any cheilev. This the indicates that these are are that portions same cheilev in forbidden to be eaten even animals that were not brought as offerings (Maggid Mishneh, see Hil. Maachalos Asuros 7:5; Minchas above, note 4). [Cf. Chinuch §8, who suggests that there are more than three.]

20. This refers to the sheets the of fat that encase most of inanimal’s digestive system, cluding its stomachs and intestines. These sheets are known greater the as anatomically omentum and the lesser omenas tum (Rambam ibid. 7:5-6, explained by Aruch HaShulchan, Yoreh Deah 64:17; 138 see also above, Mitzvah possible another note 31; for

Chullin 50a ‫)ד”ה בפלוגתא‬. explanation, see Keren Orah, See diagram on following page. that sits upon the kidneys 21. This refers to the fat surrounds that fat (see and the outer membrane that

Rambam ibid. 7:12). of layers of muscle and 22. An animal’s flanks consist sides of the body and surfat that extend down the The fat referred to here round the abdominal cavity. is that which is visible toward the top of the abdomen, near the kidneys; see below, where this Chinuch further defines area. See diagram. and 23. The areas of forbidden permitted fats are further defined and explained in Rambam ibid. Ch. 7 and Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah §64. Rama (ibid. 64:6) notes, however, that as a rule, one cannot practically by discern the forbidden fats way of a written text, but must be shown by an expert. the 24. The cited verse is from the passage that discusses the cheilev that is offered upon Altar; see above, note 19.

The fat upon the flanks is abvisible toward the top of the but domen, near the kidneys, by then becomes concealed as layers of meat (i.e., muscle) The diagram). (see it descends © 2013, MPL. Reproduction

prohibited.

Torah was his life and all of Klal Yisrael were his students jeremıas Edıtıon

A Life of Diligence and Halachic Leadership

adapted by Rabbi

NOW IN ITS 3RD LARGE PRINTING

dedicated by Boruch and Chani Jeremias

Yehuda and Malky Heimowitz

For more than ninety years Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l sat in the Meah Shearim neighborhood of Yerushalayim, studying Torah. For eighteen hours or more each day his sweet singsong voice rang out, eventually resonating to every corner of the Torah world.

This stunning new book unravels much of the mystery of this gadol who was at once famed and hidden.

4A wealth of historical information about the Eretz Yisrael Rav Elyashiv grew up in and helped to shape 4Vignettes of Rav Elyashiv’s personal life and conduct 4Rare family photos and documents 4Insights into many major halachic issues of the last half-century

THE MOST VERSATILE ELUCIDATION ANYWHERE.

The Ryzman Hebrew Edıtıon of Mıshnayos

Whether you’re learning quickly for a siyum or you want a very thorough understanding, there’s a level for you.

The Ryzman Edition brings a new dimension to the study of the Mishnah. It will broaden your knowledge and understanding in ways you never expected.

Try it. You’ll come away with a new love of Mishnah study.

COMPLETE IN 1 VOLUME

FOUR LEVELS OF PICK YOUR PACE; SA EXCELLENCE. TISFY YOUR TASTE 1. Explanatory phras

SHABBOS

NEW!

Also available: Berachos

Volume dedicated by Nachum and Malkie Silberman

es wove the Mishnah, for quick n into the words of learning 2. A detailed comm entary; combining breadth and variety, for a cle arer understanding 3. Questions and an swers, discussion an d depth — the lomdus of the Mishnah 4. A Halachah secti on summarizes the halachah l’ma’aseh derived fro m the Mishnah

Available now at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)

25

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

26

The Week ghan Local Police (ALP) outpost in the eastern province of Ghazni.

“An infiltrated local policeman first drugged all 17 of his comrades, and then called the Taliban and they together shot them all,” the chief police detective for Ghazni, Mohammad Hassan, said. Seven of the dead were new recruits still undergoing training, officials said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Israel Netanyahu & Abdullah Meet in Jordan Last week, Israel’s Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Jordan’s King Abdullah II met in Jordan to discuss the frozen Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The meeting preceded the much anticipated visit from President Barack Obama to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Secretary of State John Kerry will accompany Obama; the visit is scheduled for later in the month. It will be Obama’s first visit to Israel since taking office in January 2009. It will be Kerry’s first visit to Israel since he replaced Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State in January.

The goal of Obama’s visit is to revive the peace negotiations. The last direct negotiation between the Palestinians and Israelis was in December 2008, with the exception of a few meetings in September 2010.

The Palestinians are demanding that Israel cease construction in West Bank settlements and east Jerusalem before they will agree to meet. Israel has rejected that demand and insists that the talks be held without preconditions.

Let’s wait and see if Obama will swoop in and save the day…

Conspiracy Theory in Iran An unusual and rather distasteful Purim costume made for seven-year-old twins in Israel has sparked an Iranian conspiracy theory.

The twins were dressed up as the World Trade Centers on September

11th, depicting the planes heading into the towers on that day.

Dr. Kevin Barrett published an article that was printed on the state-run Iranian Press TV website. Barrett views the costume as a proclamation of Israeli joy regarding the successes of the terrorist attacks.

The article, titled, “Israel Celebrates Successful 9/11 Operation on Purim Holiday,” stressed that the costume, which depicts the two al-Qaeda hijacked planes as they crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, proved the success of “Zionist scheme.”

The author compared Purim, which he called “a strange holiday,” to the September 11, 2001 attacks: “Purim exalts and commemorates an ancient operation very much like 9/11. It glorifies the deceptions of Esther, who concealed her Jewish identity to seduce the King of Persia, then slyly tricked him into slaughtering 75,000 people deemed ‘enemies of the Jews,’” wrote Barrett.

“In other words, Purim celebrates Jews lying, secretly penetrating the highest levels of government, and manipulating the leaders of an empire into mass-murdering perceived ‘enemies of the Jewish people,’” he concluded.

Barrett went on. “The Israeli schoolchildren dressed up as the burning Twin Towers are not the first Zionists to wildly celebrate Israel’s biggest-ever attack on America. That honor belongs to the ‘dancing Israelis,’ five Mossad spies who set up their cameras in Liberty State Park, across the harbor from the World Trade Center, early in the morning of September 11, 2001, and pointed those cameras at the as-yet-undamaged Twin Towers.” He noted that this footage has not yet been publicized.

He continued with the conspiracy theory, saying that the Israelis rejoiced

In News when the planes hit the towers. “They began leaping, cavorting, and high-fiving each other. As the Towers burned, the ‘dancing Israelis’ took pictures of each other holding up burning cigarette lighters in front of the burning Towers.

“And when the Towers were blasted to powder in explosive controlled demolitions, the ‘dancing Israelis’ went crazy with joy. Their plan had succeeded,” he said.

Barrett is a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin.

They’ll see a Zionist conspiracy in everything.

Israel’s New Bus Line Israel has introduced a new bus line that, according to the Transportation Ministry, is intended to be used as transportation for Palestinian workers from the West Bank to central Israel. Perhaps these new bus routes will help ease the congestion of bus lines used by Israelis in these areas.

Officially, the new lines are considered “general bus lines,” yet initially their existence was only made public in Palestinian villages in the West Bank.

Flyers in Arabic were sent out urging Palestinians to arrive at Eyal crossing and use the designated lines. Some bus drivers said that any Palestinians who choose to travel on the “mixed” lines, will be asked to leave them and take the line designated for them.

The Transportation Ministry defended the plan, saying it was the solution to complaints and reports. Travelers have been saying that buses are overcrowded and rife with tensions between the Jewish and Arab passengers. A ministry source said that many complaints expressed concern that the Palestinian passengers may pose a security risk.

Other complainers said that because buses are so crowded, they skip stations.

There have been reports of physical fights between Jewish and Arabic passengers, as well as between Palestinians and drivers who refused to allow them to board their bus.

The Transportation Ministry issued the following statement: “The new lines are not separate lines for Palestinians but rather two designated lines meant to improve the services offered to Palestinian workers who enter Israel through Eyal Crossing.

“The new lines will replace irregular, pirate lines that charge very high prices from Palestinian passengers. The new

lines will reduce congestion and will benefit Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

According to the statement, “The Transportation Ministry is officially forbidden from preventing any passenger from boarding any line of public transportation.”

National White House Bullies Woodward The Washington Post’s Bob Woodward publicly complained that a “very senior” White House official threatened him over his continued public disagreements with the Obama administration.

Since this public statement, Republican and Democratic officials and journalists have had many questions for Woodward.

Woodward sat down with Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday. He described a tense series of exchanges he had with the White House.

“Well, they’re not happy at all, and some people kind of, you know, said, look, we don’t see eye to eye on this,” Woodward said. “They’ve said that this is factually wrong, and it was said to me in an e-mail by a top --” “What was said?” Blitzer prodded.

“It was said very clearly, you will regret doing this,” Woodward replied.

“Who sent that e-mail to you?”

Blitzer asked. “Well, I’m not going to say,” Woodward said.

“Was it a senior person at the White House?” Blitzer asked.

“A very senior person,” Woodward said. “It makes me very uncomfortable to have the White House telling reporters, you’re going to regret doing something that you believe in.”

It was later rumored that the official was Gene Sperling, who heads President Obama’s White House Economic Council.

Woodward says his main concern is that young reporters will be bullied by

the White House.

Lights Over San Fran San Francisco is known for its bridge—the Golden Gate Bridge—but for the next two years, just across the bay, San Francisco’s “other” bridge is going to have its time in the spotlight.

Starting from dusk on Tuesday, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will be basking in shimmering lights until March 2015. The bridge has become an oversized backdrop for New York artist Leo Villareal, who has programmed 25,000 white lights on the span’s vertical cables to create the world’s largest illuminated sculpture.

Of course, when the lights are switched on, there will be a private ceremony for the dancing lights with musical accompaniment, but anyone will be able to view the sequences of shifting lights by just gazing at the bridge.

“People are attracted to light and they will respond in a variety of ways, even if they don’t know anything about art, programming or technology,” Villareal, 46, said. “It’s really a wonderful piece of public art.”

Ben Davis is a San Francisco public relations and communication professional who came up with the idea of “Bay Lights.” “Those bridges are sort of like twins, one very beautiful, one very hard-working,” he said. “For 75 years, the Bay Bridge has had this pleasure of being able to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Now, we are giving its sister something really beautiful to look at for a while.”

The lights will be constantly shifting, sort of like a song-shuffling program, only the light sequences don’t start and end at the same time. Villareal said he drew inspiration from the bridge’s surroundings, such as the bay water and the birds soaring above.

To raise money to keep the lights on,

Davis has created a program that allows people to sponsor or name a light for $50 each. Now you can tell people you bought a bridge, er, a light on a bridge, for them.

Former Military Junior Confesses to Wiki Leak

Private first class (Pfc.) Bradley Manning confessed in open court to providing vast archives of military and diplomatic files to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks. He claims he released the information to spread awareness about “what happens and why it happens” and to “spark a debate about foreign policy.”

The hearing lasted over an hour. Appearing before a military judge, Private Manning read a statement recounting how he joined the military, became an intelligence analyst in Iraq, decided that certain files should become known to the American public to prompt a wider debate about foreign policy, downloaded them from a secure computer network, and ultimately uploaded them to WikiLeaks.

“No one associated with WLO” — an abbreviation he used to refer to the WikiLeaks organization — “pressured me into sending any more information,” Private Manning said. “I take full responsibility.”

Private Manning pleaded guilty to 10 criminal counts in connection with the huge amount of material he leaked, which included videos of airstrikes in Iraq and Afghanistan in which civilians were killed, logs of military incident reports, assessment files of detainees held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and a quarter-million cables from American diplomats stationed around the world.

Manning has become a sort-of hero among antiwar and whistle-blower advocacy groups but that won’t save him from prison. The military has charged him with a far more serious set of offenses, including aiding the enemy, and multiple counts of violating federal statutes, including the Espionage Act.

In News He can potentially face up to 20 years in prison.

The 25-year-old said he thought carefully about the kind of information he was releasing, and cautiously weighed whether it could potentially cause harm.

He only intended to spread awareness.

He said that his main source of inspiration was a book about “open diplomacy” after World War I and “how the world would be a better place if states would not make secret deals with each other.”

Once Manning acquired the information, he approached The Washington Post and The New York Times to publish his secret information but it was not received enthusiastically so he chose to post to WikiLeaks instead.

Highest Paid NFL Player Joe Flacco will be a very rich man.

The Baltimore Ravens athlete got himself a six-year, $120.6 million contract that will make the quarterback the highest-paid player in NFL history.

According to a source claiming to have inside information, the two sides reached the contract deal last weekend and it was finalized Sunday night. The rumor was confirmed Monday at a news conference held by the team.

At the press conference, Flacco said, “When guys that are drafted in the first round, when guys that win football games for you, quarterbacks like that, when the time comes up for those guys to get paid, they usually become the highest paid guy in the league.”

He added, “I’m sure in a couple of months from now, someone is going to sign a deal, and you guys are going to be talking to them about how they are the

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

The Week

27

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

28

The Week highest paid guy in NFL history. That’s just the name of the game. I know that this isn’t going to hold up for that long, but that’s not a priority of mine to be the highest-paid guy. The priority of mine was to get that respect that I felt, that I feel now from this organization.”

Flacco will receive a $29 million signing bonus, $52 million in guaranteed money and $51 million over the first two years of the deal.

The former first-round draft pick out of Delaware is the first starting quarterback in NFL history to make the playoffs in each of his first five seasons.

He’s led the Ravens to nine wins over that span, tying Tom Brady for most among quarterbacks in the first five years of a career. I’m sure winning the Super Bowl gave him some leverage as well.

“We just returned from the [scouting] combine, and I remember the days of going there and studying and hoping that one of the quarterbacks could be our guy. ... We’ve been out in that desert before,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. “That all changed when we drafted Joe in 2008, and now we’ve secured him for many more years. He’s a significant reason we’ve been to the playoffs five years in a row, played in three AFC championship games, and now, we are Super Bowl champs with Joe as MVP.” Flacco admitted, “Listen, winning the Super Bowl, winning the Super Bowl MVP doesn’t make me as valuable as I am,” he said. “I think I bring to the table what I bring to the table. I think I’m an asset to this team, and I’m worth what I’m worth. The fact that we won the Super Bowl just comes with that. If we didn’t win the Super Bowl this year, I still think I’m worth the same, and I still think I’m the same person to this organization. It may not be seen that way, but that’s the bottom line. I still think I give the team the best chance to win moving forward.”

He continued, “I know we have a lot of good players on the team, and I love to play with those guys, so hopefully it works out very good for the organization and we can keep as many people as we need.”

Until Flacco signed his lucrative contract, Drew Brees was the highest paid player in the NFL, averaging $20 million per year.

And all they do is break a little sweat while kicking a ball around a field of grass…

In News Las Vegas Casino Under Investigation for Bribery According to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Friday, Las Vegas Sands Corporation said it “likely” violated the federal Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which outlaws the bribery of foreign officials. The filing is the first acknowledgment by the casino, controlled by founder and billionaire Republican donor Sheldon Adelson, that it was under investigation.

The investigation began in February 2011 when the SEC subpoenaed company documents relating to its compliance with the anti-bribery act. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice also advised the Sands it was conducting an investigation. The company claimed then that it was an annual report filing.

“There were likely violations of the books and records and internal controls provisions of the FCPA,” the company said.

Reportedly, the Sands allowed a man identified by the U.S. Senate as an organized crime figure to move a $100,000 gambling credit from a Las Vegas casino to one of its Macau casinos. An anonymous person familiar with the matter revealed that the company’s findings are related to deals in mainland China led by executives no longer employed at the casino.

The Sands, in the filing, said the issue would have no material impact on the company’s financial records and that it would not need to restate any past financial statements.

Sinkhole Swallows Man Alive Jeff Bush was peacefully sleeping in his suburban Tampa, Florida, home when the unthinkable happened. He disappeared into a sinkhole that swal-

29

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

30

The Week lowed his bedroom. Rescue workers attempted to recover the man’s body but were unsuccessful. Authorities used listening devices and cameras but have not detected any signs of life. For safety reasons, the entire house will be demolished.

Bush, 36, was asleep while five other household members were getting ready for bed on Thursday night. Suddenly, they heard a loud crash and heard Jeff screaming for help.

Jeff ‘s brother, Jeremy Bush, jumped into the hole and furiously began digging in an effort to find his beloved brother. Jeremy, 35, had to be rescued from the sinkhole by the first responder to the emergency call, Douglas Duvall of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Duvall explained that when he entered Jeff Bush’s bedroom, all he saw was a widening chasm but no sign of Jeff.

“The hole took the entire bedroom,” said Duvall. “You could see the bedframe, the dresser, everything was sinking,” he said.

Norman Wicker, 48, the father of Jeremy’s fiancée who also lived in the house, ran to get a flashlight and shovel.

“It sounded like a car ran into the back of the house,” Wicker said.

“Our data has come back, and there is absolutely no way we can do any kind of recovery without endangering lives of workers,” said Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spokeswoman Jessica Damico.

“There’s nothing compatible with life in this situation,” Damico said. “There’s no way of possible survival.”

What a nightmare!

That’s Odd Serving Up Lunches and Hugs Tim’s Place, a restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is not just a place customers go to for good food. In this eatery, customers are greeted by the owner, Tim Harris, with a warm hello and a cuddly hug.

For years, Tim dreamed of opening and running a restaurant. And although it was a dream that he had, it wasn’t simple that he would be able to accomplish his goal. You see, Tim, 27, has Down’s Syndrome, and for many people who have this disability, the thought of own-

ing a business is hardly a possibility.

But Tim’s parents never thought that anything was impossible for their son. “We were very motivated for Tim to have as normal as life as possible,” Keith Harris said. “Our philosophy as a family was to push the envelope as much as we could toward independence, so that one day when my wife and I are no longer in the picture, Tim will be settled and have his own life.”

Besides for American and Mexican breakfasts and lunches, Tim’s Place serves up hugs to customers. According to a “hug counter” on the eatery’s website, 32,475 have been shared so far.

Giving hugs “is my favorite part of the day,” says Tim, who arrives at work every morning between 7 and 7:30 and leaves around 2 pm every day except Tuesdays, his day off. “I come to work and I have my shirt untucked. I get my breakfast, and when I’m done, I’ll tuck in my shirt and get into work mode.”

Tim was never treated differently from his three brothers. He attended a mainstream high school, where he was voted homecoming king, and earned certificates in Food Service and in Office Skills at Eastern New Mexico University. He lived in a college dorm, and graduated in the summer of 2008. He also won several gold medals in the Special Olympics. Throughout high school he worked at other eateries and when people came in specifically to see Tim and greet him, his parents thought that helping him open his own restaurant would be a good idea.

Although there’s a chef and a manager in the eatery, Keith says Tim “works the room like a gifted politician and visits every table.”

Besides for running a restaurant, Tim is also a popular motivational speaker.

His top message for his audience? “I tell people with disabilities to stay in school, so they can follow their dreams.”

We’re so happy that you followed yours, Tim.

In News Fired with Grace or Grace Under Fire?

Groupon just fired its CEO, Andrew Mason.

The media estimated that his severance pay was just $378.36 – sixmonths’ worth of his $756 annual salary. He still owns 7% of the company, so don’t expect him to see collecting quarters at the subway. Mason handled his dismissal rather gracefully. Upon hearing the upsetting news, he penned a memo to all Groupon employees. The email read: People of Groupon, After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding – I was fired today. If you’re wondering why... you haven’t been paying attention.

From controversial metrics in our S1 to our material weakness to two quarters of missing our own expectations and a stock price that’s hovering around one quarter of our listing price, the events of the last year and a half speak for themselves. As CEO, I am accountable.

You are doing amazing things at Groupon, and you deserve the outside world to give you a second chance.

I’m getting in the way of that. A fresh CEO earns you that chance. The board is aligned behind the strategy we’ve shared over the last few months, and I’ve never seen you working together more effectively as a global company – it’s time to give Groupon a relief valve from the public noise.

For those who are concerned about me, please don’t be – I love Groupon, and I’m terribly proud of what we’ve created. I’m OK with having failed at this part of the journey. If Groupon was Battletoads, it would be like I made it all the way to the Terra Tubes without dying on my first ever play through. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to take the company this far with all of you. I’ll now take some time to decompress (FYI, I’m looking for a good fat camp to lose my Groupon 40, if anyone

has a suggestion), and then maybe I’ll figure out how to channel this experience into something productive.

If there’s one piece of wisdom that this simple pilgrim would like to impart upon you: have the courage to start with the customer. My biggest regrets are the moments that I let a lack of data override my intuition on what’s best for our customers. This leadership change gives you some breathing room to break bad habits and deliver sustainable customer happiness – don’t waste the opportunity!

I will miss you terribly.

Love, Andrew Mason is only 31 years-old and already has a pretty decent resume. I’m not too worried about him. I’m sure his fortune and work experience will get him through a few doors.

Just for the record, if I had the opportunity, I would fire Groupon! They don’t stop flooding my inbox. No, I do not want to take a sunset cruise from Staten Island to Brooklyn in February on a Tuesday night even if the drinks are on the house. No, I do not need another set of memory foam mattress covers. No, I do not want gourmet peanut butter pumpkin sesame seed ice cream.

But thanks for asking.

Six-Year-Old Boy Authors a Book; Raises $92K for Sick Best Friend

Dylan Siegel, 6, of Los Angeles knows what it means to be a good friend.

A few months ago, Dylan came up with an idea to help his best friend, Jonah Pournazarian, 7, who has a rare liver disease. He’d write a book, sell a whole bunch of copies, and make heaps of money to help researchers find a cure.

Many youngsters have wonderful ideas. The hard part is implementing them. But that’s just what Dylan did.

One afternoon, Dylan wrote and illus-

trated a 16-page book called Chocolate Bar. Next he pressured his key support staff, Mom and Dad, of course, to get the book published and ready for wide distribution. Eventually, his parents got his work published, and Dylan began life as a published author.

Just recently, Dylan held a high-profile book-signing at a Barnes & Noble.

His friend, Jonah, was there of course and they can be seen laughing like… children during televised media interviews.

The website and Facebook page for Dylan’s cause exploded. To date, Dylan’s “Chocolate Bar” sensation has raised more than $92,000 to support a University of Florida research team that is working to cure Jonah’s disease.

“My goal is to raise a million dollars!” he told TODAY.com. “Then I think I’ll make a whole series of Chocolate Bar books so I can raise money for different diseases.”

The idea behind the title of the book stems from their friendship. A while back they began using their very own catchphrase to describe anything supercool: “chocolate bar.”

“Like, going to Disneyland is so

chocolate bar!” Jonah explained. “Going to the arcade is so chocolate bar! I like to go to the beach. That is so chocolate bar.”

“I feel really good about it,” Jonah said about Dylan’s book. “He’s a great friend.”

The sad irony is that Jonah can’t eat chocolate because of his health condition. Jonah has a liver disease called glycogen storage disease type 1B. Any form of glycogen storage disease is extremely rare; the kind Jonah has affects one in a million people, said his dad, Rabin Pournazarian. “It’s a difficult life,” Jonah’s father, 42, an attorney, said.

People with glycogen storage disease are prone to severe drops in blood sugar — so severe that they can have seizures and die. The disease was fatal until about 1971, when doctors discovered the key to keeping kids with the condition alive: cornstarch. Difficult to digest, cornstarch releases sugar into the blood slowly. Jonah must consume cornstarch mixed with water at seven strict feeding times each day. Sometimes he drinks it, but most of the time he ingests it through a feeding tube in

In News his stomach.

Twice a day, Jonah eats something different to give him the nutrients he needs: a special soup containing ingredients such as beef or chicken, rice, lentils, greens, cilantro or parsley. But other than that, it’s all cornstarch, all the time. One of Jonah’s mandatory cornstarch regimens must happen in the middle of the night, at 3 a.m. Jonah’s mother, Lora Pournazarian, 40, said she and her husband always set two alarm clocks so they’re sure to wake up. “We haven’t slept in seven years,” she said.

I hope that with the help of all the money Dylan raised, doctors can find a miraculous cure sometime real soon.

That would be SO chocolate bar!

The Animals Came Marching Two by Two The Hidden Ark group of Hialeah, Florida has a biblical project in the works. They began building a 500-foot

wooden Noah’s Ark on the outskirts of town. The ark will be a zoo for visitors to enjoy and hopefully help spread awareness about the current environmental changes.

“It’s a religious thing because it’s Noah and G-d teaches us to protect animals,” said Carolina Peralta who is part of the group, hiddenark.com. “You’re using Noah’s Ark to make a statement about helping animals and conserving our planet.”

The group posted the blueprints of its project on its website. The site will include a veterinarian laboratory, a petting area, stables, shops, and a dining area. The group is hoping to create the Continued on page 34

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

The Week

31

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

32

33 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Kaituz_wide33.pdf

C

Y

CM

MY

CY

3/2/13

9:27 PM

K2

www. six22llc.com

M

1

FIVE DAYS ONLY KAITUZ PRECUT WIG EVENT

CMY

K

Starting as low

ALL KIKI WIGS UP TO 30% OFF

buy a kiki get a jewel or miri $750 50% off Sary Wigs $1590 cut included plus get a sary fall for $600 50% off 1 year Warranty included - restrictions apply

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

34

Co

m e jo in us in camp HILLEL and have a “reel” good tim e

WE HAVE IT ALL ...

Football

Cheerleading

Basketball Pools

Baseball

Soccer

Arts and Crafts Tennis

Creative Cooking

AND MUCH MORE .....

516-569-3370 Ext 101 Ari Solomon, Director

first online zoo, where members will be able to witness the entire building process of the ark on their website. Once the project is finished, the website will continue to show investors live video of the animals around the clock.

“Animals from the street, animals that are hurt, animals that no one can take care of, we will take them in,” said Peralta, who joked about not wanting a flood. “We are not predicting the end of the world. No big floods.”

With all the hard work, we hope it lasts for more than 40 days and nights.

Jewelry Making

We have a new state of the art gym Three heated pools on site New huge interactive playground Professional coaches Sports Clinics Sports leagues

For more information call:

The Week

Gallons of Whiskey Flushed Away Workers at the Chivas Brothers plant in Scotland have accidentally flushed thousands of gallons of the company’s whiskey, instead of its wastewater, down the drain. Oops!

389 Central Avenue Lawrence, NY 11559

www. hilleldaycamp . org

Passover The Healthy Way • Over 100 Kosher taste-tested recipes

• Common, easy to find ingredients • Designed to reduce your intake of calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium • Available in Judaica Stores and Supermarkets

FREE GIFT with your purchase at www.passoverthehealthyway.com or by calling 516-486-4569 (while supplies last)

Bonnie R. Giller, MS, RD, CDN, CDE bonnie@brghealth.com (516) 486-4569 www.brghealth.com

Driving Savior A Maryland woman saved her fellow passengers after the bus driver of the bus she was traveling on suddenly passed out.

Janai Stafford boarded the bus on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. The bus was full of kids so she found herself a spot to stand in toward the front next to the driver.

“All of a sudden [the bus driver] said, ‘Something’s not right, I don’t feel good. Something’s not right,’” she recalls. “And then all of a sudden, he passed out all over the wheel.”

Instinctively, Stafford took over control of the bus. “I put my foot on his foot and I wrapped my arm around him and I steered the bus to the right and parked it,” she said. “It didn’t hit me until afterwards, like, that really could have been bad.”

The oddest part? Stafford doesn’t have a driver’s license!

“Driving is simple so it’s a wheel, and it’s a brake, and it’s a gas,” she said.

“Either I’m going to press on the gas or I’ m going to press on the brake. Luckily, I pressed on the brake.”

Clearly she’s gone go-carting before.

The Not So Lonely Caterpillar

Light, Tasty and Easy Recipes Your Whole Family Will Enjoy

• Nutritional analysis and dietary exchanges included with each recipe

In News

The strange accident happened on Tuesday at the Chivas Brothers plant in Dumbarton, Scotland, where about 600 workers are employed. The company produces multiple brands of whiskey at the site. Chivas Brothers is a major producer of whiskey whose brands include Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and The Glenlivet.

The company said the amount of whiskey spilled was less than the approximately 5,000 gallons reported, but declined to give exact figures.

An anonymous spokesman for the company said that the whiskey was released into a wastewater plant but didn’t make it into any surrounding waterways. The plant is back up and running, but the company is reviewing its procedures to make sure nothing like this happens again.

You know what they say: never cry over spilled milk, I mean, booze.

British customs agents made a creepy discovery when an airline passenger was found with 207 pounds of caterpillars in his luggage.

Even weirder? The man claimed they were intended as food for personal consumption.

The U.K. Border Force said Friday that inspectors at London’s Gatwick Airport found the dried caterpillars shrinkwrapped in cellophane and packed into bags carried by a passenger travelling Continued on page 38

35

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

36 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

hf

D r . Ta b i c k 15 years experienced

Rivkah Laufer Rofeh Award Doctor of the year

‘Brainstem Specialist’ will explain on your

first F R E E v i s i t the cause of your h e a lt h c o n c e r n How did this happen to you How can we correct the cause How long will this take to correct

Dr. Tabick, D.C. SpeciÞc Chiropractor

CALL TODAY

718.745.8177 6908 11th Ave. Brooklyn NY Free Visit includes consultation,exam and Brainstem scan

Migraines ADD/ADHD IBS/Colitis Fatigue/mental Focus Depression/Anxiety Learning weakness Dizziness/Vertigo Weight Problems Sciatica Scoliosis Slipped/Herniated Disc Weak Immune system Ear Infections Menstrual/Ovulation Tremors / Tics Bed wetting Spinal Stenosis Stroke recovery too much to list...

37

The Lawrence / Far rockaway communiTy koLLeL

cordiaLLy inviTes you To aTTend

annual Dinner our

‫פקודי‬-‫מוצאי שבת פרשת ויקהל‬ Motzei ShabboS, March 9th at 8:30 in the evening beth SholoM 390 broadway lawrence, ny 11559

ShiMon Pluchenik, dinner chairMan tel: 718-757-0713 • Fax: 214-975-6200 • email: kollelavreichim@gmail.com

Shabbos! d! i e z t o s M ortant community mossa i h t s u p

Please joinbe mechazeik this im

ce will your attendan

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Kollel Avreichim

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

38

The Week from Burkina Faso via Istanbul.

The caterpillars were seized by authorities after the February 23 find because they breached restrictions on importing animal products. The 22-year-old passenger was let off with a warning.

Border Force spokeswoman Ingrid Smith said, “The vigilance of our officers has stopped these dried insects from entering the U.K., and possibly posing a risk to our food chain.”

They’re certainly not part of my food chain.

Fake Mom, Fake Pregnancy, Fake Contest Natasha Hill, a struggling single art teacher in Los Angeles, was named by the website Belly Ballot last month as the winner of an essay contest and the $5,000 prize for agreeing to let the Internet name her unborn baby.

Dozens of TV, online and print media outlets covered the story. “Saturday Night Live” even spoofed the contest.

STEARNS & FOSTER

In News Hill, who said she was due in September, said in a phone interview last week that she planned to use her winnings to pay off credit card debt and start her baby’s college fund.

Turns out, it’s all a hoax.

Natasha Hill is actually Natasha Lloyd, an actress, and she is not pregnant, according to Belly Ballot founder Lacey Moler of Texas.

After TODAY Moms received a tip and uncovered seeming inconsistencies in Hill’s story, Moler confessed to the hoax on Sunday night and admitted it was her idea.

“We came up with the idea for the contest and we knew it would be controversial,” Moler said. “But we’re a start-up and we wanted to control the situation.”

So they decided to “hire someone to be the mom.”

Moler approached media outlets about the story, and originally said that 80 women applied to the contest. On Sunday, she admitted that, in fact, no one entered it. Lloyd was hired to play the “winner” and then the public would get to cast a vote for one of five boy names and five girl names on March 18.

Moler would not say how much she paid Lloyd for her part in the hoax, or whether Lloyd would still receive payment now that her identity has been revealed.

“We never thought it would get this big,” says Moler. “But after [‘Hill’ was announced as the winner], so many real applications from moms came pouring in.”

When reached by phone on Sunday night, Natasha Lloyd

confirmed that she was an actress who played the role of Natasha Hill. She declined to comment further on any details of her contract with Belly Ballot, her alleged pregnancy, or the site’s contest.

The contest seemed too weird to be true.

$800 Found in Garbage Truck Three Years Later If you’ve ever lost your wallet, you understand the stress and disappointment if it’s not returned to you within a few days. You’d assume it was stolen and begin cancelling credit cards, ordering new ID cards, and acknowledging that you will never see whatever cash that was inside.

That’s exactly what Harold Walls, a trash collector, did three years ago when he lost his wallet. He had $800 cash inside.

Walls had assumed he dropped his wallet while collecting trash one morning. He and his partner retraced their steps but they had no luck.

“I wrote it off, honestly,” Walls said.

“Ain’t no sense in harping about it or crying over spilled milk. Keep moving.”

But that’s not where the story ends.

In 2012, the truck Walls and his partner used was retired by the city and sold at auction to a farmer in Maine.

The farmer took apart the bench seat in the truck’s cab and, lo and behold, he found the long-missing wallet. The farmer mailed it back to Walls, cash included.

“I was real surprised it came back with everything…It happens to restore a lot of faith that there are still some good people out there,” Walls said.

You never know what you’ll find when looking in the couch cushions.

Happy Pesach cleaning!

NEWS

Community

Agudath Israel Shabbos in Far Rockaway and the Five Towns

By Judith Dinowitz This Shabbos, in a special program in Far Rockaway and Lawrence, three Agudath Israel leaders spoke to the gathered community about Agudath Israel and what it means to Klal Yisroel. The event attracted many young ba’alei batim in their 20’s and 30’s as well as more seasoned community members, creating an atmosphere of excitement and unity and a feeling of connection with Agudath Israel and the Gedolei Yisroel who stand at its helm.

The three Agudath Israel executive staff members who visited the Far Rockaway/Lawrence community – Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President; Rabbi Avi Shafran, Director of Public Affairs; and Rabbi Yehiel Kalish, National Director of Government Affairs – spoke at nine different shuls in the area over the course of Shabbos. On leil Shabbos, the three speakers joined together for an oneg Shabbos at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shlomo Reich.

Pleas for funding and requests for membership never entered into the equation. “The purpose wasn’t to raise funds,” said Yoily Edelstein, a member of the event’s steering committee. “It was designed to put out word about the organization and to let people know why they need a strong Agudath Israel.” The introductions to the three Agudath Israel speakers were often passionate and supportive, an added endorsement for the organization. Said Rabbi Zwiebel, “The introductions by the Rabbonim were as valuable as our own drashos, if not more so.”

The goal of reaching out to the Far Rockaway and Lawrence communities, and especially to the younger generation, was achieved successfully, if the Oneg Shabbos event was any indication.

As Mr. Reich, an alumnus of Camp Agudah, explained, “This past Friday night, my wife and I had the pleasure of hosting an Oneg Shabbos farbreng with the Agudah’s executive leadership, together with close to 100 friends, neighbors and members of our shul. It was an evening filled with joyous song and shared divrei Torah, with special Shabbos treats, and with – above all – a very prevalent spirit of ruach and achdus. We were an ‘agudah achas’ in the very sense of the word.”

At the Oneg, Rabbi Shafran was asked how the individual Jew’s life would be different if Agudath Israel didn’t exist. Using himself as an exam-

ple, Rabbi Shafran noted that he writes articles and puts forth ideas that make people think and, perhaps, inspire action. He added that small bits and pieces of every Jew’s life were influenced by Agudath Israel. For example, had Mr. Reich not gone to Camp Agudah as a child, he would not have been shaped by those experiences. Agudath Israel has set up much of the groundwork that created today’s Orthodox reality, such as spearheading many of the laws that make it possible for Jews to keep Shabbos in the workplace.

The theme of many of the speeches that weekend was da’as Torah, and how Agudath Israel functions as an organized body to carry out the instructions of the Gedolei Yisroel and to relate how things should be done according to da’as Torah.

Simcha David, a member of the event’s steering committee, said, “We endeavored to bring the name of Agudath Israel to the larger community by having them come for Shabbos, and I think we succeeded. Rabbi Zwiebel spoke about the Agudah and elaborated on the concept of activism, particularly differentiating between shtadlanus through the prism of Torah and shtadlanus without the prism of Torah. Agudath Israel is about shtadlanus through the prism of Torah.”

“Throughout the weekend, and even today, people questioned why I didn’t mention more about what we do as an organization,” Rabbi Kalish said. “My general comment was the same. It’s as much about who we are, what we represent, as what we do. No one else can say they were established by the Chofetz Chaim and other Gedolei Hador of his generation.” Rabbi Kalish also thanked the members of the event’s steering committee, particularly Rabbi Yonah Feinstein, Agudath Israel’s Director of Special Projects, who spent hours planning the event.

Dr. Ernest Isaacson, a staunch supporter of Agudath Israel, said that it was a privilege to host Rabbi Shafran, who was his Rebbe in high school, for Shabbos. “We were happy to reconnect with Rabbi Shafran on a personal level and to help him publicize Agudath Israel’s message.”

Eric Stern, a New York City employment lawyer, who has been doing pro bono work for Agudath Israel for nearly a decade, said it was an honor to host Rabbi Kalish for the Shabbos seudah. He said that Rabbi Kalish and other leaders in Agudath Israel influenced his decision to start doing pro bono work for the organization.

Mr. Stern stressed that the Shabbos program demonstrated that Agudath Israel is a vibrant organization, staffed by talented individuals, who give selflessly to the Jewish community. “The takeaway from this weekend is that Agudath Israel, under the auspices of da’as Torah (the Moetzes Gedolei Yisroel) is here for you. The Agudah is run by top-level professionals who are moser nefesh every day by dedicating their lives to the betterment of Klal Yisroel.” Mr. Stern joins other Agudath Israel lay-leaders in the plea to get involved. “If you can lend your talents and efforts, Agudath Israel is always looking for people.”

Rabbi Zwiebel reflected on the spirit of unity that had permeated the weekend. “The Shabbos in Far Rockaway and Lawrence gave us an opportunity to convey to approximately 1,000 people the essential message of Agudas Yisroel -- the importance of Yidden joining together to form a powerful and effective ko’ach ha’rabbim under the leadership of Gedolei Yisroel. And it gave those 1,000 people an opportunity to spend meaningful time with some of the soldiers on the front lines of today’s battles for the Torah community, and to learn more about how they too can enlist in the cause. It was a wonderful experience.”

39 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

40

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

At Agudath Israel Breakfast, Senate Leader Addresses Concerns Over Sandy Relief Funding

By Judith Dinowitz

As Talmudic scholars would say, it is now a chazakah.

For the third year in a row, Agudath Israel of America hosted a breakfast reception in Lawrence, NY, for Senate Majority Coalition Leader Dean Skelos.

This year’s event included impassioned pleas by local homeowners in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway area who not yet received assistance to rebuild their homes after Hurricane Sandy, from either FEMA or from insurance companies. Senator Skelos vowed to attain the funding necessary. “One of the things that we’re doing, working with the governor, is trying to make sure that the funding is there to help restore our communities,” he said. “We’re getting it there as fast as possible.”

This was but one of the issues discussed at the breakfast, hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Shamshy Eisenberger, which paid tribute Senator Skelos for his strong support of the Jewish community, and his work with Agudath Israel in increasing funding for the Yeshiva community.

As Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, Agudath Israel’s Vice President for Community Affairs, noted, “This past year alone, Senator Skelos’ accomplishments include a bill granting state funding for late busing transportation for nonpublic schools, increasing the base budget for Comprehensive Attendance

Policy (CAP) reimbursement to nonpublic schools by $7 million, support for a special education bill, TAP funding for Rabbinical colleges (with close to 18 million dollars in checks already sent), amending the Palliative Care Act, and the creation of a new subcommittee in the Senate for New York City Education, chaired by Senator Simcha Felder.”

Rabbi Lefkowitz then went on to outline Agudath Israel’s budgetary and legislative priorities for the coming year, including additional funding and services for the Yeshiva community, help for couples struggling with infertility, and strengthening the religious rights of patients in hospital and other healthcare settings.

Senator Skelos spoke of his desire to be seen as the Senator for all Jewish communities in New York State, noting his tendency to travel to different communities. “If there’s a problem with the Senator there, I tell the constituents, ‘Call me, I’m your Senator.’” Of Rabbi Lefkowitz, he said, “I can honestly say that whenever the Rabbi comes to me, it’s about something important. It’s not just, ‘I want something.’ It’s about doing good.”

The gathering was graced by the presence of Rabbi Binyomin Kamenetsky, Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva of South Shore, whom the Senator acknowl-

edged as his mentor and one of his best friends. Other notable guests included a number of prominent rabbonim from the Far Rockaway/Five Towns Community, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, and Rabbi Baruch Ber Bender, president of Achiezer.

Moti Hellman, chairman of the event, said, “The interaction between Senator Skelos and the Agudah representatives was impressive. It seemed that they were the best of friends. It’s something I never imagined, to see the mutual respect and admiration between key lawmakers and the Agudah.”

Dr. Ernest Isaacson, an Agudath Israel askan, said the event epitomized the high levels of Agudath Israel’s advocacy efforts. “It was a good way to interact with someone who’s been a friend to the frum community. This is why the political arm of Agudath Israel exists – so that legislators know we’re a force and so that the Orthodox Jewish community knows where to turn, at the national level and the state level. And the place was really full, which helped convey that message.”

Yoily Edelstein, a young leader in Agudath Israel, pointed out Senator Skelos’ quick response to the news that the city had not picked up the cost of late after-school busing, as Senator Skelos had assumed would happen.

Without batting an eye, the Senator

immediately said, “Really? I’ll take care of that.”

Rabbi Yehiel Kalish, Agudath Israel’s National Director of Government Affairs, called the breakfast a spectacular success, noting the hard work of the Far Rockaway/Five Towns steering committee, Breakfast Chairman Moti Hellman and event coordinator Rabbi Yonah Feinstein. “Senator Skelos was fantastic, Rabbi Binyomin Kamenetsky was spectacular, and the crowd had the chance to speak with the Senator about real issues.” He was excited about the senator’s commitment to Sandy aid.

“The Senator will be providing a staff member to assist our community in working with insurance and denied FEMA claims. We know he’ll be helpful.”

Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Agudath Israel’s Executive Vice President, expressed his hopes for the impact of the breakfast. “It is a special hashgacha that the most powerful person in the New York State Senate represents such a large constituency of Torah Jews. It has been proven in the past that these breakfast meetings between Senator Skelos and his constituents have a real impact on issues of critical importance to the community.

Today’s event, we are hopeful, will yield similar positive outcomes.”

41

Together with Klal Yisrael we mourn

the petirah of a true pillar of Torah

Reb Heshy (Harry) Ostreicher v"g ojbn ic hcm wr

and express our heartfelt divrei tanchumim to his illustrious life-partner

Helen whj,a

and his devoted children

Yussie Ostreicher and Aggie Zitter a�ung Born in Munkacs, Reb Heshy lost most of his family in the destruction of Europe – yet he rose from the ashes to build a beautiful family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are all bona fide bnei Torah.

From his pioneering chinuch and kiruv work in the Midwest of the 1950s to his investment in Jewish life in New York and beyond, Reb Heshy led a life devoted to the fulfillment of the Divine promise: ugrz hpn jfa, tk hf His loss will be deeply felt by all who were privileged to be touched by his warmth and passion.

-

Yeshiva Darchei Torah DYNAGRAFIK 845.352.1266

Far rockawaY, New York

rabbi Yaakov beNDer

roNalD lowiNger

RosH HaYEsHiva

PREsiDENT

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

,ntv ihhs lurc

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

42

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Hundreds Fill the White Shul in Celebration of Yeshiva of South Shore’s 56 Years of Jewish Education Sunday, March 3rd was indeed a special evening. It was a joyous and most meaningful celebration for hundreds of parents, community members and long-time friends who filled The White Shul’s synagogue in overflowing tribute to the Yeshiva of South Shore’s amazing efforts on behalf of education and community.

The powerful program, chaired by Dinner Chairman, Avram Weissman, opened with an address by the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky

who spoke of the ketores as an exotic medley of spices and substances that comprise the beautiful smell. Even if one element is left behind, the ketores is invalid and the preparer has committed a capital offense! Rabbi Kamenetzky spoke about the all inclusive nature of the Yeshiva founded by his father, shli”ta in which so many elements blend to create a sweet scent to the Almighty.

The Yeshiva then paid homage to special honorees, the feeling of warmth, care and concern emanated from the guests of honor as well as the hanahala. Guests of Honor, Rabbi Josh & Julie Joseph, who are both leaders in the field of education, spoke about the ruchniyous that inspired their young children to reach for a tehillim in the midst of the recent hurricane Guests of Honor Rabbi Josh and Julie Joseph and flooding and ask, “Which tehillim shall we say?” Benji and Bashi Fish were presented with the Young Leadership Award for their leadership in so many areas of the Yeshiva’s development.

Rabbi Efrem & Dr. Tamar Schwalb, recipients of the Torah Leadership Award, Reb Shimon Pluchenik, Reb Moshe Frankel, Rav Chaim Krieger and for their service as Reb Chaim Silber Rav and Rebbitzen of Kehillas Eitz Chaim in West Hempstead, epitomize the commitment to limud Torah and mentchlechkeit.

In a very unique presentation, a Special Video Tribute was held in honor of Rabbi Chaim Krieger on the occasion of his aliyah to Eretz Rabbi Dovid Kramer, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Rabbi Binyamin Yisroel. With scenes Kamenetzky, Torah Leadership Awardees Rabbi Efrem and Dr. Tamar spanning decades Schwalb and Rabbi Chaim Krieger

Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky; Mr. Benjamin Lawsky, NYS Superintendent of Financial Services; US Senator Charles Schumer; Rabbi Binyamin Kamenetzky; Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder; Rabbi Dovid Kramer; Rabbi Chaim Krieger

over and beyond their coverage from FEMA. The evening was capped off with an unique video presentation that left the crowd quite moved, only to be buoyed by a delicious Viennese desMan of the Year Benjamin Lawsky, NYS Superintendent of Financial Services sert and an including his interaction with the stuamazing celdents and Gedolei Yisroel, amongst ebration of song and dance produced them Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky, zt”l and directed by Rabbi Yitzy Bald and the crowd got a glimpse of his unique the YOSS fourth grade. warmth and style that combines the It seems that the hundreds of attendruach of yesteryear with the skills need- ees all agreed with the thoughts of a ed to become true Torah scholars. veteran dinner-goer, who proclaimed, The evening also paid tribute to Mr. Benjamin M. Lawsky, New York State’s first Superintendent of Financial Services.

Introduced by long-time Yeshiva friend, New York State Assemblyman, Phil Goldfeder, Mr. Lawsky accepted the award, and noted how he and his staff are working relentlessly to protect consumers and their financial rights especially during the aftermath of Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Rav Chaim Krieger, Rabbi Superstorm Sandy.

Binyamin Kamenetzky and Rabbi Dovid Kramer In a surprise appearance, United States Senator Charles Schumer “I have been at many dinners in my life, announced a new program instituted by but I have never enjoyed myself and the Obama Administration to compen- have never been as inspired as tonight’s sate homeowners, to make them whole, YOSS Dinner.”

Rabbi Grunblatt and Rabbi Chait speaking at the Chofetz Chaim yahrtzeit shiur in memory of the rosh hayeshiva on Thursday, February 28th.

Photo credit: Yaakov Katz Studios

Fashion Forward?

Or Fashionably Late?

If the title of this article grabbed you, then you speak our language! We women want to look good and feel good but not spend TOO much money doing so. Welcome to “FASHIONABLY LATE!” For the Fashion Forward who can’t stand the idea of spending a ton of money on an evening gown worn only five, maybe six hours of their life at someone else’s simcha, have we found a solution for you! (Remember “27 Dresses?”)

Recycling, reinventing, repurposing and reselling is the number one game in town—especially if you’re a native New Yorker and like cash. The rest of the world thinks we know everything.

Well, let’s prove that they’re right!

Nip & Tuck Professional Alterations Center on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst has just opened a new department, appropriately named “Fashionably Late.”

During the past week, women and teens have already started dropping off their stunning pre-owned evening gowns in excellent condition “on consignment.”

Payment is made to them when the staff at Fashionably Late closes the sale of their gown to a new owner. The consignor (the original owner) receives 60% of the adjusted selling price – now isn’t that a lot better than stuffing your closet with gowns you may want to wear again…eventually? You bet it is!

The collection, comprised of every color and size you could possibly imagine, consists of both original designer labeled creations and unique custom eveningwear. But the very best part is that Nip & Tuck’s staff of professional

seamstresses and designers are right there to assist you with any alteration or reinvention you’ll need – on the spot!

The selling prices range from about $100 to $1,500. The gowns’ original prices were $300 to $4,000 or more.

So now, get ready to check out those closets – yours, your daughters’, your mother’s, your friends’... call for an appointment (516) 569-0041 to bring in your gowns (if you’ve never cleaned them, please do that first!), sign the contract, and you’re done. Then, you patiently wait to see what happens during the following six months.

And, for those of you who are about to make a simcha yourself or have one coming up in the family or immediate circle of friends – you’re officially invited to come view the evolving collection, try on as many as you like in one of the private dressing rooms and find that you just may get lucky!

Wouldn’t that be a relief? Ask around – shopping for eveningwear is extremely stressful.

Call Nip & Tuck for all your alterations (from denim skirts to evening gowns) plus fabulous fabric and terrific trimming conveniently for sale right in the store and call Fashionably Late to view the ever growing collection of pre-owned evening gowns at (516) 5690041 and hear the hours of operation.

Both departments are located in the Bridal Secrets building at 415a Central Avenue in Cedarhurst. And a portion of every sale in all three departments goes to support Be’er Miriam Hachnosas Kallah, a branch of the Davis Memorial Fund of our community.

NEWS

Community

Bais Yaakov Seventh Grade Explores and Produces “Chaim Shel Bracha” Each year, the seventh grade collaborates on an in depth study to expand upon their halacha curriculum or to enrich their study of Jewish history. The program affords all girls the opportunity to participate in all aspects of a masterful production, whether it be acting, art, dance or choir. It also provides the girls with an environment in which they learn to compromise and work together towards one goal.

This year’s “chaim shel bracha” was recently performed for Bais Yaakov mothers and grandmothers and shared with students in the school. The students first explained their creative and informative displays to grades 4-8 and performed a play. The displays depicted different mitzvos and their brachos, and the play focused on the meaning and beauty of brachos. Each girl did an outstanding job in the part in which she participated: drama, dance, songdance, silent drama, studio choir, scenery, props, playbill, Chinese auction, or curtains.

“The magnificent performance was a display of achdus across the grade and the culmination of hours of work on the part of the girls and their teachers,” said Mrs. Zehava Somerstein, the Hebrew principal. The evening was filled with joy and pride as grandmothers joined their daughters at Bais Yaakov for a Mother-Daughter Evening. After light refreshments, Divrei Torah were delivered by Rabbi Gewirtz, Morah Pfeiffer, and student Zarine Shamilzadeh. Mrs. Miriam Krohn, Associate Principal of Shevach High School, spoke to the parents on the topic of empowering ourselves and in turn empowering our children, and partnering with the school in the chinuch of our children. Then the girls performed for their mothers. The performance was, once again, beautiful. The guests were amazed and impressed by what they described as a “high school production” and a “beautiful, moving evening.”

43 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

44

45

The lander College for Men Alumni Association & Department of Community Programming Present:

A Community-Wide Pre-PesACh LeArning initiAtive With the rosh hAyeshivA

HaRav Yonason Sacks, t”yhka Sunday, March 10, 2013 9:00 - 9:30 am Breakfast | 9:30 - 10:15 am Shiur

lander College for Men 75-31 150th St., Flushing, NY 11367

,urhjk ,uscgn” “Experiencing Yitzias Mitzrayim

Wine

For Men only

rSVP (no cost): joshua.sturm@touro.edu aryeh.young@touro.edu

Lander CoLLege for Men

a division of Touro College

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

SHIUR

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Every Vote Counts!

By Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder “Every vote counts!”

We have all heard it at some point or another...I know I’ve said it, politicians say it, our Yeshivos say it, our Rabbanim say it, it is screamed from loudspeakers on Election Day, but does anyone actually believe it?

The much anticipated, promoted and advertised special election on February 19th has come and gone and while we now finally have a result, it seems our work is only just beginning.

After only 26 votes separated the two candidates on election night, after all the absentee and affidavit ballots were counted, Pesach Osina was narrowly defeated by Donovan Richards by a slim margin of 79 votes.

When I was elected in a special election in 2011, I became the first Orthodox elected official to represent this district in the New York State Assembly. In my short tenure, I have been able to build partnerships and alliances that have allowed me to deliver for every constituent that I represent. I have built

my career in public service on the idea that if I work hard and dedicate myself, I will be able to help the klal and improve the community. What I have learned is that it takes real partners and assistance from others to get the job done. On a daily basis I rely on the guidance from our Rabbanim, assistance from our local organizations, and input from residents to ably deliver for the community and b”H we have been successful.

While I work tirelessly in state government, Far Rockaway and Bayswater has been under-represented for over a decade in New York City. When the opportunity arose to demonstrate our strength as a united community and potentially elect another partner, after careful deliberation, together with daas Torah, Pesach Osina decided to run for City Council.

On February 19th, as a community we needed to unite and Pesach needed the partnership of every registered voter to do their part and show up at the polls.

Political insiders and the press predicted

this was going to be a close election and as Election Day approached, every tool in our arsenal was used to spread a positive message about the qualities of our candidate and the importance of voting.

All the ballots have been counted and Pesach Osina received 2,566 votes, not enough to win the City Council seat. We were 79 votes short of victory! We were 79 votes short of victory...we were 79 votes short of victory.

How many of us know a friend or relative or spouse who did not vote?

How many of us did not vote ourselves?

What message would have been sent if Pesach was victorious? How could we have benefitted from having a councilman that truly understood the plight of yeshiva parents?

As I said earlier, we finally have a result, but it seems our work is only just beginning. As a community, we need to continue to maximize our potential voting strength and register every resident in the community to vote. There are no more excuses. The frum commu-

nity faces unprecedented attacks on our religious freedom such as educational choice and bris milah and our voices must be heard and made even stronger.

Although turnout could have been much higher, our strong showing has sent a clear message to every elected official across the city and state that we, as a community, will not be ignored.

I want to congratulate our new Councilman, Donovan Richards, who ran an honest and positive campaign.

We are old friends and have already met multiple times to discuss issues and ways to work together. I am confident he will make a great partner and you will be seeing him and benefitting from his great work.

The message has never been louder and clearer: every vote counts and it is incumbent upon each of us to do our part and be a partner in the success of our great community.

WANT TO LOSE Up TO 30 LbS IN 30 DAyS? READy... SET...

O!

LOSE IT Lose 30 lbs in 30 days with our rapid, safe and proven

weight loss programs managed by a team of expert physicians and nutritionists.

LIVE IT Live a healthier lifestyle at your new weight with personalized long-term maintenance plans created specifically to keep the weight off permanently.

e it 516.284.8248 Free,

No

www.DrBosDiet.com o b L i g at i o N

C o N s u Ltat i o N

Locations In Hewlett & Manhasset

Money Back

ti

tee

y

maintain your results through proper nutritional guidance and healthy eating habits individualized to your body’s unique profile.

30 da SatiSfac

LEARN IT Learn to maximize your total weight-loss and

an

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

46

on Guar

47

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Lander College to Provide Free Tax Preparation Assistance

Why does the Haggadah state that we eat matzah because Bnei Yisrael’s dough did not have time to rise, when they were already commanded not to eat chametz?

Need help preparing your tax returns?

A team of ten seniors from the Lander College of Arts and Sciencesaccounting program for CPA candidateswill prepare and submit 2012 personal tax returns for eligible participantsas part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

As volunteers, the students have undergone a rigorous training program that includes completing specialized IRS tax courses and passing the required IRS examination.

The program will run for the following five Sundays atTouro’s Lander College campus, 1602 Avenue J: March 10, March 17, March 24, April 7, April 14. Hours of operation are 11A.M. to 3P.M. “The mission of Touro College is to prepare men and women for professional careers that are compatible with their growth as Torah Jews,”said Dean Robert Goldschmidt. “Their participation in the VITA program reflectsTouro’s other goal: serving the community.”

No appointment is necessary. Individuals can visit the Touro campus with their supporting tax documents and their tax returns will be processed through a user-friendly, efficient, computer-based tax return preparation system. This includes tax preparation by an IRS certified tax preparer, oversight by a quality reviewer and on-site electronic submission to the IRS. Touro alumna Esther Robinson is the site coordinator and Professor Shammai Bienenstock, who teaches taxation in the college’s accounting and business departmentand is a former administrative law judge for the IRS, will provide additional advice.

Rabbi Dr. Barry Bressler, dean of undergraduate business, said, “Touro has once again taken the initiative in using the expertise of its accounting students to serve our local community in Brooklyn.

The VITA program is another example of the applied experience that our students take with them into the professional workplace.”

There are several advantages for those participating in the VITA program.

“Low- tomoderate-income individuals and families who qualify will have their taxes completed and filed free ofcharge,”Professor Bienenstock explained. “Also, Touro students who volunteer will gain invaluable hands-on experience.”

The VITA program is being offered in conjunction with Touro’s Career Services Department. For more information, please call (718) 2527800 x284 or x252.

Why do we sit while reciting Hallel at the Seder, while we stand to recite it on all other festivals?

In this unique work, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of the internationally acclaimed Dirshu Torah organization, addresses these questions and so many others. Deep insights into the moadim of Pesach and Shavuos; as well as Sefiras Ha’omer, the Three Weeks, Tishah B’Av, Rosh Chodesh and the weekly “holiday” of Shabbos are analyzed. Every maamar in Dorash Dovid begins with several questions, then develops an in-depth approach, opening new vistas that enable one to truly grasp the messages that the Torah and our Sages impart.

L E E R ASE! W E N

24

Special Introductory Price

$

95

2 volume set

Available in Judaica stores nationwide or direct from the distributor, Israel Book Shop 888-536-7427

OTHER SEFORIM IN THE DORASH DOVID SERIES Bottom Line Marketing Group: 718.377.4567

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

48

‫על המועדים‬

‫שלשה כרכים על‬ ‫חמשה חומשי תורה‬

2 volume slipcase set on the entire Chumash, in English

49

LOCK IN AT $1400*

Time is running out!

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY Amazing Arts Ar & Crafts Projects and Specialty Workshops Full Indoor and Outdoor Sports Program Hot Delicious Lunch and Snacks Served Daily Unique Drama Program with Productions

centraldesign@live.com

Davening Program & Daily Shiurim

Door to Door Transportation on Air Conditioned Buses with Supervision i i Experienced and Devoted Staff with a Close Adult/Child Ratio Amazing Weekly Trips including Overnight & Late Night Trips on Air Conditioned Buses Daily Swimming & Instructional Swim with our Experienced and Certified Lifeguards.

STAFF APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE. CALL TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW

Director: Rabbi Shimon Dier

Head Counselor: Mrs. Chaya Klass Co-Head Counselor: Mrs. Rochel Leah Dier

Location:Bnos Malka Campus in Forest Hills

718-268-2667

keshet@bnosmalka.org

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

*Special ends March 21st

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

50

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Master Fundraiser Forum Attracts Diverse Crowd and Offers Fascinating Perspectives By: Shimmy Blum Overcast skies, misty air and heavy traffic jams could do nothing to dampen the spirit of the nearly 125 attendees at Wednesday’s Master Fundraiser Forum at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Fort Lee, New Jersey, hosted by Bottom Line Marketing Group.

Founders, executive directors, and fundraisers affiliated with schools and non-profit organizations of all sizes converged upon the hotel for a full day program offering them the chizuk, vision and tools to be most effective in their work. The diverse crowd of men and women – from across the New York/ New Jersey region and beyond, including two from Europe; representing outof-town Day Schools to chassidishe mosdos – listened attentively to each speaker, jotting down notes of the valuable lessons they were learning.

The camaraderie between attendees and their mutual respect of the common cause to help Klal Yisrael’s communities was visible in every aspect of the loaded program – including the amiable schmoozing and networking throughout the day.

Yet, at the same time, there was no attempt to hide some of the more challenging realities that those in the room face on a day-to-day basis. With his infectious good nature and sense of humor, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, Rav of Khal Bnei Yitzchok and noted author, opened the program and spoke of the positivity and dedication necessary to be successful in the field – and offered practical tips to help achieve that goal.

Rabbi Goldwasser related a poignant story where he met a veteran fundraiser and asked him how his “avodas hakodesh” was going. The man was downcast and refused to answer; it turned out that he was on his way to resign due to his inability to raise funds in today’s tough economic climate.

However, after being reminded by the Rav how holy and valuable his work is, he continued working that day and saw a level of success that he hadn’t seen in years – and stayed on. “Hashem could help us rise above all statistics and limitations,” Rabbi Goldwasser concluded.

“All we need to do is dream and not give up.”

Nuts and Bolts Judging by the crowd’s reaction to

Rabbi Goldwasser’s words, his message was warmly received, but, beyond the vision, successful fundraisers must also learn the most successful practical tools of the trade – with many rules of the game being rewritten on a constant basis. The program was filled with practical advice from seasoned insiders coming from a variety of angles.

“My entire trip was worth it if it informed me of even one good idea,” remarked Rabbi Dovid Morgan, cofounder of Ateres Girls High School in Gateshead, England, “and I’ll be returning home with a lot more than that.”

Nary a minute of Rabbi Richard C. Bieler’s presentation went by without another unique insight, anecdote or tip.

Rabbi Bieler is the founder of R. Bieler Consulting, and has decades of fundraising and outreach experience on behalf of institutions like Yeshiva University and Ohel.

Rabbi Bieler spoke of the tremendous benefit vs. cost ratio of courting the support of major donors and detailed some of the steps to accomplish that.

He related the fascinating story of how Ohel courted the support of philanthropist Harvey Kaylie, who was impressed by an Ohel foster family, began by contributing small toy clowns for an Ohel event, and eventually dedicated a major summer camp campus. Some of the points touched upon by Rabbi Bieler were how to identify potential major donors, familiarize them firsthand with the organization’s work, and cultivate a long term relationship in a professional manner. “We kept one of the Kaylie clowns in the office to encourage us when we had a difficult day,” he

remarked.

Next up was Yitzchok Saftlas, President of Bottom Line Marketing Group, who has decades of marketing experience with hundreds of organizational, political and corporate clients and is the visionary behind the

makes you know your craft and everything that’s married to it – the whole package in one day,” he said.

Indeed, no possible angle remained untouched.

In order to give attendees a rare window into the mind of the donor, the forum allotted one prized slot to someone on the other side of the fence. Due to a medical emergency, the original philanthropist speaker, Richard Jedwab, CEO of Silk Tree Capital Partners, was unable to attend. With barely 48 hours of prior notice, Bottom Line scrambled and sought a qualified fill-in. They were somehow able to secure Jonathan Gassman of Gassman Financial Group and G & G Planning Concepts to take his place.

Mr. Gassman is one of only several hundred Americans who are certified as a “Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy,” and advises many high net-worth clients on their philanthropic activities. With a

Master Fundraiser Forum. “Marketing is the way you spread your message,” he summed up succinctly.

In his PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Saftlas showcased various ad campaigns, newsletters, and other projects and examples, in order to illustrate the tips and ideas that he shared. Some of the principles that he expounded upon were balancing creativity with effectiveness – the need to produce materials that will impress donors, yet effectively communicate the cause.

Diversified Experience While sitting down to lunch, Dennis Eisenberg, Director of Torah Umesorah’s Leadership and Fundraising Academy and President of DME Partners, spoke of the unique breadth of the forum. “It

perpetual smile on his face and quip on his tongue, Mr. Gassman kept the audience spellbound throughout his presentation, during which he interacted with audience members.

He spoke of various aspects of appearing professional and successful to wealthy donors, while being 100% transparent. But perhaps the most memorable part of the presentation was when he told the audience not to despair or feel slighted by a donor who refuses to donate. He inscribed on the board “SW3/N” which stands for: “Some Will, Some Won’t…So What! Next!”

Something every fundraiser can relate with!

Brass Tacks One of the Jewish community’s most

experienced hands at coordinating successful fundraising events then offered some of his experiences and perspectives. Norman G. Gildin, President of Strategic Fundraising Group, who has helped raise millions of dollars for orga-

nizations like Ohel and the Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric Foundation, spoke about the evolving model of fundraising events, which maximize donations and minimize expenses. Mr. Gildin detailed some of the more recent innovations in this area, such as text message donations and VIP receptions.

As the afternoon progressed, the highly anticipated “Fundraising Inspiration Workshop” took place, offering a variety of time efficient tips and perspectives.

Rabbi Eliezer Stern, CEO of Yeshiva of Spring Valley, who led a capital campaign to build an 11 acre campus spoke about the Siyata D’shmaya he encountered every step of the way – despite entering the field without a fundraising background.

Noted entrepreneur Shea Rubenstein, Executive Vice President of the JCC of Marine Park, particularly elaborated on the successful fundraising efforts of the JCC’s Project Mazon, which helps families with their grocery bills.

Mr. Rubenstein spoke of some of the methods that enabled the organization to receive automatically recurring donations and familiarize powerful elected officials with their work.

The third part of this workshop was delivered by Marty Siegmeister, National Sales Manager for Allied Importers, who has spent his life in the food and beverage industry. Mr. Siegmeister spoke about various successful wine-related fundraising methods, including wine tastings and vineyard visits.

NEWS

Community

Spirited Summation The forum’s keynote address was, as they say, last but not least. Rabbi Simcha Scholar, M.B.A., M.A., the renowned Executive Vice President of Chai Lifeline held an open talk with the audience, sharing some of the lesser known aspects of his journey building the prestigious organization.

Rabbi Scholar stressed the need for honesty and gave the attendees lots of chizuk on how to advance past the inevitable setbacks. He related one particularly painful anecdote when Camp Simcha lacked the necessary funds to open, and one major donor turned down the opportunity to assist because “sick children don’t grow.” Rabbi Scholar, on the other hand, takes an entirely different view of the pained holy neshamos he helps – and that belies his success, B’Siyata D’shmaya. “I look at the pictures of the children in my office, and I get to see why I’m doing this,” he explained.

The conclusion of Rabbi Scholar’s talk brought the meticulously executed forum – including nine presentations, three catered meals and networking opportunities – to a close at precisely the time it was scheduled to. Attendees

were all fascinated at what they had learned, and gathered all their notes and contact information of all the valuable people they met.

After all was said and done, Rabbi Goldwasser’s words at the beginning of the day – “This is an entire Shabbaton in one day” – seemed more prescient than ever.

Large Crowd Expected at Gush Katif Museum Event, Saturday Night, March 9, To Protest Further Expulsion Plans Demanded By President Obama Obama’s upcoming visit jeopardizes Israel.

“Unilateral” expulsions, such as what occurred in August, 2005 to the 10,000 Jews of the flourishing 21 Gush Katif communities, may be repeated.

According to the two “Baracks” – President Barack Obama, and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak—a “timetable for the withdrawal of Jews from Judea and Samaria” is being demanded.

President Barack Obama demands the creation of a PA state, “and if Israel won’t give him something he can work with, then he’ll act on his own.” Obama’s actions and choices have shown that words such as “unshakeable bond” are deceitful. The appointments of Hagel and Kerry and the nomination of Brennan should send a clear warning to Israel and diaspora Jews that Obama does not “have Israel’s back.”

Minister Barak threatens “unilateral steps” taken once again by the Israeli government.

This imperial President has no understanding of Israeli sovereignty and ignores past failed attempts to achieve peace by giving up land. Some Israelis in the government, as well, seem to be confused about their own identity.

The Gush Katif Museum Dinner will be an opportunity to protest any surrender of Jewish land and the possible expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Jews from their homes and communities.

The purpose of the Museum is to preserve the story of the horrors of the expulsion from Gush Katif for the specific purpose of declaring never again. But, demolitions

have happened since and threaten to continue.

We must protest against any such actions and demonstrate solidarity on behalf of a whole Israel – Yisrael HaShlayma.

A strong showing at the Museum dinner will send a clear message to PM Netanyahu that diaspora Jews and Christians will fight demolition decrees.

The dinner for the Gush Katif Museum based in Jerusalem is scheduled for this Motzaei Shabbat (Saturday night), March 9, Reception at 8 PM, at the Razag Ballroom, 739 East New York Avenue, Brooklyn, NY - Valet Parking.

The featured speaker is Governor Mike Huckabee, who has personally toured the museum. Rivka Goldschmidt, a former resident of Gush Katif, will speak, as well.

To RSVP, or call in a contribution, please contact us by phone at 718-2081770 or mail your contribution payable to “Friends of Gush Katif Museum,” 383 Kingston Avenue, Suite 155, Brooklyn, NY 11213. You can also email your request to Dinner@GushKatifMuseum. org or pay online with your credit card at our website, www.gushkatifmuseum. org.

Those who bless Israel will be blessed.

51 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

52

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Fourth Annual Dinner for Bais Tefila of Inwood

By Liba Lieberman

The development of a new community bristling with Jewish life is always a cause for celebration, and this year’s fourth Annual Dinner of Bais Tefila of Inwood affirms the ongoing growth of this new frum neighborhood centered around the shul, located in the Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island on Doughty Boulevard. Taking place on March 10th at the Inwood Country Club, the Dinner will focus on the shul’s unique history in creating and now shaping an eve growing, vibrant community.

“In our case, the shul is the Inwood community, and the Inwood community is the shul,” explains Rabbi Pinchos Weinberger, son of Rav Dovid Weinberger and Rav of the kehilla which now boasts about forty-five families. Ranging in age from midtwenties to mid-forties, the youthful congregation is comprised of sincere bnei Torah who have taken on every

conceivable role in order to make their community vibrant and inclusive.

The neighborhood extends from back Inwood to the Lawrence/Far Rockaway border. “Each family is growing in all areas,” Rabbi Weinberger continues.

“In a place where there is no one else, you have to be it,” he notes about his kehilla members, who run the shul, sponsor shiurim, have created a vibrant N’shei, host Shabbatons, and are currently in the process of building their own mikveh.

During Superstorm Sandy, Bais Tefila established Red Cross shelters and served as a community center for those affected by the storm and is at the forefront of new community initiatives. The demands of creating the shul has given its congregants ample opportunities for personal growth in all areas, the results of which can be seen in their other activities throughout the

Low Cost Quality Insurance

Our Specialty Free Consultation

Free Policy Evaluation

Ask the Rabbi !!??

The Rabbi loves a bargain (a metzia) Let the Rabbi help you save money (up to 50%)

¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾

Large Commercial Insurance Policies Life Insurance Disability Insurance Self Employed Health Insurance Long Term Care insurance Rabbi S. M. Leiner, CLTC

Licensed Independent Broker for All Types of Insurance

Call: 917‐543‐0497 – Leave a message

Mail: Rabbi S. M. Leiner, CLTC P.O. Box # 7655 600 Franklin Ave Garden City, NY 11530

Premier clients receive a copy of my book (sefer) “Sweeter Than Honey” as a gift

Far Rockaway and Five Towns communities. Although on the younger side, they are now sitting on the Boards of prominent yeshivas, Bais Yaakov schools, and chessed organizations throughout the New York area.

“This opportunity has built them,” Rabbi Weinberger observes.

One very special service of the shul is providing Rabbi Shlomo Cohen’s Inwood Community Night Kollel with a bais medrash that welcomes the community’s baalei baatim. The son of Rav Feivel Cohen, Rabbi Cohen designed the kollel to recreate for local baalei batim the cheshak for shteiging they once felt in yeshiva and kollel as yungermen. There is a seder every night, and kollel members and baalei baatim learn the same material, allowing for an ongoing connection between community members and talmidei chachamim. The weekly Thursday night shiur features Rav Feivel Cohen every other week, which otherwise features an impressive array of talmidei chachamim, many of whom live locally.

The Kollel also offers chaburas from the yungeleit as an incentive to master the sugya. The shiur is followed by the Kollel’s mishmar and shmues. “This is a young community, with a fully functioning night kollel. The Kollel has enhanced the Inwood community, and has established itself as an important new facet attracting families to move to Inwood,” Rabbi Weinberger points out.

This year’s honorees are Mr. and Mrs. Avraham (Adam) Mayer, and Mr. and Mrs. Shmuel Freedman. Both couples are members of the shul who have given of themselves fully to create their community, and be active members of Klal Yisroel.

Shmuel Freedman is an alumnus of Ner Yisroel in Baltimore where he grew up, and post-high school spent two years in Wisconsin Institute for Torah Study (WITS) in Milwaukee and five years in Eretz Yisroel, dividing his time between the Mir Yeshiva and Yeshiva Ateres HaTorah, the latter under the spiritual guidance of Rav Chaim Tzvi Senter’s. After marrying and settling in Far Rockaway, he assumed the position of assistant administrator of a nursing home, and is now in the midst of completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Long Term Care Administration. His aishes chayil, Rivki (nee Lieberman), is an

alumna of Bais Yaakov Academy high school and seminary, and has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Touro College and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Daeman College. She teaches in the Resource Room at Yeshiva Toras Chaim of South Shore. They are the proud parents of three children.

Avraham and Michal Mayer moved to Inwood last spring, and work as a couple to uphold Torah, avodah and gemilas chasadim. An alumnus of Yeshiva University and Touro College, Avraham currently works in Real Estate Investment and Management in Park Slope for Slope Realty. He is also an active member of multiple civic and community organizations, such as the Board of Directors of Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam, and a member of the Lefkowitz Leadership Initiative of Agudath Israel of America. He is a founding member of Chevra Hatzalah of the Jersey Shore, but is not currently active. Civically, he lobbies for the sake of Jewish causes, both locally and nationally. His lovely wife, Michal, attended Darchei Bina Seminary in Yerushalayim and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from SUNY Downstate. She currently works as a licensed physical therapist in both private practice and in an outpatient facility in Queens. The Mayers are the proud parent of three beautiful children.

“These families, like the rest of the kehilla, are constantly searching to enhance the shul by urging better davening and bringing in different shiurim,” Rabbi Weinberger points out.

They also see a broader picture, and literally, look to do the ratzon Hashem.

Starting four years ago in someone’s basement, the shul first moved to a storefront and a warehouse before finding its present home in the Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island. That home has been enriched by the vibrant families that now call Inwood their home, working daily to uphold a new Jewish community sparkling with avodas Hashem.

This article was originally published in the Yated Ne’eman.

53

mourns the loss of

Mr. Hershel Ostreicher v”g a friend, a role model, an inspiration.

From the grandeur of Munkatch to the abyss of Asuchwitz, on to Illinois, and finally to the Five Towns, Mr. Ostreicher was a Ma’amin and a Mashpia.

He and his Aishes Chayil, Helly, merited to raise children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who walk firmly and proudly Bederech HaTorah.

May his children, Mrs. Aggie Zitter & Mr. Yussie Ostreicher continue to light the Torah world, as they follow the precedent set by their beloved father.

May the family know of no more Tza’ar.

Rabbi Shmuel Hiller Dean

Rabbi Yisroel Tepper Director of Development

ohkaurhu iuhm hkct rta lu,c of,t ojbh ouenv

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Bnos Bais Yaakov

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

54

Around the

LOCAL

Madraigos Strikes Again at 3rd Annual Gourmet Glatt Bowl-A-Thon Huge Turnout As Friends and Local Businesses Rally Together The 3rd Annual Gourmet Glatt Bowl-A-Thon to benefit Madraigos at Woodmere Lanes was another sell-out event, drawing over 250 participants who came out in full force to battle it out for pins and prizes and have a fun night with friends. This event has become an annual fundraising tradition involving the Five Towns community, local businesses, friends and supporters.

John Starks, one of the most wellknown NY Knicks of all time, was the highlight of this event. The same intensity and dedication that Starks displayed during his playing days as a Knicks superstar is the same that made him a fan favorite at the Bowl-AThon. John was friendly to everyone and made himself available the entire evening. Aside from contributing to a great cause, VIPs were invited to meet with the celebrated sports star for photographs and autographs to take home. John Askew of the Miami Heat accompanied Mr. Starks for an even bigger treat and David Jaison, mentalist, wowed the crowd as he performed throughout the night.

The Bowl-A-Thon consisted of 20 t e a m s comprised of bowlers from across the tri-state area and beyond.

Exciting contests were held throughout the night including the famous Red Pin Contest with trophies given to the Highest Scoring Team. Unique sports memorabilia items, electronics including a black Mini iPad, 42” TV, X-Box Kinect, special sports game tickets, and a shopping spree at Gourmet Glatt Emporium were raffled off to many happy bowlers. The awards ceremony and raffle drawing were the highlight of the evening at a packed Woodmere Lanes. Complimentary gifts included a Bowl-A-Thon T-shirt and swag bag full of wonderful items.

“I was thrilled with the opportunity to partner with Madraigos for this special event and help generate awareness and funds for the quality programs and services that Madraigos provides,”

stated Yoeli Steinberg of Gourmet Glatt Emporium. “Thank you to all participants for making this event a success.” Gourmet Glatt, a state-of-the art kosher supermarket in the heart of the Five Towns, proudly offers wonderful concessionaires under the Vaad of the Five Towns including Chapa-Nosh, Zomick’s Bakery, Schwartz’ Appetizing, Ossie’s Fish, Simply Sushi and Debbie’s Flowers.

Event sponsors included Arca Funding, Carlos & Gabby’s, Cross River Bank, Engel & Wisnicki, Hapina Restaurant, Hilltop Equities, Island Exteriors, Karako, Leisure Time Tours, MK Creative Group, Old City Capital, Restaurant Depot, and Traditions Eatery. Their generous support is greatly appreciated.

Madraigos acknowledges the efforts of the dedicated Bowl-A-Thon committee members including Jack Jeter, Jack Klagsburn, Moshe Klein, Avi Wald, and Dovi Wisnicki who worked tirelessly to solicit business sponsors and create this most successful event.

We acknowledge Moshe Klein of MK Creative Group for his outstanding work and expertise in marketing, graphic design, printing and web services.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of our Annual Bowl-A-Thon. This year’s event had over 85 local corporate sponsors and we are thrilled to have their support and friendship,” said Rabbi Josh Zern, Executive Director. “The continued support of our community has allowed Madraigos to be an innovative and highly regarded youth service provider in the Five Towns/ Queens community and beyond. We have to make sure this expands and grows in the future.”

“I am grateful to our sponsors and participants for their dedication to Madraigos’ mission.

Due to their generosity, we can continue to effectively help our young people and their families who desperately need our services,” commented Rabbi Dov Silver, founder and executive V.P.

NEWS

Community Ramat Givat Ze’ev: Development Has Begun in Ramat Givat Ze’ev

The Ramat Givat Ze’ev neighborhood, located north of Jerusalem, is probably the most prestigious project for foreign religious residents wishing to make Aliyah. Recently, dozens of heavy equipment, machinery and tools rolled onto the project, working zealously. In an addition to the basic infrastructure, Nofei Israel will develop luxury squares, beautiful greenery, parks and many community institutions that have yet to be seen anywhere in Israel. Nofei Israel clearly intends to break the record in infrastructure and environmental development. Incredibly a minimum of 40 million dollars will be invested solely on the infrastructure and the environment.

Ramat Givat Ze’ev is Nofei Israel’s flagship project, a company that has already acquired its sterling reputation in a variety of residential, commercial and tourism projects. This is the first real estate venture of its kind in Israel. This adventure will establish a neighborhood dedicated for the Orthodox-Hareidi community who wish to settle in the country. Nofei Israel will care for all of their details in order to ensure a smooth and convenient transition for a perfect reception in their new home.

Nofei Israel has spent a lot of time on building a warm and homogeneous community, which includes Rabbanim,

professionals, plus an abundance of communal institutions that will match the residents’ lifestyle.

All this is in a luxurious residential environment, with a spectacular view of the mountains and the clear Yerushalmi air. People will also enjoy the proximity to all Torah and religious institutions in the capital.

Dozens of buyers such as rabbis and educators, lawyers, doctors, etc. have already secured their place in the project. For them, it’s a dream come truem making “Aliyah to EretzYisroel.”

This is with the peace of mind that the company standing behind the project is none other than Nofei Israel that is known for its international standards – welcome to Israel!

It’s highly important to state that these days Nofei Israel is currently populating hundreds of residents in nearby Givat Ze’ev Hachadasha–a very successful project of the Orthodox Hareidi community.

NEWS

Community

Five Towns Schools Participate in Yeshiva University Job Fair Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF) and Institute for University-School Partnership hosted their annual Jewish Job Fair on YU’s Wilf Campus on February 28. More than 50 Jewish day schools, including Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, Tiferet Academy, and Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls, and 20 community organizations from across North America participated in the event, which was free and open to the public.

“Our annual Jewish Job Fair is a natural outgrowth of our mission to support and strengthen Jewish communities and organizations around the world,” said Rabbi Kenneth Brander, David Mitzner Dean of the CJF. “It also provides a platform for talented Jewish leaders to connect with opportunities that will allow them to make their mark on the Jewish world and beyond. We consider it our responsibility to make sure that our graduates are given opportunities to share their unique talents in shaping the Jewish communal landscape.”

More than 300 YU students, alumni and other job seekers gathered for the chance to meet so many employers in Jewish education and nonprofit in one place. But the event also attracted talent

and employers from greater distances.

Suzy Richman, director of operations at University Jewish Chaplaincy, traveled from the United Kingdom for the fair. “We place rabbinical couples around university campuses all over the United Kingdom and we’ve had great luck with Yeshiva University students, so it was important for us to be here,” she said.

Jenn Baumstein, program coordinator at Eden Village Camp, decided to participate in the job fair because of its opportunity to tap a unique audience. “We think the folks at YU have a lot to bring to the table and we’re hiring for key positions that require a combination of Jewish knowledge and communal experience,” she said, noting that those positions range from camp nurse to assistant director. “With all the programs offered here, we thought we’d reach a high-range, high-caliber and mature crowd at the fair.”

The job fair was especially notable for job seekers in the Jewish education field. “Schools had the chance to meet with the best and brightest educators, including promising new talent entering the field for the first time,” said Rabbi Maccabee Avishur, associate director for teaching and learning at the University-School Partnership and one

The Flatbush Basketball League Playoffs: Round One

In the Elementary Division: Quality Carpet sweeps past Perfect Collision, 29-23. We say our goodbyes to the Kapetas brothers. Thanks for a great season. Mr. Franks Quality team will face Lazer Marble for the Championship.

Lazer Marble 35, ITP 31: Avrumie Guttman’s 19 points falls short as Lazer moves on to face Quality Carpet. JoJo Valenski will have to pick up the scoring if he wants Lazer to take home the trophies.

The Jewish Connection clobbers Art World and moves on. It was Yaakov Ibrimigov and Dovid Reiser again that dominated the scoring for The Connection. We got the matchup we all wanted—the undefeated Pizza Nosh squad vs. The Dynamic Duo. Pizza Nosh destroys The Jewish

Press as three starters score in double figures Gideon Valenski, Shmuel Mandelbaum and Yehudah Oppenheim.

Can Nosh go undefeated and win the Championship? Stay tuned.

In The High School Division: Batampte Pickles surprises China Glatt, 32-30. The number four seed comes up with the win over Shulem’s top China team. A balanced attack from all the starts did in Abe Frischman and Shaya’s squad. Sorry to see ya go but the pickle guys wanted it more.

The Visual Image moves on with a win over Repairs on Wheels. Dovie Safirstein led all scorers with 17.

Arele Birnbaum led Repairs with 20 but fell short. Its blue vs. red in the Championship game. Who will walk home with the grand prize?

of the event organizers. “Job seekers got face-to-face access to school leaders from outstanding institutions around the country. It’s a great way to advance the field of education by continuing to professionalize the candidate search and placement process.”

Edith Koslowe, a Stern College for Women graduate and current student

at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education, agreed. “It’s great to be able to get a feel for schools and see if you match here instead of scrolling through job listings online or calling every school to see if they’re hiring,” she said. “Here, I can just walk into a room and see who’s looking.”

55 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

56

“MUCH MORE THAN JUST A CAMP... IT’S AN EXPERIENCE FOR LIFE!”

EMILIE GENUTH >

GIRLS HEAD COUNSELOR

REGISTER NOW FOR GIRLS CAMP AUGUST 2013

As Head Counselor at Camp Regesh for 18 years, and currently the Phys Ed teacher at Yeshiva of Spring Valley Girls, Emilie is an accomplished athlete and sports fan.

If you love action, ruach and fun Emilie is the Head Counselor for you!

< AYELET KATZ

GIRLS HEAD OF SPORTS Past program director for Junior Yachad, Ayelet is a junior high school teacher at YCQ where she manages multitudes of trips, activities, and special programs. Ayelet's professionalism, enthusiasm, and love for children make her a perfect fit at Camp Kaylie!

< PENINA GINSBERG

GIRLS HEAD OF TEEN PROGRAM A beloved teacher and mechaneches at Flatbush Yeshiva and SKA, Penina has held camp leadership positions for more than a decade.

With an MS in Special Education, Penina will offer dynamic innovations to our teens program.

OVER

19,000 HITS!

SEE TESTIMONIALS • PICTURES • VIDEOS & MORE AT CAMPKAYLIE.ORG

CHECK OUT OUR NEW MUSIC VIDEO “ASHREI” AT WWW.CAMPKAYLIE.ORG

FOR MORE INFORMATION : WWW.CAMPKAYLIE.ORG • 718-686-3261 • INFO@CAMPKAYLIE.ORG

57 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

“MUCH MORE THAN JUST A CAMP... IT’S AN EXPERIENCE FOR LIFE!”

ohel RABBI NETANEL GRALLA > BOYS HEAD COUNSELOR

Rabbi Netanel Gralla returns with his exuberance, excitement, and his infectious warmth of spirit. Well known for his strong leadership and extraordinary vision, Rabbi Gralla was formerly Director of Special Services at DRS, and is now Principal of Yeshivat He'Atid.

< RABBI YITZY HABER

REGISTER NOW FOR BOYS CAMP JULY 2013

PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR

Rabbi Yitzy Haber returns to provide a summer of exhilarating activities.

As Youth Director, Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Director of Beaver Lake Day Camp, Head Counselor of Camp Chazak and Counselor at Camp Simcha, Rabbi Yitzy Haber will ensure every day at Camp Kaylie is both electrifying and stimulating!

SEE TESTIMONIALS • PICTURES • VIDEOS & MORE AT CAMPKAYLIE.ORG

FOR MORE INFORMATION : WWW.CAMPKAYLIE.ORG • 718-686-3261 • INFO@CAMPKAYLIE.ORG

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

58

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island A Dinner of Inspiration

Menahel Rabbi Bajnon, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, Eric Stern, and Rabbi Ari Ginian

On Motzei Shabbos, February 16th, the Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island underwent a stunning transformation.

The state-of-the-art Yeshiva was outfitted to accommodate the Yeshiva’s Annual Journal Dinner, and the festive ambience was outdone only by the incredible atmosphere of warmth and achdus that greeted the crowd.

The Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island celebrated its seventeenth year. From its earlier years in leased basement space to its wonderful new facility in Inwood, the Yeshiva has realized tremendous growth while maintaining its signature warmth. Throughout the evening, engaging video presentations portrayed the YKLI community including the students, their families, administrators, faculty and Yeshiva supporters. The videos captivated the attendees and conveyed the many ways in which the dedicated and talented YKLI Rabbeim, moros, teachers and administrators enthusiastically work to help each child realize his unique potential.

In one special presentation, Rav Kalish of Bais Medresh Harborview introduced Honorees Beth and Howie Kafka by praising their outstanding efforts to bring simcha to severely ill children through their organization, Kids of Courage. Mr. Kafka followed with sincere words expressing his hakaras hatov to YKLI for providing his son, Ari, and all of the talmidim with not just the tools they needed to grow but also with an environment in which they could truly thrive. He explained how each child benefited from the meaning-

ful connections with Rabbeim and the clear modeling of ahavas Torah and chesed.

The Parents of the Year Award was presented to Mayer and Frayde Maltz.

This most deserving couple is known in their community for their ceaseless chesed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Maltz are pharmacists and they always expend considerable time and effort to help anyone who needs their professional assistance or advice. Their commitment to the well-being of others is woven into the fabric of their home, and their children reflect their stellar middos and their tremendous level of concern for others. Mr. Maltz shared that he was immediately impressed with YKLI from the start because the teaching methodology was so sound and engaging while the environment was warm and nurturing. Now, seeing the accomplishments of his oldest son, he attributes much of his growth and success in learning to the YKLI chinuch. “The Rabbeim teach with love,” Mr. Maltz explained. “They maintain these relationships with the kids for years, and this kesher is so important.”

The fifth grade Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Friedler, explained how YKLI achieves the balance between providing instruction for classes of twenty children while simultaneously addressing each child’s strengths, interests, and learning styles. Rabbi Friedler explained how the Rabbeim strive to make Yiddishkeit enjoyable for all of the children and judging by the smiles faces, they are clearly successful. A combination of

Mayer and Frayde Maltz, Eric Stern, Rabbi Ari Ginian and Menahel Rabbi Bajnon

individualized instruction, differentiated learning, and hands-on activities engage the boys and make the learning come alive. From music to baking to themed events, the talmidim learn our mesorah in a loving and vibrant way. Infused with positive energy and reverberating with ruach, the boys experience Torah in a way that instills within them a geshmak for learning and mitzvos.

“The culmination of the early years yields tremendous nachas when the boys reach the upper grades,” described Rabbi Bajnon. “The boys’ subsequent success with gemara, Rashi, and Tosafos reflects the fruits of their steady progression in learning while immersed in a supportive bais medrash with their chevra and beloved Rabbeim.”

Another presentation featured YKLI’s recent acquisition of an adjacent property which is in the process of being converted into athletic fields for the talmidim. The Dinner attendees enjoyed a comedic presentation as the YKLI fifth grade boys and their enthusiastic Rebbe, Rabbi Yaakov Hersch, provided a video backdrop for Journey’s “9th Man on the Team.” The musical interlude underscored in a humorous way the real need for youngsters to have outdoor space for organized sports and free play, and it highlighted YKLI’s commitment to making the boys’ Yeshiva experience truly all-encompassing.

A highlight of the evening was the address by Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg. As a State Legislature and a former teacher, educational administrator, and police officer, he is keenly

aware of the value of education and its role in developing the next generation. The Dinner audience was visibly moved by the Assemblyman’s emotional description of his experience on the YKLI campus. He explained how he saw the YKLI’s new library on his campus tour and was inspired to secure the resources needed to provide the Yeshiva with reading materials. Over the course of this endeavor, he became more familiar with YKLI. He was overwhelmed by the faculty’s concern for the students as well as the obvious partnerships between the parent body and the school staff in the efforts to provide the children with the best possible education. “We have a future because of these young people. The community and the school and the faculty and the parents together are producing a very successful next generation here,” shared Assemblyman Weisenberg as he expressed his gratitude for having had the opportunity to become acquainted with YKLI. Everyone felt the impact of the Kiddush Hashem that impressed this highly respected public figure and friend of the Yeshiva.

Overall, the presentations gave voice to YKLI, and all of the Yeshiva’s constituents in attendance were able to share in the achdus that is synonymous with YKLI. With such chizuk, the Dinner guests thoroughly enjoyed the evening and left with a heightened level of appreciation for the work done

by YKLI to build the next generation of bnei Torah.

59

Y e s h i v a

Annual Dinner

K e t a n a

o f

L o n g

I s l a n d

HigHligHts

•

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

•

60 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

On April 8, 2013 Jonathan Pollard will have spent

CIA GAME CHANGER

Jerusalem Post Editorial (12/18/2012) The newly declassified 1987 CIA damage assessment bolsters official calls for the immediate release of Jonathan Pollard. While portions of the CIA document remain redacted, the disclosures officially confirm that Pollard spied for Israel, not against the United States.

Moreover, the document puts the lie to American allegations that have been used for over a quarter of a century to justify Pollard’s continued incarceration. For example, Pollard’s full cooperation with the prosecution was one of the welcome admissions in this document, as was the confirmation that the volume of information Pollard transferred to Israel was far less than claimed.

The CIA document also reveals the subterfuge used by the US government to breach its plea agreement with Pollard.

The report brazenly states that Pollard was jailed for life because of an “unauthorized” interview he gave to The Jerusalem Post. This is preposterous. No reporter, much less one carrying a camera and a tape recorder, could possibly gain access to a prisoner in a US federal prison without authorization.

Another canard used to justify Pollard’s life sentence is the claim that he did enormous damage to US national security. While the declassified CIA document does not deal with the damage done by Pollard, this issue is fully addressed in a concurrent damage assessment known as The Victim Impact Statement (VIS), written by the US Department of Justice.

1.

2.

Daven for Yehonatan HaLevi Ben Malka.

Please say Tehillim Chapter 121 daily in his merit. ”. . . ohrvv kt hbhg tat ,ukgnk rha“

3.

4.

Send a copy of the editorial to your Congressmen and Senators, & demand urgent action to end this travesty of justice.

Read JPost editorial CIA Game Changer on this page. Jonathan Pollard should not spend another day in prison!

Call President Obama to request his release at 202-456-1414.

Ad•Lib Unlimited: 718-382-0900

Saving Jonathan Pollard is our obligation, the mitzvah of Pidyon Shevuyim. We must stand united to end this travesty of justice!

The VIS, now a matter of public record, was submitted to the sentencing judge in 1987 as an aid in determining Pollard’s sentence.

After a few introductory sentences about the “scope and breadth” of Pollard’s disclosures to Israel, the VIS describes the actual damage to the US as follows: “Mr. Pollard’s unauthorized disclosures have threatened the US [sic] relations with numerous Middle East Arab allies, many of whom question the extent to which Mr. Pollard’s disclosures of classified information have skewed the balance of power in the Middle East. Moreover, because Mr. Pollard provided the Israelis virtually any classified document requested by Mr. Pollard’s coconspirators, the US has been deprived of the quid pro quo routinely received during authorized and official intelligence exchanges with Israel, and Israel has received information classified at a level far in excess of that ever contemplated by the National Security Council. The obvious result of Mr. Pollard’s largesse is that US bargaining leverage with the Israeli government in any further intelligence exchanges has been undermined. In short, Mr. Pollard’s activities have adversely affected US relations with both its Middle East Arab allies and the Government of Israel.”

The US government’s own words in the VIS, carefully scripted to present the most compelling case for the harshest possible sentence, reflect the damage as being nothing more than short-term friction between the US and unnamed Arab countries and a temporary reduction in bargaining leverage held by the US over Israel. Not the kind of permanent, irreversible, and overwhelming harm to US national security that some have claimed.

Pollard has repeatedly expressed remorse and was not charged with intent to harm the US. He is the only person in American history to receive a life sentence for spying for an ally. His continued incarceration is jarringly inconsistent with American claims of close friendship and security cooperation with Israel.

The US administration has repeatedly demonstrated remarkable flexibility towards other allies, downgrading charges and dealing leniently with spies from China, the Philippines, Greece and Saudi Arabia, among others. No such consideration has been extended to Israel in Pollard’s case, despite overwhelming evidence that he is being punished far beyond the severity of the offense he committed.

Many senior US officials, including those with firsthand knowledge of the classified file, are openly calling for Pollard’s release. They say his sentence is “grossly disproportionate” and that keeping him in prison is “a travesty of justice.”

Both the prime minister and president of Israel have issued official requests for the Israeli agent’s release on humanitarian grounds because his health is failing. He has served 28 years in prison, seven of them in solitary confinement.

For more information JUSTICE FOR JONATHAN POLLARD

www.JonathanPollard.org

The newly declassified CIA damage assessment has again focused public attention on the injustice of keeping Pollard in prison. Now is the time for President Barack Obama, finally, to respond to all the official requests for Pollard’s release by commuting his sentence to time served. There are no more excuses. It is time to send Pollard home.

Printable copy of editorial @ http://bit.ly/VWACZM

xhhuu rzghkt ic v’hrt rud ’r ,nab hukhgk

61

5 lbs

$199

$099

Manischewitz passover Matzos specials

Aviv Matzos

Limit one per customer with $50 minimum purchase club card only.

Must present coupon at time of purchase

Rokeach Yahrtzeit Candle

Streitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/ Manischewitz Egg Matzos

Kedem Grape Juice

Mrs. Adlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gefilte Fish

64 oz. btl

24 oz jar

4 $2

1 lb

$ 99

$ 99

$ 49

restrictions apply

restrictions apply

restrictions apply

for

restrictions apply

1

2

2

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

5 lbs

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

62

Around the

LOCAL

Great DRS Success at Science Olympiad Last Sunday, students from DRS participated in the Jewish Education Project Science Olympiad, a scientific competition for yeshiva students in the tri-state area. The competitions were designed to test the students’ grasp of conceptual and practical concepts in chemistry, biology, earth science, physics, ecology, and engineering. Students Aryeh Kaminetsky and Yitzie Schienman won 2nd place in the chemistry lab section, where they were asked to perform a chemistry experiment and complete an AP level test. Zack Kalatsky and Uri Himmelstien took home the 4th place prize in anatomy and physiology, after completing a rigorous exam about the various disorders of the human body.

Tzachi Gordon and Moshe Lonner won 3rd place medals for designing a ramp and vehicle with a braking system, capable of landing on a specified target up to 10 meters away. Team managers Yehuda Vaiselberg and David Billet made sure that team members got to

Community

Five Towns Cyclist to Bike Cross Country

By Yaakov Hawk

where I organized a group of friends to take children with special needs bowling on Friday afternoons.

Friendship Circle is a not-for-profit organization that relies on community support. This year, during Purim, my friends and I donned costumes and went around our community collecting for them. Last summer, I helped organize a bike ride from New York to Washington, DC for teens which raised approximately $9,000 for Friendship Circle. This summer I have the unique

Science Olympiad Awards Winners Aryeh Kaminetsky and Yitzy Scheinman

their events on time, and played a crucial role in the team’s success. Overall it was a great showing by the student body and DRS hopes that the success in this year’s competition will be a stepping stone to further academic and professional successes.

BBY Hosts District-Wide UPK Meeting This past Thursday, Bnos Bais Yaakov of Far Rockaway proudly

NEWS

hosted a district-wide UPK (Universal Pre-Kindergarten) meeting. The professional development day was led by Early Childhood Coordinator for Queens, Mrs. Barbara Fogel. Issues pertinent to New York City UPK programs, such as unit planning and individual school readiness goals and strategies, were discussed. The seminar was informative, inspiring and delicious!

Anyone who has ever worked with children with special needs understands how rewarding that experience can be.

The Five Towns and many cities across the United States, host a program called Friendship Circle which pairs teens with children with various development disabilities. During the past four years, I have had the privilege of volunteering for Friendship Circle of the Five Towns and West Hempstead.

Friendship Circle’s twin goals are to provide companionship and activities for children with disabilities while providing a respite and support to their families. I have enjoyed working with several of the program participants. Furthermore, I really got to know the participants’ siblings and family dynamic.

As a senior in HALB’s DRS high school, I have participated in many rewarding activities. Upon reflection of my high school matriculation, I recognize that many poignant memories occurred while I was a Friendship Circle Volunteer. In addition, I initiated a program called Bowling Buddies

opportunity to combine my passion for bike riding with supporting Friendship Circle through their Bike 4 Friendship cross-country bike tour. I feel that this would be a great way to help support Friendship Circle and give back prior to leaving for a year of learning in Israel at Yeshivat Sha’alvim.

For more information or to donate, please visit bike4friendship.org/Hawk.

Massage Therapy, Bringing your body back to balance.

• • • • • • •

Swedish Amma Pre and Post Natal Deep Tissue Hot Stone Relaxation Medical New York State License Massage Therapist

Suri Simonovits LMT. • 917.873.7991

NEWS

Community

A Ray of Joy in Long Beach Residents of Bayview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a 185 bed facility located in Long Beach/ Island Park, were overjoyed this week to find out that they would finally be allowed to return home. Prior to the storm, the residents were forced to evacuate and were relocated to other facilities throughout the New York area. With all facilities at overcapacity due to Hurricane Sandy, beds were set up in day rooms, dining rooms and therapy rooms. At Bayview, the storm caused severe flooding and damage to the building with the water level reaching four feet. Yet, the staff and management of the nursing home were determined to rebuild. The Department of Health gave the facility thirty days to reopen. However, demolition and mold

remediation took three weeks. Facing an imminent deadline, the management of Bayview reached out to major contractors in the tri-state area.

Contractor after contractor declined to bid for the job, claiming it would be impossible to do such a massive

Another Effective Training Seminar Held at Kulanu’s Parent Advocacy & Resource Center

On Wednesday, February 27, 2013 a seminar entitled “Transition: It’s Never Too Early and It Should Never Be Late” was presented at Kulanu’s Center for Special Services in Cedarhurst, NY. This was the second seminar sponsored by Kulanu’s Keren Eliana Parent Advocacy & Resource Center (PARC).

Presenters were Esther Weinstein, Coordinator of Vocational Education at Kulanu, and Amy Eisenberg, Director of the Parent Advocacy & Resource Center (PARC) at Kulanu.

Numerous parents with children ages 14-21 with developmental disabilities learned about the transition process and

how to best prepare their children to be ready and comfortable in the transition from the school system to the adult day services.

Kulanu’s Keren Eliana Parent Advocacy & Resource Center (PARC) is where professionals help families each step of the way through the maze of social, medical, educational, vocational, and recreational resources for their children with special needs.

To learn more about PARC, contact Amy Eisenberg, Director of the Parent Advocacy & Resource Center at 516569-3083 x138 or email Amy@kulanukids.org.

project in only a week. Finally one company agreed to “step up to the plate.” Marstan Development set out on the herculean task of reconstructing the building. Stanley Hillelsohn, a partner at Marstan, said, “I have been in this business for 30 years and never have I had to do such a large project in such a short timeframe. However, once I heard about how many residents, like many others in the area, were displaced from their home, how could I say ‘no?’”

At any point in time, 75-80 workers were there around the clock, through Thanksgiving weekend. Demolition and construction crews worked backto-back, rebuilding areas that were just demolished. Management worked around the clock coordinating the restoration of all major building systems.

Everyone’s efforts were finally rewarded when the facility was allowed to be reopened this past Thursday and the residents started to arrive back home.

One member of the staff said, “It was like getting our family back together.”

“It was one of the most challenging projects I have ever undertaken but at the same time one of the most rewarding,” said Stanley Hillelsohn of Marstan. “One of the things that I really get excited about is when I can ‘give back’ to the community while at the same time performing as a construction professional. I am very involved in work for the klal – among other things as a board member and officer of the OU, as Chairman of the OU Israel Commission, board member of Yeshiva Tiferes Yisroel in Brooklyn – but to combine doing something good for 185 displaced patients while doing my work is really something special.”

After completing the Bayview project, Hillelsohn and Marstan have focused on helping other victims of Hurricane Sandy in the Five Towns and

the Rockaways. Says Hillelsohn, “If your home or business suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy, we can help. Unfortunately for many, the damages inflicted go well beyond the capabilities of regular contractors and home improvement companies. We understand the processes and procedures required, and we have the expertise to lead you through the recovery process and quickly rebuild your home or business property.”

“We all must do whatever we can in these trying times,” says Hillelsohn. “I was davening mincha this week at the Young Israel of Long Beach when a regular baal haabas approached me in a very quiet way and asked me, since we are approximately the same size, if I can spare some clothing because he lost everything in the storm – not even left with another pair of pants. That really affected me and I decided that I must do whatever I can professionally and personally to help. People who baruch Hashem have insurance or the funds necessary to rebuild should call us and we will rebuild their homes or businesses very reasonably. We have already started two homes and are looking to do many more. For those who are not as fortunate, we will be there for you as well. We have met with Achiezer and other organizations offering our services again to combine our construction expertise with acts of chessed.”

Coming back to Long Beach and observing the happy smiles on the residents’ faces as they returned, one could not help but be deeply moved. In the wake of Sandy’s devastation, at least a few more people can sleep in their own beds tonight.

Stanley Hillelsohn of Marstan Development Corporation can be reached at (718) 677-1808. Since 1982, Marstan has been involved in successfully completing residential, commercial and institutional projects throughout the tri-state area.

63 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

64

Around the

LOCAL

The Makkos Come Alive Students in Rabbi Michael Merrill’s third grade class at HANC’s Samuel & Elizabeth Bass Golding Elementary School in West Hempstead are getting ready for Pesach! The students are very busy making their very own haggadot which they are going to use at the seder.

The students had a wonderful time acting out all the makkot and taking pictures of the makkot scenes so they can put them into their haggadot.

The students can’t wait to use their haggadot at the seder!

NEWS

Community

Kindergarten Chesed Activities at YHT As part of their ongoing current events unit, Gan Kachol at Yeshiva Har Torah invited Ms. Bloom, a learning specialist in the school, into the class. She was planning on running the marathon in Miami Beach over the winter vacation. She explained to the children how she trains and what she needs to do to prepare for the race.

Many people were sponsoring her and giving money to Chai Lifeline because she was running. Right after vacation, Ms. Bloom came back to follow up and tell the children how the race went. She ran 13.1 miles and she raised (along with 299 other people) about 1 million dollars for Chai Lifeline. The children also wanted to be a part of the mitzvah and so they emptied their tzedakah box and estimated how much money they thought was inside. They then sorted and counted the money and found that they had $79 in their tzedakah box. The

children voted to sponsor Ms. Bloom and help out Chai Lifeline. It made them feel very good to participate and help out this worthy cause.

This past week, the classes of KV and KS boarded the buses to the Atria Senior Center. They began their visit by telling the story of Purim. They acted it out and sang songs about King Achashveirosh, Haman, Mordechai and Esther. They entertained the bubbies and zaidies who clapped and sang along with them. They then delivered shalach manot which were raisins and sugarfree hamentashen in a bag that was hand-painted by the children. The children packed the bags along with their morot. The seniors’ faces lit up as the yeladim, dressed in Purim costumes, posed for pictures. A great time was had by all. The residents begged them to come again. They love to see “the future of Am Yisrael.”

Announcing A New Minyan At Yeshiva Kesser Torah ­– Yom Kippur Koton Residents and mispallelim of the greater Queens Jewish community are thrilled to have a new minyan for the tefilos of Yom Kippur Koton. The minyan, now entering its third time, takes place at Kesser Torah every month on the day preceding Rosh Chodesh. The new minyan was spearheaded this winter with the help of our very own Reb Avrohom Kesherim of Kew Gardens Hills.

Yom Kippur Koton is a specially formulated tefilah built around the regular mincha, in which we ask Hashem for forgiveness for anything we may have done over the last month. We say a

few chapters of Tehilim, some short piyutim/selichos and Avinu Malkeinu after mincha. It also concludes with Kabbalas ol malchus shamayim, similar to the end of Ne’eila. Thousands of Jews worldwide participate in these prayers, as well as many pious Jews who also fast on that day.

Some of us think Rosh Chodesh is just for bagels and lox, but if we look at the words we recite in mussaf, it says “zman kappara lichol toldosam.” A new month is a time for reflection and renewal, improving and building. In this manner, we are able to slowly ascend the ladder in our service to

Hashem and achieve what we desire in life.

Many gedolim have themselves participated in and encouraged these beautiful tefilos.

It has been widely reported that Horav Chaim Kanievsky was recently asked the question by a petitioner: in light of the numerous difficulties surrounding the American Jewish kehillos, what zechus should they accept upon themselves to impede all the tzaros.

Horav Chaim advised to participate in the saying of Yom Kippur Koton tefilos! Many have experienced personal yeshuos as a result. Additionally, in our

minyan, many felt so wonderful after concluding the special mincha.

While not every Erev Rosh Chodesh has Yom Kippur Koton, the two most opportune times are the prayers preceding Elul and preceding Nissan.

Please come and join us at Yeshiva Kesser Torah this Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan, March 11. The regular 5:15 pm mincha will begin with the tefilos at 5 pm. We are sure it will be worthwhile, and everyone will experience a special Chodesh Nissan.

65

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

66

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

Mr.Yaakov Serle finishing the Jerusalem Half Marathon on Friday March 1, 2013

Seventh Graders at HALB Perform Chesed at Masbia On Thursday, Chai Adar, February 28th, the seventh grade boys of Yeshivat Lev, the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, went on a trip with their Rebbe, Rabbi Avrumi Portowicz. But this was no ordinary trip! This was a trip to Masbia!

Masbia is a nonprofit soup kitchen network and food pantry, providing hot, nutritious meals daily for hundreds of New Yorkers in desperate need of food, and every week handing out hundreds of weekend take-home packages of groceries. In 2009, Masbia

expanded from one kitchen and dining hall in Brooklyn’s Boro Park, to a fourkitchen network throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

The boys and their Rebbe, along with Rabbi Leib Fogel who accompanied the class, spent the morning packing food in individual packages, then sorting them into boxes and crates, which they later carried out to help load tahe Masbia truck.

What a beautiful fulfillment of “ain hamedrash haikkar, ela hamayseh!”

Rabbi Avrumi Portowicz and the Seventh Grade Boys of HALB packing food at Masbia

Clouds, Plastic and Milk: Exploring Science at the Yeshiva Ketana of Queens

by Michael Keane On February 19th, the sixth grade of Yeshiva Ketana of Queens held a Science Fair. The fair was the culmination of months of work done both in school and at home, and the sixth grade students eagerly and enthusiastically displayed their work for their fellow classmates, schoolmates, and parents.

The focus of the fair was all about the scientific method: using experiments and research to find answers to questions about the world around us. There were fourteen groups in total, and each group was able to choose its own experiment. The ambition of the students did not disappoint. One group (Yehonaton Deil, Menachem Elias, and Eli Hirsch) decided to look into plastics and see how they are made, so they researched an experiment in which they could make their own plastic at home using only milk, vinegar, and a heating source.

With these simple, everyday household products, the group was able to make its own plastic bear toy in addition to homemade plastic buttons!

Another group (Shlomo Bamberger, Reuven Dan, Shmuel Jacobs, and Yeshaya Shuter) decided to look into something we see almost every day, yet seldom stop to think about: clouds. The group did some research and found an experiment which used a clear bottle, an air pump, and some rubbing alcohol.

Following the same principles of how air pressure in our atmosphere causes water molecules in the air to condense, the group was able to use their air pump to pressurize the bottle and cause a small

amount of rubbing alcohol to condense, instantly forming a cloud inside the bottle! One of the best parts of the project is that they were able to repeat the experiment for everyone who came to their table.

There were so many impressive projects that it’s a shame not all of them can be described in as thorough detail.

The demonstration of density was done with precision and intensity, experiments with lasers, UV light, and light refraction all provided fantastic visuals to go along with the detailed reports and showboards, the lemons which produced their own electricity surprised many onlookers, and the demonstration of how the fat in milk reacts to dish soap was one of the most popular and visually arresting presentations at the fair.

Of highest importance to the faculty, though, was that the students truly understood the forces behind their experiments. It was one thing for a student to be able to drop some candy into diet soda and cause a fizzing geyser, but it is quite another for that student to be able to use the term “nucleation site” with confidence and accuracy. One parent remarked, “It’s incredible that they all know how these experiments work.”

Another gladly chimed in, “I had no idea that it was possible to do that.”

All in all, between the exciting experiments done right in front of the eyes of their guests and the thorough and detailed explanations being given, the sixth grade Science Fair was a rousing success.

NEWS

Community

TAG Strikes Gold As It Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary Dinner Torah Academy for Girls had a golden opportunity to join together to celebrate its 50th Anniversary Dinner on February 19th at the Sands. The evening also provided an opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov Spinner, Rabbi & Mrs. Dov Lebovic, and Mr. & Mrs. Yussi Nussbaum , truly worthy honorees who stepped forward to help TAG at this crucial time.

We were honored to recognize Mr. Gary Schall, the Superintendent of the Lawrence School District, and present a gift to him in appreciation for all his efforts on behalf of the students of our community.

The evening was also the perfect vehicle to look back at TAG’s humble beginnings while looking forward to a bright new future. There were several surprise guests who played vital roles in the history of TAG. Rabbi Yosef Gelman, Principal of General

Mazel Tov to Mr.& Mrs. Yussi Nussbaum, recipients of the Generations Award; Rabbi & Mrs. Dov Lebovic, Parents of the Year; and Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov Spinner, the recipients of the Harav Moshe Weitman Memorial Award. We are truly indebted to these couples who stepped forward to help us make this a most memorable and successful dinner. Pictured: Yussi Nussbaum, standing along with Yaakov Spinner and R’ Dov Lebovic seated at the dais.

Studies in TAG’s early years, as well as Morah Sara Heiman Nadav, Principal of Limudei Kodesh in TAG for thirty three years, were among the special guests that attended the event. Having Morah Elsie Soffer, beloved kindergarten teacher, with us was the icing on the cake, and all three of these illustrious educators were presented with a special surprise award in recognition of the prominent roles they played in the for-

Mr. Gary Schall, Superintendent of the Lawrence School District, receiving his beautiful award from Rabbi Baruch Lovett, Director of Development; Rabbi Meyer Weitman, Dean; and Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum, Executive Director. This special presentation was made in appreciation of the vital role Mr. Schall plays in promoting educational opportunities for all the students of our communities.

mative years of TAG. Seven members of the first graduating class attended the dinner and enjoyed a wonderful reunion.

The moving history video and the upbeat and exciting school video captivated the audience and engendered a true sense of pride. Thanks to our own parent, Mr. David Jasse, who produced all the videos.

We must take a moment to acknowledge and thank some of the key players who played such an important role in ensuring the success of the dinner.

Dinner Chairmen, Dr. Josh Fox and Dr. Sruly Berkowitz; Journal Chairmen, Hillel Axelrod and Menachem Kagan; as well as the Jubilee Dinner Committee, Yehudah Biber, Moshe Feuer, Evan Genack, and David Greenbaum; and the entire Dinner Committee. Spearheading the event was Rabbi Baruch Lovett and Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum, ably assisted

by Mrs. Rahel Hardoon, Mrs.Edna Ershowsky and Mrs. Soshie Hirth.

Thanks to our entire office staff who pitched in to help whenever asked.

As we look forward to the next fifty years, we feel confident that with Hashem’s help we can carry the torch forward and achieve our goal of producing a first rate bas Yisroel who will be a source of nachas to all of us.

Rabbi Yosef Gelman, longtime General Studies Principal of TAG, receiving the special educator award presented by Rabbi MeyerWeitman. Rebbetzin Sara Heiman Nadav and Morah Elsie Soffer also received the surprise awards in recognition of their contributions to the education of so many talmidos.









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

67 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

68 s’’xc

AMAZING GRAM L PRO GARTEN PRESCHOOHIN G KINDER

IS FOR BOYS FIN TER RAH MIMI SHU DIRECTOR: MO ORAH FAIGY REISMAN R: M HEAD COUNSELO ND

FOR BOYS FINISHING KINDERGARTEN— 5 TH GRADE

, LOVING A • FUN, WARM D MORAHS EXPERIENCE US FACILITIES ACIO • SEPARATE SP VE PROGRAM SI U • EXCL

Morning of Learning • Experienced Caring Rabbeim • Special Erev Shabbos Program • Free Hot Lunches & Daily Snacks • Transportation Available

Afternoon of Activities • Sports Leagues • Daily Swimming • Professional Grounds • Full Size Gym with Bleachers • Late Nights • Exciting Trip Each Week Directors: Rabbi Eliezer Ament, Rabbi Eliezer Selengut • Sports Director: Rabbi Eliezer Post

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER PLEASE CALL 718.868.2300 EXT. 502 • EMAIL: HAKAYITZ@GMAIL.COM

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL FULL SUMMER ONLY

$1,325

MUST REGISTER BY MARCH 15, 201 3

REGULAR RATES:

HALF SUMMER $750 FULL SUMMER $1400 WEEKLY $200

FIRST HALF: JUNE 27 - JULY 22 SECOND HALF: JULY 23 - AUG. 19 NO CAMP ON SUNDAYS

69 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Early Intervention Services For children birth - 3 years with special needs.

Services Provided l

Evaluations

l

Feeding Therapy

l

Special Education

l

Nutrition Counseling

l

Service Coordination

l

Family Support/Counseling

l

Speech/Language Therapy

l

Physical & Occupational Therapy

ABA Program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Center & Home Services Routines Based Interventions & Collaborative Coaching l

Far

Ser Roc

ving

kaw

ay

TO REFER YOUR CHILD TO THE EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM CALL 311.

This Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program for children under the age of three who are either suspected of having or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. EIP is funded by NYS and NYC. All EIP services are provided at no cost to parents. Health insurance may be used for approved services. A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eligibility for the program can be determined only by state-approved evaluators under contract, and all services must be authorized by the NYC Early Intervention Program.

For more information about CHALLENGE call:

718.851.3300

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

70

71

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

72

Around the

LOCAL

Bnos Bais Yaakov’s High School Unanimous Vote Clears the Way to Begin Construction The room was packed with advocates for Bnos Bais Yaakov. Over one hundred people came out on Monday night, March 4th, to lend their support to BBY’s application to Community Board 14.

The issue at hand was the removal of a mapped street which existed only on paper – on an obsolete map from the 1950’s. This “paper street” is interfering with BBY’s ability to begin construction on their new high school building. Rabbi Shmuel Hiller, BBY’s dean and visionary, presented a compelling argument to the planning board members which, coupled with valuable assistance from Mr. Zachary Bernstein (a lawyer from the firm of Fried, Frank), resulted in a unanimous decision in BBY’s favor. With the board’s decision, the first hurdle has been successfully cleared and plans for TMM’s new building are now underway.

Rabbi Hiller projects that construction of the three-story building will begin in the spring of 2015. The burgeoning student population of Tichon Meir Moshe necessitates this move and Rabbi Hiller is grateful to be able to accommodate the growing needs of the high school. Kudos are due to Mrs. Leah Posen, BBY’s Comptroller, who has spent over two years on this project.

Rabbi Hiller makes special note of the value of the large turnout at the hearing.

It was both an emotionally validating and politically effective exhibition of support.

MULTIPLE ERS

NEWS

The Queens Jewish Community Councils Honors Congressman Gregory Meeks The Queens Jewish Community Council recently honored Congressman Gregory Meeks for his role in spearheading the Congress’s approval of bestowing the Congressional Gold Medal

to Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomatic hero who saved 100,000 Hungarian Jews in the Holocaust on the occasion of his hundred birthday.

Left to right: US Congressmember Grace Meng; NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn; Jonathan Zalisky , member of Board of Governors of the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Commission; Cynthia Zalisky, Executive Director of QJCC; Congressman Gregory Meeks; Congressman Steve Israel; Michael Nussbaum, QJCC Board of Directors; and Warren S. Hecht, President QJCC.

POLICIES .

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

Community

Every insurance company claims they help safe drivers save money. But now I can help you save even more with DRIVEWISEÐ from Allstate. This amazing device collects driving data, like your car’s mileage, and helps safe drivers save up to 30%. So call me and learn more about DRIVEWISE today. You’ll get a 10% discount just for signing up!

Chaim L. Alter (718) 713-8400 The Alter Agency CharlesAlter@Allstate.com

TNO HEADACHES

Feature is optional. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Savings estimate compares safe driver using DRIVEWISESM device to driver who would not qualify for safedriver savings. Your savings will vary. 10% discount applies to first policy period only. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2012 Allstate Insurance Company

73 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

524 Central Ave. / Cedarhurst, NY

516-374-4682

We Buy Gold

Highest prices paid for gold, silver, diamonds & estate jewelry.

EXPERT REPAIR ON PREMISES

Holiday Sale!

Super discounts throughout the store!!

TRADE IN YOUR GOLD FOR CASH

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

74

Around the

LOCAL

HANC Celebrates a Love Of Reading On Friday, March 1st, students at the HANC Samuel & Elizabeth Bass Golding Elementary School in West Hempstead celebrated Dr. Seuss’s 109th birthday and the national “Read Across America Day.” Every classroom at HANC received a visit from a “guest reader,” a HANC administrator or staff member who isn’t generally in that classroom, who read a Dr. Seuss book to the students. The guest readers all wore Cat in the Hat hats while reading! In preparation for the guest readers, students decorated their classroom doors with something related to the specific Dr. Seuss book that they were going to read. In addi-

tion to reading a Dr. Seuss book, students enjoyed red, white and brown frosted cupcakes, in honor of the Cat in the Hat. The reading celebration continued the following week when the school participated in DEAR (Drop Everything and Read). At a designated time, all the students in the school stopped what they were doing and read for 10 minutes.

The children knew that DEAR was coming but they didn’t know when, so it was a surprise! We hope our reading activities were both fun and educational and encourage the students to “Read, Read, Read!”

NEWS

Community

Shalom Task Force to Hold Twentieth Anniversary Brunch on April 14 Shalom Task Force (STF)’s Twentieth Anniversary Brunch will take place on Sunday morning, April 14, 2013, at 10 AM at the Sephardic Temple, 775 Branch Boulevard, in Cedarhurst.

STF was launched over 20 years ago to address domestic abuse in the Jewish community. Since its inception, more than 16,000 women have taken the first steps toward regaining their dignity and reshaping their destiny by gathering the courage to call the STF confidential hotline.

The brunch will help STF continue to provide its many services, including the hotline, legal counseling, educational programs and marriage workshops.

This occasion will also recognize the following outstanding individuals who have contributed so meaningfully to STF since its inception.

Rose Aftergut

Lifetime Achievement Award Dr. Hylton and Leah Lightman

Hakoras Hatov Award Sharron Russ

Dedicated Service Award Susan Falk Taub

Founders Award Rabbi Dovid Weinberger

Rabbinic Leadership Award Tribute to Zev Wolfson z”l For more information or to make your reservation, please call 516-7733399 or e-mail stfbrunch@gmail.com.

To learn more about STF’s wide range of services, please visit, www.shalomtaskforce.org.

NEWS

Community

HANC High School Student Celebrates Major Siyum HANC high school students are well known for their many accomplishments in all areas of limud Torah. Most recently, one of HANC’s seniors celebrated the completion of Shas Mishnayot. Michael Spindel began his

feat three years ago when he was asked to learn a single mesechta in memory of his grandfather who had recently passed away. As Michael himself put it, “Once I started I just never stopped.” This led to his monumental achievement

of finishing the entire Shisha Sidrei Mishna. The siyum was held in the presence of both the high school and middle school at the Shushan Purim Chagigah.

SKA Shabbaton 5773: Emes “Emes,” the theme of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls’

Shabbaton, resonated throughout the weekend of March 2. Held at the beautifully furnished Villa Roma Hotel in upstate New York, the Shabbaton was filled with fabulous ruach and

meaningful experiences.

Friday night’s panel of baalei teshuva clearly

attested to the emes of Torah, as each speaker narrated her path to Torah Judaism and the changes to her life.

The impact of the evening was felt for days afterwards, as students and faculty

members discussed how inspirational the speakers were.

Is telling the truth challenging?

On Shabbos afternoon, the seniors presented, “The Hard Truth Café,” featuring different scenarios of when and if to tell the truth. A spirited melave malka and the annual SKA Talent Show followed havdalah, rounding out an amazing Shabbos!

With the difficulties caused by Hurricane Sandy , this year’s Shabbaton required extra effort on the part of Rabbi Yosef Zakutinsky, SKA Director of Programming, and his wonderful assistants, Mrs. Yafa Storch and Aliza Schwartzblatt! Much thanks go to them and to Mrs. Helen Spirn, Head of School, Rabbi Jeff Rothman, Principal Grades 9-10, and Dr. Tzipora Meier, Principal Grades 11-12, for making this an incredibly inspiring weekend. Thank you to all the additional administrators, teachers and madrichot who gave up a weekend with their families to join the SKA family.

And of course, each SKA student who attended the Shabbaton at Villa Roma really enhanced our Shabbos!

Cooking for Gush Katif After visiting the Gush Katif Museum in Jerusalem two summers ago, one individual was moved to do what was in her means to raise needed funds to aid the evacuees of the Gush region. The result was producing an easy-to-follow recipe collection for men. Thus “Cook for Gush” was created.

About eight years ago, Miriam Baum Benkoe, of Oceanside, NY, together with two other friends, produced another cookbook, entitled, “United We Cook.”

That project raised $25,000 for bombing victims through One Family Fund.

Miriam claims she is motivated to do whatever she can and urges others to do likewise in order to help vital causes in Israel. “I can’t be there in person to help, but I can do something from where I am.”

Do you want to help the evacuated families of Gush Katif so that they can support themselves? Help by purchasing a new cookbook to benefit JOBKATIF. (This organization trains people for new careers, counsels and helps them with creating resumes to obtain new jobs, etc..)

Cook For Gush: 100+ Easy Recipes For Men Who Don’t Cook But May Have To, compiled by the creators of United We Cook: The American Jewish Community Cooks for Israel, 2003 You can help – Here’s how: Order a copy (or more) by sending a check payable to Central Fund for Israel in the amount of $36 per book (includes s/h) to Miriam Baum Benkoe, 353044 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, NY 11572. We can also mail this cookbook along with a gift message from you to anyone in the U.S.A. Questions? Contact Miriam at 516678-1585; 516-661-8082 Endorsed by Rabbi Jonathan Muskat of Young Israel of Oceanside and Rabbi David Friedman of Congregation Darchei Noam of Oceanside.

75 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

Around the

LOCAL NEWS

Community

A Memorable Mother-Daughter Evening at Shalhevet

By Chavi Foster, 11th grade, and Shalvah Goldschein, 11th grade On Tuesday evening, February 26th, current Shalhevet students, next year’s incoming students, and their mothers gathered in Shalhevet’s ballroom for a memorable mother-daughter dinner. Each table was beautifully decorated and we all got a kick out of the fun, yet elegant, lollypop centerpieces. Shalhevet students mingled with the incoming freshmen, who enjoyed the warm introduction to Shalhevet’s community. The evening began with cupcake decorating lead by Mrs. Tsippy Nussbaum, mother of Meira Nussbaum, 9th grade,

THIS SUNDAY

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

76

and we eagerly designed the cupcakes with an assorted mix of decorative toppings. Yum! The activity was creative as well as tasty! Soon we sat down to a delicious dinner catered by Coffee Bar and were enamored as we watched Shalhevet’s choir perform for us. The many months of hard work paid off as

I

BT DINNER COMMITTEE PINNY ACKERMAN YOSSI FISCHLER NATHAN GOLDMAN LEON LANTSMAN JORDAN KAPLOWITZ

YEHUDA MICHAELI SENDY RABINOWITZ SIMCHA STOLL TZVI SUSSMAN BARUCH WHITE

the choir sounded phenomenal. We are so proud of our friends who participated! Mrs. Eisenman then engaged us with a shiur about the ways in which Miriam Hanevia took on an important role in Yetziat Mitzrayim, starting from the birth of her brother Moshe and on. We finished the incredible eve-

ning with ice cream, cheesecake, and fruit.

We all enjoyed the opportunity to spend time bonding with our mothers and friends, and we feel lucky to be part of a school where such events are the norm.

Thank you to the Shalhevet administration for coordinating the event and to Seasons for donating the fruit platter. A special thank you to Mrs. Tsippy Nussbaum for sponsoring the cupcakes and for leading the cupcake decorating activity, to Mrs. Bonnie Polansky, for directing the choir and bringing out the talent of our talmidot, and to Seasons for donating a fruit platter.

4TH ANNUAL DINNER

&

HONORING SHMUEL & RIVKI

ADAM & MICKEY

FREEDMAN MAYER SUNDAY MARCH 10TH 2013 7:30PM THE INWOOD COUNTRY CLUB 50 PEPPE DRIVE INWOOD NY 11096 WWW.INWOODSHUL.COM/DINNER PHONE/FAX 516 813 4222 E-MAIL DINNER@INWOODSHUL.COM

NEWS

Community

Rambam Holds its 20th Annual Scholarship Dinner

Hundreds of parents and supporters of the Rambam Mesivta gathered this past motzei Shabbos to support and pay tribute to its honorees. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Materman were the Guests of Honor and they were joined by Dr. Arthur and Adina Gerber, Grandparents of the Year, Dr. Sergio Sokol, Man of the Year, and Daniel Friedman and Avi Posnick as Alumni of the Year, representing the 10th anniversary of

the graduation of the Class of 2003.

Mr. Yitz Elman served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies and spoke about how much his son has benefited from Rambam and his daughter from Shalhevet. He introduced Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, Rosh HaMesivta, who discussed the role of Moshe and Aharon in dealing with the cheit ha’egel. ”The challenges we faced back then still exist today, because human nature doesn’t change. The leadership displayed by Moshe Rabbeinu is the paradigm for us to learn from and apply in facing today’s challenges,” said Rabbi Friedman.

Rabbi Yotav Eliach, Rambam’s principal, spoke passionately about his recent trip to Israel and the school’s mission of instilling midos, responsibility and commitment to klal Yisrael to its students. He then presented an award to Avi Posnick,

who serves as the regional coordinator of StandWithUs.com, one of the largest and most effective Israel advocacy groups on college campuses across America. Avi humbly accepted the award and attributed his passion and drive to help Israel to the high school education he received in Rambam.

Rabbi Eliach then presented the Man of the Year award to Dr. Sergio Sokol lauding him for his commitment to the community at large. “Dr. Sokol is renowned for his caring and compassion and providing medical care to so many individuals. He is wellknown for his tzorchei tzibur, and it is no surprise that his house is always open to so many of our talmidim who feel so comfortable there,” said Rabbi Eliach. Dr. Sokol graciously accepted the honor and outlined why he loved Rambam Mesivta.

Rabbi Friedman presented Alumnus of the Year award to Daniel Friedman and introduced him as his sister-inlaw’s nephew. ”He truly represents Rambam because of his professional achievements [having graduated McCauley Honors College, NYU Law School and currently an associate at Creizman LLC] and display of integrity, commitment to halacha and living up to the ideal of making a kiddush Hashem.”

Daniel accepted the award, thanked his parents and mentioned how he is continually inspired by all his grandparents, all of whom are Holocaust survivors.

Dr. and Mrs. Gerber personify the ideal of love and commitment of klal Yisrael, Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael,” said Rabbi Friedman in presenting them with the Grandparents of the Year tribute. Their grandson, Ben, participated in presenting them with a beautiful artistic besamim box and spoke beautifully about his love for his grandparents and everything they have

done for him. Dr. Gerber spoke about how proud he was of Ben and all of his grandchildren and the nachas he derives seeing them grow up with Torah values.

Lastly, Rabbi Friedman presented to the Guests of Honor, Robert and Tania Materman, and spoke of their courage, chesed and involvement in so many Jewish causes in Forest Hills and West Hempstead saying, “In many cases the Matermans took the lead where others were afraid to tread; their reputation

for tzedaka and chesed is a natural outgrowth of everything that they do.”

Mrs. Materman responded by saying how strongly she and her husband feel about Rambam’s educational mission and how happy they were to do their small part to help the Mesivta .

Mr. Elman closed the program by speaking of the warmth, camaraderie and midos that permeate the school and parent body. The program was followed by leibedik dancing and desserts.

77 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

Around the

LOCAL

Purim at Margaret Tietz – A Lively Community Celebration background.

Kudos to the Shevach High School volunteers and York College intern who helped pack mishloachmanos at Margaret Tietz prior to Purim.

Margaret Tietz, a member of CenterLight Health System, is proud to provide the Jewish Community with high quality sub-acute rehabilitation, hospice and long-term care services in a newly renovated luxurious & completely kosher setting. For more information, call 718-298-7829.

All the Purim hullabaloo and merriment out in the streets of Queens did not circumvent Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in the least.

As anyone with a loved one there can attest, the festive and joyous Purim spirit permeated the entire facility – from Rabbi Pearlman’s evening and morning megillahlaining to the costumed visitors parading the halls to the various family seudos that took place at Margaret Tietz. Music reverberated throughout the building as family and friends trooped through to deliver mishloachmanos to their loved ones, bringing smiles to everyone’s face.

On Shushan Purim, Margaret Tietz participated in parties for neighborhood seniors at the Young Israel of Forest HIlls and Queens Valley Senior Leagues and treated everyone to delightful mishloachmanos packages.

RebbetzinLonni Oppenheim was on hand to provide inspiration with her meaningful words about the holiday’s

M

Purim Party at Young Israel of Forest Hills Senior Center

A place where tradition is home.

MEADOW PARK REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER

FEATURING

The Chai Traditions Program ™

Watch our Video & Virtual Tour at www.mprcare.com

dena.graphix 718.701.1125

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

78

• • • • • •

Created in 2004, our extensive experience servicing the Jewish resident has allowed us to build an exclusive community resource.

Short-Term Rehab & Long-Term Care Orthopedic Services IV Therapy/Tracheotomy Care Subacute Wound Care Services Pain Management Respiratory Services

osher R glatt k IE M E R P The Queens! in y it il c a f Professional Chef on staff for an exquisite dining experience

• • • • •

Under Frum Ownership & Operation Judaic Library for Study and Leisure Rosh Chodesh Programs Tehilim Groups Special Shiurim Delivered by Inspiring Guest Speakers

Dr. Adam Zeitlin, Medical Director Under the VAAD Horabanim of Queens (VHQ) 78-10 164th Street, Fresh Meadows, New York For further information please contact Mordy Winkler 718.591.8300 Ext. 201

NEWS

Community

Yeshiva of South Shore Rebbis vs.

Eighth Grade Basketball Game

On Sunday, February 17th, 2013 the Yeshiva of South Shore hosted its annual Rebbis vs. 8th grade basketball game benefiting the 8th grade yearbook. The Rebbis defeated the 8th grade students in front of a sold out crowd by a score of 59-47 that consisted of parents, students, family and friends. The 8th grade

jumped out to an early lead thanks to the sharp shooting of Yosef Borochov.

However, the speed and inferior defense of the Rebbis proved to be too much for the 8th graders to overcome. With Rabbi Ross, Rabbi Jacobi, Rabbi Schulman and Rabbi Robinson leading the break and the outlet passes from Rabbi Shonek, the 8th graders often found themselves down in a numbers game on defense. Rafi Guttman tried to keep it close and led the 8th graders with 12 points. Special thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Nenner, Mr. & Mrs. Mansbach, Mr. & Mrs. Collins and Mr. & Mrs. Nudman for sponsoring many items for the event. A big yasher koach to Mr. Daniel Mayer for arranging the food concessions. Congratulations to raffle winners Yonatan Mikhli, Yitzi Kestenbaum, Yehuda Kestenbaum, and Yosef Schoenfeld.

A fun time was had by all. We look forward to next year to see if that 8th grade can break the streak of 6 wins in a row by the Rebbis.

NEWS

Community

Helping Home Owners One House at a Time – LIFE Now Provides Relief For Victims of Sandy Located right in the heart of the Five Towns, Labor & Industry For Education, Inc. (LIFE), a not-for-profit social service agency, has been at the forefront of the foreclosure crisis since it began in 2008.

LIFE was initially funded by New York State to assist homeowners who were struggling with their mortgages.

The agency has been representing them, free of charge with the banks, attempting to obtain mortgage modifications or other available relief. LIFE has successfully run this program (now funded by the New York State Attorney General’s Office) for over four years, helping hundreds of homeowners in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway and greater Nassau County area.

In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, LIFE’s Executive Director, Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, determined that the agency would expand its ser-

vices to help the victims of Sandy however they could. “We decided that it was simply too important an issue to leave for others. Having spent four years dealing with banks, our housing counselors and staff were better suited to assist home owners than just about anyone else.” LIFE’s staff began a local outreach to shuls and organizations to get the word out.

LIFE has now been funded by the Attorney General to add staff in order to help victims of Sandy. LIFE has been assisting people in dealing with their insurance companies and FEMA as well as with lenders who are withholding insurance proceeds from home owners. As new issues come up, LIFE’s counselors have been helping people through these very tough times. LIFE, through its contacts, also serves as an informational resource to other types of help available in Nassau County and

New York City.

LIFE also continues to help people struggling with their mortgages. “The financial crisis is not over for many families in Far Rockaway and Nassau County” Rabbi Lefkowitz explains.

“We haven’t seen any type of slowing up of the number of foreclosure filings and the number of people who need our help. Our biggest challenge remains

getting the word out there to people in need.”

Sandy simply adds another layer to the good work LIFE does every single day. “Unfortunately, the issues that are arising out of Sandy are extremely diverse in nature and are not going away any time soon,” Rabbi Lefkowitz says. “We need to be prepared to help people over a very long haul.”

Remember to “Spring Forward” on Sunday morning!

Daylight Savings Time Begins on March 10

79 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n M A R C H 7 , 2013

Around the

LOCAL

KEDEM

ILTE FISH

499

24OZ JAR

the

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

80

under one roof

SUPER SPECIALS

AT OUR PASSOVER BAKERY STARTING 3/16

7 LAYER CAKES

MUFFINS

MARBLE CAKE

$699 lb

$699 lb

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER GLICK’S

6 PACK BLUEBERRY, CAPPUCCINO, CHOCOLATE CHIP, CARROT, DOUBLE CHOCOLATE

$599

$169

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

LIEBER’S

DR BROWN SODA

CAKE MIXES

$699

2/$4

$199 24 OZ CONT

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

HADDAR

STREIT’S

COCOA

99¢

2 LITER BTL REG OR DIET

14 OZ PKG ASST EXCLUDING SUGAR FREE AND WITH FROSTING

POTATO STARCH

24 OZ BTL

GEFEN

96 OZ BTL

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER GEFEN

KETCHUP

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

COTTONSEED OIL

GET MORE. PAY LESS

MATZO MEAL

$199

$499 16 OZ CONT

SPECIALS

1 LB PKG REGULAR – WHOLE WHEAT - SPELT

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

STREIT’S

LIEBER’S

LIEBERS

JERUSALEM

HADDAR

HADDAR

KEDEM

HEARTS OF PALM

APPLE JUICE

MATZO BALL OR MATZO BALL SOUP MIX

SHMURA MATZO

PINEAPPLE

MUSTARD

89¢ 2/$4 2/$5 $599 4/$5 2/$7 14.46 OZ CAN

64 OZ BTL

4.5 OZ PKG

MACHINE MADE

20 OZ CAN ASST

9.25 OZ BTL

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KEDEM

MINI MANDELS

LIBER’S

SPARKLING GRAPE JUICE

GRAPE JUICE

10 OZ BTL

$3

$299

$399

64 OZ BTL

99

25.4 OZ BTL ASST

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

YEHUDA

GEFEN

GEFEN

MANISCHEWITZ

KEDEM

GEFEN BRICK PACK

MISHPACHA

NUTS GALORE

NUTS GALORE

$249

$349

WINE VINEGAR 12.7 OZ BTL RED OR WHITE EXCLUDING BALSAMIC

$249

6.75OZ 4PACK

$169

GEFILTE FISH

$299

24 OZ JAR ORIGINAL OR SWEET

WHITE POTATO

COOKING WINE

99¢

15 OZ CAN WHOLE OR SLICED

CAKE MEAL

12.7 OZ BTL ASST

16 OZ CONT

CHUNK LIGHT TUNA 6IN WATER OZ CAN

APPLE JUICE

$169

GROUND ALMONDS 6 OZ PKG

2/$7

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

GEFEN

GEFEN

MOTHERS

GEFEN

GEFEN

GLICK’S

GLICK’S

GRANULATED SUGAR

4

4 LB BAG

$

CONFECTIONER SUGAR

2

16 OZ PKG

$

49

99

TALL PINK SALMON

COOKING SPRAY

$399 14.75 OZ CAN

2/$5 6 OZ CAN

SOAP PADS

25 OZ BTL

SHABBOS CANDLES

DISH LIQUID

99¢

$199 1O CT BOX

$199 6 OZ PKG

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER KOSHER COOK

SCOURING PADS

2/$3

EACH DAIRY – MEAT – PARVE

399

$

GROUND WALNUTS

72 CT

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER COOK

DINING COLLECTION

CHOMETZ KITS

PLASTIC SEDER PLATES

UNGER’S

COFFEE WHITENER

TABATCHNICK

OF TOV

$189

$169

2 LB BAG

CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

SINK STRAINER

$189

EACH DAIRY – MEAT – PARVE

REFRIGERATOR LINERS

69¢ 2 PACK

99¢

$199EA

EA

SOUP

16 OZ PKG

OF TOV

CHICKLICIOUS

$999

15 OZ PKG ASST

32 OZ PKG

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

SEAGATE

UNGER’S

UNGER’S

DR PRAEGER’S

EDEN

EDEN

FRIENDSHIP

TILAPIA FILLET

GEFITLE FISH

WHIPPED TOPPING

2/$5 2/$7 2/$10 SEAFOOD 16 OZ BAG

22 OZ LOAF REGULAR OR NO SUGAR

16 OZ CONT

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

WHOLE BABY SALMON

SALMON TROUT FILLET

$599lb FILLETED TO ORDER

$699lb

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

COSTA RICAN TILAPIA FILLET

HALIBUT STEAKS

$799lb

$1099lb

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

WHOLE WHITEFISH

$699lb

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

WHOLE ST. PETER’S FISH

$599lb

WHOLE WINTER CARP

$499lb

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

SCOTTISH SALMON FILLET

$1299lb

FISHIES

CHOPPED BROCCOLI

$299 12 OZ PKG

BABY CARROTS

$299 2 LB BAG

$389 24 OZ BAG

MIDGET FARMER CHEESE 7.5 OZ

2/$5

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

GOLDEN FLOW

TROPICANA

MEHADRIN FIT & FREE

$299

99¢

MILK

ORANGE JUICE 59 OZ CONT ASST

2/$5

64 OZ CONT ASST

MEAT KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

FAMILY PACK

CHULENT MEAT

GROUND CHUCK

$369lb KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

FAMILY PACK

CHICKEN BOTTOMS

$229lb KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

BONELESS BEEF SPARE RIBS

$799lb

$499lb KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

FIRST CUT

BRISKET

$949lb KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

2 IN A BAG FRESH

CORNISH HENS

$299lb

LA YOGURT

YOGURTS 6OZ CONT ASST

2/99¢

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER NOAM GOURMET

YOGURTS

HORSERADISH

$299 16 OZ JAR ASST

6 OZ CONT ASST

PASSOVER ORDERS MUST BE IN BY MARCH 20TH

$999

DELI

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER KOSHER FOR PASSOVER KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

CLEAR CHICKEN SOUP

$499

QT

POTATO KUGEL TRAY (9X13 LASAGNA PAN)

STUFFED CABBAGE

$2299 $799LB

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER KOSHER FOR PASSOVER KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF

BRISKET N’ GRAVY

$1999 $2299

LB

LB

FRESH BBQ CHICKENS

$999

STORE HOURS:

Sunday Monday & Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

7am-8pm 7am-9pm 7am-10pm 7am-12midnight 7am-5:00pm Valid Through 3/10/13-3/15/13

EA

81 The Jewish Home n

GET MORE. PAY LESS starting

CAN OPENER/KITCHEN GADGETS

$14

99

SINK STRAINER

OLIVE OIL VEGETABLE 5 OZ CAN

$399

$299

SWEET & LOW 1.75 OZ BOX

$199 GEFEN

GLICK’S

GEFEN

GLICKS OR GEFEN

14.1 OZ CAN

$199

15 OZ CAN

69¢

GEFEN 32 OZ

WHOLE HEARTS OF PALM

GEFEN

GEFEN

MAYONNAISE

$399

2/$5

ASST 26 OZ JAR

GOLD’S

MEAL MART

PASKESZ

$149 LIEBER’S

LEMON JUICE

99¢ 32 OZ BTL

IDAHO

POTATOES 50 LBS 5X10 LB BAG

$1450 Please call Max for more in store specials and wholesale prices.

Call Max to reserve your "eye-opening", "tear-jerking", "taste bud-awakening", "sinus-clearing" fresh grated horse radish!

$199

WASHING CUPS AND BOWLS

BLECHS

SHABBOS TOOTHBRUSH/TOOTHPASTE

$499

89¢

MEAT•PARVE•DAIRY

SILVER POLISH

KOSHER LABELS

$199

EA

JUMBO

ROKEACH

$399 8 OZ

PREMIUM SWEET YAMS

49¢ 69¢ LB

SNOW WHITE

MUSHROOMS (8 OZ PKG WHOLE)

$129

EA

WASHINGTON XTRA FANCY RED DELICIOUS OR JONAGOLD (100 CT)

APPLES

99¢

LB

19 OZ CAN. 7-9 SIZE

DUCK SAUCE ASST 40 OZ JAR

FRUIT O’S, CHOCO RIOS & CRUNCHIOS. 7 OZ BOX

$399

2/$3

CHICKEN OR RIB SAUCE

KETCHUP WITH HORSERADISH

LB

PASKESZ “NEW”

PREMIUM

RED OR GREEN SEEDLESS GRAPES

$189

LB

DOLE ICEBERAG OR COLESLAW MIX

2/$3

U.S. #1 FANCY

MCINTOSH APPLE (120 CT)

69¢

LB

US#1 FANCY

ANJOU PEARS

99¢

LB

PASKESZ

MINI MANDEL CROUTONS

ROKEACH

CASE OF LASAGNA PANS

ORIGINAL OR BBQ. 5.35 OZ BOX

2/$5 NEIROT REFILLS

2/$3

LB

2/$3

BAKE OR FRY CRUMBS

1 OZ BAR

5/99¢

11 OZ BTL

2/$3

ROKEACH

PREMIUM

GOLD’S

19 OZ BTL

KOSHER SOAP

SUNKIST NAVAL ORANGES OR JUICE ORANGES

2/$3

GOLD’S

GOLD’S

PASKESZ

GEFEN

CRANBERRY SAUCE

JELLIED OR WHOLE. 16 OZ CAN

9X13 • 100 CT

$1999

$899 CALIFORNIA

SWEET

BUTTERNUT SQUASH OR ACORN SQUASH

69¢

LB

U.S. #1 FANCY

PREMIUM GREEN GIANT IDAHO POTATOES

49¢ (80 CT)

LB

JUICY SUNKIST

LEMONS OR LIMES

8/$199

$599 11.9 OZ CONT

72 CT PKG

PRODUCE

U.S. #1

SPANISH ONIONS

CUCUMBERS IN BRINE

6 OZ CAN IN WATER

CEREAL

$199 24 OZ CONT

GEFEN

SOLID WHITE TUNA

FRUIT LEATHER

GLICKS

POTATO STARCH

2/$5

$699

$199

ASST 3/4 OZ PKG

GEFEN

NOODLES 5 OZ BAG

33.8 OZ BTL

$499 48 OZ BTL

AMAZING MEALS STUFFED CABBAGE W/ BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE 12 OZ

24 OZ JAR

SHELF LINING PAPER

GEFEN

OLIVE OIL XTRA VIRGIN - LIGHT - MILD

COTTONSEED OIL

BORSCHT

BEDIKAS CHOMETZ SET

TOMATO SAUCE

PASTA SAUCE

99¢

REFRIGERATOR LINER

“SOLD TO GOY” STICKERS

MANDARIN ORANGES

SEGMENTS OR BROKEN. 11 OZ CAN

TOASTER/CONVECTION OVEN

PASSOVER GROCERY

COOKING SPRAY

46-48 OZ JAR

GEFEN

ELECTRIC HAND MIXER

GLICK’S

GEFEN

JUICER

KIDDIE PASSOVER GAMES SINK INSERTS

HOT WATER PUMP POTS

ection of Shmura Our tremendous sel Ukranian, Matzoh includes Spelt, atzer, Oat, Sh , eat Wh ole Wh Israeli, de, Ma ne chi Ma Tiferes & Boro Park

APPLE SAUCE

HOT PLATE

SINK SET

m a r c h 7 , 2013

COUNTERTOP COVERS

Handmade atzoh Shmura Mat

ROMAINE HEARTS

$299 3 COUNT BAG

FRESH LARGE

GREEN CABBAGE

39¢

LB

BEST BANANAS

49¢

LB

SWEET

CALIFORNIA CARROTS 16 OZ PKG

59¢

PREMIUM GREEN GIANT IDAHO POTATOES

$1999 (80 CT)

SUGAR SWEET

GOLDEN PINEAPPLES

$199

EA

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

82

In the Kitchen Naomi Nachman

I

love to make dips for Shabbat, so why not have them on Pesach too? The key to having great dips is the fresh ingredients, including garlic, lemons and cilantro. With the introduction of so many spices that are kosher for Pesach, you can also spice up your palate by adding cumin, cayenne and pepper to your Pesach dips.

Marinated Eggplant This recipe is from my mother, Miriam Stein, from Sydney, Australia. I asked her if I could print the recipe but she only had it in her head. She just told me that she makes it by adding a little of this and a little of that. You know the Yiddish expression, “shitz arein.” I had to figure out the amounts of each of the ingredients, but after experimenting and some further adjustments and tweaks, I was able to reconstruct her recipe.

Ingredients 1 large eggplant Canola oil for frying Fistful of parsley, finely chopped 1 cup ketchup 4 tablespoon sugar ½ lemon, juiced 4 cloves garlic, crushed Salt and pepper to taste Preparation Slice eggplant into ¼ inch rounds, Heat a large fry pan and fry eggplant in batches until light to medium brown. Drain the eggplant in a colander to let the oil drip out. (Yes, it may be fattening but totally worth it.) I leave a plate underneath the colander to catch the oil.

Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix all of the rest of the ingredients together. Once the eggplant has drained for an hour, you can add it gently into the sauce being careful not to break up the eggplant slices.

Pesach Olive Dip Ingredients 3 cloves crushed garlic 2 19oz cans green pitted sliced olives 1 19oz can Israeli pickles ½ cup pickled red peppers 1 teaspoon cumin Dash cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil Preparation Mix all ingredients in a food processor until blended.

It shouldn’t be too smooth like a paste but it should have a little texture.

Matbucha Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large onion, cubed 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 can, 28oz, crushed tomatoes 1 can, 14oz, diced tomatoes 1 bunch chopped cilantro, finely diced 1 tablespoon cumin ¼ cup sugar Dash cayenne pepper Salt & pepper, to taste Preparation Sautee onion in a tablespoon olive oil until they are soft and translucent. Add both cans of tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes. Then add the cilantro, cumin, sugar and cayenne pepper. Stir gently and cook until cilantro has wilted into the recipe.

Season with salt and pepper.

Cook for 15 minutes until reduced down and flavors are concentrated. Adjust any seasoning to your family’s palate.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website,www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

83

The Jewish Home n m a r c h 7 , 2013

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

84

new from Over three decades of Torah Literacy

It’s easy. It’s delicious.

And (believe it!) it’s all kosher for Pesach NEW!

ONLY9 $L1IS5T P.R9ICE NEW!

A unique work that follows the format of ArtScroll’s bestselling The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet.

This stunning new book examines the symbolism in the numbers as expressed in many areas of Jewish thought.

Jewish Wisdom in the Numbers is based on the scholarship of Rabbi Yehoshua Hartman, author of the annotated Machon Yerushalayim edition to the works of the Maharal, and written by author and educator Osher Chaim Levene. Together, they have produced a masterful classic that will endure for generations.

LEAH SCHAPIRA, author of the bestselling FRESH & EASY KOSHER COOKING, and famed Ami Magazine food editor VICTORIA DWEK team up to put the “wow” into your Pesach cooking with creative and original recipes that you would never believe are made of Pesach ingredients.

• • • •

Creative recipes using basic ingredients Plating & food styling suggestions Seder wine guide & wine pairings Full-color photo for each dish

NEW VOL. 2

Depth and Inspiration on Vayikra, Bamidbar, and Devarim Rav Asher Weiss shlita is a multifaceted Torah personality, a Rav, Rosh Yeshivah, and an Av Beis Din whose shiurim attract large numbers of enthusiastic participants. Here, he draws on dozens of classic sources to help us understand the message of the parashah and our own lives.

Also Available: Vol. 1 — Bereshis and Shemos

NEW VOL. 2

The Stories and Soul of the Weekly Torah Portion

Vayikra

· Bamidbar · Devarim

by Rabbi Yechiel Spero The master teacher, gifted storyteller, and best-selling author, Rabbi Sperio shares his insights and, of course, his stories, on the weekly Torah portion.

Also Available: Vol. 1 — Bereshis and Shemos

Available now at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)

85

The Jewish Home n m a r c h 7 , 2013

T h e TJHeEwJiEsW hI HS oHmHeO M n E nm aMrAY c h 274, ,2013 2012

You Gotta be

Kidding!

Riddle

Submitted by Chana Baila Seber

Submitted by Shimmy Schwartz

A Jewish man and a Chinese man were conversing.

The Jewish man commented upon what a wise people the Chinese are.

“Yes,” replied the Chinese man, “Our culture is over 4,000 years old. But, you Jews are a very wise people, too.”

The Jewish man replied, “Yes, our culture is over 5,000 years old.”

The Chinese man was incredulous, “That’s impossible,” he replied. “Where did your people eat for a thousand years?”

You and your five friends, Avi, Ben, Chaim, Dave, and Eli, were hanging out when you spotted a wallet on the floor. You know that it belongs to one of your friends, but you don’t know which one.

You say: Whose wallet is this?

In response your friends say: Avi: That’s mine.

Dave: You’re lying, Avi. Chaim: Yeah, Avi, you are lying.

Ben: Avi is not lying, guys.

Dave: That wallet is owned by Chaim.

Eli: Yeah, Dave is telling the truth.

Ben: No, Eli. That’s your wallet.

You remember that at least 2 of your friends always tell the truth (they are honest), while at least 2 always lie (liars). But you don’t remember which ones are which.

Can you figure out who owns the wallet?

Answer below

Lawyer’s daughter ___________________Sue

Meteorologist’s daughter ___________ Haley

Thief’s son _________________________ Rob

Steam shovel operator’s son _________ Doug

Lawyer’s son ________________________Will

Hairstylist’s son ____________________ Bob

Doctor’s son ________________________ Bill

Homeopathic doctor’s son ____________Herb Justice of the peace’s daughter _______ Mary Sound stage technician’s son __________Mike Hot-dog vendor’s son_______________ Frank

Answer to riddle: Chaim owns the wallet.

Ben’s first statement says that Avi is telling the truth—that it is Avi’s wallet. His second statement, however, says that it is Eli’s wallet.

The statements cannot be true at the same time, so Ben lied in both of them. Ben is a liar.

Since Ben was lying when he said that Avi is telling the truth, Avi is the other liar, too.

Chaim and Dave are automatically honest, since they both told the truth when they said Avi was lying. Eli is also honest since he said that Dave told the truth.

Therefore, Chaim owns the wallet. And you better get some better friends.

78 86

Gambler’s daughter ________________ Bette Exercise guru’s son ___________________ Jim Painter’s son ________________________ Art

GOT FUNNY?

Iron worker’s son __________________ Rusty

Let the Commissioner decide.

TV show star’s daughter ____________ Emmy

Send your stuff to

Movie star’s son ___________________ Oscar Barber’s son ______________________ Harry

centerfold@fivetownsjewishhome.com

79 87 TTHhEe JJEeW wI iSsHh HHOoMmEe nn M AY m a 2r 4c h, 2012 7 , 2013

Chuck Hagel has just been installed as Secretary of Defense.

Will he last? Who knows? Make sure you brush up on your military knowledge, just in case you get the call to take over the Pentagon.

1. Why was the Pentagon built without any marble (other than several inches which were mistakenly used in some stairwells)? a. Because the architects didn’t want the building to look like other Washington structures. b. Because marble is more slippery and many in the Pentagon wear military boots, which would present a slipping hazard. c. Because it was built during World War II. d. Because it was built in the 1800’s when it was very hard to transport marble.

2. How many people are employed by the Department of Defense? a. 500,000 b. 750,000 c. 1.5 million d. 3 million 3. The Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fidelis,” was adopted in 1883 as the official motto. It doesn’t just look good on the back of a loud, jacked-up pickup truck; it actually has a meaning. What does it mean? a. Strength and Courage b. Muscles and Grit c. Always Faithful d. Brothers In Arms 4. Which war was the longest war the U.S. was every involved in? a. The Afghanistan War b. World War I c. The Vietnam War d. The Civil War 5. What are the four corps of the U.S Army? a. 1st Corps, 2nd Corps, 3rd Corps, 4th Corps b. Alpha Corps, Delta Corps, Foxtrot Corps, Uniform Corps c. 1st Corps, 3rd Corps, 5th Corps, 18th Airborne Corps d. Pacific Corps, Central Corps, Eastern Corps and Western Corps 6. Which one of the following is the largest army base in the U.S.? a. Ft. Bragg, North Carolina b. Naval Station NorFolk, Virgina

c. Ft. Hood, Texas d. Camp Lejeune, North Carlina 7. The Chief of Naval Operations tells you that he needs some more “tin cans.” What is he referring to? a. Aircraft carriers b. Submarine c. Destroyers d. Missiles 8. Who was the commanding general of the victorious forces in Europe during World War II? a. General Douglas MacArthur b. General George S. Patton c. General Dwight Eisenhower d. General Iclep Thruhistoryclss 9. The Navy Seals are part of which of the uniformed services of the U.S. Military? a. Army b. Marines c. Navy d. Coast Guard 10. Approximately how much does each B-2 Spirit (a fighter plane) cost? a. $175 million b. $600 million c. $1.2 billion d. $2.5 billion Answers: 1. C- There are numerous theories as to why marble was mostly not used in the Pentagon, but all of them have to do with the fact that the historic building was built during WWII. Some say that FDR gave an order that no marble should be used because of a desire to save on cost. Some say it was because most marble comes from Italy, which was our enemy during WWII. 2. C- The Department of Defense employs about 1.8 million people on active duty. It is the largest employer in the United States, with more employees than Exxon, Mobil, Ford, General Motors, and GE combined!

3. C 4. C- Although many people say that the Afghanistan War is the longest in history, that is not yet true.

The official start date of the Vietnam War is murky but

“The Wall,” which commemorates those killed in action in Vietnam, included soldiers killed there in 1956.

The Vietnam War ended in 1975.

5. C- 1st Corps played a major role in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, but has shifted its mission to the Asia-Pacific region in mid-2012. 3rd Corps commands heavier units, including the 1st Cavalry Division. It has historically played a role as the Army’s offensive corps. The 5th Corps, headquartered at Campbell Barracks, Heidelberg, Germany, is the Army’s forward deployed corps. The 18th Airborne Corps is the corps of the United States Army designed for rapid deployment anywhere in the world. It is referred to as “America’s Contingency Corps.” Its headquarters are at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

6. C- Named for Confederate General John Bell Hood who was famous during the Civil War as the commander of Fort Hood’s Texas Brigade, the Fort Hood base is 340 square miles and houses approximately 65,000 people.

7. C- Destroyers and other small combat ships are known as tin cans.

8. C 9. C- Duh...

10. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

The Air Force currently has 20 active B-2 Bombers.

One crashed on takeoff during a practice flight in 2008.

Scorecard: 8-10 correct: You are a B-2!!! Stealth...quick... brilliant...(I bet I know what you dressed up like on Purim).

4-7 correct: You had to guess “C” a couple of times. Recognizing a pattern is a great skill of warfare.

0-3 correct: You are a “tin can.” (Not in the Navy sense of the word.)

88 m a r c h 7 , 2013

Focus on People

Sandy Eller

The Jewish Home n

An Inside Look at the JCCRP JCCRP Hurricane Team: Elisheva Trachtenberg, Naamah Adelman, and Hadassa Jacobowitz

F

or the vast majority of the metropolitan area, Hurricane Sandy is but a distant memory but for many local residents, the October mega-storm that left a deluge of water in its wake is the gift that just keeps on giving as they continue to face a host of difficulties that have yet to be resolved. Thankfully, among the many dedicated employees at the Jewish

sources to help clients in need, but even more so, for providing me with this exceptional team.”

The JCCRP’s hurricane relief team swung into action with great intensity immediately following the storm as staff members helped clients apply for FEMA benefits and replacement food stamps. Meals were sponsored and overseen at local synagogues and schools, giving those who had not evacuated the area an opportunity to leave their frigid, damp homes and enjoy hot food and solidarity with other storm victims. Working around the clock, JCCRP board members raised funds to pay for essential community services including security guards and a walkie-talkie system NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. with Nathan Krasnovsky at to safeguard vacant JASA distributing flashlights to the seniors. homes from looters. JCCRP social workers and Community Council of the Rockaway volunteers traveled to devastated areas Peninsula, a beneficiary agency of to meet with residents and offer them the UJA Federation and an affiliate of emergency supplies including MRE the Metropolitan Council on Jewish meals, heaters, blankets and most of all, Poverty, are three women who spend a healthy dose of hope and optimism. their days helping hurricane victims Synagogues, yeshivas and schools recope with the post-Sandy fallout as well ceived both generators to restore servicas take advantage of the many programs es and grants to facilitate their restorathat were created to help locals through tion efforts, and OHEL’s Project Hope the after-effects of this unprecedented team continues to remain on site at the meteorological event.

JCCRP to provide additional mental “We would not be able to accom- health counseling. plish anything without my dedicated Elisheva Trachtenberg, who coordiHurricane Sandy team, funded by the nates services for families and individuUJA’s Connect to Recovery program,” als affected by Hurricane Sandy, can said JCCRP executive director Nathan empathize strongly with hurricane vicKrasnovsky. “They have literally been tims, having spent two weeks displaced a godsend: so talented, so kind hearted from her Far Rockaway home. and a pleasure to work with. I owe the “We drove around the area after the UJA Federation a lifetime of gratitude storm and saw so many houses with all for not only supplying us with the re- their possessions out on the curb,” said

the mother of three young children. “It many are only noticing now that their was heartbreaking and affected me very Pesach supplies were destroyed. Hagpersonally. So many people have really gadahs and disposable cutlery and plates lost everything and only now are they are high on Elisheva’s list of priorities starting to comprehend how much work for Pesach, and she is hoping to receive has to be done on their homes.” donations of Seder plates and cookware Elisheva is continually on the look- as well. out for programs that benefit residents “Having personally witnessed the efin need and she reports that almost fects of the storm, I am really inspired $500,000 has been distributed to lo- to work very hard,” explained Elisheva. cal families from a grant through the “I wish there wasn’t a need for me to be UJA Connect to Recovery Program and doing what I am doing right now, but it Met Council, helping people buy furni- is what it is and I am happy to be helping ture, appliances and other much needed people get back on their feet.” items. Store gift cards from retailers Bayswater resident Naamah Adelsuch as CVS, Bed Bath & Beyond and man is a Met Council employee who others, provided by the Met Council and currently works at the JCCRP guiding Samuel Field Y in Little Neck, have also clients to the many resources being ofhelped many replace destroyed items. fered by the Red Cross and other agenAnother potential source of funds cies including NYLAG, the New York is the Neighborhood Recovery Fund Legal Assistance Group. offering grants and interest-free loans “They send an attorney on site every to hurricane victims based on income Monday and we make appointments for eligibility, and Elisheva reports that she our clients to meet with them,” reported has given out over forty applications for Naamah. “They do a free intake and adthis program. While some families who vocate for our clients at no charge. NYLapplied through the JCCRP did receive AG offers assistance with applications funding from the NRF, response to the to FEMA and other agencies offering fund was so overwhelming that it is cur- disaster relief and they help our clients rently depleted and it is not yet known if more funds will be secured in order to help additional families.

The Met Council’s MetroPair program is another source for lower income families, with representatives taking care of basic repairs including replacing drywall, studs and doors.

With Pesach rapidly approaching, Elisheva has received Richard Altabe, chairman of the JCCRP board, providing a check an influx of requests to Rabbi Boaz Tomsky of Yeshiva of Belle Harbor for assistance as whose school was totally decimated.

89

Your Garage Door Design Center • Wood • Steel • Fiberglass • Vinyl • PVC • Insulated & Non-Insulated Doors • Seasonal Inspections • Garage Door "Tune-Ups" • Springs • Track • Hinges • Cables • Panel Replacements

Garage Door Openers

• Keypads • Remote Control • Sensors

Locksmith Service Installation and Repairs • Decorative Hardware • Shabbos Locks High Security Locks • Mag Locks • Electric Buzzers Automatic Handicap Door Openers • New Safe Installations

$100 OFF

10% OFF

RESTRICTIONS APPLY

RESTRICTIONS APPLY

NEW INSTALLATIONS

REPAIRS

m a r c h 7 , 2013

We Service All Garage Doors

The Jewish Home n

with claims that are denied or not paid at Hadassa. “They didn’t even know the full amount. They also have helped where to start. With everyone I spoke our clients with foreclosure prevention to, it was a mini counseling session on and other mortgage related issues.” the phone: hearing them, empathizing Naamah also with them, bringcoordinates voling them a sense unteer efforts, of calm and sepairing those curity during this who want to give chaotic time, and their time with trying to guide those who are in them towards the need of an extra resources that pair of hands. were available.”

“We have A part-time volunteers to employee who help people balances her remove back into sponsibilities their homes and as the mother clean for Pesach of four with her but there is so desire to give NYC Public Advocate and Mayoral candidate much more that back to the comBill de Blasio with Nathan Krasnovsky, Executive still needs to be Director munity, Hadassa of the JCCRP, touring the JCCRP’s operdone,” said Naaarranged the disation at the Young Israel of Bayswater. mah.

“People tribution of gift call up, they have lost their whole base- cards to families who needed emergency ments and all their Passover stuff is gone supplies and also coordinated the many as well. They have nothing. No dishes, donations that flooded the area in the no pots, no pans, not even money to buy days following the storm. food for Pesach. It is really sad and we “Many people from all around the are doing our best to get resources to tri-state area donated supplies,” recalled help them with this as well.”

Hadassa. “We had cleaning supplies, A relatively new hire, Naamah en- water, medicine, dry goods, clothing, joys the warmth that pervades the air blankets, and even beds. We set up a at the JCCRP, something she considers distribution center, and with the help of 20 volunteers, we did an entire day of distribution to Far Rockaway residents. After that, we had people calling every day, looking to volunteer with the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. We paired up the volunteers with families who needed help. We had young single boys, girls, and even parents with their children coming to help in the homes of Sandy victims.”

At the Young Israel of Bayswater, where the JCCRP A resident of Lawrence, Haset up a food distribution and contributed to the dassa does both Hurricane Sandy hot meals being served. Pictured are Pesach Osina, relief and supportive counseling Yoni Dembitzer, Richard Altabe, Esther Schenker, and Kathy Rosenberg. and spends much of her time advocating on behalf of her clients, crucial for clients who come in seeking getting them the help they need. Hadasassistance. sa feels fulfilled spending her days help“It feels so good to be doing what I ing her clients get through difficult situam doing,” said Naamah. “During the ations, particularly when she is working hurricane, I went to the Young Israel of with local residents.

Bayswater to get food and it is good to “It is nice to work in the community be on the other side and be the one giv- and to make a difference in the place ing. The sad part is the funds are run- where you live,” said Hadassa. ning out and people don’t realize how much local residents are still suffering.

The money may be running out, but the To contact the JCCRP call 718-327need isn’t.”

7755 or visit them at 1525 Central AvA social worker who was hired by enue in Far Rockaway or online at www. the JCCRP to do supportive counseling, jccrp.org where you can join the email outreach and crisis intervention, Hadas- list to be notified of all grant and volunsa Jacobowitz found herself in the right teer opportunities as well as giveaways. place at just the right time.

Paypal donations to the JCCRP can be “Things kind of exploded here after done directly through the JCCRP webthe hurricane and people were desper- site with 100% of all donations going ately in need of guidance,” explained directly to hurricane victims.

90 m a r c h 7 , 2013 The Jewish Home n

R’ Ben Tzion Shafier

Parshas Pikudei

Where are the Gadolim today?

“These are the reckonings of the Mishkan, the Mishkan of testimony, which were reckoned at Moshe’s request.” (Shemos 38:21) Parshas Pikudei begins with a detailed accounting of all of the gold and silver that was collected for the Mishkan. A cursory reading would lead us to assume that while, of course, a man as great as Moshe was above question, he must have asked for this calculation because public leaders must remove any suspicion no matter how farfetched.

However, the Balei Tosfos explain things a bit differently. It seems that Moshe was in fact suspected of stealing money from the Mishkan. There were 16 shekalim which were unaccounted for, and Moshe was suspect to have taken them. Therefore, Moshe asked for a formal accounting, to remove the suspicion. At which point they discovered that those 16 shekalim were actually used in the construction of the hooks of the Mishkan.

The difficulty with this Balei HaTosfos is understanding how would anyone suspect that Moshe Rabbeinu of stealing? The Mishkan was to be the dwelling place of Hashem on this earth.

It was one of the holiest objects ever created. Monies that were separated for the Mishkan were consecrated and holy.

How could anyone suspect Moshe of pilfering those monies? Even more perplexing is that these people knew who Moshe Rabbeinu was. They saw him go up to shamayaim and receive the Torah. They heard the sound of Hashem’s voice speaking through him. From the time that he came down from Har Sinai his face shone like the sun—for that reason he constantly wore a veil. They understood him to be the greatest human ever created. How is it possible that they suspected him of petty thievery—16 shekalim, no less?

This question becomes even more difficult when we take into account the circumstances of those times. This was the generation of the midbar—all of their daily needs were taken care of.

They ate maan that fell from the heavens, they drank water from a huge rock that followed them through the desert, their clothes grew on the backs and their shoes never wore out—in short all of their needs were taken care of. They didn’t work for a living and had noth-

ing to do with their money. There entire focus and occupation was growing in learning and Yiras Shamayim. It was the ultimate kollel community. If so, what possible motivation would Moshe have to steal the shekalim?

The answer to this question is based on perspective.

Appreciating Gedolim The story is told that one day a poor man came to the Chofetz Chaim’s door asking for tzedakah. The Chofetz Chaim invited him in and offered him a full meal. When the man was finished eating, he left. As the Chofetz Chaim was cleaning up, he realized that this man had stolen a spoon. The Chofetz Chaim ran into the street after him calling, “Wait, wait, don’t forget the spoon is fleishig.”

While this is a beautiful illustration of the giving nature of a tzadik, there is as subtle message here—the man stole a spoon from the Chofetz Chaim. How was that possible? The Chofetz Chaim!

The revered sage. The final word in halacha. The teacher of generations. Could we imagine anyone today being lowly enough to actually steal something from such a holy man?

The answer is that no one today would act that way to the Chofetz Chaim, because we have an appreciation of who the man was. But in his generation, they didn’t. That stature was only something that he acquired long after he died. For most of his life, he was viewed as a regular man—maybe a talmid chacham but nothing extraordinary. And even when the world began hearing of the Chofetz Chaim, it wasn’t as some huge, towering, historic figure—a gadol maybe, but not someone who will shape history.

This seems to be a quirk in human nature—when we live in proximity to greatness it is hard to appreciate the size of the man, we tend to minimize the magnitude. It is far easier to lump him together with other people of the generation and assume that he can’t be that much greater. Acharei Mos-Kedoshim, it isn’t until the person has passed on that people begin to appreciate who he was.

The View from that Generation This seems to be the answer to

Moshe Rabbeinu. While the people living then knew of the greatness of Moshe, they still viewed him as a man of their generation. Granted, he went up to the heavens and received the Torah, but he is a man like you and I, and what is to say that he didn’t just pocket some of the shekalim? While later generations wouldn’t in their wildest dreams suspect such a man, to those living in those times, that historical perspective wasn’t there, and they couldn’t see him for the lofty giant that he was.

This concept has particular relevance to us as we look at the leaders of our generation and say, “Where are the Gedolim today?” Where are the powerful beacons of the mesorah? But we aren’t the first to utter that cry, it has been expressed by every generation since Har Sinai, and will continue through the generations. What we see

from the Balei Tosfos is that this sentiment was expressed even in regards to Moshe – if they suspected him of pilfering funds from the Mishkan; they didn’t quite appreciate who the man was.

The correct attitude is that Hashem provides Gedolim for each generation to guide the people living in those times. Chazal tell us that as “Yiftach in his generation, so too, Shmuel in his generation…” It is our job to seek out the Torah leaders of our times, take council from them, and learn the ways of Hashem from those whom He sends to lead us.

The new Shmuz on Life book: Stop Surviving and Start Living is now in print! It is a powerful, inspiring work that deals with major life issues. Copies are available in sefarim stores, or at www.TheShmuz.com, or by calling 866-613-TORAH (8672).

T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 2 4 , 2012

The Shmuz

69

91 Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

then a stockbroker for Shearson-Lehman (who??), for advice. She gave me the name of a stock to buy; I responded that I wanted to buy another stock, and she told me to buy that one also.

As it turns out, the stock I bought because I thought they owned the com-

pants stopped trying to outsmart everyone else, and tried merely to channel truth and G-d’s will by subduing their egos and letting Him lead them, they not only found the answers more easily, but with the increased release of control came greater accuracy.”

Could it be, then, that “going with your gut” means trusting Hashem to keep doing what He has been doing forever? pany I was interested in didn’t own that company, but spun off another valuable stock, and the first one she suggested also made money. I ended up basically doubling my money in about two years.

The second part of the lesson was when I worked for a company that was having dealings with a large corporation. Feeling I had the “inside track” on knowing that good things were on the way, I bought into that corporation.

It tanked and so did the value of my stock shares. Lessons learned? I don’t know how to make money in the stock market. If I make money it’s because I’ve released the reins and let Hashem drive, knowing that I don’t know what the best thing is.

Could it be, then, that “going with your gut” means trusting Hashem to keep doing what He has been doing forever? I mean, if I’m so important, smart and integral to the world, how did it survive until I got here? I guess it must mean that G-d knows what He’s doing without my input.

Another example: The only time I ever won a big prize in a Chinese auction was when I put a ticket in the wrong box. I thought I was putting in for some sterling silver pieces, and ended up winning Shabbos china. (Yes, I get the joke, winning china at a Chinese auction.) I didn’t know what I was doing, but the Master of the Universe did.

If I had to put the Tel Aviv University study results into a hypothesis, and I could mention G-d without getting laughed out of the room by the scientific community (who should be able to understand on their own the ridiculousness of there not being a Creator,) I think I would say this: “The study found that when partici-

The fact that as the tests were harder the gut reactions were better is, I believe, a result of the people recognizing that they couldn’t possibly be in control, and thus they were quicker to relinquish it. In the final analysis, however, it is they who were credited with coming up with the right answer.

We live in a complex world. We have pressures to make things happen and fulfill our obligations. Sometimes, it even gives us ulcers and stomachaches. That’s when it’s time to go with your gut. Do your part, sure; but don’t let it overwhelm you because, in truth, you’re not in control. When you realize that, you just may find problems easier to deal with, and you’ll pass more tests with flying colors.

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. © 2013 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

COMMON DIAGNOSES TREATED AT OUR FACILITY INCLUDE: • •

• • • •

•

• • •

Cindy Becker

Physical Therapist Certified Hand Therapist

516.508.2010 cindybeckerpt@gmail.com

•

Fractures/Dislocations Of The Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, And Hand Wounds/Lacerations Including Tendon And Nerve Injuries, Amputations And Burns Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/Carpal Tunnel Release Repetitive Strain Injuries Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Ligamentous Injuries Including Sprains, Tears And Reconstructions Tendinitis/Tenosynovitis Including Trigger Fingers, De Quervains, Golf And Tennis Elbow Ganglion Cysts Arthritis/Joint Replacements Athletic Injuries/Performing Arts Injuries Shoulder Impingement, Replacements And Rotator Cuff Repairs

• 833 Central Ave Far Rockaway, New York 11691

We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.

m a r c h 7 , 2013

O

riginally I was going to write about something else but then I saw the following study and I thought to myself, “I have got to write about this, even if I’m not yet sure what I will write.”

In a behavioral experiment published in 2012, Prof. Marius Usher of Tel Aviv University’s School of Psychological Sciences and his fellow researchers found that intuition was a surprisingly powerful and accurate tool. When forced to choose between two options based on instinct alone, the participants made the right call up to 90 percent of the time. In fact, the more complex the choices and voluminous the data, the better the gut reactions scored.

I won’t go into the technical aspects of their study, but their premise was that the brain was able to calculate things subconsciously faster than cognitively, and when people just went with it, they were better off than when they tried to reason the answer.

This opened a number of ideas for me. The first one that came to mind is based on the premise of a bas kol.

Quoted throughout the Talmud and midrashim, this “daughter of a voice” is a type of Heavenly message that a person hears not with his ears, but with his heart and his soul. It is definitely G-d speaking to him, but not in the typical way we would imagine. Some people might call it a feeling, or a gut instinct.

It is said that when a person meets their intended spouse and something clicks inside and they just know this is the person, it is because their soul has heard the bas kol announcing, “This is the one.” It is quite likely, then, that “going with your gut” means following what your soul knows, even if your intellect hasn’t yet caught up. That would make sense in the context of being right, because there is less ego and personal bias to distort the decision.

Which leads me to my second thought, which is that I really don’t know what’s right, and just because I think something is good doesn’t mean I don’t recognize that I can be wrong.

I, for example, don’t play the stock market. I’ve gotten some very strong lessons about it in the past and I think I’ve learned from them. The only success I’ve really had in the stock market was when I was still in Yeshiva and had saved some money to invest. I had a dream. In it, I asked my sister, who was

Go With Your Gut

The Jewish Home n

The Observant Jew

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

92

Air Conditioned Classrooms!

CAMP MATOV Summer Yeshiva

Greatest Bargain in Town!

The Community Camp Where Learning Comes FirstLocated on the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway Campus

Experienced Rebbeim!

Camp Dates: July 1 - August 16

Yeshiva Bochurim Counselors

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll accommodate summer schedules

Swimming, Leagues, Bowling, Batting Range, Trips

Rabbi Aharon Brafman-Director Rabbi Moshe Shonek-Head Counselor Rabbi Shalom Rohr-Learning Director Rabbi Afki Klein & Rabbi Dovid Libman & Rabbi Menachem Engel-Division Heads For more information or applications please call (718)-327-2567

93

The Jewish Home n m a r c h 7 , 2013

T hTeH JE eJw i sIhS HH oHmO eM En n mMaAY r c 2h47, ,2012 2013 EW

94 88

Cover Story

Baila Rosenbaum

The Jewish Woman Doing It All and Doing It Well

It’s always been a big job to be a Jewish woman. Back in the 17th century, one ordinary Jewish mother, Gluckel of Hameln, left her children a journal describing her life story. Gluckel was a German-Jewish widow and mother of fourteen. She was devoted to her husband and busy with child-rearing.

Left widowed at a young age, she was forced to support herself and ensure the success of her children. She didn’t return to her parents’ home or rely on charity. Instead, she spent most of her life in commerce, engaging in trade and running her own factory. She lived through war, plagues, bankruptcy and political turmoil. She successfully guided the economic and personal destinies of all her children – marrying them off and seeing that they were financially secure. Her journal is her legacy, attesting to the courage and determination of the Jewish woman.

What are the challenges of today’s Jewish woman and how does she manage? Only a generation ago most women stayed home tending their families; but in today’s financial climate, working outside the home is most often a necessity. Currently, a whopping 71.3 percent of women with children are in the labor force. Additionally, the obligations of the Jewish woman include caring for her children and husband, commitments to school and community, a full calendar of simchot and involvement in chessed. Though there are no exclusive statistics describing Jewish women at home or in the workforce, it’s evident that, like Gluckel, the contemporary Jewish woman has to juggle many responsibilities.

Shabbos, Day of Rest

Simchas Yom Tov

As frum women, we are fortunate to be able to celebrate the yomim tovim throughout the year. Every yom tov brings its own simcha and excitement. And every woman connects with each yom tov in a different way. Ayelet W. lives in Brooklyn and she told me that Purim delights her in a special way. “I live on a busy block and we stand outside the house on Purim day marveling at everyone’s costumes. We

My Mother, the Juggler

In today’s economy, most mothers have to work in order to make ends meet. Many of the challenges that frustrate mothers today lay in the constant battle between balancing work and family life. We all want to be dedicated employees and give the most we have to our jobs. On the other hand, we know that our family is the most important piece of our life. So how do we find the proper balance?

Esther H. is a senior occupational therapist for the NYC Department of Education. With two school-age children and one toddler, she has become a master at juggling work

95 89

“My biggest challenge is to juggle my myriad responsibilities while maintaining clarity on what my ultimate goals and objectives are.”

T hH eE J eE w 7 , 2013 W iI sS h H H oO m M eE n Mm AYa r2c4h, 2012

When I speak with other women in the community, I am always awed by what they are able to accomplish. Some of the people I speak to are working outside the home; others are full-time mothers, chefs, carpool drivers, cooks…you get the point. All their lives are so busy and yet they seem to be able handle it all. The job of a mother and running a household always requires some sort of juggling. But being a frum woman requires us to juggle so much more.

Every week, we have Shabbos on our minds—shopping on Wednesday, cooking on Thursday and Friday, and then preparing the house on Friday for Shabbos. It’s our joy to welcome the Shabbos queen into our home and we appreciate the tranquility that comes on Shabbos—the children, in their Shabbos finest, sitting around the table; the games and books being played and read on Shabbos afternoon; and the closeness we feel with the family without any distractions.

“But sometimes I wish I can get a break from some of the preparations,” Shani F. told me. Shani works full-time outside the home and sometimes feels too tired to go out on a cold, winter evening to buy what’s needed for Shabbos. She explained that when she needs a break, she sometimes asks her mother if they can go to her for Shabbos. Other times, her husband does some of the shopping and they buys some ready-made food for the seudos. “My husband and children don’t mind, and I know they appreciate that I can come into Shabbos more relaxed,” she related.

Shira from Cedarhurst told me that she also finds it hard to shop for her family, teach every day, and be there for her children when they get home from school. “So I make sure to get as much help as I can,” she said. For example, instead of shopping in the supermarkets, she makes up a list, and emails it to the store on Wednesday morning. This way, by the time she comes home from teaching on Wednesday, her shopping packages are waiting for her by the door. “That extra hour every week may just be one hour, but it is well worth it for me,” she explained. She also has her cleaning girl peel and chop her vegetables for her soups and salads.

Fresh food to serve her family is a priority for her, and peeling and cutting vegetables and fruits take time. On the days she has cleaning help, she leaves the vegetables that need to be peeled on the counter and then she can just add them to soups and salads when she comes home.

“My children know that they have their ‘jobs’ to do on Friday afternoon,” Bryna says. Every child, according to his or her age, has specific tasks that they have to finish on Friday. “Shabbos is a day of rest for everyone,” Bryna explains, “and my children know that they are involved in getting the house ready for the Shabbos queen.” Some children have easier ‘jobs,’ like making sure the toy room is clean or taking care of the baby. Other children set the table or vacuum. Like a well-run organization, Bryna’s children know their tasks and make sure to get them done. She says they don’t feel resentful—they understand that mommy doesn’t have to work alone to get everything ready. And she feels that she is preparing them for when they are setting up their own homes. She remembers having her list of “chores” when she was younger, and when she got married, she knew how to clean her house and keep it in sparkling shape—thanks to the “jobs” she was given when she was younger.

get to see the cutest and the craziest get-ups every year—my kids love it!” “Yom Kippur is the day I feel the purest and the closest to Hashem,” Shani F. admitted. Every year on Yom Kippur, she asks her babysitter to watch the younger children for a few hours so she can go to shul. It is the one time of year that she wants to daven with the tzibbur.

“Just being there makes me daven with more kavana,” she explained.

“Pesach is my ‘favorite’ yom tov,” Bryna told me.

“When I sit down to the seder, I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I work hard for three weeks cleaning my home and when Pesach starts, I know that I worked hard but it was well-worth all the effort.” Indeed, Pesach is the holiday that Jewish women prepare for the most in advance.

My mother’s friend would start Pesach cleaning in January. Other women start before Purim. Every woman has her own schedule, but as my mother used to say, “We all sit down to the seder at the same time—so do what you can.”

Are there any tips to help Pesach cleaning get any easier? Shira says not to get stressed or overwhelmed by the task. Yes, you may have a whole house to clean, but when push comes to shove, you don’t have to clean every window and dust every shelf. She also suggests enlisting family members’ help. “Children of all ages will be excited to help clean if you ask them in the right way. Make it fun, make it a challenge, and you’ll have the most determined little helpers.” Debbie from Lawrence lauds the “list.” “My family knows—before every event or every yom tov or every simcha, I sit down at the kitchen table and make a list.”

The list, she says, helps organize her and helps her clear her mind. Instead of reminding herself to take the kittel to the cleaners or vacuum out the car seats, she writes it down.

This helps minimize her stress. “Once I know it’s written down, I no longer think about it—except for on the day it has to get done.”

“I cannot stress the importance of having cleaning help before yom tov,” Shainee told me. She remembers listening to a shiur given by Rebbetzin Zehava Braunstein z”l after she got married. In the speech, Rebbetzin Braunstein spoke about how vital it is to take care of yourself and not run yourself ragged. She said that one of keys to having a happy, stress-free home is to have cleaning help. “Sometimes I feel guilty that I’m spending so much money having someone else clean my home. But you know what? This money is not being spent frivolously; this is money that is going towards a peaceful, wonderful yom tov and it’s worth every penny,” Shainee explained.

Even on Pesach, it is helpful to have extra help in the house. The sederim are over really late and there are many dishes to wash. For the past ten years, Gitti has asked her cleaning girl to come early the morning after the seder. As the grandmother of k”ah eleven, her house is busy on yom tov. “I love spending time with my grandchildren but I can’t play blocks with them or read books to them while I’m washing dishes,” she explains. Just an hour or two of help in the morning can do wonders for the rest of yom tov. After the kitchen and dining room are clean, Gitti feels ready to cook again for the next seudah.

The Jewish Home n

Pesach

2013/5773

m a r c h 7 , 2013

96

with tour guide Eve Harow

Thursday March 28/Nisan 17 Chol Hamoed

ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS DETERMINED BY SECURITY AND WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS.

in the

Footsteps of the Past

Kfar Adumim and the snail secret of the Tchelet dye, resurfacing after 1500 years.

Kasr al Yahud, where we crossed the Jordan River with Yehoshua into Israel on Pesach over 3 millennia ago, then a pilgrimage to a ‘Regel’ from our earliest days in the Promised Land.

Up to Shilo to workshops of ancient weaving and dyeing and the new Seer’s Tower sound and light show. We’ll tour the Tel where the Mishkan stood during the Judges period and then top off the day at the award winning Shilo Winery.

Cost for the day (8:30am-6:30pm): $55/adult $45/student in Israel or child under 12.

Bring your own Pesach lunch and snacks.

Water is provided.

Leave from/return to Liberty Bell Parking lot.

For reservations & further information visit

www.oneisraelfund.org/daytrips Israel: Zahava Englard 052.484.6034 or Zahav500@gmail.com In US: Ruthie Kohn 516.239.9202 x10 daytrips@oneisraelfund.org

Wednesday April 3/Nisan 23 Isru Chag

Blooming in the WesternNegev Nitzan: Is Rachel Saperstein to be uprooted again? Netiv Ha’asara: a view into northern Gaza. Cafe Cafe in Sderot for a dairy lunch, then to the Black Arrow Memorial, symbol of the region’s vast ‘battle heritage’. Past spring flowers to the 5th century synagogue mosaic at Hurvat Maon. All the way south to the Steel Tower in Kerem Shalom, then to Holot Halutza’s Gush Katif replants and those who have joined them in Nave and Bnai Netzarim.

Am, Eretz and Torat Yisrael reflected in their homes, greenhouses and yeshivot. Chemdat olive oil; pomegranates and tomatoes in the sand; inspiration and personal sacrifice in the air.

Cost for the day (8:15am-7:00pm) including lunch: $65/adult $55/student in Israel or child under 12.

97 91

community member. Sometimes the demands of daily life can move me in other directions, and I need to make adjustments and changes in order to be content in the feeling that I am on target in what I really want to accomplish.”

Learning From Others

What tips or advice can we learn from these hard-working women? Their advice combines both the practical and the spiritual.

When the going gets rough, Sari G. looks for the good.

“No matter how stressful or difficult, kvetchy or needy the children are, just keep in perspective what a bracha they are to have and that really, they are why we are put on this earth. We have the privilege of teaching them how to bring Hakodosh Boruch Hu nachas and why it is so important to do so.”

Karen R.’s message is to focus on the internal. “It’s important not to be angry at yourself when you don’t do as well as you’d like. Guilt isn’t productive. You don’t have to be a martyr. In fact, you’ll perform better if you forgive yourself and don’t resort to martyrdom.” She continues, “I think we often look at other people and say, ‘Wow, they have it all. They’re really together.’ You have to stop comparing what you feel about yourself – inside – to what you see in others – what’s on their ‘outsides.’ You don’t really know what’s going on in their lives. Focus on your own.” In fact, one story came to mind when I heard Karen’s advice.

Just last week, while at the doctor, a woman showed up with her sick toddler. Her sheitel and makeup were flawless and her clothing were perfect. I thought to myself, “Wow, that woman really has it together. She has a sick baby and she still manages to look amazing.” As I was leaving, I told her how wonderful she looked. She laughed. “I’m on the way to meet my husband for an important event in the city, but right now I don’t even know if I’ll make it.” That’s a classic example of how we juggle our myriad responsibilities and why we can never compare ourselves to those we meet.

Chanie R. takes it one step further, “As difficult as it is, I have finally learned to sometimes say ‘no.’ I am only hulman and have a fixed amount of energy. I need to function on many levels. If I wear myself out, no one will benefit from my work.” Nechama echoes this sentiment. She says her family loves having guests for Shabbos, but sometimes they opt for a “quiet Shabbos” so she can recharge her batteries. Bryna says that when she really needs a break, she asks her husband for some “babysitting time” and retreats to her room where she can relax with a book or for a rest.

Those few minutes—or half an hour—do much to restore her energy.

Besides for creating parameters and focusing on our objectives, there is one more essential component that the Jewish woman utilizes to realize her goals. Rachel G. shares her perspective. “I would advise everyone to try to create joy in whatever situation they are in. Life goes by so quickly, and there are so many challenges. But if we can enjoy things along the way, and just be happy, life for us and those around us is much more pleasant.

“Women are so busy taking care of others. I think it is important not to neglect our spiritual connection. Everyone needs to figure out what they need to continue spiritual growth.” She continues, “For some, davening may be enough to create a connection. For others, it may be a shiur or some sort of learning activity. Some people may just need some time every day to think and reflect. I think that a person who is growing spiritually does not get as bogged down with the annoyances of daily life.”

So, how does today’s Jewish woman manage it all? Like Gluckel of Hameln and the many other women throughout Jewish history, today’s Jewish woman does it all – and does it very well.

“Life goes by so quickly, and there are so many challenges.

But if we can enjoy things along the way, and just be happy, life for us and those around us is much more pleasant. “

T hT He EJ eJ EwWi sI ShHH Ho OmMe Enn M m AY a r c2h4 ,7 2012 , 2013

and family obligations. “My biggest challenge is making sure I can physically be there for my children when they have a special school event where mothers are invited and that take place during work hours,” she explains. She tries to arrange her schedule to accommodate their school events and her husband also tries to accommodate his work schedule to be there when Esther cannot. It is important, Esther stresses, to be there for your children when they come home from school and to be “mentally present” for them. “In my opinion, a mother can work full time and still make their children and family their number one priority emotionally, because they can be emotionally ‘present’ when the children are home from school and make it known to their children that they come first.” This is vital when it comes to parenting. When children see that their mother is listening to them and concerned about them, they feel secure in their relationship with her. They have to feel that they are our priority.

“We’re always juggling,” comments Karen R. “We wear so many different hats. It’s hard to be a good mother and a good wife; to keep everyone happy and still take care of yourself.” She is a full time teacher in the public school system and the mother of multiples. But her job doesn’t end there. Karen tutors and gives classes from her home.

“I have to have patience for each of these ‘hats’ that I wear.

If I have anxieties at work, I have to make an effort not to bring those anxieties home, and vice versa. It’s important not to let the stress of one area of your life bleed into your other roles.” Some say that when coming home from work, it is important to have a few minutes of down-time before coming into the house. For some, it is the commute on the train or in the car. For others, it’s a deep breath and a smile before opening the door. Whatever it is, it’s important to walk into the house showing your family that you are looking forward to spending quality time with them.

Sari G. is a full-time occupational therapist for the Board of Education and has ky”h six children under the age of nine – the youngest being two months. For her, “Organization is the key to juggling it all.” She explains, “If you have supper prepared the night before, and all you have to do is stick it in the oven when you come home, it will save you a lot of time, energy and aggravation. Hungry children are kvetchy children – if supper is ready for them when they come home, the night runs more smoothly.” She also says that humor is the key to turning a tense situation into a more pleasant one. When children are tired or petulant, “Clear your head as best as possible; turn a sad or angry child into a happy one using humor.” Her advice for when the going gets tough? “Just sing! It will totally change your mood!”

Chanie R. is the mother of six children and multiple grandchildren. All her children are married and sometimes she finds it challenging to help all her children without causing jealousy. “Each child has different needs and some need more help than others,” she explains. She is involved in the Bikur Cholim of her neighborhood but now she watches one of her grandchildren. “I had to work out my conflicting goals—wanting to do Bikur Cholim and needing to nap a baby!” Realizing that charity begins at home, she works for Bikur Cholim out of her house, making calls and arranging carpools. She includes her grandson in her visits to the hospital. “I try to work it out as best as I can,” she comments.

It’s imperative for a woman to make her own needs a priority as well as those of her family’s. Rachel R. is the wife of a magid shiur, the mother of eight children b”H, and has been working full-time as an engineer for the past 25 years. “My biggest challenge is to juggle my myriad responsibilities while maintaining clarity on what my ultimate goals and objectives are,” she explains. It’s important to maintain a constant vision of what your goals and priorities are in life. “I have a vision of what I would like to be, as an individual, as a wife, as a mother, and as a family and

I S HHoHmOeMnE n mMaAY T h Te HJEe JwE iW sh r c h2 47,, 2012 2013

98 94

Politics Today

SPINCLASS

Politics with Michael Fragin

The Sequester>>>Bob Woodward>>>Mayoral Candidate John Catsimatidis>>>Dov Hikind Kerfuffle>>>The Number 6 School Debate The following are excerpts from “Spin Class: Politics with Michael Fragin” on the Nachum Segal Network. Listen live online on Thursday on jmintheam.org.

Michael Fragin: Good evening everyone. Welcome to Spin Class. We’re talking politics.

The sequester is tomorrow. We finally got there. Will there be an 11th hour move to avert the sequester. And why should the sequester matter? Well, the President has been out there telling everybody that the sequester is really going to absolutely end government. As you know, in all those services that you think are going to be provided are going to somehow seesaw. In fact, they already released hundreds of federal detainees from the immigration detention centers, people who were in the country illegally have now been released. That is the first salvo in this fiscal war.

But the more interesting thing behind the headlines item with regards to the sequester has exploded actually today with regard to reporter Bob Woodward. This is the man who brought us Watergate and who brought us the fall of the Nixon Administration. Gene Sperling, a White House Council of Economic Advisers, essentially told Bob Woodward, “If you say that the President was the one who came up with the idea of the sequester of doing these cuts, you’re going to regret it.” Bob Woodward wrote a book about the pricing called the Price of Politics about the agreement of the sequester.

If you remember, the sequester came about because they were going to not extend the debt ceiling, not allow the government to borrow any more money. So they figured, “Okay, we’ll create a committee, and we’ll see if you can kick the can down the road, and we’ll discuss it, but nobody will ever allow these cuts to come about. But lo and behold we are there, and I think that the problem here is that one side is saying, “Okay, so just raise taxes a little more, big deal, just raise taxes.” There is a generational war going on here,

and it’s not a war in a real combative sense. It’s a war where the victims don’t even realize what’s happening to them.

We’re going to pass so much debt down to our kids and our grandkids that there is going to be no room left for real actual government services.

This just cannot continue, folks. And I think that that’s really with the realization that the Republicans are coming to, and they are not explaining well. I think that they should be saying, “Look, there is going to be no more Social Security; there’s going to be no more Medicare; there’s going to be no more Medicaid; there’s not going to be much of anything 50 years from now, 20 years now, 30 years from now, because there’s going to be no money left because everything is going to go back to paying the debt or even just the interest of the debt.” It’s called crowding out, and that’s what going to happen.

The government borrowing is going to crowd out everything else. And taxes are going to have to be raised to a massive level, and spending is going to have to be cut eventually.

So to those who say, “Well, that’s not really possible, and we should just ignore that blindly,” I would say that you’re not fulfilling your responsibility to leaving the country a better place than you found it. And as to the Bob Woodward thing, I don’t know that Bob Woodward is scared that easily, he certainly doesn’t seem to, and I think it’s a mistake for any political person to go ahead and tell him that he might regret something.

Another headline we are going to go to right now: Chris Christie, snubbed by CPAC. CPAC is the annual conclave of the conservative movement, not the Jewish conservative movement but the conservative movement of the American conservative union, those that are right leaning, those that are conservatives. And every other of 2016 Republican candidates was invited but not Chris Christie.

You might say, “Okay, Chris Christie, he gave Obama a hug, and really he is a moderate; he is a little bit of a

liberal. He is a northeastern governor, doesn’t really fit in with CPAC.” But you now what? I don’t know that Chris Christie has changed very much. He’s kind of the same tell-it-like-it-is guy that got himself elected. And the truth is, I think he has gotten major reforms done in New Jersey: pension reform, teacher tenure reform. This is a guy who has accomplishment under his belt. It’s not just about [Hurricane] Sandy, and I think the Republicans need to become, once again, the big tent that they were during the Reagan years.

We’re here with our Meet The Mayoral Candidates series. We have John Catsimatidis, Republican candidate for mayor. John is a very, very successful entrepreneur, founder of the Gristedes Supermarket chain and has interest in real estate and energy; he’s a great American success story.

So Mr. Catsimatidis, you are running with the Republican primarily.

Those running with the Republican line have a pretty good streak for the last 20 years of winning City Hall.

What makes you think you’re going to be the one to continue that?

John Catsimatidis: Well, I think New York has done well in the last 20 years. Rudy cleaned up all the problems in the streets, which was a real big problem living in New York. Mike Bloomberg has created leadership for New York which has led to tens of billions of dollars, hundreds of billions flowing into New York to keep New York going.

Our tourism is almost up to 60 million people a year, and people believe in safe streets now with Ray Kelly being [Police] Commissioner.

So it takes leadership to keep that money flowing in. From all over the city, I mean all over the country, all over the world, the money is flowing into New York, keeping our restaurants full, selling our apartments, keeping our hotels full. And this is because people believe in New York, and New York is the greatest city in the world. If we get the wrong person leading the city, that money is going to dry up real fast.

I love New York. New York is responsible for my success and my family’s success. My grandfather came to New York in 1911. I want a great successful New York going forward.

Michael Fragin: Why did you leave the Democratic Party to run on the Republican Party?

John Catsimatidis: Well, I didn’t leave. The Democratic Party left me. I am a pro- business Republican, but I am a pro-social environment Democrat. The Democratic Party in New York is a little bit too far on the left hand side of the equation.

So they can vote me as a Republican; they can vote me as an independent; they can vote me as maybe a liberal. But they know I grew up in Harlem; I grew on 135th Street. I am not a Bloomberg billionaire. I feel the pain of the people in the city, the store owners, people living in every borough that we have to pay attention to. I am one of them, not a guy that went to Harvard and raised with a silver spoon and went straight to work for Goldman Sachs or Solomon Brothers.

Michael Fragin: So what you are saying is that you are not going to ignore the four other boroughs in favor of Manhattan.

John Catsimatidis: I don’t think we should ignore the other boroughs at all. I am the one that went to school in Brooklyn, and I am the one who went to school in the Bronx. And all my relatives lived in in Queens. You know what my relationship with Staten Island was? We were so poor that the only vacation we took, my father went on a Staten Island ferry for a nickel, and we went back and forth three different trips. That was our vacation.

Michael Fragin: Some of the policy initiatives that I have read about, one of them has to do with freezing tolls.

John Catsimatidis: It’s the fact that the tolls in 1998 when Rudy was mayor was about $4 roundtrip. Now it’s $15.

The inflation didn’t go up 400%. I think

Michael Fragin: What can the city do for parochial schools and parochial school parents?

John Catsimatidis: I think that we should aid some of them to a degree without hurting the public schools. I think it’s important that people are given a chance. And don’t forget, I think we spend almost $26,000 a student in New York. If we could pay the private schools $5,000 and avoid spending $26,000 on those students, it might make common sense. It’s not about being Republican or Democrat. It’s about having common sense to be able to make good deals.

Michael Fragin: How come so many Republicans, at least this time around, seem to want to run for mayor, and it doesn’t seem that any Republicans want to run for governor next year 2014?

John Catsimatidis: I love New York City. I don’t want to live upstate; I want to live in New York. And you have got to remember, I have a rabbi. Rabbi

Schneier is one of my rabbis. I am on his boat, and Rabbi Butman for 20 years in a row. I have been lighting the menorah on Central Park South for 20 years.

Michael Fragin: That’s right, right outside the Plaza Hotel. I have been there, and it’s a very elegant ceremony.

We are going to move into our next discussion right now which is I call nothing more than the “Dov Hikind Kerfuffle,” which is about Dov Hikind , dressed up as a basketball player for Purim but not just any basketball player, one with a very large Afro and black face. So we have two analysts on the line: Hunter Walker, senior editor of The Observer, who broke the story on the Politiker website, as well as Adam Dikter from The Jewish Week who has covered Brooklyn politics and Jewish politics for quite a long time.

Dov Hikind is not a racist; I can say that with absolute certainty. He’s actually been a bridge builder between the African-American and the Jewish communities and a very effective bridge builder, I should say. But the bottom line is what was he thinking?

Hunter Walker: Well, first off, you refer to this as the “Dov Hikind Purim Kerfuffle.” I would like to propose we could call it the “Dov Hikind Purim Shpeil.”

And when I initially spoke to him, it was very clear to me in our conversation that he was not aware that there was any chance or way that this could be perceived as offensive. But it’s one thing to have been unaware and to have done this; it’s another once you are kind of told that people are outraged to not more fully apologize.

Adam Dikter: It’s another one of these scandals where we see someone digs himself deeper and deeper into.

You see that these politicians sometimes dig themselves deeper and deeper into a situation making a short story into a twoday story, maybe a three-day story. He seemed to be taken aback by the whole thing and amazed that this was a story because he comes from a community where people do dress outrageously.

Michael Fragin: So Hunter, I guess the question for an enterprising reporter like yourself is that nothing is sacred. His son put this picture up. It was a private family moment.

Hunter Walker: I am not a Facebook friend with Yoni, and you can use your Facebook privately. His settings were such that this was public, and I was able to see it.

Also, as Assemblyman Hikind said to me initially and has said repeatedly, it was sort of a public event. He opens

his doors literally for the community for over twelve hours on Purim. So I would reject the notion that was something that happened in private.

Michael Fragin: So let’s talk about the Hikind brand because that’s an important brand in New York State politics, and what does this do to the Hikind brand?

Adam Dikter: Very good question.

I think he is on his 30th year. I think he is about 62 years old. He has been in office since the early ‘80s. And it’s an important brand because he has created the perception that he is an entry to a tremendous amount of voting blocks, not only in his own district but also in the city. Hillary Clinton was very, very interested in having his endorsement when she ran for senator in 2000. In the end, he didn’t give it.

What does this do to his brand? I think it’s a big hit because I think certain African-American candidates in the future might not want to have their opponent say, why are you looking for Hikind’s endorsement? So he has some ground to make up as far as the brand.

I think sooner or later, he is going to have to worry about younger people who have more of a history of involvement in the community making the names for themselves and possibly challenging

99 95 W iI sS h H HH oO m M eE n TT hH eE JJ eE w n MmAYa r2c4h, 2012 7 , 2013

you have to have guidelines, and you can’t take any particular people and punish them for no reason at all. And you are punishing the Brooklynites and the Staten Islandites by giving them a 400% increase. It’s got to be a little more balanced.

EW MaAYr c2h47, ,2012 T hTeH EJ eJw i sIhS HH oHmO eM En n m 2013

100 him. he will probably rebound from this, 96

but he certainly has to be careful not to do anything like that in the future. When you do something once, that stays in the public’s mind. If you do something later on, that cements that impression.

Hunter Walker: It seems like he was uniquely able to survive the backlash. What people kept telling me is that had this been another assemblyman in upstate, they might have even been pushed out of office. And not only is his seat not in danger, but he certainly wasn’t getting really, really strong active refute from other politicians. And I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that whether or not it’s accurate, he is perceived as a really important gatekeeper name in Orthodox Brooklyn.

Michael Fragin: There is a referendum coming up in the Five Towns area in School District 15 involving the sale of a school which hasn’t been open for a couple of years— #6 School.

We have two guests representing each side of the equation here. We have Ben Weinstock who is the attorney for Simone Healthcare Development Group as well as the Mount Sinai Project that is a proposing an urgent care and medical outpatient facility at the #6 School, and we have Josh Schein who is representing the Community Coalition of the Five Towns which is opposing the sale and saying “vote no” on the March 20th Referendum.

We will have something like an opening statement from each of you; we will take some questions, and I hopefully will have some very spirited and fruitful discussion with regard to this issue. So Ben, I want to let you go first as a proponent, and then we will let Josh go.

Ben Weinstock: The school was a 1st grade to 6th grade public school on about six and a half acres of land in Woodmere, and it closed in 2009. There just weren’t enough kids in the school district to keep it open, and it had about 200 children when it closed. The school board kept it for a while and then made a decision to put it out to a broker to find highest bidder with the best use for it and sell it. They received a number of different bids.

There was a bid from the JCC, which is a Jewish Community Center. There were bids from several yeshivas. There was a bid from a fellow who wanted to develop it into a 90,000 square-foot health club, a gym. And then there was the bid from Simone and Mount Sinai. And Mount Sinai obviously is a world-class healthcare provider. Simone Healthcare Real Estate provides very high-quality, aesthetically-pleasing medical facilities. It has a 25-year track record of successful real estate develop-

ment in healthcare projects, and it operates more than a hundred properties with more than five million square feet of space.

They are proposing to create with Sinai a multi-specialty outpatient medical center. When you think of a regular medical office building, you have a building that has individual tenants that are doctors, and they rent space in the building and conduct their practices.

But there is no integration between the doctors except on whatever basis they establish their own relationships and referral patterns. To the contrary, in a multi-specialty medical center like this, you have a group of 60 physicians, about half of which will be primary care doctors, meaning internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics, and

posal, and what it means for the future of our community. We are concerned about preserving our quality of life, and we are concerned about the safe places that our kids have to play. And that’s why we are especially troubled by this proposal to put a large medical center here, changing a quiet residential neighborhood into a healthcare complex that’s going to be open seven days a week.

It’s going to be a regional healthcare facility. There will be strangers from all over the area and beyond, coming and going in the neighborhood from early in the morning until late at night, and that creates a real safety concern for our families. It’s not just going to take ball fields and valued open space for our kids, and turn it into a parking lot. And it’s going to change our already bad traffic prob-

“WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT PRESERVING OUR QUALITY OF LIFE, AND WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFE PLACES THAT OUR KIDS HAVE TO PLAY.” then the heart specialists in all the major fields. And the way this thing functions is different than the way you would see a regular doctor’s office functions.

Everybody moves seamlessly from a primary care physician to a specialist if necessary. All of the diagnostic imaging and lab services are available on site, so that the patient can schedule a single visit and see the primary physician and see whatever specialist that patient would normally be referred to. As an example of that, we like to give the following that a woman goes to her doctor and he says, “She needs a mammogram.” In the current world of medicine, she gets a prescription, goes home, calls some mammography centers, schedules the examination, goes to the mammography center, has the image taken and goes home and waits for the results.

Sometimes she will get a callback that says, “You need to have it reimaged,” and it ultimately could lead to a biopsy.

The process takes a very long time. In a facility like this, the patient sees her doctor, goes to the mammogram, has the picture taken, reimaged if necessary and even can have a needle biopsy all on the same day or the following day.

Michael Fragin: So Josh, why would such a great medical center with all these specialties be opposed?

Josh Schein: As you mentioned, I am one of the organizers of the Community Coalition of the Five Towns, and we are not professional activists or organizers or anything like that. We are parents, homeowners and residents who are genuinely concerned about this pro-

lems into a gridlock.

The math is really simple. You have sixty doctors, maybe more, five patients an hour each, that’s 300 patients an hour.

There is just no room for those vehicles, plus the vehicles of employees and delivery trucks and repair teams, laboratory pickups and salesmen. It’s going to create a traffic nightmare with cars and trucks spilling over into residential streets throughout the community. And this also creates an added danger for the many children in our community who walk or bike to go to the two schools within the few blocks of this site. And I think it’s really important for voters to understand that there’s no binding agreement here of any kind that limits the number of doctors or the hours of operation or the size of this facility. This is a sale free and clear.

If this is approved, the developer will do everything possible to maximize revenues. But that is at direct odds with the interest of this community, and I know they talk about revenues for our schools, but the truth is the estimates of actual tax revenue here will save households an average of $35 a year on property taxes, that’s it. And that doesn’t take into account the added burden that this facility is going play for our municipal services, like police or added infrastructure. Property values will certainly go down.

And so it’s really from my perspective just not worth the risk for families in the neighborhood. In most elections, you’re voting for a candidate. If he turns out to be a bad politician, then in two years or four years, you vote him out.

But in this election, we’re voting for

something that’s going to change the face of this community forever.

Michael Fragin: Ben, I guess I’ll throw the first question at you. Is this entirely just a NIMBYism issue, Not In My Back Yard? I’m hearing from Josh quite a few things as far as, “Look, I don’t want to have certain people, strangers coming into the neighborhood, and if I live in a different area, wouldn’t I just be happy if my taxes are lower $35?”

Ben Weinstock: Well, I don’t think it’s just simply the ability to have a reduction in your tax liability and for the school district to be able to meet some of its financial challenges because in our school district, the #15, our taxes are roughly half of what they are in School District 14, and the way that’s been accomplished is very careful fiscal planning by the board and by doing things that are prudent. This property generates $12.5 million from the sale and about $1 million a year in tax revenue, roughly 70% of which goes to the school district.

So in a period of 10 years, that’s $7 million; in a period of 20 years, it’s $14 million. It is a substantial amount of money.

But not one is trying to do anything here that would be hurtful to the people who live next to it. We have made every effort in designing it to avoid any impact on the residents. One of the things we did that is we closed all the entrances to the facility that faced the residential streets so that there are no pedestrians, no vehicles that access this property in any which way for many of the residential areas. All of the traffic, 100% of it, is going to be coming from Peninsula Boulevard and Branch Boulevard.

Michael Fragin: What about the traffic issues as the traffic can’t handle it currently?

Ben Weinstock: Right. So Josh attended a meeting last night at the Lyons Middle School where we made a town hall presentation, and we had our traffic engineer there. They were hired as independent experts to go out and study the traffic and advise. And basically, their conclusions were the following: Peninsula Boulevard is bad, but the amount of additional traffic that this facility draws based upon comparable studies of existing facilities that are currently open in Westchester and Harrison show that even in peak hours, they add maybe two cars a minute to the traffic flow in Peninsula and Branch, which is insignificant.

Now I am sure you can’t say I have a bad traffic condition, and I’m adding only one or two cars, and therefore it’s going to get better. But I can certainly say to you that adding one or two cars a minute isn’t gong to make it perceptibly worse. We’re trying to figure out ways

Michael Fragin: Josh, is this just a case of Not In My Back Yardism, that I don’t want it because it’s right next to me?

Josh Schein: Well, this might be a great facility, you’re exactly right, but not in a residential neighborhood. And if you look at Simone Healthcare and the other complexes they have in other parts of the New York metropolitan area, they’re all off major highways with easy access. They don’t build these complexes in residential neighborhoods, and for good reason, it would be a disaster.

Certain things don’t belong in people’s backyards, and large medical complexes like this fall into that category. Put it into a commercial district. This isn’t a zoned for a commercial district. In order to get approval for this medical complex, the developer is going to have to go before the town and get the special permission.

In a quiet residential neighborhood like this, it’s not the appropriate place for it.

Michael Fragin: Josh, how do you convince people who are in Atlantic Beach or a different community that this is a cause that they should get on board with if in fact it’s actually going to lower their taxes and be more advantageous for them?

Josh Schein: Well, I really question the entire economic argument. Ben’s numbers, a million dollars in taxes, that’s a number that’s split between the school district and the county and the Town of Hempstead. And as I mentioned before, that really doesn’t take into account any added costs or burdens that this community is going to encounter as a result of having this nonconforming complex in the middle of a residential community.

We’re going to need more police, we’re going to need more stewards and more municipal services. And we’re eventually going to be asked to pay for that.

So I think the economic argument is a false one, and that’s something that voters in Atlantic Beach and everywhere else should appreciate because their taxes may not go down, they may, in fact, go up. Certainly, property values are going to go down throughout the area. And the other issue that I think should be understood by voters throughout the Five Towns and Atlantic Beach is the traffic issue, and I think everybody gets that.

Anybody who’s been out here and is living on Rockaway Turnpike knows that it’s a nightmare; it’s an absolute nightmare today. So where are you possibly going to put all these additional cars?

Again, 60 doctors, five patients.

Michael Fragin: Ben, let me ask you why was this site picked? Why is this a good site for a medical facility?

Ben Weinstock: The site was selected because it’s in the area that has the patient population, and the patient demographic. This type of care is different than a conventional medical office.

So the numbers that Josh are throwing out are not the numbers for a facility like this. There are five other facilities almost exactly like this, and the patient volumes there are dramatically different. There’re not the six patients an hour or five or four, whatever number Josh threw out.

There are actually 20 patients a day for a physician, and not every physician is in every day. So this facility doesn’t see the thousands and thousands of patients that Josh and the other opponents for the

terest of the community at heart.

Josh Schein: I think the school board made a mistake. I think they were really instructed for this property to be used for the benefit of the children of this community, all children of this community, and I think they shamefully decided to sell it to a commercial developer. And again, that’s something that’s bad not just for Orthodox kids; it’s bad for Conservative kids, the Reform kids and Catholic kids and Protestant kids and Hindu kids, and it’s bad for everybody. This is a property that should be used for the benefit of the community as a whole and especially for our children.

So I think selling it for a pittance to a commercial developer is really shameful, and we all know how precious and scarce open space is in this area.

“THIS IS A HIGH CLASS, HIGH QUALITY 5TH AVENUE OF MANHATTAN MEDICAL PRACTICE; A PRACTICE THAT I WOULD BE PROUD TO USE.” project are imagining. It’s far fewer.

The parking studies, the traffic studies that were all presented last night were accurate. The only problem is Josh chooses not to believe them.

There’s been a cataclysmic change in how medical care is financed and how it’s provided and unfortunately, the physicians that presently exist in two or three physician practices or single physician practices are the way of the past.

Medicine cannot be practiced that way economically into the future, and what’s happening everywhere is that these group practices have been formed so that the physicians are able to make more money, provide a better care level of care to their patients and do it more efficiently. Patients appreciate it, and the physicians ultimately appreciate it, too.

The doctors that are currently in the Five Towns that are operating in small practices feel like they’re under siege.

Sinai is reaching out to them very vigorously to try to recruit them into this facility. There is a meeting tonight that’s taking place with more than 60 doctors from the community, and the best of the best will be able to join this facility if they choose to do it.

Michael Fragin: This opens a wide fissure within the normally get-along Orthodox community in the Five Towns area. Does this open a really wide rift within the community? Is that a concern for you?

The school board itself is six out of seven Orthodox Jews. So it’s always been looked at as the private school board members don’t have the best in-

Michael Fragin: Wasn’t this the high bid or the second highest bid, I guess?

Josh Schein: I think I will let Ben answer that, but I think that’s questionable whether or not it was the high bid.

The fact is it’s in the hands of the community, whether or not they acted in the way they had to by law or not, I think that’s something we can debate after March 20. Right now, the issue before us is for the community to decide.

Ben Weinstock: I’m disheartened by the way this has unfolded. As a member of the Orthodox community, I thought this was a really unifying issue.

A medical center doesn’t know race, religion or ethnicity; all it knows is how to make people better and keep them well.

And I thought this was a use that everyone could rally around, and I thought we were taking the steps necessary to buffer the residential communities that abut it to make sure that it wasn’t going to be hurtful to them in any way. And frankly, the idea of saying that the board squandered the community’s assets by selling it to somebody for $12.5 million and have the buyer pay taxes is a lot better than selling it to somebody for $10.5 million and not have that somebody pay taxes.

So even if this were to become a yeshiva or a JCC, this concept that the ball fields will be there for the community is just hogwash. And the reason I say that is if you take a look at the zoning laws and all the other laws that govern the use of property, you’ll see that a yeshiva would have to build parking lots, would have to do all the same things that we

have to do. And at the end of the day, there would be very, very little, if any, land left over for public use.

If the JCC would have purchased the property and used it as is and finished putting in their indoor and outdoor pools and finished making all the site improvements that they purported they were going to make and putting in all the parking that they had to provide, there would be some ball fields, but those would be for JCC members; they wouldn’t be open to the public at large.

Michael Fragin: Josh, I’m just trying to figure out, I think I asked you who should own the property then?

You want to leave it empty, that nobody should have it?

Josh Schein: No, definitely not. The property should be used for the benefit of our children and our community, whether it’s a library, a community center, a park, or a school. Let it be used for some purpose that benefits the community and just doesn’t go to enrich a developer.

Ben Weinstock: Josh, in all of the material that’s been back and forth on this thing, you really haven’t put out a concrete proposal. Can you be specific; can you tell me who should get it, what they should do with it, and how it should be used?

Josh Schein: Yeah. As I’ve been saying, the property should be used for the benefit of our children and our community whether it’s a library, a community center, a school. It could be a public school, a parochial school, Yeshiva, a park. Let it be used for some purpose that benefits the community as a whole and just doesn’t go to enrich this outside developer.

The other concern that I hear from the community is a potential increase in crime. Ben, are you at all concerned about the increase in crime that will come or could come with thousands of additional people, patients, workers going through our community everyday from early in the morning to late at night, and what studies have you done to evaluate the impact that this project will have on the safety of our community and what safety precautions will you put in place?

Ben Weinstock: This isn’t a clinic.

There are no methadone clinics; there are no drug rehab centers; there are no abortion clinics. It’s none of the things that people are fearful of. This is a high class, high quality 5th Avenue of Manhattan medical practice, a practice that I would be proud to use.

Michael Fragin: Ben, I got to thank you for coming. And Josh Schein, thank you. Thank you for joining us on Spin Class on our Thursday Night Extravaganza.

101 97 T H E J E W I S H H O M E n M AY 2 4 , 2012 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n m a r c h 7 , 2013

with our engineers to improve the traffic condition on Peninsula Boulevard if possible.

T h eT HJ eE w s hI SHHo m a rAYc h2 74 , 2013 J Ei W H Oe MnE nm M 2012

92 102

Notable

Quotes

“Say What?”

“Do you feel it is acceptable for City Council members to be up and walking while their constituents are addressing them?”

11-year-old David Williams chiding the Dallas City Council for not paying attention to him while he was testifying regarding guns in schools

“Just got off the phone with my healthcare provider asking them to explain why my premium jumped up. No good answer!”

Tweet by Donna Brazile, current Vice Chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, who was an ardent supporter of Obamacare

“Manti Te’o was apparently one of the slowest linebackers to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL’s scouting combine yesterday. You can tell he took it to heart because today he spent three hours on an imaginary Stairmaster.”

Jimmy Fallon

“After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding – I was fired today.”

Opening line of former Groupon CEO Andrew Mason’s farewell letter to Groupon employees, upon being fired

“It’s not like I’m lacking for invitations to speak, both here or around the country; it’s not like I have a whole lot of openings in my schedule.

I can’t sweat the small stuff. I got a state to rebuild. I can’t sweat the small stuff.”

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie discussing his not being invited to address the Conservative Political Action Conference

“Firearms Salesman of the Year.”

Caption on a poster depicting President Obama in the front window of a New Hampshire gun shop “Longevity scientists said that compared to last century, 72 is the new 30. However, they said that Larry King is still very, very old.”

Conan O’Brien

“As you know I was hoping to speak to you in person, but unfortunately, I had to stay in Israel to do something a lot more enjoyable: putting together a coalition government. What fun!”

Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday evening in a speech delivered via satellite to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee

“He’s proud, his country likes him –not like him, love him, love him. Guess what, I love him. The guy’s really awesome.”

Former NBA player, Dennis Rodman talking about North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, after returning from his visit to North Korea

“Dennis Rodman was a great basketball player. And as a diplomat, he is a great basketball player. And that’s where we’ll leave it.”

Secretary of State John Kerry on NBC News

“Dennis Rodman visited North Korea. Rodman came back and said President Obama should call North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. But President Obama was busy discussing Iran’s nuclear capabilities with Scottie Pippen.”

Conan O’Brien

“A new study found that pessimistic people actually live longer than optimists, which would be great news for pessimists if they believed in great news.”

Jimmy Fallon

“Yesterday, Groupon fired the founder and CEO of the company. Yeah, he could tell something was up because today’s deal was his parking space.”

Jimmy Fallon

Compiled by Nate Davis

“Welcome sequestration survivors. Congress did not reach an agreement and Congresswoman Maxine Waters said 170 million jobs could be lost. There are only 155 million workers in America.

Are you beginning to understand why we’re in this situation in the first place?”

Jay Leno “I don’t understand it; I don’t understand why they haven’t fixed it already. It seems to me that it should be pretty easy to fix. Real leadership would get this fixed. Get everybody in the room and you fix it and you don’t let them leave until you fix it. That’s what real leadership is; not calling a meeting two hours before the thing’s going to hit to have a photo-op in the driveway at the White House. That’s not real leadership. Fix it! ... If anybody in this room thinks they understand Washington, D.C., please come on up, stand behind the podium and you give the answers, because I don’t have the first damn idea of what they’re doing down there.”

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie at a press conference discussing sequester

“A storm dumped 17 inches of snow on Amarillo, Texas, yesterday. It was really confusing for people sneaking over the border. They thought they’d gone all the way to Canada.”

Jay Leno

Craig Ferguson

“Send money, pal. Send money! Talk is cheap!”

One of many hecklers to Mayor Bloomberg at the Rockaway’s St. Patrick’s parade

“From the moment the President took office, he has acted swiftly and decisively to make clear to the whole world and to Israel that even as circumstances have changed, one thing has not: our deep commitment to the security of the State of Israel. That has not changed. That will not change as long as I and he are President and Vice President of the United States. It’s in our naked self-interest, beyond the moral imperative.”

Vice President Biden at AIPAC Conference

“I have to admit I’m a little jealous that [President Obama] he gets to be the one to say ‘this year in Jerusalem,’ but I’m the Vice President.

I’m not the President. So I — when I told him that, I’m not sure he thought I was serious or not. But anyway…”

Ibid

“There are literally teachers now who are getting pink slips, who are getting notices that they can’t come back this fall.”

Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation” discussing the effects of sequester

“When I said ‘pink slips’ that was probably the wrong word.

Language matters, and I need to be very, very clear.”

Ibid, after it quickly became clear that he was not telling the truth

“I have a lot of respect for George Will. He’s a very smart guy, and despite the fact that a few days before the election, I think he predicted a Romney landslide very confidently on television – 321 to 217 [electoral votes] for the President, built on a victory in Minnesota, which the President ended up winning by more than 7 percent – I will continue to take George Will seriously.”

White House press secretary Jay Carney when asked about recent comments made by columnist George Will

“It was a slow recognition until ultimately when the Ohio numbers began coming in and they were disappointing. I said, look, this looks like we’ve lost — wasn’t certain. Some people said, ‘Oh, look, if this number here comes in, why, you could win.’ But you know, by 8 or 9 o’clock, it was pretty clear that we were not going to win.”

Mitt Romney on Fox News recalling election night

“It was said very clearly, ‘You will regret doing this.’”

Bob Woodward telling CNN that a Senior White House official threatened him because of his statements that sequestration was President Obama’s idea

”I am in the business of listening, and I’m going to invite him over to my house if he’ll come and hopefully he’ll bring others from the White House, maybe the President himself, and we can – you know, talking really works.”

Ibid., several days later acknowledging that he made peace with the White House official

“Watching Woodward the last two days is like imagining my idol Mike Schmidt facing live pitching again. Perfection gained once is rarely repeated.”

Tweet by Former Obama adviser and campaign manager David Plouffe

“There are people waiting for Woodward to die so they can dish stuff on him that they’re too afraid to say now.”

Washington journalist Michael Hastings

“Dogs are no different. You want to make sure they are eating a balanced diet, and if they are not an active dog, make sure that their food is reflective of an inactive dog and then get them out there and throw that ball and get them running.”

Michelle Obama during an online forum on being healthy

“Even though many have wanted to see Gitmo closed, including President Obama, despite all logic, it remains open for business. It’s the Radio Shack of the War on Terror.”

Stephen Colbert

“There’s a lot of posturing — ‘I’m going to lay off my employees today unless you do something. We’re going to close the hospitals down. We’re going to take all the prisoners from jail and put them on the street.’ Spare me. I live in that world. I mean come on, let’s get serious here.”

Mayor Bloomberg discussing the White House’s sequestration doom and gloom predictions

“Researchers in Germany now say that human longevity has improved so rapidly over the past century that 72 is the new 30. That is bad news for parents. You’ll never get the kids out of the house now.

‘Dad, I’m only 50. That’s, like, 17.’”

Jay Leno

“SHUCHMAN–Amos, of New York, on February 1, 2013.

Beloved and caring husband of Alice Shuchman for 51 years ... Born in Tel Aviv in 1928, fought bravely in the Haganah ... Loved everything about NYC, except The New York Times.”

Paid obituary of Amos Shuchman which recently appeared in The New York Times

“We think he is in heaven now with a New York Post and a falafel sandwich, having a good chuckle over this notoriety.”

Amos’ son discussing the obituary

“Beginning in June, we’re asking all employees with work-from-home arrangements to work in Yahoo! offices.”

From a now-nationally discussed Yahoo memo announcing that employees will no longer be allowed to work from home

“I’ve always said, telecommuting is one of the dumber ideas I’ve ever heard.

Yes, there are some things you can do at home. But having a chat online is not the same thing as standing at the water cooler. And standing at the water cooler is where you get a lot of ideas and information, and it’s a euphemism for a lot of interpersonal dialogue.”

Mayor Bloomberg

103 93 T ThHe EJ JeEwWi sI ShHHHoOmMe E nn MmAY a r c2h4 ,72012 , 2013

“President Obama’s halfbrother is running for office in Kenya. He’s a political novice who was born and raised in Africa. I don’t know much about the half-brother.”

The Jewish Home n m a r c h 7 , 2013

104

105

(and lunch and snacktime)

With Pop•Quin!

A delicious, protein-rich alternative to rice cakes and cereal.

The Jewish Home n

The Quin has come to breakfast

m a r c h 7 , 2013

You can’t stop poppin’

Pop.Quin!

Enjoy the marvel of quinoa, anytime, anywhere,

with delicious Pop Quin.

The plant world’s only complete source of protein is energizing, high fiber, low cal, and gluten free – and is fast becoming the super grain of the century.

Pop Quin quinoa rice cakes and breakfast cereals give you quin-wow power, ready-to-eat.

They’re so good. So good for you!

For wholesale call 347-871-6287

EW T hTeH JE eJw i sIhS HH oHmO eM En n mMaAY r c 2h47, ,2012 2013

106 82

In the Kitchen Passover Made Easy Passover is a time when families and friends gather together around the table and share a Seder meal. This year, two experienced and popular food writers have set out to make cooking for Passover fun, delicious and relaxed. Leah Schapira, author of the bestselling cookbook, Fresh & Easy Kosher Cooking, has teamed up with noted food editor Victoria Dwek to create Passover Made Easy, a cookbook that puts the “wow” in Passover meals with creative and original recipes that are easy to prepare and great to eat.

Here are two of our favorite recipes:

“There’s much more to Passover than matzo balls and brisket!

These creative, accessible, and modern recipes will make your holiday cooking ripe for experimentation and fun.”

- Joan Nathan, Author, Jewish Cooking in America

Eggplant-Wrapped Chicken

Matzaroni and Cheese

4-6 servings Wine Pairing: Domaine Netofa Red

6-8 servings

Ingredients Eggplant 1 tall eggplant ½ cup oil ¼ tsp salt Pinch coarse black pepper Meat Mixture 3 tbsp oil 1 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced ½ lb ground meat ½ tsp salt ½ tsp garlic powder Chicken 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs ¼ tsp salt Pinch course black pepper Instructions Preheat oven to broil. Grease a baking sheet. Cut eggplant lengthwise, to get 6 or 7 slices. Reserve remaining eggplant scraps. Place eggplant slices on prepared baking sheet. Brush slices with oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil 5 minutes per side, until second side is beginning to brown. The slices should appear as if they were fried. Remove and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel and finely dice remaining eggplant to obtain ½ cup diced eggplant. Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and diced eggplant and sauté until soft, about 5-7 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine onion mixture with ground meat. Season with salt and garlic powder.

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place a tablespoon of the meat mixture into each thigh and roll up to close. Roll an eggplant slice around each stuffed chicken thigh. Place, seam side down and close together, in a baking pan. Cover and bake for 2 hours.

What kids don’t prefer mac ‘n cheese over anything else? This is an easy dinner that will get all the troops running to the table when the hot, cheesy, and bubbling dish emerges from the oven. Just remember, it’s gebrochts!

Ingredients 5 matzahs, broken into small pieces 5 eggs 1 (16 oz) container sour cream 1 (16 oz) container cottage cheese 3 tbsp butter, melted 1 tsp salt 2 cups shredded mozzarella or muenster cheese, divided Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. In an 8 x 8-inch baking dish, arrange 1⁄3 of the broken matzah pieces.

In a medium bowl, beat eggs.

Add sour cream, cottage cheese, butter, salt, and 1 cup shredded cheese. Pour 1⁄3 of the cheese mixture over the matzah. Repeat with two additional layers of matzah and cheese. Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheese.

Bake for 40 minutes. The cheese on top should be brown and bubbling.

These recipes have been taken from Passover Made Easy By Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek, February 2013, www.artscroll.com/PassoverMadeEasy.

MEDITERRANEAN

128 Cedarhurst Ave. Cedarhurst, New York

516.295.1800 www.hapinagrill.com

Appetizers . Soups Entrees Sandwiches . Sushi Desserts . Salad Bar New Deli Menu Selection of Wine & Beer

|

We will cater your next Simcha

|

Sheva Brachos starting at $25 pp

|

Special rates for Business Meetings & School Lunches/Dinner

|

Student Lunch Special $7.50

|

|

Includes: Sandwich, Fries & Soda

Like us on Facebook

UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE VAAD OF THE FIVE TOWNS & FAR ROCKAWAY

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov and the Young Israel of Woodmere present Yahrzeit shiur in memory of Yosef Nisan ben Yechezkel z"l

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt-

Sunday evening March 17, 2013 after the 8:00 PM Ma'ariv Young Israel of Woodmere For more information call (516) 374-6465 No Solicitations will be made.

Designs by Sara Gold â&#x20AC;˘ 646-361-8411

Something to Say at the Seder

m a r c h 7 , 2013

Just what you had in mind.

GRILL

The Jewish Home n

you nd.

HAPINA

107

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

108

456 Central Ave, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 Â&#x2022; (516) 791-1925 Sun: 11-6 | Mon-Thurs: 11-7 | Fri: 10-1

109 The Jewish Home n

. .

m a r c h 7 , 2013

Free Belt or Tie Rack with every order

.

.

Closets Pantry Laundry Wall unit Cabinetry And more

.

.

.

1877 664 7722

7 7 2 2

110

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

Health & Fitness

Jonathan Cohen, PsyD, and Sarah Schwartz-Gluck, LCSW

I Think, Therefore I Am

D

aniel adjusted his tie as he sat in the corporate waiting room.

This was a big meeting. The investors would be judging everything about him. He needed to measure up to their expectations in order to get funding for his project. “What if I’m not good enough?” he thought. He checked his portfolio of documents.

Suddenly the numbers looked off. “This needs to be perfect!” he panicked as he realized that his paperwork may not be as flawless as he thought it should be. The receptionist looked in his direction, and he swallowed hard, terrified of facing the meeting.

Daniel in the example above may believe “I’m not good enough.” He may have believed this since the age of seven, when he was forced to repeat a grade at school. He may not even realize that his deep self-doubt has caused him to have little faith in his ability to be successful businessperson.

Of course we often feel like giving up! We are telling ourselves things like: we need to be superhuman, we need to deal with difficult things alone, and that if we ask for help that means we are failures. Anyone would feel despondent with those tapes playing in their minds.

At that moment, Daniel may not realize that his thoughts are actually keeping him trapped in a cycle of poor business interactions, self-criticism, and hopelessness— resulting in even less energy for his career. He’s not alone.

Many of us find ourselves stuck in negative behavior patterns that seem to get worse and worse with time. We often don’t realize that the way we think and the things we believe about ourselves lead us into a self-destructive behavior pattern. Those same thoughts and beliefs may be the lynchpins that can change our entire lives for the better.

The Damage Unhealthy thinking patterns may lead to a host of challenges.

Physiological symptoms such as headaches and backaches that result from mental stress.

Self-defeating behavior: We tend to repeat the actions that started the negative thinking cycle in the first place. For instance, if Haddassah

How It Works Cognitive theorists have developed an organized way of understanding the complex human mind. There are several levels of thought: A) surface thoughts, B) underlying rules, and C) core beliefs. Surface thoughts are the initial, automatic thoughts we have in a given situation. “I will fail at this meeting.” These surface thoughts are based on the underlying rules that we have for ourselves. For example, “I should have perfect paperwork for every project I am beginning to plan.” We may not realize how harsh our rules are. We often expect perfection from ourselves.

Then, when we realize that we are not perfect, we may just feel like giving up or just not trying as hard. This whole process can happen in a nanosecond.

Our beliefs are often rooted so deeply within us that we are barely aware of them. The core beliefs about ourselves are often formed as early as childhood.

be embarrassed to communicate our challenges to our spouses and may instead keep the tension inside. We may begin to hide our feelings and thoughts from our partners, creating distance in our relationships.

Psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and panic attacks.

Self-Loathing: We may eventually believe the negative thoughts we have about ourselves.

We may think that everyone else can see that we are inadequate and defective as well.

Changing our Patterns When we learn how to change our negative thoughts, we can change so

We may be embarrassed to communicate our challenges to our spouses and may instead keep the tension inside.

screams at her kids one day, she may think, “I’m a terrible mother.” Then, she may begin to suffer from depressive thoughts. “Everyone else can take care of their kids without struggling—there must be something very wrong with me.” Then, she may start feeling frustrated by her children, resulting in poor problem-solving and more screaming.

Hadassah’s self-criticism may lead her to have trouble responding to her children’s needs in a calm manner. Her ineffective parenting serves to further convince her that she is truly a defective parent. And thus the cycle continues. Deep beliefs of self-doubt become stronger with each resulting action.

Relationship problems: We may

many of the self-defeating things that we do. This process is not easy. It involves several steps. First, we can take an honest look at our thoughts and identify the distorted thinking styles that we have been using. Second, we can evaluate the accuracy of our thoughts and develop more balanced and logical ones. Then, we may slowly change our deeper assumptions and core beliefs beliefs one at a time.

Daniel took a deep breath and focused his thinking. He realized that if he continued to doubt himself, he would have trouble presenting his ideas without stuttering or sounding apologetic. He remembered that he had obtained a contract with one high pro-

file firm last year. He thought, “I know that I am capable of developing solid business proposals.” As he opened his mind to remembering his strengths, the small flaws in his documents seemed less important. In fact, he decided that they may even be viewed as a normal part of a work-in-progress. He stood up straight and smiled at his potential investors, offering a firm and confident handshake. He knew that he could ace the meeting.

We can train our minds to believe healthier messages, subsequently allowing for improved quality and meaning in our lives. (Stay tuned for our next article, which will detail some ways to evaluate and change our cognitions.)

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.

Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

TJH Staff

Remaking Ourselves We are to look for the things about ourselves that are just plain wrong – and fix them. That is what chometz represents. It’s so much easier on Yom Kippur to do that. The al chet list helps us along. We can even tell ourselves that

The cells change but the paths need effort before they change.

The reason is efficiency: It’s more efficient for our brains to react the same way as they always did when presented the same stimulus. Nevertheless, that

Changing is difficult. After all, by definition, there can’t be a recipe; there isn’t a roadmap.

we, personally, are not guilty of these horrible sins, but we are standing up and beating our chests for the tzibbur, those poor suffering souls who really have committed atrocious acts.

We, on the other hand, are nice, good people who did nothing wrong at all.

When we look for the chometz within ourselves, that fiction is more difficult to swallow because we are required to search for it.

What’s more, both the ba’al habayis and the ba’alas habayis must go through this process, she while she’s doing the physical cleaning and he when he’s doing his bedikah the night before Erev Pesach.

Both must do their personal inventory.

It’s a solitary, reflective process. In a way, women are luckier because they have the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time at it!

The question is: Do we have to look at it as a bad process? Can it be possible to see the need for change as good instead? Maybe even fun and exciting?

I think the reason people are afraid of change is because they believe that they are going to lose their identity.

That would be scary but it really doesn’t work that way. We are more like the animal that sheds layers of skin. That animal is still who it is. In fact, our own skin sheds regularly and so do all the cells of our bodies change over. What doesn’t change so quickly is the paths along which neurons fire in our brains.

might not be good for us. If we’re on a diet and shown a nice piece of cake, it would be better for our neurons to take a different path, one that sounds more like, “I’m full. I’m not at all interested.”

Hashem built into us the ability to change and it is up to us to get from “I want that cake” to “I don’t want it.” How do we do that? How do we change our opinions, ideas, habits and ways of reacting? Here are some suggestions: Put it in the Hands of HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Daven to Him with kavanah to help you recognize the changes you need to make and then to proceed on making them.

Ask those you love for help. Tell them what you are working on and tell them you want feedback on how you are doing.

Keep something around to remind you of what you are working on. In the olden days, I recommended yellow sticky notes. Today you can program your phone to alert you. You can add something to your keychain or create some kind of art project that you will see on the wall.

Read books and articles on the topic to become more informed and try out different suggestions.

Give yourself chizuk. When you’re doing it, cheer yourself on. When it’s hard, give yourself pep talks.

Finally, remind yourself that Hashem put you in this position – to change – for your own good. Growth is good and tikun olam starts with the individual.

Whatever you do, the one thing not to do is say, “I can’t change.” You can, you should, and you’ll be a lot happier when you do. I’m speaking for myself as well.

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.

m a r c h 7 , 2013

O

ur first commandment as we left Mitzrayim was to observe when the new moon would appear and celebrate that. This was a commandment with a lot of hidden features. On the one hand, we were told to do it, so clearly it represented our obedience to and our recognition of Hashem. And as the meforshim point out, it is akin to having a small child learn to tie his shoe – it’s such a good thing for him to learn because it gives him independence. In the case of the new moon, the determination of its appearance was totally in our hands, not in those of Hashem.

I believe that there is yet another lesson that we should derive from this. We are also told that the moon’s changing image from dark to bright, from a sliver to full is meant for us to appreciate how life can change for us as well. It is possible for a person to go from rich to poor overnight. But it is also possible for a person to go from poor to rich overnight as well. It’s all in the Hands of G-d.

In spite of the fact that we have been told this and we celebrate the new month every month, when it comes to working on ourselves, I hear from people, “I can’t change! This is who I am!”

Said who? How did you, personally, get to be allowed not to do t’shuva? How did you, personally, get to be the only person on Earth incapable of learning new ways of being?

Changing is difficult. After all, by definition, there can’t be a recipe; there isn’t a roadmap. If there were, it would mean we had been down that road somehow – and then it wouldn’t be a change after all. When we change, we are charting new territory. We attempt to go from shy to assertive, from unsure to confident, from thinking small to thinking big, from being aggressive to letting the other person “win.” It’s all so overwhelming that we give up before we start.

Yet we know that if it’s difficult, it makes the resolution so much the more satisfying: it’s an accomplishment! And we also know that change has been put in the mix not only as part of the human condition but as a requirement. After all, not only are we to emulate the changing moon, but we are given times of the year to focus on personal change.

There’s Elul, there’s sefirah, but there’s also Pesach cleaning.

The Jewish Home n

DrDeb

111

112

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

Health & Fitness

W

Avromy Segal

How to Obliterate Emotional Binging During the Holidays

e just finished celebrating Purim, drinking and dancing to the tune of v’nahapoch hu—where we celebrated things being upside down. Right now everyone is getting ready to gain weight, with Pesach right around the corner. My challenge to you is to set some preholiday goals so that you can minimize the damage and get back on track right after Pesach.

This week I want to give you three tips on how to obliterate emotional binging. There’s an old saying that says you must inspect what you expect. This time of year there are two things that you can expect a lot of: food and stress! If history is any indication, here’s what the next month will look like. As a community, we will pay little attention to our waistlines. We just finished Purim and with Pesach around the corner, we’ll spend the next few weeks rushing to finish all the hamantashen in time for bedikas chametz. With Pesach right around the corner, the last thing we think about is healthy living and as a community, we’ll probably put on an average of 5-10 pounds each. Once Pesach is over... that’s when everyone wants to look good for the summer and the diet craze begins! We get so fed up (pun intended) with the way we behaved and are determined to do something about it! We open up the post-Pesach edition of The Jewish Home, find the latest diet obsession and are off and running.

For some it will last a week, for others months but at some point we either lose motivation or get comfortable with our results and slip back into the bad habits that got us heavy in the first place.

Am I right?

Isn’t this how it happens every time?

Is dieting really the road map to long term weight loss? I suggest not! While the diet industry is bigger than ever, unfortunately as a kosher community so are we! Consider this: If dieting is the long term solution to our weight loss struggles, why do 90% of people who lose weight gain it back within 1-5 years?

When it comes to losing weight, you already know what to do. I know this because you’ve done it before. You don’t need another diet, what you need is a new action plan. Around 13 years ago, I

put on around fifty pounds in Yeshiva in under three years. After years of struggle I’ve lost fifty-five pounds and while my challenge was nutrition-based, it was really the mental challenge that got me there. Losing weight has very little to do with the food that you eat or how much you exercise, it has everything to do with the way you think. The way you think impacts the way you feel. The way you feel determines the actions that you take. And your actions determine your results. Let’s be real: you either have major drama going on in our life, are coming out of drama, or drama is right around the corner. You know what that’s called? Life! Unfortunately most people are not good at dealing with the stress that comes along with life, and they end up turning to food.

If you can learn how to manage stress and your emotions in general, you can be better equipped to hold strong in the heat of the battle.

Here are three simple action steps you can implement today to obliterate emotional binging: Step 1: Know Your Why! Will power never works long term; I don’t think I need to prove that point, the numbers speak for themselves.

When you focus on not doing something, you are subconsciously pushing yourself to want it more. Think about it. On a fast day, you might wake up hungry when on a typical day you’ll go until 10 or 11 without even thinking about food. Whatever it is that you tell yourself you can’t have is the thing that you will lust after. So will power will always defeat you.

So what works? It’s what I call Why Power!

Let’s say I took a 300 foot steel beam and laid it across the parking lot and said, “I will give anyone $20 just to walk from one end to the other.” How many people would take me up on it? It’s an easy $20, not a trick question. What if I took that same 300 steel beam and I put it atop two 100 story buildings. How

many people will walk across that 300 beam now for $20? Not too many. What if your child is in the other building and the building is on fire. If you don’t go across that 300 foot beam, your child will perish and die right before your eyes. How many people will go across that beam now? You’d be in and out of that building with your child before I even finish my sentence! Now notice something. Same risk, same danger, but the second time you ran right across without me even offering you $20!

What changed? Your reasons why to do it was different. When your reason why you want to lose weight and live a healthy fit lifestyle is powerful enough, important enough, urgent enough you will overcome almost any obstacle that stands in your way. The first step in obliterating emotional binging is to know what you’re fighting for!

Action step: Figure out why you want to lose the weight! (Hint: to “be healthy” is not a reason why!)

Step 2: Have a Plan If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

You must have a meal plan. If you leave things to chance or “go with the flow” as they say, the chances of you overcoming your emotional desire to eat are slim (pun intended!). Here are three practical activities to include in your plan to be better prepared when stress hits: Write out your food plan (it can be daily or weekly).

Log what you eat each day. You’ll be shocked and it will empower you to change.

Breathe! Breathing helps you deal with stress. Before you turn to food take five minutes to breathe.

Step 3: Be Proactive In Searching For G-d I’ve been very fortunate to have had a lot of struggles in my life, starting at a very young age. Fortunate, you ask?

Yup, you heard me right! It’s the challenges and struggles that have made

me who I am today. As a result of the growth I’ve experienced in my life, I’ve trained my mind to see the hand of G-d.

We all have the ability to look back in our life and see the hand of G-d. Not just some mystical Being that created the heavens and the earth. I’m talking about your Father above who is intimately involved in every area of your life.

In times of darkness it’s very easy to forget and fall into an emotional rut that leads to emotional binging. You’re just coming out of Purim and you know that no matter how dark your reality is, the salvation of G-d comes in the blink of an eye. But in order for you to make that a reality, you have to be proactive. For the next seven days, write down one thing each day that you are grateful for!

Calling You to Action!

There’s an old saying that says, “To know and not act is not to know.” People always tell me how much they enjoy my content and of course, I appreciate the feedback but you know what I would much rather hear? How I inspired you to take action! Please email me one idea that you’ve implemented in your life based on this article. You can also listen to a recording of this week’s strategy call on this topic by dialing 559-7261299, pin 758033#.

It truly is the small things in life that compound into big time results. The day that turns your life around is the day you make a decision. I hope that day is today! Are you up for the challenge?

Avromy Segal is an entrepreneur, blogger and the founder of the Kosher Challenge, a kosher-based weight loss competition, empowering Jews across the globe to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about the kosher challenge and to gain access to the FREE webinar, “The 3 principles of long term kosher weight loss,” visit www.kosherchallenge.com. Avromy can be reached at avromy@kosherchallenge. com or by phone at 516-522-0407.

113 Rifka Schonfeld

If He Cannot Learn the Way We Teach, We Had Better Teach the Way He Can Learn “His feelings of helplessness begin to take on a life of their own. His initial feeling that he is a ‘lousy reader’ expands into the belief that he is a loser in sports, in social activities, and in other areas of his life as well.”

may not verbalize them directly. But it’s fairly obvious in the way they walk, in the way they talk, and in the way they seem to ‘give up on succeeding’ before we barely have a chance to begin working together.

These kids often transfer their feelings of helplessness to other areas of their lives. According to Richard Lavoie, author of The Motivation Breakthrough, “The child can develop a permanent fixed attitude about the inevitability of failure. His perception of the future is dictated by the past. His feelings of helplessness begin to take on a life of their own. His initial feeling that he is a ‘lousy reader’ expands into the belief that he is a loser in sports, in social activities, and in other areas of his life as well.”

What’s a parent or a teacher to do? We must work to derail these negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” the child has to say to himself, “I’ve gotten through difficult situations like this before. I can do it again” A master mechanech will tune into this syndrome immediately. When a bochur starts feeling helpless about his learning abilities, the Rebbe will call him up during recess and remind him about the times he understood the gemara well, and even helped explain it to the other boys in the shiur. The teacher will, likewise, remind her student that last term the essay she wrote on President Bush was so good that it got posted on the bulletin board. And a sensitive mother will

explain to her daughter that even if nobody called to invite her over for Shabbos afternoon, there were plenty of times when she did spend Shabbos surrounded by friends. It’s happened before. It can happen again.

According to Thomas Tokarz, an educator based in Massachusetts, “You don’t have bad thoughts because you feel bad. Rather, you feel bad because you have bad thoughts. By improving the thoughts, you improve the feelings.” We have to break the negative pattern. The child has to learn that these thoughts are unproductive, untrue, and harmful to his progress.

They have to be replaced with positive thoughts of self-worth. In his book, The Optimistic Child, Martin Seligman offers these useful strategies to change to cycle of helplessness.

First, the child has to learn to gather the positive evidence himself. He has to keep a “log,” so to speak, of the times when he succeeded and remind himself of them every so often. Parents, you can help by discreetly displaying those spelling tests on which he did well, or by having him “overhear” a conversation you’re having with someone about how well he did with his music lessons. Next, the child has to learn to consider the various possibilities that can help make him successful, like, “If I ask my father to learn with me tonight, then maybe I can get a pretty good mark on the bechina tomorrow” or “If I study the first twenty-five states really well, maybe I can at least know half of them by heart” or “If I call three girls on Tuesday

to come over on Shabbos, maybe at least one of them will say yes.” This gives the child a feeling of empowerment, as if he’s actually doing something that can improve the situation. It also allows him to understand that he can succeed “partially” at something, and not resign himself to total failure. Then, he has to understand that even if he fails today, it’s not the end of the world. There will always be other opportunities. He can still succeed tomorrow.

Adults, be careful with your words.

This is true when speaking to all children, but especially so with those who are trying to climb out of learned helplessness. Avoid telling this child that he is wrong” or that he made a “bad” decision. These children are very sensitive to the nuances of these negative words. Tell him that his answer was “good,” but it could be “better.” Also, allow the child to perform tasks and errands that will make him feel more independent and less helpless. Simple things like ordering pizza for the family, being in charge of seating arrangements for a family outing, even baking a simple brownie, can help build a certain amount of self confidence. And when you build confidence in one area, it often spills over into other areas as well.

Are there any children with learned helplessness in your classroom or in your family? Watch carefully for some of the tell-tale signals. If you think you’ve discovered it, then invest the time and effort to work with that child and unload the oppressive negativity. Or, take him to a professional who can help build his feelings of self worth. Remember – these kids can be transformed and they can thrive. But they need caring and intuitive adults to help them.

An acclaimed educator and education consultant, Mrs. Rifka Schonfeld has served the Jewish community for close to thirty years.

She founded and directs the widely acclaimed educational program, SOS, servicing all grade levels in secular as well as Hebrew studies. A kriah and reading specialist, she has given dynamic workshops and has set up reading labs in many schools. In addition, she offers evaluations, social skills training and shidduch coaching, focusing on building self-esteem and self-awareness.

She can be reached at 718-382-5437 or at rifkaschonfeld@verizon.net.

m a r c h 7 , 2013

C

onsider the elephant in the zoo.

Every morning, his trainer escorts this huge and powerful beast straight from his cage to an open-air area. A thin chain is clamped to his ankle. The other end is attached to a metal pole in the ground. The elephant is stuck. He walks around and around the pole, but never tries to pull it away. If only he would realize that he is powerful enough to rip the pole out of the ground in a single tug.

But he doesn’t. Because when he was a baby, his handlers attached him to the very same pole and he kept trying to break away. Back then, however, he wasn’t strong enough. After a while, he got frustrated and eventually he learned to surrender himself to his circumstances. Now he assumes that he is helpless and he stops trying to break the chain.

Why am I telling you this simple story? Because it is actually a parable for how some of our students perceive themselves. Initially, they may hope that they will achieve success in academic or social areas. But after repeated failures and disappointments, they just surrender.

We call this sad state of affairs “learned helplessness.”

It’s easy to ‘misdiagnose’ this condition and call it laziness, but that would be a terrible shame. There are ‘lazy’ children but they’re not as prevalent as we might think. It’s incumbent upon us, as parents and mechanchim, to discern the difference. Because the child with ‘learned helplessness’ can be treated and can be motivated to overcome this condition.

The first thing to do is to change the child’s thought process. We have to readjust his way of thinking that failure is inevitable. We have to get to the root of the problem.

Children with “learned helplessness” are convinced that they have no control over their lack of success in academic or social matters. They attribute their failure to certain factors that are beyond their ability to change. “I failed my test because I’m dumb.” “I got a C because my teacher hates me.” “I don’t have any friends because everyone thinks I’m stupid.”

Sounds pretty sad, doesn’t it? And yet I have countless children who come to me with these very thoughts. They

The Jewish Home n

Social Smarts

114 m a r c h 7 , 2013

Ask the Rabbi Yehoshua Levy

The Jewish Home n

Bad Good Will I recently bought a sweater for my husband at an upscale secondhand store. (It’s not an oxymoron.

There are such places.) It has never been worn, and still has the tag on it from Neiman Marcus. I went to Neiman Marcus and got a box and wrapping for the sweater. Then I realized this could be deceptive and unethical. On the other hand, it’s really harmless.

What should I do?

DEFENSIVE DRIVING /

POINT REDUCTION CLASSES 1 FRE On Monday, March 11th Slice E +S at Naomi’s Pizza while oda tak 6828 Cornaga Ave, class ing Flushing, Queens at 7:30pm

On Tuesday, March 12th at Kosher Pizza World 1858 Cornaga Ave, Far Rockaway at 7:30pm

1 FRE Slice E +S while oda

tak class ing

• 4 POINTS OFF YOUR LICENSE, • 10% OFF YOUR INSURANCE Just $35.95

- limited time only

Call to RSVP or to schedule a different class.

Call for group rates.

Manhattan Professional Services, Inc. 1658 Coney Island Ave. (Btwn M&N) Brooklyn, NY, 11230

718.676.7223

people to find bargains, and the recipient may well entertain the possibility that you found a bargain. If he mistakenly assumes you paid the suggested

retail price, you did not deceive him.

The Rabbi Responds: He should have considered the posIf someone bought me a sweater sibility that it was purchased at a disfrom Neiman Marcus at full retail, I counted price, and making an assumpwould probably return it and get eight tion is his prerogative. If, however, a sweaters at Magift was bought cy’s. If it was my at a secondhand wife who bought shop and then me a sweater wrapped and from Neiman boxed it with Most reasonable (after thanking original store people would assume her profusely, packaging, most and telling her reasonable peoit was there that the that it’s the ple would asthought that resume it was there gift was purchased, ally counts), I’d that the gift was and it would be probably ask her purchased, and if I could return it would be conconsidered “stealing” it. But assuming sidered “stealundeserved good will. your husband ing” undeserved would be keepgood will. (Pun ing the sweater intended.)

As thinking you you say, it could bought it at the be harmless, but upscale retailer, it would be problemat- genuine honesty is the ability to resist ic. The prohibition of “geneivas daas” even the small temptations. or “stealing one’s mind” is to mislead one into thinking that you did something for him/her that, in fact, you did not. The impression you give creates a Please note, the information written above natural desire to reciprocate and in this is not meant as a rabbinic ruling. If you case, you are causing him feelings of have any questions, please consult your gratitude and appreciation to a degree rabbinic authority for clarification.

Yehoshua Levy, a teacher of Torah, is a you don’t deserve. If, for example, you writer and lecturer who dares to think outbought him a tie with a suggested retail side the box to bring his thought-provoking price of $140.00, but with a sale and insights and facts to his readers. He welcoupon managed to get it for $35.00, comes your comments and can be reached you need not inform him what you at editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com. actually paid. It is not uncommon for

115 The Jewish Home n m a r c h 7 , 2013









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

The Jewish Home n m a r c h 7 , 2013

116

117 The Jewish Home n m a r c h 7 , 2013

118

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

Leisure & Travel

From Sea to Shining Sea : Michigan

D

espite the fact that Michigan was recently given the esteemed honor of the “7th saddest state,” according to a recent Twitter survey, that doesn’t mean that a visit there has to be anything less than a chock full of good times.

And yes, believe it or not, the place to start is in Detroit, otherwise known as Motor City. Also otherwise known as the city that has recently been turned over to an emergency financial manager due to its economic woes. Yet, this seemingly forsaken city was once the engine of the U.S. economy, an epicenter of musical creativity, and a destination for art lovers from around the world. What remains is an impressive shrine (so long as you stay in the right areas) which is accessible, fun, and not too hard on the wallet.

Things You Won’t Want to Miss Start Your Engines Located in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, the Ford Motor Company is a staple of the American economy and history. You can take a tour of the famous Rouge Factory, a manufacturing plant so large that it once had its own fire and police departments. Also make sure to visit The Henry Ford Museum, a massive complex that features 83 authentic historic buildings. The halls of the museum are packed with famous vehicles, including JFK’s limo, the Rosa Parks bus and the Oscar Weinermobile.

If you are a car enthusiast you will certainly not only want to pay homage to the auto industry’s rich past, but you may want to check out the status of its future, which, many believe, starts with GM. Located on the riverfront in the heart of downtown Detroit, the recently renovated GM Renaissance Center is exactly what the name stands for—Detroit’s renaissance and rebirth. Aside for being the actual operational headquarters of GM, the facility features a 50,000 square foot showroom. You can relax at the GM Winter Gardens, which is a dramatic 5-story atrium on the riverfront or you can ride the elevators to the 72nd floor, where the Detroit Marriott Hotel is located, and grab a breathtaking view of the Detroit and Windsor skylines from there.

Art Lovers The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has been a beacon of culture for the Detroit area for well over a century. DIA, which is 658,000 square feet and includes more than 100 galleries, boasts that its art collection is among the top six in the United States. DIA houses Vincent Van Gogh’s Self Portrait, the first Van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum collection. Bedroom in Arles, Vincent van Gogh’s most famous painting from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, is currently on loan to DIA through the end of May. Mackinac Island During the summer months, Mackinac (MACK-in-awe) Island, which became one of the nation’s favored summer resort destinations during the Victorian era, remains a national destination. Lo-

cated in Lake Huron, the famous island (which is accessible only by boat and plane) retains its Victorian feel due to the absence of automobiles.

Visitors and residents travel by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.

There are only 600 year-round residents. And during the summer there are more than 500 horses that call Mackinac their home.

The island, which housed a British fort during the Revolutionary War, is considered

by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine to be “one of the top 10 islands in the world.”

There are tens of places to stay, from modern resorts to Victorian bed & breakfasts.

Susan Schwamm

119 The Jewish Home n

*Exclusive Offer Come to Orah Day Camp and swim with your family FREE on SUNDAY (women and girls only)

m a r c h 7 , 2013

Olympic Size Swimming Pool Red Cross Certified WSI Instructors Head Lifeguard / EMT On Premises Daily Swimming Lessons • Daily Free Swim • Late Night Swim CALL TODAY FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT! 718.324.ORAH Register Online: WWW.ORAHDAYCAMP.COM

SPACIOUS GROUNDS Daily Sports: Basketball And Volleyball Courts, Hockey And Soccer Fields.

3 Separate Play Areas (Specialized Pre-School Playground).

Fully Air Conditioned Facility.

AMAZING ARRAY OF SPECIALTIES Aerobics, Arts And Crafts, Baking, Cake Decorating, Ceramics, Computers, Creative Movement, Dance, Drama, Music, Shiur, Rock Climbing, Dance Revolution (Step It Up) Awesome Trips, Transportation, Hot Lunch, Snacks Mrs. Malka Fishman, Director Mrs. Nechama Sittner, Program Director • Mrs. Nechama Strauss, Upper Division / Head Counselor Mrs. Miriam Furman, Pre-School Director / Lower Division

mazdesign 718.471.6470

Sunday Family Swim*

120

To Benefit

March 3, 2013

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS SUPPORT!

583

TOURS

h

CMYK

ere Resta

s Shop ant ur

leisuretime

HILLTOP EQUITIES

W

462

®

®

Y

1490 Broadway

YS

First Floor

R

PH

IC

Daniel Aryeh, P.T.

I EVE

AP

CH

A

A

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

BOWL-A-THON

AL T HE

Hewlett, New York 11557 1-800-697-2227

www.allcarrentacar.com Telephone (516) 593-4530/4503

Fax: (516) 593-4518

Delicious

E-mail: achieverehab@gmail.com

Dishes

falafel • shawarma • hummus • cholent

DAVID JAISON

THE MENTALIST

(855) 444-JIVE

CLINICAL SERVICES 24 Hour Support Line Assessments/Referrals Case Management Crisis Intervention Support Groups

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Community Education Educational Enhancement Job Placement School Based Services

DAVID

YOUTH PROGRAMS JAISON

THE MENTALIST Holiday

Retreats The Lounge Year Round Events

121

Your efforts ensured that the Gourmet

Glatt Bowl-A-Thon to benefit

Madraigos was a great success. May we continue “step by step” to help

Heritage Realty

R M

the

HOLLIS

Women’s Center

FIVE TOWNS

MILLER REALTY

Part Monster

R M

FIVE TOWNS

MILLER REALTY

Junee Jr. Michael Gutlove 201-281-1621

Frank’s Dry Cleaners David’s Pizza Ezra Pharmacy Dimples

Pearl Carpet Crazy Arnie’s Sunflower Cafe Echoes Auctions

H H I Plumbing Sleeptight Bedding Incredible Feet Judaica Plus

Kitov Burgers Keji Dry Cleaners Assist Ambulance

Emporio Mo’s Movers

S T E P B Y S T E P H E L P I N G O U R Y O U T H O F T O D AY B E C O M E T H E L E A D E R S O F T O M O R R O W

516-371-3250 ext 5 • www.madraigos.org • 936 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598

m a r c h 7 , 2013

our youth of today become the leaders of tomorrow. - The Madraigos Family

The Jewish Home n

Thank you to all our sponsors and participants for your tremendous support.

122

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

Forgotten Heroes

Avi Heiligman

The Powerful Flamethrower

T

he combat during World War I (1914-1918) will be most remembered for its trench warfare that involved both sides digging in and fighting long, drawnout battles. Several weapons were introduced that ended the fighting in the trenches and finally brought the war to its bloody end—a victory for the Americans and its allies. Some of these weapons most Americans are familiar with such as the airplane and the tank. The flamethrower was one that was used to devastating effect. It has been cited for too much destruction and cruelty in battle and therefore many countries have banned it from the battlefield.

Ancient military conflicts saw some forms of fire being thrown from a device. The most popular of these was the Greek fire and Chinese flamethrowers from over a thousand years ago.

Modern flamethrowers were invited by the Germans in years leading up to WWI, although they were used sparingly in the early battles. They gave it the name flammenwerfer, which is flamethrower in English, and the name stuck.

The flamethrower has two basic parts: the gun and the backpack. Without getting too technical, the backpack consists of two or three cylindrical units—one or two for the gas and the other for flammable liquid. The user presses on the trigger and the pressurized gas passes over an igniter and fire streams out of the nozzle onto the target.

Using the flamethrower presents many tricks to the user. Firstly, he is carrying flammable liquid on his back and one well-placed shot could make it

explode. Besides being very heavy (upwards of 70 pounds), it is very bulky and the soldier would find it hard to hide thereby making him an easy target for enemy snipers. The weapon also has short range effectiveness and requires the user to get up close to his target, ex-

posing him to enemy fire. Most flamethrowers usually have enough fuel in them to last only up to two minutes and the unit would lose its tactical advantage as the fuel tanks take time to be refilled. Since the destruction caused by it was devastating and many opposing soldiers call it a cruel weapon, the flamethrower was the target of much of the enemy’s firepower. The person carrying the flamethrower is the first person that the enemy would try to eliminate and it didn’t help him that he had a huge flammable target on his back.

On the other hand, flamethrowers also presented many benefits for a unit outfitted with one. They could easily clear out an enemy stronghold that was in a cave, fort, trench or pillbox.

During World War II, it was used in close tank support as well as infantry advances. However, the main advantage wasn’t its devastating effect on enemy strongpoints as much as its psychological effect. The fear of being burnt alive was enough to cause the enemy to surrender. In their training pamphlet to flamethrowers during WWII, the Australian Army wrote, “Flame has a powerful psychological effect

in that humans instinctively withdraw from it, even when their morale is good.

In addition, it is a casualty producing and lethal agent.” Flamethrowers developed into a very potent weapon and

by WWII, it could send fire over a hundred feet and incinerate targets within seconds.

The Germans were the first to employ the flamethrower in battle when they launched a surprise attack on the British at Hooge in Flanders in July 1915.

It was devastating to the British who lost close to 800 men in the close quarters attack. Since it was new to war, the British had no idea how to deal with it and ran out of their trenches towards German bulletsThe British decided to experiment with it themselves and two years later, during the Battle of the Somme, built four flame-throwing bunkers, two of which were destroyed by enemy shellfire and two that had success only in local engagements, and so the idea was quickly abandoned. The French and

A flamethrower tank used in the Vietnam War

British then built one-man versions of the weapon and achieved considerable success with it. The design was then designed for tanks—an idea which carried over to American units fighting in the Pacific during WWII. The first users of the flamethrower during WWII were the Germans. In between the wars, the weapon was tweaked many times until the Nazis had a potent weapon that would be a complement to their blitzkrieg tactics.

They used it at the start of the war in 1939. It was employed in their blitzkrieg against Holland and France in

1940 against fixed fortification such as pillboxes. For some reason, the Germans stopped using it on a large scale and instead it was only employed in reprisal situations including the Warsaw Uprising and Hitler’s ym”s “scorched earth” policy against the Russians. The other two Axis powers, Italy and Japan, also used it but on a much more limited scale. The Japanese, in particular, used it to clear American positions in the Philippines, Wake Island and the Solomon Islands in 1942. Since it was an offensive weapon that was difficult to use in the defensive positions that the Japanese found themselves in later in the war, they spent research and development resources on other weapons and chose not to expand the role of the flamethrower.

As the Japanese dug into their fortified positions on their Pacific conquests, the Americans began experimenting with new weapons that could possibly uproot their enemies. The early American version of the flamethrower, the E1R1, was prone to breakdowns and wouldn’t work in the tough terrains that it was being subjected. The “Portable Flame-Thrower M1” was soon developed and as the Americans were ready to go on the offensive in late 1942, it was brought into battle. Many American soldiers thought it was the perfect reprisal weapon against the Japanese who had attacked Pearl Harbor less than a year before. After some tweaking based on feedback coming from the front, other versions of the M1 were introduced, namely the M1/M1A1. However, this wasn’t suitable for the treacherous conditions the Americans had to fight in. Imagine carrying a 70 pound weapon through mud, mountains, malaria-infested jungles and other terrible conditions. (Practically every type of terrain was the site of fighting during WWII.) The flamethrower would begin to malfunction. The GIs needed a lighter and more reliable weapons system and the Bureau of Ordinance came up with the M2 family of flamethrowers.

The M2-2 Flamethrower first saw action on Guam in the summer of 1944.

It was soon employed in all assaults on Japanese-held islands. The marines invading the strongholds went into battle

President Harry S. Truman personally awarded him the highest award for bravery in combat.

The U.S. Army also used the flamethrower during the invasion of Normandy, France, in June, 1944 and con-

123

KOLLEL

Parshas

Vayakhel Pekudei

CHATZOS

5773

The Segulah with the Power of Torah

CHATZOS PARTNERSHIP

Become a partner And experience miracles!

SEGULAH OF KETORAS

MISHNAYAS & SHAS According to your specications-for the soul of a loved one

The only Segulah written in the Torah!

A German flamethrower in WWI

tinued to use it against fixed German positions throughout the campaign.

The British Army used flame tanks called “Churchill Crocodiles” that caused so much damage that the Germans launched official protests with the British government to stop their use. They called them unconventional weapons but the Allies brought more of them to fight the Nazi beasts. Flame tanks were also used by the Canadians and Dutch against the Germans and by the Australians in the Pacific. The Russians disguised their handheld flamethrowers to look like regular rifles, the fuel tanks looked like a regular infantryman’s rug sack, to avoid them being targeted by the enemy.

The use of flamethrowers dropped dramatically after WWII. The U.S. did utilize them on a limited scale during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In Vietnam, the navy used gunboats filled with flammable naHershel Williams received his Medal of Honor palm in attempts to drive Covered only by four riflemen, he the Communists from the jungle. The fought desperately for four hours un- Department of Defense decided in 1978 der terrific enemy small-arms fire and to unilaterally stop using flamethrowrepeatedly returned to his own lines to ers. Even though the flamethrower is prepare demolition charges and obtain now a weapon of the past, it’ll live on serviced flame throwers, struggling in the memories of the men who used back, frequently to the rear of hostile them especially those who employed it emplacements, to wipe out one posi- to defeat the fascists of WWII. tion after another. On one occasion, he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flamethrower through the air vent, kill the occupants and silence Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to the gun; on another, he grimly charged The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comenemy riflemen who attempted to stop ments and suggestions.for future columns him with bayonets and destroyed them and can be reached at aviheiligman@ gmail.com. with a burst of flame from his weapon.

“Finally!” related the relieved father “At last, my son has been freed!” The story relates to his child, a young man who had the misfortune of being in an incompatible marriage, and after much hardship, separated from his spouse.

He was looking forward to meeting his true partner and beginning life anew. But, due to incomprehensible reasons, the woman’s family decided to delay the process with baffling excuses and demanding an astronomical amount of money, impossible for even a wealthy person to come up with. The man and his family were quite devastated and worked with many mediators and advocates but to no avail.

The father decided to contact “Kollel Chatzos” and explained the situation

and asked that they pray for his son to be liberated from his situation.

That night the kollel members began praying for him, while saying the names of all the “Chatzos Partners”.

“I am astonished!” said the father recently. “On the first day of the month, on the day I signed up, we started noticing an upward trend in the entire procedure.

Yesterday, on the last day of the month, the divorce was finalized. Everything suddenly moved in a direction we never dreamed possible! I would like to sign up for another month in the hope that my son find his intended soon and go on to a happy life!

Topic source: By Waking at Chatzos, You are Released from Your Personal Exile. (‫רבי‬ ‫)חיים פאלאג'י זי"ע עפ"י הזוה"ק‬

THE EREV PESACH VITAMIN! “I’m contacting you” said a distinguished homemaker recently “because I know that the merits of the esteemed men learning there, who will mention my name along with the others who sign up, will give me the true strength to approach the Erev Pesach preparations with tranquility and focus”.

K O L L E L C H AT Z O S L O C AT I O N S :

MONSEY N.Y.

TOSHNOD SHUL

2 Howard Dr.

MONROE N.Y.

BAIS MORDCHEI

18 Getzel Berger

CALL 24 HOURS TOLL FREE

1-855-CHATZOS

2 4 2 - 8 9 6 7

m a r c h 7 , 2013

FREED!

The Jewish Home n

with many of them even though it was still very heavy and created a large silhouette. The advantage of having them was enormous as they were the perfect weapon to clear the Japanese from their caves and well-dug hideouts.

There are many examples of bravery with the flamethrower and the story about Hershel “Woody” Williams on Iwo Jima is a great illustration of this heroism. The second to last major invasion of the war (the last was at Okinawa), the Marines landed on Iwo Jima on February 21, 1945 and immediately began a push to clear the Japanese from the island.

Two days later, Williams was with only four riflemen from the 21st Marine Regiment as he carried his 70 pound flamethrower on his back, even though he weighed only 150 pounds. His Medal of Honor citation tells the story: Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines and black, volcanic sands, Corporal Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machinegun fire from the unyielding positions.

124

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

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 Chapter 8 - continued A Bittersweet Wedding

cient times.

There was a little shul in the village. Rabbi Glazer agreed to marry us, but we would have to be married in the backyard not inside the shul. It was too dangerous to be married inside the shul.

Jews were not supposed to gather together in groups of any size, but Mam-

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.

flowered print blouse under the jacket. backyard, not even in a shul, and in adA kind young woman named Zosia dition have no wedding dinner. I was loaned me a bridal veil. I was beginning sure that I could not look at Mechel he wedding date was set for August to feel a little bit of happy anticipation: without crying throughout the cer5, 1941. Because our engagement the Rabbi was kind; I had a nice outfit emony. I began to sob uncontrollably. was now official, Mechel and I Frieda, my brother Moishe’s wife, who with a veil; we would have a dinner. could walk together in the beautiful Ducks could only be brought into loved me dearly, did not even need to forest that surrounded Niepolomice. our area for Shabbos, so we had to pay ask why I was so depressed. They had We enjoyed our walks together our non-Jewish poultry agent risked a great deal to come to be at my and I particularly welcomed in advance. Unfortunately, we wedding. She reassured me that she had the time to be alone with had not chosen wisely. The a special recipe for sweet and sour eggs Mechel and talk with him. peasant was so thrilled, we that would taste just fine. She explained Father, however, was so strict were told, by having some ex- that she would cook onions and carrots that he sent my brothers out tra money, that he drank away with salt and pepper, and vinegar and after us, and they would try to our wedding duck dinner in a sugar, and then poach the eggs in this hide from us. They could not pub. We never saw him or the broth. The result would be “eggs that trick us, though, and Father duck again. The money was taste just like fish.” could not be persuaded to The entire family was willing to do gone, and there was no duck. stop sending child-chaperones Quickly, the wedding menu anything within their power to reconto accompany us, even if he was changed and we would cile me to reality and also to convince did not admit he was doing have fish. The women would me that this would be a happy day. I it. After the first few times, make a nice fish recipe. A fish- am not particularly proud of how I beMechel and I and my brothers monger was found and again haved then, but I was barely eighteen, Wedding photograph of Mechel and Lola—Niepolomice, 1941. just took it in stride, as a family precious money entrusted to and it was my wedding. Despite the joke of sorts. Father was very him. Just as before, the money heavy anxiety and fear ever present in strict and nothing would alter that, not miko and the rest of the family decided disappeared, the fishmonger vanished, our daily lives, somehow my family deeven an engagement. that we should have a proper dinner for and we had nothing at all. voted time and energy to ensure that I We would marry on a Tuesday, a small number of family and friends.

It was Tuesday, the day of the wed- would become a bride according to our the day in the story of Creation where Probably in an attempt to add a cheerful ding, and we had no food to serve. I be- traditions and that there would be some Hashem states twice, not once, that note and the illusion of a true wedding gan to sob. I did not know how I could joy as well. what He has created is good. The date celebration, the decision to serve duck stand under the chuppah in a rabbi’s Mechel’s family had been in the texwas set for after the Fast of Tisha B’Av was made. Everyone in that tile and linen business, and (Ninth of the month of Av), which is the part of Europe loved duck, a as I have said, they had been commemoration of and mourning for true delicacy. smart enough to take plenty the destruction of the First and Second Well, we thought we had of material with them to our Temples. It marks the beginning of the found the person who could new location. They used scattering of Jews into foreign lands or get us duck. And so money their goods to trade or barter what is called the Diaspora. For me, the was paid and the duck was for food, and undoubtedly wedding might just as well have been to be purchased and prefor that gold cigarette case. held on the day of Tisha B’Av, except pared for our wedding supMammiko and my motherthat it would have been forbidden. But per. I did not have anything inlaw were not especially that is how sad I felt as the day drew to wear. Even if we had been close friends. They respectcloser for the ceremony. Looking back able to find a wedding dress ed each other, each in their now, it seems incredible that we would in the town, it would have way, but they were different marry even in that permitted time of been a fateful mistake, as it women from different culyear, because the scattering of Jews was would have attracted attentures within the larger Juhappening again with a renewed kind of tion to us. So, I wore a suit daic culture. Mammiko was ferocity and destruction not dissimilar I still had that looked fairly warm and embracing and Family at the wedding of Mechel and Lola—Niepolomice, 1941.

Sitting below Mechel and Lola are their mothers with Ben and Tuli. to that which our people endured in an- decent, and I wore a pretty generous of heart and spirit.

T

“So fine, this is what will be. A sheet for a tablecloth and a feast of sour eggs.”

I had to walk through the fields to get to the home of the rabbi, and I did so barefoot. This was hardly a pretty picture. An angry, weeping, confused and terrified young girl virtually running through the fields without shoes to attend her own wedding!

My mood did not improve when I

would have anything in the future and Father knew it as well as the rest of us.

When I sat down to the feast and tasted the eggs, I almost became violently ill. Poor Frieda! She had worked so hard on them, but they tasted terrible to me. I did not like their bittersweet flavor. I tried to turn away so that I could conceal the disgusting taste I had in my mouth. I hope that I did so in time to

arrived for the wedding. I wept constantly. I really recall almost nothing of what was said. The only words that come to me are those of my father, who still called me by my little-girl name of Leiku and said to me, “If Hashem gets us through this war, I promise you, Leiku, I will make a wedding for you as no girl has ever had. Please remember my promise to you.” He said it to me repeatedly but it did not stop my crying and the last times he said it his voice trailed off into the air. Nobody should have been promising anyone that they

keep from hurting anyone further. Even now, it is a taste I try never to remember and if I smell anything that reminds me of those sour wedding eggs, I leave quickly!

The mayor of Niepolomice was a good man. He rented us, now a married couple, a room in his home. There at least we felt safe. I wept that night after the wedding. I said that I had been married without a minyan, outside of a shul, had not worn a real wedding dress, and that our wedding feast was

Continued next week

Lola wrote this book with the help of Alida Brill.

A World After This was published in 2010 by Devora Publishing.

125

m a r c h 7 , 2013

“There will be a world after this. And, if we don’t survive, Hashem forbid it, but if we do not, at least, Lola, at least we have been married.”

nasty and sour, and that his own mother would not loan me a tablecloth. When I had calmed down, Mechel put things into the perspective that was required for me to start down the road leading to me becoming the woman I would eventually become. He soothed me and was not at all cross with me for the rash way I had been complaining. This is what he said: “We will survive this era. It is temporary. There will be a world after this. And, if we don’t survive, Hashem forbid it, but if we do not, at least, Lola, at least we have been married.”

The first thought that went through my mind was what an awful and ghastly thing to say to me on what is supposed to be the happiest day in my entire life.

Then I was truly quiet for the first time in days, and finally understood how realistic his words were, and how compassionate a man I had married. I stopped crying and just fell asleep, secure and content that this wise and tender man – was my husband, Mechel Lieber.

The Jewish Home n

My mother-in-law had more difficulty with these sorts of emotions or, let me say, in expressing them. So, of course, it is easy to understand that a woman who is not naturally at ease or completely generous would find such times especially difficult. She was constantly worried about whether things would get so desperate that they would have nothing left to barter.

Mammiko was determined that I should have a fine linen cloth on our wedding table. She felt that at least there must be a right and proper setting for the meal. And it was important to her personally as Mammiko had so loved and appreciated fine and beautiful things. So she went to see Mechel’s mother to ask if we could borrow a tablecloth. My mother-in-law simply could not rise to the moment. What would happen if it became stained at the supper, and then they wouldn’t be able to sell it if things got that bad for them?

I am sure Mammiko must have tried to reason with her in the way that only Mammiko had of dealing with people, but even Mammiko could not convince her to part with the tablecloth for the wedding.

When Mammiko came back and told me the news, I was angry as well as sad. In a pique, I dramatically stripped a sheet off the bed, washed it and said,

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

126

Ask the Attorney Stephen H. Weiner, Esq

Paying a Spouse’s Medical Bills After Death Am I responsible for my spouse’s medical bills when health insurance coverage is denied?

I recently dealt with a tragic situation that involved legal responsibility for a deceased spouse’s medical bills that a health insurance provider refused to pay. A couple contacted me because the wife was being treated with chemotherapy at one of the most prestigious hospitals, and her health insurance company had refused to pay for chemotherapy. The denial was on the grounds that the drug combination used was not “medically necessary” and it was “experimental.” Working with a distinguished oncologist who gave a written opinion on why the therapy was not experimental, we appealed the decision within the company. Nevertheless, the health insurance manager denied the internal appeal. The wife passed away shortly afterwards. After the mourning period, the husband advised me that the hospital was billing him for his wife’s chemotherapy for about $80,000, and he had been contacted by a collections law firm. There was no money in the wife’s estate. The collections firm explained that the husband was personally responsible for his spouse’s medical bills based on the “doctrine of necessaries.”

This doctrine originally held that the husband is responsible to third parties to pay his wife’s bills for food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. In the 1990s, New York courts made this doctrine apply to both spouses.

How could I help the bereaved husband with his late wife’s medical bill?

I advised the husband that he could file a lawsuit in federal district court against the medical insurance company for wrongful denial of coverage in violation of its insurance contract. The law that applies is called the “ERISA” statute. The legal issue was whether the chemotherapy was “experimental” as that term was defined by the contract.

I also advised the husband to let me try

to negotiate with the hospital to reduce the bill.

What was the result?

I filed the lawsuit and negotiated with the hospital. The attorneys for the health insurance company settled for a substantial amount. The hospital agreed to take less than the bill. There was money left over from the settlement that I gave to the husband. This brought him closure and peace of mind.

What can be learned from this situation?

There is “fine print” in health insurance contracts, particularly terms such “medically necessary” and “experimental,” that can be used as an excuse to deny coverage when we are in a highly vulnerable state with major medical bills. If you are in a position to have fewer exceptions for coverage, then demand that at the outset.

One cannot take for granted that the insurance company will pay the bill even if a distinguished physician recommends the therapy. If there is a denial of coverage, getting legal advice at an early stage may help. It is important that a qualified physician gives written support for the non-experimental nature of the therapy. Further, there are procedural requirements and time limits that are another way the companies use to avoid payment. Under the ERISA law, all internal appeals of the insurance denial had to be exhausted before a lawsuit could be filed. There was a time limit of one year from the “final” denial of coverage to bring the suit. By meeting these requirements and being prepared, we are able to achieve a good result.

Stephen H. Weiner has practiced law for twenty-seven years. His office is at 750 Third Avenue, Ninth Floor, New York, New York 10017. He can be contacted at weiner@sweinerlaw.com or 212-566-4669.

Life Coach Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

Allan J. Rolnick CPA

ruising the high seas has become an increasingly popular way to travel, with over 14 million Americans cruising in 2010. Cruise fans love the convenience of unpacking just once and letting a floating resort take them from one glamorous destination to another.

Cruise critics cringe at the stereotypical cheesy Vegas-style shows, ‘round-theclock buffets, and abbreviated shore excursions to the same chain retailers they can visit at their local mall. But all of us were thoroughly disgusted by this month’s sordid tale of the Carnival Triumph, the mega-ship that lost power in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico.

Four-hour waits for onion sandwiches sound bad enough from a ship that prides itself on a reputation for all you can eat. But just imagine 4,200 passengers and crew lining up to use 12 working toilets, and you’ll immediately understand why observers dubbed the ship a “floating petri dish.”

Carnival’s spinmeisters clearly recognize a PR disaster when they see a towboat dragging it past them at 5 knots. They’ve agreed to give passengers a full refund for cruise and transportation costs, plus $500 in cash, plus a credit for a free future cruise. (Wonder how many will take them up on that offer?) That didn’t stop passengers from suing, however, with the first action filed mere hours after the boat finally docked in Mobile harbor.

But it turns out the Triumph’s passengers aren’t the only ones who are less-than-delighted with Carnival.

Would it surprise you to learn that our friends at the IRS aren’t fans either?

Carnival takes a lot of help from the government. As the New York Times reports, “The Carnival Corporation wouldn’t have much of a business without help from various branches of the government. The United States Coast Guard keeps the seas safe for Carnival’s cruise ships. Customs officers make it possible for Carnival cruises to travel to other countries. State and local governments have built roads and bridges leading up to the ports where Carnival’s ships dock.”

Those government subsidies have helped Carnival become the biggest cruise line in the world, based on passengers carried, annual revenue, and total number of ships. The company’s “fun ships” earned $11.3 billion in profit over the last five years. So, how much

did the IRS get in exchange for all that government help? Well, Carnival’s total “cash taxes paid,” including federal, state, local, and even foreign taxes, add up to a miserly 1.1%.

How does Carnival do it? Mainly through “offshoring,” a popular strategy for corporations in industries as diverse as technology, pharmaceuticals, and even online advertising. Carnival’s executives work out of offices in Miami, and the holding company’s stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange. But the operating company is incorporated in Panama, and the actual ships are “flagged” in Panama or the Bahamas.

Offshoring has been so successful that Carnival’s founder Ted Arison offshored himself – he renounced his U.S. citizenship and moved back to his native Israel to avoid U.S. estate tax back in 1990. Arison was one of the world’s richest men at his death, with an estimated net worth of $5.6 billion.

Unfortunately, at least for his heirs, he died nine months before achieving the 10-year absence from the U.S. that was necessary to avoid the tax.

Carnival is hardly the only U.S. corporation to use perfectly legal strategies to cut its tax. The Times reports that over the last five years, Boeing has paid just 4.5% (in part by making outsized contributions to its pension fund and taking advantage of tax breaks for research and development on new planes); Southwest Airlines paid 6.3% (in part through accelerated and bonus depreciation on new plane purchases); and Yahoo paid 7% (in part through net operating losses the company racked up in previous years). But Carnival’s planning just seems more shrewd than most.

We can’t imagine anything much worse than spending five days in the open sea with no power for lights, air conditioning, or hot water. But paying more tax than you legally have to is no boatload of fun, either. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend days adrift at sea to accomplish that. You just need a plan to get you into shipshape and ready to sail the seas.

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.

And I Thought Krispy Kreme Was Just a Donut!

W

hich part of life is real?

The life we create or the life that creates us?

Let’s take a simple example: A chocolate-covered Krispy Kreme donut oozing with white creamy filling, sitting on your kitchen counter, calling your name, loudly. Much too loudly. You’ve spent a whole week, finally, on a successful, self-imposed diet, weighing your food, counting your calories, controlling your every purchase. Now some nice guest has decided to bring you a Shabbos gift.

Here’s where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Or the spare tire meets its challenge.

Are things we consciously put into place what forms us most—the ones we prep for—or are the unexpected events that come out of left field, or right field, or the clear blue sky, and how we handle them, the ones that shape us really?

So we give birth to these children and we have a vision of exactly who they will be down to the perfect features and the concert pianist they’ll become, the one we ourselves never became. We have our plan for them and their success mapped out for them from day one: the friends they’ll have, the schools they’ll attend, the career path they’ll pursue.

That’s all our plan and then they get into the act. They are not usually so cooperative. Their personalities, interests, talents, and outlooks, may be different than what we had them signed up for.

Their interests aren’t our interests; their dreams aren’t your dreams!

Do you accept it and realize you certainly can direct them but you must respect them and who they are and need to be?

You yourself became a doctor, a lawyer, a stockbroker. The market goes down, the regulations change, the reimbursements are lowered. Suddenly your mapped out plan for success gets challenged, threatened by the outside uncontrollable circumstance of life.

These are our Krispy Kreme moments. These are choice moments.

These are the times you get to refine yourself. Not be stubborn but work to understand who you need to be in light

of the new information coming at you. It is written, “Who is wise? He who learns from all humanity.”

When we believe all the information and planning flowing out from us is what makes us, we are stifled and limited. It is the adjustments we make to challenges, unexpected events, and new information “coming at us” that makes us who we are.

When we opt to resist fine-tuning the course we have set sail on, when we try to stay on the exact same track without adjusting to the new terrain, have we really held onto us or lost the chance to continue creating us? Staying the same, thinking the same, is the antithesis of growth.

When creating a gadget, if you hit up against a glitch, you should stop and rework things. Make sure you’ve got it right, make some refinements or that glitch will just show up again.

Outside experiences, events, challenges come at us to help us not stay the same. First, you need to recognize who you are when these trials come your way.

As with the donut: it is not necessarily bad for you to have it. Are you undernourished? Can you use a little extra weight? Are you overeating? Do you need to resist?

The idea is to recognize it is a moment for growth in your thinking and self-development. Stop and think: what message is here for me. Let the light bulb pop on. Revisit old ways of thinking and let new life seep into you.

Sure we create some of life through our planning. And yes, that’s real! But the life that creates us, those are wake up calls. Those are the real development moments. Don’t turn them off and go back to sleep. Synthesize them. That’s what’s really creating us!

Be creative, tune in, and live your life.

Rivki Rosenwald is a certified life coach and couples counselor. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivki@rosenwalds.com.

m a r c h 7 , 2013

C

Cruising In Style

127 The Jewish Home n

Your Money

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

128

Camp Machaneh Yisrael “Where the Summer’s Fun Shines With Yiddishkeit”

For Boys Pre-1A - 8th grade

CIT program for boys entering 9th Grade

Y SIGN UP 5BTH MARCH 1E UP AND SAV00 TO $1

the only camp featuring: For Grades 5 - 8

Senior Division Night Camp

an exciting night camp experiecne featuring outstanding ruach incredible overnights and amazing trips including Clementon Water Park and Lake Compound.

« « « « « « « « « « «

Still 15 SPECTACULAR YEARS! Y our Be Outstanding, Caring & Experienced Rebbeim & Counselors Summ st Dynamic, Innovative Learning Program VALUE!er Transportation & Hot Catered Lunch Terrific Sports Leagues & Games Don’t be left Chutz L’Machaneh!

Fully Air Conditioned Facility Kriah Enrichment Program For more information and an application, Instructional & Free swim please call Rabbi Jacobi 4th Grade Night Activities 718-327-7889 Spectacular Weekly Trips or email machanehyisrael@verizon.net Much Much More!

• Located on the grounds of Yeshiva of South Shore •

129

— Presents — A BRAND NEW

Shalom bayis hotline phone lines open from 10-11pm all calls are anonymous

PHONES STAFFED BY LICENSED FRUM THERAPISTS

• Completely Anonymous • Desgined around your schedule • Use the service as a sounding board for even small issues you feel you may want to discuss further

• Discuss current Shalom Bayis issues • Get a referral to a local therapist to further discuss problems • Hear ideas how to make your current marriage better

SHALOM BAYIS HOTLINE NUMBER

516.430.5280

Sunday/Tuesday/thursday 10-11pm

m a r c h 7 , 2013

beginning thursday, august 2nd and then every sunday, tuesday and thursday night

The Jewish Home n

FIVE TOWNS M ARRIAGE INITIATIVE

130

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

From My Private Art Collection Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg

The Art of Wood Burning and Wood Carving

T

he type of artwork referred to as wood burning stems from the words pyro, fire, and graph, writing, which becomes an art style known as pyrography or firewriting. For this type of artwork you will need a special type of tool that is called a pyro pen. The pyro pen is attached to a wire that is plugged into an electric outlet.

The wood burning needs to be done on a solid piece of wood which must also be soft enough so that it does not splinter. Sometimes instead of using the pyro pen, an artist might decide to use knives that are curved, pointed, flat etc. This

technique involves engraving a design into the wood and is known as wood carving.

Before any wood designs can be started, all the varnish or finish has to be removed. This can be done with sandpaper, either with an electric sander or manually.

Dust and then wipe off with a damp rag or sponge off all the sawdust that remains. Wipe, once again with a dry cloth and then let the wood dry before proceeding.

Prepare a design on a piece of unlined paper and trace the design onto tracing paper. Place the

tracing paper on top of a piece of transfer paper that rests on top of the wood.

Old fashioned carbon paper can also

be used. Press down hard with a pencil and trace over the design so that it transfers clearly onto the wood surface.

Plug your pyro pen into an electric outlet and go over your lines by pressing as hard as possible. Please note: there are a large amount of tips available. Some of these tips will do fine script and some will cover large areas. Some are used for shading and some are better for outlining. The idea is to always use a steady hand. With practice you will get the hang of it. It is a wonderful hobby and at the same time, beautiful items can be created as gifts and for decorative

purposes for your home.

The following is the result of an

interview with a local family friend. Mr. Yosef Barrish has shared his interest in wood burning and wood carving experiences with me.

Please read the following interesting information: While growing up, Mr. Barrish enjoyed drawing. As a Boy Scout, he drew poster ads for troops using the Charlie Brown characters. While in high school, he chose the subject of Art as a major. While in college, he studied Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, where he learned Architectural Plan drawing, commonly known as blueprints. He developed a love for the natural environment. Mr. Barrish has many interesting work experiences that have whetted his interest in wood burning and wood carvings.

Originally, he only wanted to create landscape views and tree scenes because of his love for nature. His wife encouraged him to try doing religious scenes. His diverse background has influenced his art which are completed with finished detail qualities, using various mediums. Included in this article are some of his recent wood burning pieces as he described them to me.

“Migdal Dovid, the Kosel and the mizrach plaque have a watercolor finish, and Mearas Ha Machpela is finished with colored pencil. The rest are only done by wood

burning. They come in various sizes.” He has also created “besamim boxes, birkas habayis plaques with watercolors placed on top of the wood burning,” which have been given by him as gifts.

He has informed me that he is working on a wood carving of the “Beis Hamikdash.” I am looking forward to seeing it completed. You too can enjoy experimenting with this challenging art skill. With determination and persistence it can become a reality. I hope you enjoy the included pictures of Mr. Yosef Barrish’s work.

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.

131 The Jewish Home n

j o i n u s Fo r o n e o F t h e s e

at

the

luxurious

beit shvidler r e t r e at c e n t e r

i n s p i r i nG Fa m i ly r e t r e at s o F

Chizuk & Inspiration

monsey, ny

Pre-Passover Inspirational Retreat FRIDA Y, MARCH 1 - SUNDA Y, MARCH 3, 2013

Shavuos Family Learnathon Seminar TUESDA Y, MA Y 14 - THURSDA Y, MA Y 16, 2013 (Slightly Higher Cost)

Newly Marrieds Refresher Retreat FRIDA Y, MA Y 31 - SUNDA Y, JUNE 2, 2013

In conjunction with mapseminars.com

Rabbi Avraham Braun

additional

Rabbi Doniel Frank

Rabbi J Rietti

mrs. chani juravel presenters rabbi label lam include: mrs. chaya reich

• W orld cl ass presenters • F ive star caterers & G ourmet • s uperb • W arm

cuisine

Rabbi Naftali Reich

Rabbi YY Rubinstein

mrs. rivky reich rabbi benzion shaFier mrs. miriam shira sWiatycki

Cost

$475 per couple

$120 per child (1+ yrs)

all taxes and gratuities included

kiddies and childcare proGram

Family environment

• m otzei s habbas e ntertainment and c hildren ' s c arnival

Enrollment limited to 25 families

Should your community wish to host an inspirational weekend at the luxurious Beit Shvidler conference center in conjunction with Ora V'Simcha or for a brochure and/or to apply, please contact

m rs . s hoshanna k irshner , Program Coordinator

845-216-3970 or email: sk@os.edu

m a r c h 7 , 2013

a division of ohr somayach monsey

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

132

365 days a year 24 hours a day, through good days and sad times, Chai Lifeline makes living with pediatric illness easier.

Last year, Chai Lifeline brought joy and hope to

4,297 lives impacted by pediatric illness.

45,621

Meals to hospitals and homes

20,938

Visits to sick children by trained volunteers

22,981

Rides to hospitals and medical centers

36,229

Opportunities for fun and support

1,961

Hours of professional tutoring

1,267

Hours of counseling

3,873

Trained, compassionate volunteers

263

Family days, holiday parties, recreation events and retreats

204

Crisis intervention workshops in schools, camps, and communities following tragedies

8

Become a partner.

Weeks in Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the happiest place on earthâ&#x20AC;? for children with cancer or chronic illnesses.

See how much more we all can do this year.

Helping the child, the family, and the community 151 West 30th Street, New York, NY 10001

(877) chai-life (212) 465-1300 www.chailifeline.org

Regional Offices California | Florida | Illinois | New Jersey | Canada | England | Israel Chai Family Centers Brooklyn | Long Island | New York City | Monsey | Chicago | Ft. Lauderdale Chai House Philadelphia Goldman River Retreat Mahwah

133 The Jewish Home n m a r c h 7 , 2013

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

134

Classifieds

Far Rockaway. brand New Construction, 2fam house, Lrg 3BR, 2baths over 6BR, 3baths, Lrg LV/DR, C/A, drvway, huge bsmt. Walk to the beach. Only $765K. Call 718-643-7700

Century village. Boca Raton.

Mansfield area. 1 bedroom 1 bath.

No taxes. Fast sale $24,000.

Call 561 866 1238 Bayswater- massive 2 family home in a great area, close to all the shuls, beautiful cabinets & granite counter tops, lots of bedrooms, all tiled bathrooms, hardwood flooring all through the house, fireplace, etc., needs tlc, very motivated seller, asking 449k, call Yitzchok 847-691-6397.

Far Rockaway, Brand New 2 fam.

2 BR over 3 BR. Lrg Bsmt. LR/DR C/A, drvway, Walk to the beach. Only $495K. Won't last , buy with as little as 3% down.

Call 718-643-7700

House For Sale in Far Rockaway Fully detached, move in condition, four bedrooms, one and half bathrooms, enclosed yard, eat in kitchen. Asking $575,000. 516-234-8665 Large House for Sale in Far Rockaway by owner with 3 apts available for rent. Located on corner of Sage and Bolton, near shuls and LIRR.$ 985,000. For more info call 718-916-2724

Real Estate For Rent For rent 2 bedroom apartment Far rockaway near BBY - Available NOW Kosher Kitchen New appliances Call 516-225-4558

Great Kosher Summer House Rental Long Beach NY 4b 3b CAC EIK LR DR W/D WiFi, enclosed yard, parking.

Near beach, shuls LIRR, 5T mailplace4-house@yahoo.com 516-428- 8525

Queens-Upper Ridgewood. Fresh Pond Rd./Forest Ave area.

Professional space for rent. Ideal for medical office. 1st floor handicapped access, around 1000 sqf. Call R.E. Agent for more info @347-8065414/Edyta - Grimaldi Realty 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 front porch, front garage with private driveway and electric eye garage door, central A/C. One block from shul. For sale by motivated owner, asking 595K. Call 917-650-5623 and leave message, if no answer.

Office space available for rent in Lawrence by owner.

Shared waiting room with other health related professionals. Utilities covered and internet access available. mymanagement360@yahoo.com

Business Opportunity HOME BASED BUSINESS Looking for a reputable online business?

Flexible hours, free training, great income and incentives, real support.

Please visit www.selectfreedom.net to apply Can you spare it? Donate it. Clear out a closet and help a needy Heimishe family today.

Tax deductible receipts available upon request. Call (866) GIVE2LIVE(448-3254)

Job Available Seeking a full time administrative assistant for a busy roofing company.

Hours are M-Th 9am - 4pm & Fri 9am - 1pm.

Skills must include: - The ability to multitask - Good phone skills -Basic bookkeeping - Proficient in MS Office - Proficient in Quickbooks Please email resume and salary requirements to info@islandexteriors.com or fax to 516 303 7664.

Office Manager Challenge EI Center F/T for Queens Office, mature, energetic, organized person with good computer skills and ability to multitask. Good Compensation pkg.

Fax Resume Att: Cara: 718-261-3702 Or email at cara.challenge2@thejnet.com

Seeking Job

Sh’or Yoshuv bochur looking for a job between 3/15 and 4/1 I own a car, speak fluent Spanish and have restaurant experience Please call 954-683-0597 or email stevenlechter@gmail.com if interested

A wig salon in cedarhurst is looking to hire a full time shaitel macher with followers. (future potential partner ship) Please send resume by email tresjolieboutique@hotmail.com

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

Busy Heimishe office in queens currently has Full Time openings for motivated, knowledgeable, multi tasking girls. Great Pay. Please call 718-841-7340 and leave a message

COOKING FOR PESACH AT YOUR HOME Disciplined, hard worker is willing to cook Haimishe delicious meals at your home, following your Kashruth specifications.

Ref. available. Call 917-741-4316.

A local girls camp is accepting staff applications for girls entering 9th12th grade and post high school for Summer 2013. You can fill out an application at campatara.com.

Office Manager Challenge EI Center F/T for Queens Office, mature, energetic, organized person with good computer skills and ability to multitask.

Good Compensation pkg.

Fax Resume: 718-261-3702

Local restaurant looking for responsible experienced shomer shabbos night time manager email relerner1@hotmail.com Leaders in Online Jewish Marketing are hiring Sales Superstars. Do you fit the bill?

Send your resume to sales@thejmg.com or call us @ 646-351-1808 x 111 Executive Assistant: PT, Exec Assis for Lawrence office, Must have superb organizational & phone skills. Micr.Office experience, ability to sched & acquire appointments with top CEO's. Ability to multi-task a must. Email resume to chayaweinberg@yahoo.com.

Misc.

Two rings found in Sh’or Yoshuv women’s restroom on Simchas Torah.

Please contact Mrs. Dechter at 516-239-9002 x 0 Shaital gmach in Eretz Yisroel desperately needs shaitels.

To be a part of this great mitzvah please call Peninia @ 347-6756526 Tizku L’mitzvos FOUND Found ring a few months ago in the Stop & shop parking lot.

Please call (718)327-3807.

Lost white gold diamond bracelet/covered watch either at Kennedy Airport or in Boro Park. If found please call 347.578.4165 The Yeshiva of Far Rockaway admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.

Reach Thousands of People! place your ad in

The Jewish Home classifieds Contact: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

135

Experience Math Teacher Available To tutor all subjects, algebra, geometry, Math A, Math B, Calculus etc.

Guaranteed improvement, first hour free Shomer Shabbat Call Yossi at 516-581-3930 Counseling 4 Success!

Relationships, school, work, parenting.

Solution-Focused. Teens, adults, children.

20 yrs experience. Warm, understanding, supportive.

Confidential. Affordable. Rabbi Perry Schafler LCSW-R (516) 428-8525 Mailplace4-counseling@yahoo.com Custom furniture crafted in the USA Solid wood: oak, cherry or maple Furniture Medic 516-791-1118 While You're Just Sittin' I'll Get It Written cdurbach@gmail.com Mobile Websites Today 1 in 7 searches are from a mobile phone device Want your website especially designed for Smart Phones?

Contact Alex, mobilemelon2@gmail.com Jewish Lower East Side Walking Tours given by licensed NYC tour guide specializing in the area. Once a bustling Jewish neighborhood with struggling immigrants. Come connect to your heritage and experience the gateway to “Di Goldneh Medinah”. Private, Group, School tours booking now. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Call 516-652-4527

Cooking for Pesach at your home Disciplined hard worker willing to cook heimish, delicious meals at your home Following your kashrus specifications Refrences available Call 917-741-4316

Photos 4 your Simcha Professional Photography and Video We love what we do and it shows in our work! Competitively priced!

Check out our website & specials. www.photos4yoursimcha.com or call Yaakov 718-868-1800 Going to Florida for Pesach?

Offering round trip door to door car service from NY Great for people who cannot fly on an airplane Email for pricing and reservations Miami_pesach@yahoo.com CUSTOM SUITS Expertly tailored hand made custom suits for men Hundreds of fabrics and styles We will come to your home or office day or night Design the suit you've always wanted From $649 Call 516-619-6264

Bubby babysitter available Babysittin Newborn and up Excellent references - Long hours Centrally located in Far Rockawayg TLC 718-327-1932 Available Yiddish In 10 Lessons All Classes Delivered Via Interactive in Tele-conferencing (by phone) Next Class begins on Wednesday August 22 at 8PM Woodmer For More Information Call Chaim 516-924-7694 conversationalyiddish@gmail.com e

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

Hair Course Learn how to wash and style hair and wigs Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009

Tutoring services available Experienced morah at TAG Grades 1-5 (Hebrew and English) For more information please call Mrs. Vilkov 718-337-6141

Guaranteed cheapest prices on strollers and baby gear!

Babyjogger, Uppa, Stokke, Britax, Bugaboo and more!

Free next day shipping and no tax Call or text 443-208-8532, sthav@zment.com

Struggling with Shalom Bayis?

The Shalom Bayis Hotline 732-523-1112 Caring rabbanim answering your questions for free So far very positive results BS’D!

Electrician - Chandeliers, Shabbos timers, ceiling fans, AC lines, cameras, intercom work. Call Michael Guberman 917-681-1213 - 24-hour service Tutor 4 You Exp'd, caring Spec. Ed. Teacher (Masters, licensed K-12) Excellent references.

Extensive local Yeshiva Experience Mrs. Lieberman 516-569-8074 Experienced Certified Life Coach for Men only Call Chaim 516 924 7694 "Demonstrating Healthcare with Integrity" Feeling uncomfortable, vulnerable and overwhelmed as to what to do when your loved one comes home from the hospital?

We are here for you...

SR SENIOR CARE SERVICES, Inc. Give us a call and ask about the services available. 973-592-5601 SRSCS, Inc. will help you solve your Home Health care issues. SRSCS, Inc. is supporter of our clients’ Bill of Rights.

Want Home cooked food for Shabbos without the Hassle????

Call Alex Idov, personal chef- serving Far Rockaway & Lawrence (678)644-6168 gematria613@aol.com Reasonable rates- Extensive menu options-References available Drop off Babysitting Available in Woodmere Mon-Thurs 9:30-2:00 For more info please call Rochel Cohen 516-456-7184 FREE TUTORING/CHAVRUSA with a Rebbe with over 30 years experience.

Morning, afternoon, evening hours.

Learning in Yesod Yosef Doughty Blvd, Inwood 917-399-5154

Real Estate for Sale Cedarhurst – For sale by owner. 5 BR, 3.5 bath. Colonial on oversize lot.

Hardwood flooring throughout.

Beautiful Eat-in Chef’s Kitchen (Viking/Sub-Zero/Granite). Lrg LR & DR. Finished Basement. Central A/C. Walk to all. Move in Condition….$799k….917-685-0247 Commercial R/E for Sale Would you rather PAY rent or COLLECT rent?

Several 5T & vicinity properties available

($200-$300K range & RE taxes starting $7K/yr)

Ideal for S-M business owner/investor C. Slansky, MBA, Broker: 516-655-3636

TJH TJH CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Misc.

Ads here every Thurs.

Weekly classified ads

up to 5 lines and/or 25 words

1 Week………………$20 - $10 2 Weeks……….……$35 - $17.50 4 Weeks…………….$60 - $30

Call or Text 443-929-4003 Or email ads to:

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com Include valid credit card info

Deadline Monday 5:00pm

Pickup and delivery dry cleaning business looking to hire part time driver for Five towns and Rockaways.

Shiur by Rabbi Eliyahu Schneider

Halachos and Hashkafos of Pesach THIS Monday March 11th 8 - 9:30PM Weisman Home - 816 Frisco Ave., Far Rockaway Please RSVP to rivkalock@gmail.com Free for N'shei Shor Yoshuv members, $5 for non-members ($25 yearly membership fee)

Presentable with good driving record. Part time for now with possibility of expansion to full time down the road.

Must have own car and will have use of company van. Hire immediately. Competitive pay.

Contact Marc mh@mahosch.com 917-612-2300

m a r c h 7 , 2013

Home Improvements General Contractor Entire renovations of bathrooms, kitchens and basements Tiles, floors, expert Roof repair available Free estimates and reasonable rates Call 718-907-0618 or 917-865-5033

Skin Brilliance Laser Spa Professional sanitary and experienced laser hair removal services Right in the heart of KGH Affordable packages to meet your needs.

By appointment only Call 718-801-3583

The Jewish Home n

Services

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

136

Why Go AWAy For PesAch?

OU G N I V NOW SER

EAR! Y H R 9T

â&#x20AC;˘ Custom designed gourmet meals to fit your personal dietary needs and taste preferences. â&#x20AC;˘ Can be prepared in your own kitchen, or ours.

ContaCt naomi naChman Kosher personal chef

516-295-9669 nznachman@yahoo.com www.theaussiegourmet.com Become a Fan on Facebook!

137 The Jewish Home n m a r c h 7 , 2013

P E S A C H

I N

S O U T H E R N

C A L I F O R N I A

The Jewish Home n

m a r c h 7 , 2013

138

WHERE MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS IS STANDARD

THE WERNER BROTHERS of KMR TOURS P R E S E N T P E S AC H

2013

at the Park Hyatt Aviara Carlsbad California

FEATURING THE FINEST IN DINING, FROM THE KMR GOURMET CULINARY TEAM JOINED BY THE RENOWNED CATERING BY MICHAEL SCHICK

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

Mordechai Ben David

PRESENTING

F E AT U R I N G

THE BEST OF JEWISH MUSIC

THE FINEST IN CHILDREN’S P RO G R A M M I N G A N D DAY C A R E

Rabbi Baruch Chait

Chazan Yanky Lemmer

Shmuel and Bentzi Marcus 8th day

Children’s Program Director Avi Devor

KMR Teen Boys Director Rabbi Aryeh Young

A Sheya Mendlowitz Production

ENTIRE RESORT EXCLUSIVE F O R K M R G U E S T S

Please visit our website for a complete list of services, activities, amenities & much more.

888-567-0100 or 718-778-4241 WWW.KMRTOURS.COM

KMR Teen Girls Director Mrs. Kayli Young

139 B"H

Secure them in your heart The Fundraising Event

Guests of Honor “Ish Hachesed” Award The renowned philanthropist

"Ohev Eretz Israel" Award

Rabbi Sholom Ber Drizin

Rabbi David Algaze

"Keter Shem Tov" Award

Assemblyman Dov Hikind

"Eshet Chayil" Award

Mrs. Helen Freedman

Guest Speakers Keynote Speaker

Gov. Mike Huckabee

Rabbi Yosef Y. Jacobson

On behalf of Rabbis of Crown Heights Synagogues

Refugee from Gush Katif

Chairman of the Evening

President, Gush Katif Museum

Dr. Joseph Frager

Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpo

Performing Artist - Jewish Music Star

YONI

Accompanied by the renowned musician

CHONI MILECKI

Mrs. Rivka Goldschmidt

Former Governor of Arkansas

Committee Chairman

Dr. Paul Brody

"Memories Preserved in the Heart" Exhibition of displays by the residents of Gush Katif

"ID card"

A multimedia display about the lives of Gush Katif residents

Motzaei Shabbat (Saturday night) the 27th of Adar 5773 • March 9, 2013 • Reception at 8:00 PM Razag Ballroom • 739 East New York Ave, Brooklyn NY 11203 • www.Razag.com • Valet Parking

To RSVP please call now!

718-2081-770 www.gushkatifmuseum.org

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n march 7, 2013

This Motzaei Shabbos Reservations available at door

LIMITED TIME ONLY! 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S

Let us get you into a new car, it’s the ‘lease’ we could do

$

199*

Per Month

$0 Money Down 24 Month Lease 12,000 Miles Per Year Up to $5,000 Damage Waiver Available

Features: Remote Engine Start, Rearview Camera, Bluetooth, Automatic Transmission, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Audio System, 16-Inch Aluminum-Alloy Wheels

179*

$

Per Month w/ Nissan Lease Loyalty

call us today!

718.871.7749

www.wheelstolease.com Due at Signing: 1st Month, Bank Fee, Registration Fees & Applicable Taxes

often imitated, never duplicated

Expires 3/19/13

*Valid while supplies last Residency restrictions may apply

Lag B’Omer iPad Giveaway

Join our email list and you will be entered into a raffle for an iPad 3 www.wheelstolease.com/joinemaillist

Congratulations to our last raffle winner, Haim & Marcia Cohen • Next raffle drawing 4/28/13