137 SPRUCE STREET
516-569-2662
— See page 9, 54 & 55 —
Around the Community
NFL Great Alan Veingrad Visits Camp Avnet
THEJEWISHHOME A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY JUly 11 - july 24, 2013 | Distributed
Weekly
In The Five Towns, Queens & Brooklyn
Tisha B’Av A Day of Tragedy
Page 50
Page 56
TOVA Hits Grand Slam with Home Run Derby
Page 36
Finding Meaning in Tsfat: TJH Speaks with Rabbi Rafael and Rebbetzin Tova Weingot
Rav Shmuel Shmelke Rubin The Sulitzer Rebbe zt”l On His Upcoming Shloshim
Page 78
Page 81
Page 39
Special Coverage of Dirshu’s Asifas Chizuk Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim Annual Yarchei Kallah
Page 38
— See page 20 —
— See page 53 —
T h e J e w i s h H o m e n JULY 11, 2013
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3 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
Kew Gardens Kew Gardens Syn. Adath Yeshurun 82-17 Lefferts Blvd. 3:00 A 5:00 B Kew Garden Hills Cong. Ahavas Yisrael 147-02 73rd Ave. 2:10 A 4:10 B Cong. Toras Emes 78-15 Parsons Blvd. 4:00 A 5:45 B Kehilas Sephardim 150-62 78th Rd After Eicha B
Hillcrest Y.I. of Hillcrest TBA Forest Hills Havurat Yisrael July 15, 10:00pm A July 16, 11:45 A 1:15 B Machane Chadash 2:00 A & B Queens Jewish Center 4:15 A 6:00 B Y.I. of Forest Hills 6:00 A 8:00 B
reGo ParK Ohr Natan 9875 Queens Blvd. TBA Sephardic Jewish Cong. 101-17 67 Drive 1:30 A 3:30 B
cedarHurst Agudath Israel of Five Towns 508 Arbuckle Avenue 2:00 a 5:00 B
Far rocKaway Young Israel of Bayswater 2716 Healy Avenue 3:00 B 5:15 a TAG 444 Beach 6th St. Lawrence 1:30 a 4:30 B
woodmere Young Israel of Woodmere 859 Peninsula Boulevard, TBA
Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi 395 Oakland Avenue 2:30 B 4:15 a
Hewlett Young Israel 1 Piermont Avenue 3:00 a 6:30 B
Congregation Anshei Chesed 1170 William Street Back Building 3:30 a 5:00 B lawrence Shaarei Tefillah 25 Central Avenue 2:30 a 5:15 B Cong. Bais Avrohom Zev 20 Rockaway Trnpk 3:30 a 5:00 B
nortH woodmere Congregation Ohr Torah 410 Hungry Harbor Road 2:30 a 5:00 B
Torah Ohr Heb. Academy 575 Middle Neck Rd. July 15, After Eicha B July 16, 11:00am a
Bayside Y.I. of Bayside 209-34 26th Ave. 4:00 B 5:30 a
Y.I. of Great Neck 236 Middle Neck Rd. 6:00 a
Great necK Great Neck Syn. 26 Old Mill Rd. 6:15 a Ohr Haemet 112 Steamboat Rd. 4:00 a & B
oceanside Cong. Darchei Noam 3310 Woodward St. 2:30 a 4:00 B Y.I. of Oceanside 150 Waukena Ave. 6:00 B
Plainview Plainview Syn. Zichron Kedoshim 1:00 & 4:30 B 2:30 a Sephardic Syn. July 15 10:00 a July 16 6:00 B Y.I. of Plainview 132 Southern Pkwy. 4:00 a 5:45 B west HemPstead Young Israel of W. Hempstead 630 Hempstead Ave. 2:30 a 6:00 B
T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
4 SÆXC
Y E S H I VA D A R C H E I T O R A H A N D A C H I E Z E R INVITE THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE COMMUNIT Y TO A SPECIAL KINOS PROGR AM
Mourning &Meaning Absorbing the Message of Tisha B’av
TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013 // DÆGA, CTC VGA, B E G I N N I NG W I T H S H AC H A R I S AT 8 : 3 0 A N D F O L L OW E D B Y M I N C H A AT A P P ROX I M AT E LY 1 : 3 0 MESIVTA C HAIM SHLOMO B E AC H 17 S T R E E T & S E AG I R T B O U L E VA R D FA R RO C K AWAY, N E W YO R K
The recital of Kinos will be interspersed with addresses from
RABBI SHLOMO AVIGDOR ALTUSKY ROSH YESHIVA, YESHIVA DARCHEI TORAH
RABBI YITZCHOK KNOBEL ROSH KOLLEL, YESHIVA GEDOLAH OF THE FIVE TOWNS
RABBI PAYSACH J. KROHN NOTED AUTHOR AND LECTURER
RABBI Y.Y. RUBINSTEIN NOTED AUTHOR AND LECTURER
RABBI ZEVI TRENK
MENAHEL, MESIVTA CHAIM SHLOMO
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN KINOS. PLEASE DO NOT BRING LAWN/BEACH CHAIRS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 718.406.8360 OR EMAIL NEWS@DARCHEI.ORG
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Dear Readers,
>>Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 >>Community Readers’ Poll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Community Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Worldwide Excitement for Dirshu’s Asifas Chizuk and Siyum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
>> News Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 National . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Odd-but-True Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
>> Israel Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 My Israel Home: Overcoming Sinat Chinam. . . . . 71
>> People Rav Shmuel Shmelke Rubin— The Sulitzer Rebbe zt”l. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Finding Meaning in Tsfat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 The Great Sar HaTorah: Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 A World After This: The Story of Lola Lieber. . . . . . 94
>>Parsha The Shmuz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
t’s hard to believe that Tisha B’Av is next week. Usually, we feel that we have time to prepare for the day, but this year the summer started off with the Three Weeks and its period of mourning. The summer is a more “free” season; there’s less structure for children and adults. We spend more time outdoors, more time enjoying the long summer days. And then the Three Weeks comes and we are reminded that our focus shouldn’t be all about fun. We remember that we are in golus, and we focus on what we can do to make ourselves better people and a better nation. And that helps us add more structure and commitment back to our lives. There’s so much to read about Tisha B’Av and the day of tragedy throughout the generations. For our generation, many of us can relate to the Holocaust, as that is a recent churban that was documented and perpetrated against so many of our loved ones. We look at pictures and speak with survivors and even so, it’s still hard to imagine the terror that took place. How could six million people be so ruthlessly slaughtered and no one should care? How could communities so vibrant and rich in Torah and chessed be reduced to ashes? How could young children with swollen bellies be whipped by vicious guards under their parents’ anxious eyes? How? How? How? Indeed, our nation has been asking this same question in every generation. The question of “how” is how the Eichah begins, and it is the crux of our exile. Because our Beis Hamikdash was destroyed and because our relationship with Hashem is no longer what it once was, we aren’t able to see the full picture. We are lost, seeing events through a fog, and although we know that Hashem is watching over us and taking care of us, we don’t always feel His constant embrace. We stumble through history, searching for answers, questioning events, and seeking meaning. Tisha B’Av is also a day of renewal, for we are told that on this day Moshiach will be born. Even though we have been through such tragedy and are bereft and forlorn, we know that the golus will be over soon. And we know that when Hashem sends Moshiach, all our questions will be answered. We will clearly see yad Hashem daily and feel His constant embrace. As always, we look forward to hearing from our readers. Please feel free to reach out to me at editor@fivetownsjewishhome. com.
>> Jewish Thought
Wishing you an easy and meaningful fast,
Bobker on Tisha B’Av: Trouble’s My Middle Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Shoshana
Tisha B’Av and the First World War. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
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Tisha B’Av: Rome’s Rise and Fall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
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Why We Should Cry on Tisha B’Av. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
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>>Health An Alternative to Therapy, by Deb Hirschhorn, PhD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Navigating the Insurance Maze, Part II. . . . . . . . . . 96
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Editor
Weekly Weather sun. July 14
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thurs. July 18
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Picture Perfect, by Rivki Rosenwald. . . . . . . . . . . . 104
>> Humor Centerfold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 A Visit to the Dentist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
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The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.
T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
Contents
T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
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Letters to Dear Editor, I want to applaud the White Shul in Far Rockaway. This past Shabbos, the weather was a scorcher even from early morning. When everyone was arriving to shul, there was a large table set up with pitchers of cold water and cups for everyone to satiate their thirst. Rabbi Feiner always drives home how chesed is so important and being “a mentsch” is above all. It is very commendable that the kehilla lives his preaching. Rena S. Dear Editor, You can learn a lot about past history by reading “150 Years Since the Battle of Gettysburg” (Avi Heiligman – June 27). I had no idea that we had so many Jewish soldiers fighting on both sides of the war. The article is worthy of any high school or college history class covering the Civil War and Battle at Gettysburg. Sincerely, Larry Penner Dear Editor, I know that you definitely do a good job at pounding home the “go out and
vote” theme and although people may get tired of hearing the message, it is something that people must constantly have on their minds. Just like we think about where we will spend Yom Tov, what type of car to lease, where to send our kids to camp, we always have to think about elections. I bring this up because now more than ever people living in Far Rockaway must pay attention to what is going on. You have Anthony Weiner running for mayor of New York City and Elliot Spitzer running for comptroller of New York City. Aside for the fact that these are vulgar and highly offensive individuals, they are also stupid people. That is right, there is no better or more sophisticated way of saying it—they are stupid people. What they both did proves them unfit to serve the public in any capacity. Yet, there are many, even within the frum community, who are willing to shrug their behavior aside. They think that they are being open-minded by doing so. My question to them is: even if you—for some odd reason—want to dismiss what they did, don’t you realize that these two buffoons exhibited the worst judgment
NOT YOUR USUAL SHAITEL SALE!
SUMMER SHAITEL RESALE IN FAR ROCKAWAY!!
the Editor possible? The Far Rockaway community and the larger frum community is a powerful voting bloc. Your voices can be heard. Talk to your friends, neighbors and family members and make sure that everyone votes. Know who the candidates are and be informed. As far as who to vote for? Well, at this point, it looks like this election is certainly going to be about who not to vote for. Please get informed about who not to put in office. All of us who don’t live in New York City will certainly be cheering you on from the sidelines. Dovid Spinder West Hempstead To Whom It May Concern, I find it outrageous that the New York Jets, a team that is based within the large Jewish community of the tri-state area, recently drafted Oday Aboushi, a person who has expressed anti-Israel and anti-Semitic viewpoints on Twitter and in public settings. While Mr. Aboushi is obviously entitled to his basic American right to free speech, I feel that the Jets should be more sensitive to the Jews in their fan-base. Some of Mr. Aboushi’s
actions include posting a “smear-tactic” photo against Israel on Twitter, praising the conference of a charity group that the Israeli government has classified as a front for Hamas and other terrorist organizations, tweeting about the Nakba on Yom Ha’Atzmaut and sympathizing with the “plight” of the Palestinians living in Israel, and recently speaking at a conference hosted by an anti-Israel organization. I hope that the Jewish community pressures the Jets to release Mr. Aboushi, and that the Jets make the morally correct decision in this matter. Only then will it be affirmed that racism and hatred cannot be tolerated. Sincerely, Elan Kirshenbaum Woodmere, NY
Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home Please send all correspondence to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com
Readers Poll Compiled by Jannah Eichenbaum
WEDNESDAY July 17 8-10:30PM 156 BEACH 9TH STREET APT 5F
WED. July 17 8-10:30PM
It is hot, hot, hot! Which do you prefer: frozen yogurt or ice cream? Frozen yogurt 46% Ice cream 54%
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Global
Chaos in Cairo Once Again: Morsi Ousted by Public
Hours after the military ousted the Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, the chief justice of Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court was sworn in as the nation’s interim president. Adly Mansour took the oath of office at the Constitutional Court in a ceremony broadcast live on state television. According to military decree, Mansour will serve as Egypt’s interim leader until a new president is elected. Elections will be held in early 2014. Mansour used his first remarks as interim leader to praise the massive street demonstrations that led to Morsi’s removal. He also hailed the youth behind the protests that began on June 30. “The most glorious thing about June 30 is that it brought together everyone without discrimination or division,” he said. “I offer my greetings to the revolutionary people of Egypt.” “I look forward to parliamentary and presidential elections held with the genuine and authentic will of the people,” Mansour said. “The youth had the initiative and the noblest thing about this glorious event is that it was an expression of the nation’s conscience and an embodiment of its hopes and ambitions. It was never a movement seeking to realize special demands or personal interests.” The revolution, he said, must continue, so “we stop producing tyrants.” Mansour replaced Morsi, who was Egypt’s first democratically elected president but was overthrown by the military on Wednesday after a tumultuous year in office. Morsi is under house arrest at an undisclosed location.
The military, in a statement read by army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Siss, also suspended the Islamist-drafted constitution and called for new elections. Morsi has denounced the action as a “full coup” by the generals. Millions of anti-Morsi protesters around the country erupted in celebrations after the televised announcement by the army chief. Fireworks burst over crowds in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, where men and women shouted, “Long live Egypt.” Even with an interim leader now in place, Egypt remains on an uncertain course following Morsi’s ouster, and the possibility of further confrontation still looms. Beyond the fears over violence, some protesters are concerned whether an army-installed administration can lead to real democracy.
Osama bin Laden Stopped for Speeding over a Decade Ago
On Monday, an exclusive report was leaked online revealing secrets and astonishing facts about the life and death of Osama bin Laden. The report was published by Al Jazeea news network. The report reveals that in 2002 or 2003 the terrorist was almost caught by authorities while on his way in a speeding car to the market with his security guard Ibrahim al-Kuwaiti and the guard’s wife Maryam. It is unclear who was driving the vehicle but they were pulled over for speeding. According to Maryam’s testimony, bin Laden “quickly settled the matter” and within minutes was free again. One of bin Laden’s relatives said he was known as “The Shaikh,” and often “wore a cowboy hat to avoid detection
In News from above” by overhead U.S. drones. That relative believes that and “a complete collapse of local governance” allowed him to hide inside the country for six years before his capture and murder. Supposedly, on the night of the Navy SEAL raid, he was with his youngest wife and the two originally thought the approaching noise of the helicopters were a rainstorm. The testimony recounts reports from more than 200 witnesses, including many of bin Laden’s family members.
Hitler’s New Enemy: KFC A strange fried chicken store in Thailand may be sued by KFC for replacing Colonel Sanders with Adolf Hitler. The fried chicken shop in the Thai capital opened a shop named Hitler with a logo that resembles KFC’s much-recognized branding. In the logo, Hitler’s head has been grafted onto the body of Colonel Sanders – complete with his signature bow tie. “We find it extremely distasteful and
are considering legal action since it is an infringement of our brand trademark and has nothing to do with us,” KFC said in an email. Kentucky Fried Chicken is investigating what legal discourse it may have. The author of “Footprint Thailand Handbook,” Andrew Spooner, first snapped a photo of the restaurant and tweeted it to his followers in May, remarking: “Very bizarre Hitler Fried Chicken shop in Thailand. I kid you not. Complete with pic of Hitler in bow tie.” There is a recent trend in Bangkok of ‘Nazi chic,’ consisting of pandas, Teletubbies and Ronald McDonald being changed into cartoonish versions of the Nazi dictator. I can’t imagine why anyone would consider anything connected to the mass murderer to be “chic.”
Italian Mobster Captured in Columbia An international manhunt came to a close this week when Columbian officials apprehended Roberto Pannunzi
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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
The Week
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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
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The Center for Torah and Shmurah
KOLLEL
Parshas
Devarim
CHATZOS
5773
The Segulah with the Power of Torah CHATZOS PARTNERSHIP
SEGULAH OF KETORAS
Become a partner And experience miracles!
MISHNAYAS & SHAS According to your specications-for the soul of a loved one
The only Segulah written in the Torah!
The Week at a shopping mall. Pannunzi was a fugitive Italian mobster who allegedly arranged major shipments of South American cocaine to Europe each month and was one of the world’s most powerful drug brokers.
Healed!
In News necklace around his neck” that he could use to buy his freedom, Gratteri said.
Crossing the Border is Now Fun in Mexico
Though we receive many desperate phone calls in our office, none are as heartbreaking as from a parent calling to add their young child to our list. Such as the one we answered from a distressed father imploring the kollel members to fervently pray for his beloved ten year-old son, who had been diagnosed with cancer l”a. Night after night, the esteemed Torah scholars learned and prayed in the child’s merit for several weeks, when the second phone call occurred… Our Responsibility – .”I must tell you” - the father the Three Weeks! began in an emotional tone Dear brothers! The following – I truly don’t’ know how to incredible passage originates thank “Kollel Chatzos”. My from the holy Zohar Hakodesh precious son is completely who writes ()זוה"ק ח"א רל"א: “Since cured and there is not a the holy Beis HaMikdosh was trace of the disease! The destroyed, the 'שכינה הקis wrought power of “Chatzos” is truly with pain and anguish and there remarkable!” is no joy and rest in Heaven. The only comfort the 'שכינה הק has in galus is: Each night when Jews gather to learn in a Beis Hamedrash! There is a tremendous sense of joy for Hashem during that time! Therefore - each year during this time – people feel a spiritual duty to sign up as partners with “Kollel Chatzos” during the three weeks, pleasing our Holy Father in Heaven while at the same time experiencing yeshuas and success!
He then went on to switch the name to his other child for success in camp, saying “It is a privilege to be a partner with Jews who have such an incredible influence up above in Heaven!” By bringing joy to Hashem – as the holy Zohar Hakodesh says- they merit happiness themselves!
KETORAS SEGULAH
FINAL OPPORTUNITY – HOLY “KETORAS SEGULAH”! It is well known that “Kollel Chatzos” has undertaken to complete the holy “Ketoras Segulah” from the holy Ari Hakodesh on the day of his Yahrtzeit, this Thursday night Parshas Devarim! The holy Ari Hakodesh writes that by making the special “Ketoras Segulah” with a minyan pious Jews after Chatzos haleilu, all that they ask for will be fulfilled!
FROM THE ARI Z"L
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Gen. Andrea De Gennaro, an Italian anti-drug customs police official, was quoted as saying that Pannunzi is “at the moment the most important broker for cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe.” De Gennaro described Pannunzi as being able to “move thousands of kilos of cocaine — out of every 10 shipments, eight passed through” Pannunzi’s hands, De Gennaro said, as Italian law enforcement officials and prosecutors rejoiced over his capture. Colombian police said Pannunzi had a false Venezuelan ID when nabbed earlier in the week and alleged that he imported two tons of cocaine every month from Colombia to Europe. Italian anti-Mafia prosecutor Nicola Gratteri told reporters that Colombia had agreed to deport Pannunzi, and the convicted drug dealer’s arrival aboard a flight to Rome was already scheduled. Pannunzi, 67, had fled twice from arrest in Italy, including a 2010 escape from the hospital, where he had been admitted after telling authorities he felt unwell. In 1999, Pannunzi also escaped from yet another Italian clinic while under house arrest, which had been permitted for purported health reasons. The first spell on the run ended with his arrest in Madrid in 2004. When Colombian and Italian authorities captured him in Bogota, Pannunzi immediately told them he had heart problems. Gratteri also described how Pannunzi repeatedly managed to avoid capture — until this time. “He traveled for years with a suitcase full of money” to corrupt would-be captors. “And he had a backup ‘safe-conduct’ instrument — a diamond
The new-age haunted house has come to Mexico. Parque EcoAlberto hosts a variety of recreational attractions like hot springs and rappelling. Its latest exhibit is a mock border crossing. The park is located nearly 800 miles away from the actual U.S.-Mexico border. Park goers can experience the fear of fleeing the country and crossing the border without facing the real danger. Tourists endure three hours of sirens, dogs, chases, and bullying by fake border patrol firing threats at them. Maribel Garcia, an administrator at the park, says the purpose of the Night Walk is to spread awareness and hopefully prevent people from embarking on the real-life dangerous journey. “Our objective is to stop the immigration that exists amongst our citizens, principally from the state of Mexico to the U.S.,” Garcia said in Spanish. The park is located in HñaHñu, a community that has lost about 80 percent of its population to the U.S., according to Garcia’s estimates. The project was thought up by HñaHñu youth returning home after crossing the real border. And this tourist attraction is a good way to generate income for the community and to deter other Mexicans from fleeing the country. “We try to help people so that they won’t leave,” Titi said in Spanish. “It’s time to create some employment, to work with our own and regenerate everything, or at least what we can, even though it might be slow going.” The tours cost the equivalent of about $20. Visitors are typically middle-class Mexicans or students from private schools which is ironic since these aren’t the groups likely to attempt an illegal crossing into the U.S.
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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
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The Week Qatar’s New Sheikh is 33
In Arab states of the Gulf, monarchs retain power for as long as they live unless they pass the torch themselves. Sheikh Hamad, 61, of Qatar renounced his ruler-ship on Tuesday in the favor of his 33-year-old son, Sheikh Tamim. Although it is known that Hamad suffers from kidney problems, officials insist his motives for stepping down were not health-related but rather an effort to bring a younger leadership to his nation. The young sheikh was congratulated by elder monarchs from the Arab states.
Saudi Arabia’s 90-year-old King Abdullah congratulated Sheikh Tamim, who has played a major role in improving relations between Qatar and the regional powerhouse, which had been strained until 2007 over a border dispute. “We are happy to express to you in the name of the people and Saudi Arabia’s government and in our name, our sincerest congratulations,” King Abdullah said. “We are confident that you will continue the journey of your father... and his efforts in serving the state of Qatar and its brotherly people as well as strengthening relations between the two nations.” The United Arab Emirates also congratulated Sheikh Tamim, verbalizing their hope of stronger ties, the official WAM news agency reported. UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan affirmed “the deepness of the brotherly relations between the two countries and the keenness to strengthen them to serve the people of both states,” WAM said. Tamim is the youngest ever sovereign in the Gulf Arab monarchies.
In News Chinese Law Forces Children to Visit Parents
Chinese culture stresses the importance of respecting elders and honoring the patriarch and matriarch of the family. But apparently, children don’t feel the need to visit and take care of their aging parents. A new law in China now demands that children visit their parents. New wording in the law now requires people to visit or keep in touch with their elderly parents. If one doesn’t obey the law, they face the possibility of penalties or being sued. This new law, enacted in December, comes as China struggles to keep up with caring for its
aging population. The new legislation does not specify how often children must visit or clarify penalties, leaving a lot of room for loose interpretation. In the first ruling since the new wording, a court in the eastern Chinese city of Wuxi ordered a couple to visit the woman’s 77-year-old mother at least once every two months in addition to mandatory holiday visits. If the couple does not oblige, they could be heavily fined or possibly be imprisoned. Xiao Jinming, one of the pioneers behind the new law and a law professor at Shandong University, said the goal of the new law is primarily to raise awareness. “It is mainly to stress the right of elderly people to ask for emotional support. ... We want to emphasize there is such a need,” he said. In the past, elderly parents in China have sued their adult children for lack of emotional support. Wang Yi, 57, a domestic house worker who lives alone in Shanghai, feels that the new law is “better than nothing.” She has two grown sons who
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work several hundred miles away and she only gets to see them once a year at an annual family reunion. “It is too little, for sure. I think twice a year would be good,” she said. “We Chinese people raise children to take care of us when we are old.” According to figures from the China National Committee On Aging, the number of people aged 60 and above in China is expected to jump from the current 185 million to 487 million (35% of the population) by 2053.
Turkish Jews Concerned for their Safety
Jews in Turkey are growing increasingly concerned for their safety after a Turkish deputy prime minister linked the “Jewish diaspora” to recent anti-government strife. World Jewish leaders and Turkey’s Jews are worried that the prejudicial comments can potentially make them targets of public rage. The comments were made by Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay. His office defended his comments made to reporters in the town of Kirikkale and published on the Cihan news agency website on Monday, saying they were taken out of context. In a written statement to the media on Tuesday, Atalay’s office stated, “There was no such statement or assessment made by our Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay,” Last month, Turkey was plagued by vicious protests in an effort to save Gezi Park in central Istanbul from redevelopment. The small protest expanded into a mass demonstration by tens of thousands of people who oppose Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s increasingly dictatorial rule on the nation. Erdogan has been in power for a decade. Officials have cited conspiracies involving “foreign circles,” an “interest-rate lobby,” foreign media and terrorists engineering the protests to undermine Turkey’s economy and political clout. Atalay’s comments put the blame on the “Jewish diaspora.” “There are those inside and outside the country who are envious about Turkey growing too much,” said Atalay, one of four deputy prime ministers. “They are all
uniting. On the one side you have the Jewish diaspora. You have seen the foreign media’s attitude over the Gezi Park events, how quickly they bought into it, and how quickly and widely they started broadcasting before any assessment was made,” he said. Earlier this year, Erdogan called Zionism “a crime against humanity,” prompting objections from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The World Jewish Congress said it was shocked by what it said was “despicable” and “totally baseless slurs.” “Mr. Atalay should have the decency to apologize. His remarks are an insult not only to the Jewish people but also to the many Turkish citizens who took part in the protests and who have real grievances,” it said in a written statement. The Turkish Jewish community, which represents most of Turkey’s estimated 23,000 Jews, said Atalay’s comments can cause retaliations against its members in a mostly Muslim country of 76 million.
Wonders of the World 2013
Each summer season, UNESCO picks new locations to add to the World Heritage List. Locations are chosen for their cultural, historical, and environmental significance. This year, 19 new locations were added to the list to include 981 sites in 160 different countries. Fiji and Qatar appeared on the list for the first time this year. Sites range from infamous tourists attractions that attract millions of tourists a year to more understated off-thebeaten-track destinations that only the most adventurous travelers will venture out to. Below is a list of 10 of the 19 extraordinary natural wonders that were added to the list in 2013: • Hill Forts of Rajasthan, India • University of Coimbra– Alta and Sofia, Portugal • Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China • Red Bay Basque, Whaling Station, Canada
In News • Namib Sand Sea, Namibia • Levuka Historical Port Town, Fiji • Medici Villas and Gardens, Tuscany, Italy • El Pinacate and Gran Desierto, de Altar Biosphere Reserve, Mexico • Wooden Tserkvas, Poland and Ukraine • Al Zubarah, Qatar Bon voyage!
at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The reporter works for a technology show and wanted to show how easy it would be to smuggle the plastic gun into the building. All of the materials that are needed to make the gun can be purchased online and are readily available in Israel.
Israel Man Sneaks Printed Gun into Knesset In a stunt which Israeli security guards did not find very funny, a journalist successfully smuggled a handgun into the Knesset building this week. The gun did not set off any metal detectors because it was made out of plastic and was printed from a 3D printer. The journalist was trying to prove a point, and he even went so far as to point the gun
Israeli security officials were not impressed by the journalist’s stunt, but agreed that the new threat of printable plastic guns is worrying, noting that there are currently hundreds of 3D printers in Israel. The devices can be purchased locally for just $2,000. If terrorists were to begin making use of this new technology, many of Israel’s security measures at public venues could require a complete update.
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Gaza’s Hamas authorities claim they’ve busted a counterfeiting ring that printed millions of fake shekels. Police spokesman Ayyoub Abu Shaar said on Sunday that authorities uncovered the ring last week when they traced a man trying to distribute a counterfeit 100 shekel bill. The tip-off eventually led to a gang in Gaza and some 20 million shekels (about $5.5 million) in fake bills was discovered. Abu Shaar said luckily most of the money was confiscated before it was put into circulation. Four people have been arrested so far and a lot of equipment was confiscated including printers, laptops, ink, and paper. This is the biggest counterfeiting ring bust in Gaza since Hamas took control in 2007.
Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren Retiring
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, has announced that he will end his term this fall. There had been rumors circulating that Oren would stay for at least another year, but the ambassador announced on Facebook that he would retire from his position. The 58-year-old has been serving as ambassador since being appointed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in 2009. “After more than four years, during which I had the honor of serving as Is-
In News rael’s ambassador to our most important ally, the United States of America, I will conclude my term this fall,” Oren wrote on his Facebook page. “I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the State of Israel and its government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to the United States, President Barack Obama, the Congress, and the American people. Israel and the United States have always enjoyed a special relationship and, throughout these years of challenge, I was privileged to take part in forging even firmer bonds. “I want to thank Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for affording me this extraordinary opportunity and to the communities which have hosted me so warmly across the United States. I look forward to continue serving the people of Israel in the future and further strengthening the historic U.S.-Israel alliance.” In Oren’s place, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Ron Dermer, 42, as Israel’s ambassador to Washington. Dermer has been Netanyahu’s chief advisor for the past four years and has served in the past as an economic attaché to the embassy. The father of five was born in Miami. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania University Business School and has a degree in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University.
Netanyahu Remembers Entebbe
Recently, the 37th anniversary of the Entebbe rescue brought about a very emotional speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On the Knesset floor, Netanyahu warned that “the threats we faced 37 years ago continue, and today I say there is no place the long arm of the State of Israel cannot reach and will not reach in order to defend the country.” Benjamin’s older brother Yonatan was killed during the rescue mission and the raid has always been a flashpoint of both sorrow and resolve for the prime
National George Zimmerman Trial Nears Finish The prosecution in George Zimmerman’s second-degree murder trial rested their case last Friday, after presenting 38 witnesses in nine days. The defense began presenting their case on Monday. At the rate the trial is going, the Seminole County jury of six—which consists of females only—may begin deliberation by early next week. Neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, 29, admits that he shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was unarmed and walking home in a Florida housing complex after
going to 7-Eleven for Skittles and iced tea. However, Zimmerman’s defense is that he shot Martin in self defense, after Martin pounced on him and repeatedly slammed his head into the concrete sidewalk.
The prosecution needed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Zimmerman did not shoot in self-defense. One of the clues the jury will look to is a 911 call which captured the confrontation between Zimmerman and Martin. In the background, an individual is heard frantically screaming, “Help.” It is presumed that the individual screaming for help was being attacked by the other individual. When asked by the prosecutor who the voice in the background of the 911 call is, Trayvon’s mother stoically responded, “Trayvon Benjamin Martin.” When asked by the defense counsel who the voice in the background of the 911 call is, George Zimmerman’s mother responded, “My son, George.” Although called by the prosecution, the lead police detective on the case testified that he believed Zimmerman’s story during his initial interviews with the suspect. He explained that he used a common investigative technique of deceptively telling the suspect that the incident was captured on video. Zimmerman’s response to that was, “Thank G-d.” So far, this trial has featured numerous awkward moments. The first and most prominent such moment was during opening statements when defense attorney Don West declared, “This is a sad case, of course, a young man lost his life, another is fighting for his.” He then declared that he would tell a joke and proceeded to say, “Knock, knock. Who’s there? George Zimmerman. George Zimmerman who? Good, you’re on the jury.” When the jury looked at him in bewilderment, he declared, “No more bad jokes, I promise that.” Another awkward moment came during the cross-examination of a professor at Seminole State College who testified that George Zimmerman took
his criminal procedure class. When Zimmerman’s attorney pointed out Zimmerman at the defense table, the professor smiled at Zimmerman and said: “How you doing, George?”
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for Sale How would you like to share an address with the Obamas? 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is now on the market! But before you get excited about sharing a home with POTUS and FLOTUS, the address that’s for sale is 1600 Southeast Pennsylvania Avenue; the Northwest address is currently occupied by the First Family. The apartment complex currently serves as a used car lot but developers expect the building to be ready for occupancy by 2015. The address was not easy to acquire. The developer had to petition his request to the D.C. government in order to obtain the 1600 Pennsylvania Ave address. But they hope that the famous address will help with marketing their property. The 5-story luxury building will overlook the Anacostia River. During a press release, the developers at Novo Development Corporation released details of the project clarifying that the building will not resemble the White House in any way, it’s simply the
Despite the seriousness of this trial, 19-year-old Rachel Jeantel, who was on the phone with Trayvon as the saga unfolded last February, instantly became an internet sensation after her colorful testimony which was replete with eye rolling and long and drawn out responses of “Yes sir.” If convicted of second degree murder, Zimmerman will face 25 years to life in prison. If convicted of manslaughter, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
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minister. At the time of the operation, Netanyahu said, he was studying in the US, and the moment he heard IDF soldiers had landed in Entebbe, he knew his brother had to be there and called his parents. “This day changed my life and the lives of my parents and my brother. My parents have died since then, but I will never forget their grief over the fall of their firstborn son,” the prime minister said. Additionally, Netanyahu also recounted the time he spent at a special memorial in Uganda honoring those that had fallen during the raid. He underlined how much he appreciates foreign countries showing their sympathy for the IDF’s fallen soldiers. Opposition leader Shelly Yachimovich said Netanyahu must use Israel’s “long arm” to bring peace. “Like it or not, you, Netanyahu, are our leader. Not every leader faces the same challenges,” she stated. “Just as we need courage to fight terror, courage and wisdom are needed to maintain a Jewish and democratic state.” Yachimovich called on Netanyahu to show the level of courage displayed in the Entebbe raid to ensure that Israel does not become a bi-national state and to fulfill the Zionist vision. The Labor leader repeated her promise to offer support to the prime minister if he begins peace talks, quoting former Prime Minister Menachem Begin, who was the opposition leader during the Entebbe raid, as having offered support to then-prime minister and rival Yitzhak Rabin.
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Justice Ginsburg: No Plans for Retirement Just Yet
The average retirement age in the United States is 61. That makes Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg one of the older working Americans at the age of 80. And she has no plans of stepping down as leader of the Supreme Court’s liberal wing. In a recent interview, she told the public that she is in good health and has plans to keep her seat on the beach for a few more years. Ginsburg survived two serious bouts with cancer, in 1999 and 2009. She pledged to repel any pressure from her liberal counterparts to retire. Many liberals are hoping that she will retire before the November 2016 election so that Democratic President Barack Obama can choose her successor while still in office, but Ginsburg says that won’t sway her decision. Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president for life. They are often a president’s most enduring legacy. Ginsburg, the eldest justice on an ideologically divided court, was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Harvard University law professor Randall Kennedy told Reuters that he thinks that “the responsible thing” would be for Ginsburg to gracefully re-
In News tire. “It seems to me that a justice should take into account the politics surrounding confirmation and not allow [an] opportunity to fall to a Republican,” he said. But Ginsburg’s opinion is that the job of a justice is “it really has to be, ‘Am I equipped to do the job?’” She said she is energized by her work as the senior liberal, a position she has held since 2010 when Justice John Paul Stevens retired, and calls being a justice “the best job in the world for a lawyer.”
Moving War Letters Put on Display
A stunning collection of wartime correspondence from soldiers to their loves ones is being put on display in the new Center for American War Letters opening this fall at Chapman University in Southern California. The letters start from as far back as the War of Independence to modern day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Private collector and author Andrew Carroll, who started gathering war correspondence 15 years ago, began a nationwide speaking tour this week to unearth more historical gems gathering dust in the closets and attics of veterans and their descendants. A play based on the letters, “If All the Sky Were Paper,” will also tour this summer. Some of the letters are speckled with blood while others have a thin layer of sand stuck to them. They are a very real way of understanding our countries soldiers and wartime sentiments. “It’s about real people and what they go through, whether it’s frontline combat, whether it’s on the home front: combat letters, love letters, last letters,” Carroll said. “The thing about war letters is, because they’re written in these life and death circumstances, almost by their
nature they tend to be more vivid and vibrant. Everything is more intense.” One from World War II is pierced by a bullet hole that hit the soldier’s backpack but didn’t kill him. Another letter has an elaborate cartoon done by an airman, who was supposed to work for Disney upon his return but was killed in action. Soldiers write about being freed from slavery upon the end of the Civil War and last goodbyes upon storming Normandy. The collection, which Carroll dubbed the Legacy Project, covers the vast sweep of U.S. history as seen through the eyes of the people who lived it.
Asiana Plane Crash Investigation Can Take Years
The cause of the tragedy that claimed the lives of two schoolgirls from China traveling on the Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul to San Francisco is still unknown. As officials try make out what led up to the catastrophic Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crash, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board plan to analyze air-traffic control records, weather, aircraft maintenance, and the crew’s actions from data recorders aboard the plane. Authorities say that the formal investigation can take several years. The aircraft was packed with more than 300 people when it crash-landed onto the runway at San Francisco airport on Saturday and caught fire. Survivors escaped by sliding down the emergency inflatable slides. The flight originated in Shanghai, China, and stopped over in Seoul, South Korea, before arriving in San Francisco. The airline reported that there were 16 crew members and 291 passengers onboard. Of the 291 passengers, 77 were South Korean, 141 were Chinese, there were 61 Americans, and one Japanese citizen. The nationalities of the remaining passengers weren’t immediately known. 181 of those on the plane were injured in the crash and two young
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The Tzitzit garment (beged) worn by combat soldiers in the Israeli army must be olive green to match their uniform camouflage in the field. The standard issue green Tzitzit is made of thin cotton that does not last long under the extreme rigors of long weeks of field training and combat. The National Council of Young Israel and the American Friends of the IDF Rabbinate have joined to promote a new fabric (Dri Fit ©) that resists sweat and the rigors of the field. Now, you can help provide these tzitzit to chayalim. A donation of $25 for 1, or $36 for 2, will help us reach our goal of 10,000 tzitzit by Rosh Hashana. Here is your opportunity to add a layer of protection to our beloved chayalim and at the same time help them fulfill a mitzvah while they are defending their country. You can purchase these tzitzit online at www.youngisrael.org/operationgogreen. Additional opportunities for larger quantities are also available to help us meet our goal. Please call us at 212-929-1525 x100 Or email: gogreen@youngisrael.org
כנפי בגדיהם לדרתם-דבר אל בני ישראל ואמרת אלהם וׂעשו להם ציצת על ...ונתנו על ציצת הכנף פתיל תכלת Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments... Numbers 15:38
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The Week girls were killed. The plane approached the runway at around noon after the ten hour flight. Eyewitnesses and travelers at the airport reported that the aircraft was noticeably swaying as it approached, and the tail of the plane seemed to hit the concrete upon landing. Kate Belding, who was jogging a few miles away, said she thought to herself, “Oh my G-d. That plane is crashing.” She noticed that as the plane approached the runway it “just didn’t look like it was coming in quite right.” “Then all of a sudden I saw what looked like a cloud of dirt puffing up and then there was a big bang and it kind of looked like the plane maybe bounced [as it neared the ground],” she said. “I couldn’t really tell what happened, but you saw the wings going up and [in] a weird angle.” The fire burned a hole through the top of the Boeing 777. The tail section was destroyed, with pieces of it scattered across the runway. One engine appeared to have broken away.
Smartest Cities in America In what city does the smartest person you know live? Lumosity.com, a cognitive training site run by Lumos Labs, ranked the smartest cities in the country. Stanford, California, beat out all the other 478 cities for the title of “Brainiest City in America.” Cities were ranked based on residents’ average brain performance score across Lumosity’s five cognitive training exercises: speed, attention, flexibility, memory, and problem solving. More than 3 million people, between the ages
of 15 and 85, participated in this year’s study. Last year, college towns dominated the list and the same trend can be seen on this year’s rankings. Stanford is home to one of the best universities in the country, Stanford University. Princeton, New Jersey, also home to a prestigious university, came in second place. The smartest cities in the U. S. are: Stanford, California Princeton, New Jersey Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut Evanston, Illinois Cambridge, Massachusetts La Jolla, California Amherst, Massachusetts West Lafayette, Indiana Ithaca, New York Davis, California
Nation Mourns 19 Elite Firefighters Who Perished in Arizona The wildfire that tore through the village of Yarnell in Arizona and burned more than 8,000 acres and 200 structures was one of the most dangerous fires in history. The fire led to the mandatory evacuation of 450 residents in Yarnell and Peeples Valley. Because of the massive fire, 19 elite firefighters were sent in to fight the blaze. But tragically, they did not make it out alive. The 19 firefighters who perished on Sunday in the wildfire were: Robert Caldwell, 23; Travis Carter, 31; Dustin Deford, 24; Chris MacKenzie, 30; Eric Marsh, 43; Grant McKee, 21; Sean Misner, 26; Scott Norris, 28; Wade Parker, 22; John Percin, 24; Anthony Rose, 23; Jesse Steed, 36; Joe Thurston, 32; Travis Turbyfill, 27; Billy Warneke, 25; Clay-
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The public mourned the loss of these brave men who risked their lives to save others. Investigators are attempting to piece together the information they have in order to determine exactly what happened in the deadliest wildfire for firefighters ever in Arizona and the deadliest incident of any kind for U.S. first responders since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The all-male crew was aged between 21 and 43 and members of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew. Each one of them underwent intense training before being dispatched to battle wildfires nationwide. Based in Prescott, Arizona, only 34 miles away from Yarnell, they were familiar with the terrain. Across the country, there are about 110 hotshot firefighting crews. The elite teams of about 20 specially trained members generally work almost nonstop through the summer. They break up every two weeks for two days off. Crews refresh their skills during a minimum-80-hour training session, doing group cohesion drills, going over strategy and the latest tactics, at the beginning of each wildfire season.
“These guys are the best of the best,” said Alex Abols, a longtime Idaho-based hotshot, who recently became a smoke jumper. They plow through forests carrying 40 to 50 pounds of equipment, including rations, a chain saw, a tool called a Pulaski that combines an ax and a hoe, and shelter clothes. Smoke jumpers usually leap to the ground from airplanes during the initial attack on a wildfire. It’s common for hotshot crews to fight fires deep in the forest for days at a time. The elite crews are sent around the country to battle the harshest wildfires, often being away from home for weeks at a time and on short notice. “Crews sleep on the ground and are lucky to get a shower every couple of days,” according to a description of hotshots on the website for the U.S. Forest Service, one of several federal and state agencies that use the teams. By late Sunday afternoon, the firefighters radioed from their positions on the ground that they were in trouble. A short time later, a helicopter pilot reported to the Arizona State Forestry’s dispatch center in Phoenix that firefighters were attempting to shelter themselves west of Yarnell under fire-shelter covers, a heat-resistant specialty fabric made of aluminum foil, woven silica, and fiberglass. The shelter covers are recognized as the last line of defense. Due to extremely heavy smoky conditions and heat, it took rescue workers some time to check on the firefighters. “It felt like forever,” said Carrie Dennett, state fire-prevention officer for Arizona State Forestry. According to a spokesman with the Prescott Fire Department, rescuers eventually found that the heroes had been caught in a “burn over,” a sudden change in the direction of the fire that overwhelmed them before they could escape.
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Blue Bunny Ice Cream Sandwiches or Mini Cones
Edy’s Ice Cream
$2.99
2
99¢
Super A Vegetables for
$5.00
Okra – Peas – Corn – Mixed
Super A Whipped Cream Cheese
Tropicana Orange Juice or Grapefruit Juice
8 oz. cont
59 oz. cont
10 Ct. pkg
La Yogurt Yogurts for
$5.00
2 liter btl
$4.99
48 oz. cont Asst
2
$3.00
Glicks Flour for
Heinz Tomato Ketchup
Poland Spring Water
Marcal Bath Tissue
2
4 lb. bag
64 oz btl Asst
89¢
Dole Classic Iceberg or Coleslaw Mix for
$1.69
6 oz. cont Asst
14.75 oz. can
5 oz. pkg Asst
20 Roll Bundle
89¢
99¢
$3.99
lb
Super A Granulated Sugar
Chobani Yogurt
Arizona Tea
3 liter Clear Bottle
8 roll pkg
Real Kosher Classic Franks
$4.00
$1.49
99¢
White or Asst
$5.00
Betty Crocker Fruit Roll Ups for
$9.99
12.5 oz. pkg
Yo Crunch Yogurt for
3
$7.99
$2.99
Gallon Btl Regular – Bleach – Lemon – Mountain
3
69¢
24 oz. jar
2
Kleenex Facial Tissue for
Extra Large Nectarines
each
$2.99
152 to 160 Ct. box
$4.99
8 oz. bags Asst
$1.99
32 oz. btl Asst
3 $5.00
General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Honey Nut Cheerios for
99¢
5
99¢
64 oz. btls Asst
3 Roland Kosher Dill Pickles
99¢
6 oz. can
$2.89 each
lb
99¢
$5.00
PowerAde Drinks
$4.00
Red Ripe Whole Seedless Watermelons
California Iceberg Lettuce
Snapple Tea for
2
2 lb. Rye Bread
Gefen Solid White Tuna in Water for
8 oz. btl
Best Local Grown Eggplants
2
$2.99
Spicy Salmon Tuna, Crunchy w/ Pepper Tuna, Avocado Scallion Topped
California Raspberries/ Blackberries for
2
California Organic Red or Green Seedless Grapes
Kiwi Fruit for
3
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2 for $5.00
each
each
Salmon Avocado Roll w/ 3 Pieces Salmon Sushi
each
each
Classic Cooking Dressing Italian Cheese or Ranch
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$9.99
$4.99
$4.99
each
Spicy Girl Roll
Salmon Special
California Roll
Smoked Salmon Roll
Vegetable Roll
SUPER SPECIAlS
6 oz. cont Asst
$1.69
32 oz. pkg
$2.99
APPY. COUNTER FAT FREE / SUGAR FREE
ICED COFFEE REGULAR OR FLAVORED
20 oz. $2.50 , 32 oz. $3.50
FRESH FISH Costa Rican Tilapia Fillet
$7.99 lb
Baby Salmon Fillet
Halibut Steak
lb
lb
$8.99
$10.99
Tuna Steak
Flounder Fillet
lb
lb
$11.99
$12.99
Quinoa
Tuna Patties
Boneless Ribs
lb
lb
lb
Chulent Meat
Ground Chuck
Shoulder London Broil
lb
lb family pack
$9.99
$4.99
$9.99
$3.19
$6.99
$7.99 lb
Chilean Sea Bass Fillet
$17.99
Flavor of the week
CAPPUCCINO FUDGE
Asian Rice
$8.99
$3.99
Minute Steak
Cornish Hens
lb whole or sliced
lb 2 in a pack
lb
$7.99
$5.49 ½ lb
lb
Boneless Chicken Thighs
Tnuva Swiss Cheese
lb
$2.89
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Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo, choking back tears, said the firefighters were “protecting property.” As to what transpired next, he said, “Only Mother Nature might be able to explain.” The wildfire started burning on Friday and is believed to have been sparked by lightning.
Jewish-American Billionaire Fugitive Dies at 78
Holocaust survivor billionaire Marc Rich died in Switzerland from a stroke at the age of 78. He is being buried in Israel. Rich was famous for having invented oil trading in the 1960’s and also for having been pardoned by President Clinton for one of the largest tax evasion crimes in history. Rich fled the Holocaust with his parents for America and went on to become the most successful and controversial trader of his time. The billionaire, who was born Marcell David Reich in Antwerp on December 18, 1934, began his career with one of the biggest trading houses of the time, Philipp Brothers, when he was 20-years-old. He left in 1974 with a fellow graduate of the mailroom, Pincus “Pinky” Green, and set up Marc Rich and Co AG in Switzerland, a firm that would eventually become the extremely successful Glencore Xstrata Plc. Many of the biggest names in oil and metals trading trace their roots back to Rich, whose triumph in the 1960s and 70s was to create a spot market for crude oil, wresting business away from the world’s big oil groups. He evaded arrest and became a fugitive from US justice, enjoying decades of comfortable privacy at his sprawling Villa Rosa on Lake Lucerne. Along with not paying taxes, he was also accused of building a fortune trading with revolutionary Iran, Muammar Gaddafi’s
Libya, apartheid-era South Africa, Fidel Castro’s Cuba, and Augusto Pinochet’s Chile. Rich was eventually granted a presidential pardon in the last days of Clinton’s presidency. Eric Holder was the one who helped pushed through the pardon, and Clinton famously regretted the pardon later on. “It was terrible politics. It wasn’t worth the damage to my reputation,” he said in 2002.
In News Snobbiest Cities in America
Late Ambassador Chris Stevens Diary Published The diary in which Ambassador Chris Stevens recorded the days leading up to his death in Benghazi, Libya, has been published online, revealing that in his last entry, the ambassador scrawled, “Never-ending security threats…” The seven-page diary, published with redactions, was originally found on the floor of the U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi by a reporter days after militants targeted that facility and a nearby CIA annex in separate attacks on Sept. 11, 2012. Stevens was slaughtered in the attack along with State Department computer specialist Sean Smith and two former Navy SEALs, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods, who were working as contractors with the CIA. The journal shows Stevens was grateful to be back in Benghazi and eagerly watching democracy slowly sprouting in nation. He had last visited Benghazi nine months before when he snuck in the country in the midst of the popular uprising against dictator Moammar Gadhafi. ”Back in Benghazi after 9 months,” he writes. “It’s a grand feeling, given all the memories.” In the diary, Stevens is generally optimistic in his descriptions of Libya and its people, but he notes the “dicey conditions” on the ground there, where he said militias rule, and references previous attacks on diplomats. State Department spokesperson Patrick Ventrell confirmed the diary did appear to be Stevens’ and repeated the family’s wishes that the journal not be published. “Ambassador Stevens was a cherished member of the State Department community who was clearly deeply committed to U.S. diplomacy and to the people of Libya, and he is profoundly missed here at this department and here in this government,” Ventrell told reporters.
Most people have their own definition of “a snob” but according to dictionary.com the exact definition is: “A person with an exaggerated respect for high social position who dislikes people or activities regarded as lower-class” or “A person who believes that their tastes in a particular area are superior to those of other people.”
Recently, Travel + Leisure readers responded to a survey ranking the snobbiest cities in America. The classic symptoms of snobbery were factored in, like a reputation for standoffish and know-it-all residents, along with expensive shopping and exclusive cultural exhibits like classical music, theater, and art galleries. In addition, more current trends of superiority were considered, like tech-savviness, artisanal coffeehouses, and an obvious eco-consciousness trend. The top snobbiest cities in the U.S. are: 1. San Francisco 2. New York City 3. Boston 4. Minneapolis/St. Paul 5. Santé Fe, New Mexico (tied) 6. Seattle (tied) 7. Chicago 8. Providence, Rhode Island 9. Washington, D.C. 10.Charleston, S. Carolina If you plan on visiting any of these cities this summer, be sure to throw your soda can into the right garbage can or expect dirty looks from passersby, wear
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That’s Odd
ate the igloo-type feeling in the room. Even when temps soar on the streets of Broadway over 90 degrees, the temperature inside the bar is a cool 23 degrees Fahrenheit—or minus 5 degrees Celsius—hence, the cool name of the club: Minus5 Bar.
The Coolest Room Around It may be hot outside, but in here, it’s freezing. Manhattan’s first ice bar has just opened to New Yorkers’ delight. Patrons receive Eskimo-style gloves and a parka with their admission to the bar that is made entirely of ice. “The walls, everything,” manager Chris Eldridge said. “The chairs you’re sitting on, the glass you’re drinking out of, even the light above your head is made of ice.” The ice is special “carvers” ice— from Canada, Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Minneapolis. 350 blocks of it, each weighing 100 pounds, were used to cre-
Every few months, ice carvers change the sculptures in the bar. There are no cellphones allowed as they emit heat that can melt the blocks of ice. After sipping your drink, if you’d like to sit somewhere warm, there are couches made of faux deerskin to provide some comfort. The bartenders are decked out in snow boots and coats—they’re here
In News for the long haul and know that it can get really cold! Hands down, this is a great place to chill.
has sold at auction for a record price. The paper went for $632,500 to David Rubenstein. Rubenstein is the chief executive of U.S. private equity giant Carlyle Group.
Big “Mis-State” in This Diploma We would think that a university would be able to correctly spell the name of the state in which it is located. However, recent graduates from Radford University in Virginia were surprised to find the name of their state missing a letter on their diplomas. The word “Virginia” appears twice on the document and the second time, it is missing the last “i” for a grand total of “Virgina.” The university remained unaware of the error until a graduate notified officials. In total, 1,481 undergraduate and graduate diplomas from fall 2012 and spring 2013 were misspelled, according to Joe Carpenter, Radford’s chief communications officer. Apparently, out of all those graduates, only one actually took the time to read his diploma! In a statement, Carpenter said that the diplomas actually had two spelling errors on them. In addition to “Virginia” being misspelled “Virgina,” the word “thereto” was spelled “therto.” “The error was caused when the commercial software system used to produce the diplomas within the university’s registrar’s office was upgraded in the fall of 2012. That software upgrade required that the diploma narrative be re-keyed into the program. It was during the re-keying process that the typographical errors were introduced into the template,” he said. “Radford University regrets any inconvenience this error may have caused our alumni and will be working to correct these errors in a timely manner,” he added. The school has issued new diplomas to replace the misspelled ones. Some of the graduates have decided to keep originals to remind them that even universities of higher learning can make simple mistakes.
1776 Newspaper Sells at Auction—237 Years Later! A copy of the first newspaper printing of the Declaration of Independence
David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-CEO of the Washington-based asset manager, bought the printing of The Pennsylvania Evening Post dated July 6, 1776. It was printed two days after American colonists declared their independence from the British. Seth Kaller, an expert and dealer in historic documents who represented the seller in the auction at the Robert A. Siegel Galleries in New York, said it was the highest price ever paid at auction for a historic newspaper. Rubenstein has acquired several historic documents that are on loan to U.S. institutions, including a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation declaring freedom for slaves that is signed by Abraham Lincoln. The proclamation is on loan to the Oval Office of the White House, Carlyle spokesman Christopher Ullman said. ”He purchases these and then is putting them on permanent loan at important institutions so that more people can see them,” Ullman said. “When he dies, he’ll make them permanent.” Rubenstein also owns a 1297 copy of the Magna Carat that is currently on loan to the National Archives, where the signed manuscripts of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are displayed, and the first map of the United States after declaring independence, on display at the Library of Congress. Rubenstein has not yet decided where to display The Pennsylvania Evening Post, one of 19 copies known to exist. “It looks like it did in 1776,” Kaller said. “No fading and very little toning to the paper.” Some things have changed, though. 237 years ago, the price for the paper was only “two coppers.”
Food and Friendship When planning a party or get-together, many people focus on the food. After all, food has a way to help us connect with one another. A Cincinnati writer took this concept to a whole new level and has connected with someone she doesn’t know, just by cooking that person’s favorite foods. Bryn Mooth was shopping in an antique store last summer when she came across a stack of index cards tied up nicely in a bow. She was looking for vintage cooking items to display on her cooking blog and could not resist the charm of these handwritten recipes tied up so carefully. The shopkeeper had picked them up at an estate sale and was happy to sell them for $3.95.
The 4-by-6 recipes cards, most of which were written in neat cursive and dated 1934, were signed “Clara Shenefelt.” Mooth felt she had found someone’s family treasure. “I don’t know Clara or her family,” Mooth wrote on her blog after the acquisition, “but I feel connected to her through her recipes. Food has a way of doing that.” She started what she calls the Clara Project and tries out a different recipe every week. What began as a junk store impulse buy turned into a lesson in America’s home cooking history, and a search for the woman who had so carefully copied those recipes down with her fountain pen. Mooth has tracked down Clara and plans on meeting with her next month. “I didn’t know what the circumstances were that led a family to part with a family thing like this,” Mooth said. “I hoped that the resolution would be happy and everyone would be cool with it. And that’s actually exceeded my expectations.” Clara celebrated her 98th birthday on June 24 and is looking forward to seeing her recipe cards again. She has a chocolate cake recipe that she hopes to use for her 99th birthday next year.
Women Can’t Keep Secrets I recently read (in TJH!) that Benjamin Franklin once said, “Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead.“ But here’s some more news about secrets. According to recent research, women are significantly worse at keeping a secret than men. Researchers discovered that a woman will typically spill a secret to someone else within 47 hours and 15 minutes; that’s just short of two days. The study conducted in the U.K. analyzed 3,000 women aged between 18 and 65 and found that four in ten were unable to keep a secret, no matter how personal or confidential. Over half admitted that alcohol often prompts them to spill the beans. Husbands, best friends, and mothers were most likely to be initial recipients of the information. Michael Cox, UK Director of Wines of Chile which commissioned the research, said, “It’s official—women can’t keep secrets.”
“We were really keen to find out with this survey how many secrets people are told. What we didn’t bank on was how quickly these are passed on by those we confide in. No matter how precious the piece of information, it’s often out in the public domain within 48 hours. That means every single Brit who has confided in a friend should be worried because they don’t know where their secret is heading.” Cox continued, “The fact they offload gossip to someone completely unrelated to the matter or in a different social group can be comforting, but while nine in ten girls deem themselves trustworthy – they still
In News have spilt the beans. And juicy gossip can really flow after a couple of glasses of wine.” According to the research, the average woman hears about three pieces of gossip each week, and will most likely pass it on to at least one other person. Two-thirds admitted that after they repeat the gossip they feel guilty. Of the 3,000 women, 83% consider themselves 100 percent trustworthy. This revelation is particularly interesting; four in ten women believe that it’s perfectly okay to share a friend’s secret with someone who does not know them. Fortunately for some, 27% say they usually forgot what they were told by the next day. You can never believe what my friend told me…I’ll tell you but you have to promise not to tell!
This Turtle Turns Heads It’s not an alien from a science fiction story—it’s a two-headed turtle and it’s very cute. The San Antonio Zoo has
hatched the female Texas cooter with two heads. She arrived June 18 and will go on display Thursday at the zoo’s Friedrich Aquarium. The shell-bound amphibian is being affectionately called Thelma and Louise. Zoo spokeswoman Debbie Rios-Vanskike said that the two-headed turtle appears healthy and is able to swim and walk. She says experts at the zoo don’t foresee any health issues for Thelma and Louise.
This is not the first time the zoo had visitors seeing double. The facility was home to a two-headed Texas rat snake named Janus from 1978 until the creature’s death in 1995.
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The Week Wine-Soaked Popcorn
If you like popcorn and you like wine, then this is the perfect treat for you. A gourmet popcorn bar in New York combined these two foods into a trendy snack. Artisan popcorn maker Populence teamed up with the New Zealand winery Kim Crawford to create two new wine-soaked popcorn flavors: Pinot Noir Chocolate Drizzle and Sauvignon Blanc Kettle. “I love combining organic heirloom and whole ingredients to create gourmet popcorn flavors. To me, the perfect snack
satisfies both a sweet and salty crunch but remains low in calories, low in fat, and is gluten-free made with all-natural ingredients,” Maggie Paulus, founder of Populence, said. “I began making my own gourmet popcorn flavors to satisfy my cravings in a healthy way.” Expect a zesty, lemony taste from the Sauvignon Blanc and a more indulgent flavor from the Pinot Noir Chocolate Drizzle. According to Paulus, both go incredibly well with a glass of their respective wines. But a taste of these delicious snacks will cost you a bit more than usual. A 1-gallon tin costs $28 in Populence’s retail store and $35 on its website. Supposedly, the snack is healthy— but in moderate doses. Studies show that those who drink red wine in moderation seem to have a lower risk of heart disease. A recent study by Joe Vinson of the University of Scranton reported popcorn contained more of the healthy antioxidant substances “polyphenols” than fruits and vegetables. However, Vinson was careful to mention that popcorn should not replace fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies contain vitamins and other nutrients that are not
In News in popcorn that are important for good health. $28 for a gallon of popcorn? I think I can dunk my kernels into my own wine for a lot less money.
Oldest McDonald’s Employee As mentioned earlier in this issue, the average retirement age in the U.S. is 61; in the U.K. the average retirement age is slightly higher at 65. But that doesn’t stop great-grandpa Bill Dudley. At 88, he may be McDonald’s oldest employee. Although he has a pacemaker, angina, and a knee replacement, he is still able to work twice a week for six hours a day. His title is Customer Care Manager at the Mold, North Wales McDonalds branch in the U.K. His regular duties include greeting customers and wiping down tables. The senior citizen previously worked at British Steel, an aircraft manufacturer, and as a cab driver, but he is content with his current position at the fast food joint.
“Sitting at home can get boring. I’m not a drinker and my wife won’t let me touch the garden as she does all that. After four days off at home I look forward to coming to work because I like talking to people and meeting people — that’s why I loved the taxi work.” Bill is a World War II veteran. He lives in Connah’s Quay, five miles from work, and adds: “The staff thinks the world of me. A lot of them are much younger than I am, like a whole different generation. But we’re like a family
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grayer, but impressively he still fits into the same size shirt and pants. You know what else stayed the same? His smile, or lack of it. Those P.E. teachers sure stay in shape.
and I’m their father.” It cannot be confirmed that he is the oldest McDonald worker since a spokesman for the company said they don’t keep a database of staff ages. But he added: “Bill is probably one of the oldest working for us in the world.” And he’s lovin’ it.
Is This a Drive Thru for Food or Money?
Teacher Wears Same Clothes for Four Decades Some people get tired of wearing the same outfit every day but this retiring schoolteacher has been sporting the same one for 40 years! Every year, the Prestonwood Elementary in the Richardson school district in Texas takes photographs of the faculty for the yearbook. Quite accidentally, Dale Irby, the physical education teacher, wore the same outfit two years in a row. His wife, Cathy, dared him to go for the hat trick and make it three years straight. After that he thought, “Why not five?” The rest is history.
In News
The gym teacher, now 63, had a pretty loose dress code much of the time that allowed him to wear shorts to school. But on picture day, it was dress-up day. And that day became a “Groundhog Day” of outfits: a polyester, pointy-collared shirt and brown vest. A slideshow of the past 40 yearbook photos shows that not much has changed about the P.E. teacher. His glasses have gotten a bit smaller and his hair a bit
It pays to order from the drive-thru, literally. Three hungry customers who ordered food at a Taco Bell drive-thru in western Michigan got something way more valuable than a lunch special. An employee at the fast food chain mistakenly passed the customers cash instead of their food. The money had been prepared in a Taco Bell bag for deposit at a nearby bank. The trio returned the $3,600 a short time later. Kennidi Rue admitted that she and two friends considered keeping the money but they said they’d feel too guilty so they decided to do the right thing and return it. Rue and her friends got their meal
when they returned the money. I wonder if they got free fries with that.
Sidewalk Egg Frying Competition
We’ve all heard the expression, “It’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk” but like most expressions, it tends to be an exaggeration. But not in Oatman, Arizona! In this dusty, desert town, it is literally that hot! So the community organized an annual sidewalk egg-frying contest. The summer season is kicked off every year on July 4th with a sidewalk
egg frying competition. The winner is determined by who can cook the most edible-looking egg exclusively by solar means. At high noon, the eggs are cracked, and the 30 participants get cooking. 15 minutes later, a winner is declared based on who has the best-looking fried egg. The event is over by 1pm. “If we don’t [end it then], everybody would pass out,” said Fred Eck, 69, a retired special events coordinator who has organized the fry since its beginning. Fire and electricity are banned from the contest, which attracts 200-300 visitors to the small town. Entrants can use magnifying glasses, aluminum foil, and focus mirrors to manipulate the eggs to the 158 degrees necessary to fry. The concept started in 1983 as a competition between the nearby communities of Laughlin, Nevada, and Bullhead City, Arizona, during a heat wave that made national headlines. “People thought it was bad publicity for the area because it drew attention to the heat,” said Eck. But now it has become an attraction and media coverage even helps attract visitors year-round. “The place is only a quarter mile long. There’s 35 shops, a couple of bars, a few restaurants,” said Eck. “It needs all the publicity it can get to stay alive.” So, how would you like them? Sunny-side-up or scrambled?
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The Pampered Life… For your Pets
Nowadays people spend money on all kinds of crazy things, and a big trend is people pampering their pets. Abril Loya of BobVila.com compiled a list of the ten over-the-top ways to pamper your precious pet. Sean McCoy created a suit of armor for his guinea pig. After his pet died, he sold the suit on eBay for $24,300. The funds went to benefit the Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue. If you feel that your dog should be treated like royalty, then the Fairytale
Dog House is the perfect palace. It’s made of premium varnished wood and each structure is custom built to accommodate you and your pet’s needs. The little dwelling will cost about $2,680. Exercising three times a week is crucial to your health, but frequent exercise also keeps your pet happy. If you’re too busy to take your pup for a jog, then consider the Pet Zen, a treadmill de-
In News signed especially for your dog to help him stay in shape. But this convenience will cost you about $489.89. Designer Lori Garner recently created a human-sized Swarovski-crystal-studded bathtub; now she designed a matching tub for that man’s best friend. The Baby Diamond Bathtub is just the right size for small breeds and comes in a variety of colors to match your décor
and your pet’s taste. The bathtub is covered in more than 4,000 crystals, making the price way higher than an average pup tub at $3,800. Clearly for the right price, your cat, dog, or fish can live the high life…lifestyles of the rich and furry.
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Bnot Yaakov of Great Neck Mother-Daughter Luncheon Bnot Yaakov of Great Neck hosted a Mother-Daughter Luncheon that marked the close of the school year combining delicious buffet with an expressive student “Family Tree Gardens” display. Mothers and daughters joined together for lunch at tables adjacent to the display, a collection of student reflections on familial and cultural heritage through the medium of writing and photographs. Mothers enjoyed the writings and family pictures that relayed cultural ancestry and appreciation of families’ pasts. Some students wrote about their families’ escape from Iran in the 70’s while others relayed grandparents’ musings of their own lives in Iran as children. All students were required to interview a grandparent or other rela-
tive and then synthesize the information in organizing their essays. The Mother-Daughter Luncheon’s highlight was special guest Rabbanit Kashani who presented an art and crafts activity in which mothers assisted their daughters with the construction of paper
dolls and creation of wardrobe choices! Utilizing the picturesque backdrop of the Family Tree Gardens display, Rabbanit
Kashani explained the legacy of sniyut (modesty) and how it, too, belongs to the collective history of the Jewish people as a whole. She explained that sniyut is the jewel of every Jewish woman and girl’s collective family archive, having been passed down from Sarah Imenu through the generations and that it defines the dignity of a Bat Yisrael. Each girl was given her choice of shiny “doll hair” and an array of “fabrics” from which to create a varied line of apparel for her doll. All creations were both beautiful and sniyut with many sparkling sequins and googly-eyes to boot! Girls also received parting gifts of a Bnot Melachim music and song CD’s and adjoining coloring books.
The afternoon concluded with a song in which all Bot Yaakov talmidot donned crowns and performed “I Am a Proud Bat Melekh” for their mothers to enjoy. “It was a beautiful luncheon!” Mrs. Mehrnia, a Bnot Yaakov parent, remarked as she left with a group of mothers. “The girls’ projects were really nice and I had a great time with my two girls.” Everybody was smiling as the luncheon came to a close, girls with their gift bags and adorned dolls and proud mothers admiring their daughters’ projects.
Non-Stop Fun at Camp Machaneh Yisrael From the moment the buses arrive each morning at Camp Machaneh Yisrael’s campus – located at the spacious confines of Yeshiva of South Shore – until they board the buses each afternoon
at Inwood Park, the excitement in the air is palpable. And why shouldn’t it be? After all, each day starts with davening and learning with a devoted staff of professional rabbeim. The rabbeim utilize
Tisha B’Av Program at the White Shul to Feature Father of Mercaz HaRav Massacre Victim OneFamily (http://www.onefamilytogether.org/), Israel’s only national organization solely dedicated to the rehabilitation of victims of terror attacks and their families, will be hosting a special Tisha B’Av event featuring Naftali Moses, father of Mercaz Harav massacre victim Avraham David Moses Hy”d, at the White Shul (Congregation Kneseth Israel) in Far Rockaway. Following the gruesome homicidal spree by a lone Palestinian gunman at Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav in March 2008, Naftali Moses penned the inspirational memoir Mourning Under Glass, a description of his experiences dealing with the loss of his 16-year-old son and his struggles with the frustrations of memory and memorial. A resident of Efrat and a professor of Jewish medical ethics,
Naftali is regularly invited to speak to groups about living with loss caused by an act of terror. OneFamily has been a lifeline for the Moses family since the day of the attack and even provided the financial backing necessary to help Naftali publish his book. Since 2001, OneFamily has distributed over $35 million in direct financial assistance and services to victims of terror. In addition to financial assistance, OneFamily fosters an environment of mutual emotional and psychological support for victims of terror through support groups, retreats, camps and other innovative programs. For additional information about this event, please contact Michelle: michelle@onefamilyfund.org.
a variety of methods to ensure that the campers retain their skills from the school year and inspire them to grow in their love of learning. The camp, under its director and head counselor Rabbi Binyamin Jacobi, is always hopping with activities. A huge variety of sports and games, swimming, special events and fabulous trips fill the daily schedule. This past week was highlighted by the conclusion of the B.T.F.L. (B’nei Torah Football League) and the World Cup Soccer tournament. Six teams representing different countries proudly wore their team color in a great competition of skill and sportsmanship. In addition, the camp invited Rabbi Shaul Shimon Deutsch, director of the Living Torah Museum, to conduct a captivating presentation. So far, campers have enjoyed trips to Legoland, Mini-golf, batting cages, bowling, Fun Station, and Five Star Gymnastics. Next week, the first month’s grand finale will have three phenomenal trips. The junior division will head to Adventurer’s Amusement Park,
Intermediates are going to Keansburg Water and Amusement Park, and the Senior Division will enjoy an overnight trip to Clementon Park and Splash World, with a stop in Philadelphia! But, undoubtedly, the camp’s most exciting venture is the Dynanite program. It is CMY’s dynamite night program. Directed by Rabbi Eli Katz, a sixth grade rebbe at Yeshiva Darchei Torah, and Avrumi Jacobs, director of AJ Sports, 5th thru 8th grade boys embark twice weekly on spectacular night activities and trips. So far this summer, Dynanites has visited Bounce Trampoline Sports in Valley Cottage, Wheel Fun Bikes at Riis Park, the Aviator, and Pallisades Climb Adventure. Camp Machaneh Yisrael can be reached at (516) 374-3432, or by email at cmyoffice@gmail.com.
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Community
World-Wide Tisha B’Av Event Spotlights Our Everyday Journey to Geulah This Tisha B’av, as the entire Jewish world puts aside their daily concerns and mourns the Bais Hamikdash, an additional wave of inspiration flows out across the globe. For more than two decades, the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation’s World-Wide Tisha B’Av Event has brought together Jews across
the U.S., throughout the world, and from all walks of life. This worldwide event has been implemented in 16 countries and 700 sites, including communities, camps and bungalow colonies, in order to inspire Jews to do their part in bringing achdus and geulah to Klal Yisrael. Each year, the event focuses on
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new perspectives and practical actions individuals can take to increase shalom in their personal lives and in the world. The presentations are captivating and inspiring, encouraging people to make real changes that will bring z’chus and brachah into their lives. Indeed, the dozens of emails and phone calls each year are testimony to the impact of these events and its effects in people’s lives. As a result of the inspiring words heard on Tisha B’Av, rifts have been healed, issues have been resolved, and spiritual health has been restored. At this year’s worldwide Tisha B’Av Event’s two programs, tens of thousands of Jews will hear riveting presentations that examine the dynamics of this internal battle for the soul of Klal Yisrael. With the title “Step by Step, Choice by Choice,” the presentation highlights the power each individual exerts over his personal reality and our people’s destiny, through the words and deeds he chooses each day. Program A offers the inimitable presentations of Rav Yitzchok Scheiner , Rosh Yeshivas Kamenitz, Yerushalayim and Rav Elya Brudny, R”M in the Mirrer Yeshiva of Flatbush, NY as they reveal the force exerted by lashon hora. “Choosing Our Words” examines the divisive nature of negative speech and the manner in which it destroys unity and exposes Klal Yisroel to danger and destruction. This program also offers “Choosing to Care” which highlights the positive impact of Klal Yisroel caring for one another. Rav Yissocher Frand, R”M in Yeshivas Ner Israel of Baltimore, shines a brilliant light on one especially power-
ful aspect of this mitzvah – that of “nosei ohl b’chaveiro, “bearing the yoke” of another’s burden, and showing the ultimate understanding of ahavas Yisroel by putting personal time and effort and resources to alleviate another’s plight. Program B features world renowned speakers, Rabbi Eytan Feiner, Rav of Knesses Israel, Far Rockaway, and Rabbi Eli Mansour, Rabbi of Congregation Bet Yaakob in Brooklyn, NY. In “Choosing Our Words,” these two dynamic lecturers offer a masterful presentation examining the divisive nature of negative speech and the manner in which it destroys unity. With their own unique and powerful style these lecturers leave an indelible message about the evil force exerted by lashon hora, which exerts klal Yisroel to danger and destruction. The two segments come together in one event that will open participants’ eyes to the internal battle between golus and geulah which plays out in the everyday lives of the Jewish people. Although Hashem promises that ultimately, the side of geulah will win, the length and difficulty of the battle lies with choices of each Jew. With the inspiration flowing from this year’s event, participants will be energized to join the battle wholeheartedly and add their own special strength to the winning side. Join thousands of Jews around the globe as we strive to build a better world at this year’s worldwide Tisha B’Av Event. Rediscover how we define ourselves as individuals and how we impact our nation–choice by choice. See the listings spread in this week’s newspaper for the times and location in your neighborhood or call 845-3523505 ext. 106.
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THE COMPLETE TISHAH B’AV SERVICE WITH AN INTERLINEAR TRANSLATION
by Rabbi Menachem Davis THE CONG REGATION RISES AND
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CLASSIC ENGLISH/HEBREW
KINNOS/TISHAH B’AV SERVICE
Tue 2/Ps82 /Ps8 aris aris hach hach en/S en/S Ashk Ashk nos. nos. /Kin /Kin OOKS OOKS LD.B LD.B ah/O ah/O esor esor me/m me/m t/ho t/ho xpor xpor 6:/e 6:/e ford /bed /bedford
A KINNOS COMPANION
1 1 Page Page 2008 2008 12:38:17 1 8:17 1 12:3 Apr Tue Apr
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The Soul of Tishah B'Av through stories and reflections
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NEWS
Community
Mercy Medical Center Ranked One of the “100 Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review Mercy Medical Center has been named one of the “100 Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review based on the hospital’s quality of care and service to the community. Mercy is the only Long Island metropolitan area hospital and one of two New York state hospitals recognized. “As Mercy celebrates its 100th year anniversary this is yet another fitting tribute to the wonderful care and ser-
vices we provide to the patients in our surrounding communities,” said Mercy’s Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Aaron E. Glatt, MD. “This latest recognition coming in addition to US News & World Report ranking Mercy among the top NY hospitals underscores the high quality provided at Mercy and our superior patient care.” The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team selected community hos-
pitals based on rankings and awards from iVantage Health Analytics, Truven Health Analytics (formerly Thomson
Reuters), Healthgrades and The Joint Commission. Nominations for the list were also considered.
Ruach Day Camp Community 4th of July Picnic
Young Israel Launches Project Go Green To Help Israeli Soldiers The National Council of Young Israel has launched “Project Go Green” to help Israeli combat soldiers get the special tzitzit that they require. The National Council of Young Israel joined forces with American Friends of the IDF Rabbinate to promote a special tzitzit shirt made from a new fabric (Dri Fit (c)) that resists perspiration and is able to withstand the rigors of the field. The tzitzit g a r m e n t (beged) worn by combat soldiers in the Israeli army must be olive green to match their uniform camouflage in the field. The standard issue green tzitzit is made of thin cotton that does not last long under the extreme rigors of long weeks of field training and combat. The Young Israel’s new initiative enables people to provide these tzitzit to Israeli combat soldiers. A donation of $25 for 1, or $36 for 2, will help the National Council of Young Israel and American Friends of the IDF Rabbinate reach their goal of supplying 10,000 pairs of tzitzit to Israeli soldiers by Rosh Hashanah. Project Go Green is a unique opportunity to add a layer of protection to our beloved chayalim, while at the same time helping them fulfill a mitzvah as they are defending their country. The tzitzit can be purchased online
at www.youngisrael.org/operationgogreen<http://www.youngisrael.org/operationgogreen. American Express, Master Card, and Visa are all accepted. Additional opportunities to purchase larger quantities are also available to help meet the goal of 10,000 pairs of tzitzit by Rosh Hashanah. Please call 212-929-1525 x100 and ask for Project Go Green or email gogreen@youngisrael. org<mailto:gogreen@ youngisrael.org. In light of the current debate regarding the Israeli army service of Orthodox Jews, it is important to recognize that the Israeli army is extremely mindful of the religious needs of its soldiers. For example, if a soldier wants tzitzit, he is provided tzitzit. The American Friends of the IDF Rabbinate, in collaboration with the National Council of Young Israel, has been working to give the IDF Rabbinate the extra capability to ensure that Israeli soldiers are able to serve their country, while at the same time being able to maintain their religious observance. Among their many areas of activity, in addition to tzitzit, they provide tefillin and talitot, Torah libraries, and for combat units in the field the IDF Rabbinate even supplies a field Aron Kodesh and a field Beit Knesset kit. They also build new and/or refurbish existing base synagogues and underwrite unit Shabbat Seminars, on-base, and in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Kalman Fogel, Principal of HANC Plainview, Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head), Rabbi Ellie Weissman, Rabbi of Young Israel of Plainview, Sari Kahn, Director of Ruach Plainview and organizer of the event
Ruach Day Camp, located on the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County’s Plainview campus’s sprawling grounds, successfully held its first annual community (pre) 4th of July picnic on Wednesday, July 3rd. Under a beautiful summer evening sky, the picnic celebration was a blast for all and included patriotic themed games and prizes, face painting, arts and crafts projects and a bounce house. The scrumptious picnic dinner was catered by Hunki’s Dairy Restaurant located just a few blocks away from the campus. While Ruach’s Plainview campus hosts a preschool camp program, the activities at the picnic were geared towards all age groups and for all members of the community. “We created a July 4th themed scavenger hunt so that children from six to sixteen had a game that would be fun and challenging just for them,” said Sari Kahn, the Director of the camp. Mrs. Kahn added, “The children really enjoyed decoding the clues and running from one end of the campus to the other. And of course, an added bonus was receiving their prize for completing the scavenger hunt.” One of the highlights of the evening was that the children got to make cards, decorate, and pack care packages for our military men and women overseas. PM Pediatrics, the LIJ/North Shore Hospital of Plainview, Shoprite, Plainview
Family Pharmacy, and the Kosher Food Emporium, as well as Great Smiles of Hicksville and Caring Dentistry for children in Parsippany, NJ, graciously donated the items to go into the packages while the camp supplied the boxes. Each child who made a package received a Ruach Day Camp flying disk as a special present for the good deed he or she just performed. Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) joined in the festivities and thanked the families at the event for all of their hard work and dedication for our military overseas. “I had a great time celebrating the Fourth of July at the Ruach Summer Camp’s family picnic,” he said. “The event was a wonderful celebration for our community and I look forward to working with the children and staff at Ruach again in the near future.” One Ruach Plainview mother summed up her family’s experience at the picnic like this: “I feel like everyone at HANC is like one big family, so friendly and welcoming. The picnic was so much fun. Netanya didn’t want to stop bouncing in the bouncy house. We’re so happy for Netanya to be able to experience all the activities camp has to offer....making challah, learning new Hebrew songs and meeting new friends,” said Ronit Shanzer.
35 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
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TOVA Hits Grand Slam with Home Run Derby On Monday evening, June 24, the TOVA mentoring program knocked it out of the park with their first annual Home Run Derby competition in North Woodmere Park. With the weather cooperating beautifully, nearly 60 batters cheered on by hundreds of supporters took to the plate in an effort to be crowned Home
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder and Yehuda Klinkowitz, TOVA program director
Run Champion. Phil Goldfeder, Rockaway’s state assemblyman, threw out the
first ball to TOVA’s program director, Yehuda Klinkowitz. Great food, fantastic prizes and an atmosphere of enthusiasm marked this event as a truly memorable evening. The Home Run Derby was a joint effort between the TOVA program and the Croton Softball league to build awareness of and raise funds for the valuable services that TOVA provides. TOVA has been a staple of the Five Towns / Far Rockaway community since 1997, providing mentors to our communities youth to prevent at-risk and self-destructive behavior. In addition to being a highly successful fund and friend raiser the event served as a reminder that a great time with good friends who share community spirit and a generous heart can also make the difference for our youth and for our community. Congratulations to Asher Ingbar, the Home Run King. In second place was
Chaim Silber of Lobos, Evan Blachman (Croton Softball league), Asher Ingbar, Zezy Fuld, director of development of TOVA, Yehuda Klinkowitz, TOVA program director, Abi Liff
Joe Eisenberg of Triple Net, second place winner
Joe Eisenberg, and in third place, Pinky Friedman. We hope they have a great time in Israel or at the ball games.
other TOVA initiatives, please contact Zezy Fuld, Director of Development at 516-295-0550 Ext 102 or email zezyfuld@tovamentoring.org.
For more information or to support
Richard Altabe, executive vice president of TOVA
The Message Behind the Words Oftentimes, when someone speaks to us, we hear the words they say but either are so busy or we are focused on something else, so we don’t hear the meaning behind the speech. For example, a teacher calls into her school that she can’t come in today because her mother is in the hospital. The secretary is so busy figuring out who will sub for this teacher and the other details that have to be worked out that the words didn’t really get heard. While it can slide in a business relationship or in a chavrusah’s relationship, in a marriage the consequence of not really taking the time and focus to listen to what is behind the words is more serious. When a spouse asks something of his partner, in particular something that is out of char-
acter, she should try to “really listen” and hear what her partner is saying. A wife may call her husband and say “I had such a busy day, can you please pick up the milk.” If her spouse takes the time and energy to focus, he will hear that what she really is saying is, “I had such a busy day and am feeling so overwhelmed, please help me.” When the husband hears that message he can come home and offer his wife physical help and emotional support. This will result in her feeling understood and cared for, which in turn, creates feelings of appreciation and closeness that will enhance the relationship. Similarly, if a man comes home from a long day and says, “Would you be able to make me a cup of tea,” if his
wife really listens she may “hear” him say, “I had such a long day and I need to unwind and feel taken care of, please can you pamper me a bit and let me relax for a few minutes.” If she graciously offers him his newspaper and slippers, along with a piece of cake with his tea while shooing the kids out of the room he can feel understood, cared for, and appreciated. Listening to what is behind the words can create a tremendous sense of closeness in a marriage. Hashem does not expect us to be prophets or mind readers and know what the other person is thinking and expecting. However, if we really listen we will find that the words are there hidden within what is being said, especially through the tone
of voice and body language used. Let us try when our spouse speaks to us to really listen and hear, not just the words, but what he really is saying. May this lead to an increase of peace in our homes, our families, and across all aspects of our lives. Five Towns Marriage Initiative provides educational programs, workshops and referrals to top marriage therapists. FTMI will help offset counseling costs when necessary and also runs an anonymous shalom bayis hotline for the entire community Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 10:00-11:00 p.m. For the hotline or more information, call 516-430-5280 or email dsgarry@ msn.com.
At Camp Atara, the Fun is Just Beginning
NEWS
Community
Film, Study, and Personal Reflection this Tisha B’Av Join the Jean Fischman Chabad Center of the Five Towns on Tisha B’Av, July 16 at 5:30 PM at 74 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst for film, study, and personal reflection. “Triumph of Hope,” a professionally-produced, 25-minute, emotionally-gripping and intense documentary features Holocaust survivors recounting their own memories of bitachon, mitzvos performed, and Jewish identity maintained in the most horrible moments. It weaves together their personal recollections, stories, and sentiments along with a rare video clip of the Lubavitcher Rebbe ob”m speaking about the Holocaust. Following the film, Rabbi Wolowik will lead a 50-minute JLI learning class
Campers had fun swimming in the outdoor pool, sliding down the waterpark slide, enjoying bunk day, building memories at LEGOLAND, getting tied in knots at the Jump Rope Interactive Show, riding the rides at Luna Park, baking, doing aerobics and making new friends! The summer just started and there’s more fun to come!
about finding faith during difficult times. Admission is free; RSVP is appreciated at info@chabad5towns.com or at (516) 295-2478. In a joint effort for the entire community, Chabad of Hewlett—an affiliate of Chabad of the Five Towns—will have the same presentation given by Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim on Monday evening, July 15 at 8:30 PM at Chabad of Hewlett, 31 Franklin Avenue in Hewlett. Admission is free, RSVP is appreciated (516) 295-3433 or at www.jewishhewlett.com. Allow yourself to transform this day of tragedy to one that will give you hope and energy to make the future of our eternal nation brighter than ever.
Orah Day Camp – Working with the Best Welcome to Orah day camp 2013! It is our “job” to make sure that our campers have the best summer of their lives. There are so many fun and exciting things planned and we are “employ”ing all of our creative talents to make sure we accomplish just that. The theme of this summer is occupations. We started out with construction and we will “build” on that. Our first week was a “work” of art—well, actually it was more like a construction zone but we “built” a magnificent time. It was jammed packed with trips, treats and, of course, our amazing specialties that help to make Orah unique. There were trips for every grade level from our preschool through 7th grade. Our girls went to Fun Station, Fitwize, Q-zar Laser Tag, bowling, and the Long Island Children’s Museum. The campers were coming and going and all with huge smiles on their faces. New this year was a trip to Bayswater Park where our 5th graders learned the art of orienteering (how to use a compass) and went canoeing. Our fabulous specialties work with our theme and you should have seen the tool belts created by Lower Arts & Crafts; they hold everything a girl might need while in the field. Our pre-school had its very first main event. The girls used craft sticks to “build” a “Bruchim Habaim” frame that was decorated with tool stickers. Also welcomed this week were our
first participants for Mother -Daughter swim. Orah day camp opened its pool twice this past week, once on Thursday, July 4th and then again on Sunday so that current campers and their mothers could cool off and enjoy our outdoor, in-ground, Olympic-size pool. Even though we didn’t have camp on July 4th, the girls made delicious red, white and blue cakes in upper baking to complement the tri-colored cookies that were made earlier in the week. Towards the end of our very busy week, our first ceramics pieces came out of the kiln and they are both creative and beautiful. The second themed week is well under way or under hay…way, depending on which floor you are on. The 1st floor of the building is decorated like a zoo that keeps the zookeepers busy, the 2nd floor is a jungle out there complete with trees, vines, and veterinarians to keep all the animals healthy. There are lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), giraffes, peacocks and elephants galore all over Orah day camp but don’t worry, they are behind bars. There will be some loose and wild animals in the camp but don’t worry, it’s just the petting zoo we brought in to entertain the campers. We have so many more occupations to explore and activities in store that we can confidently say that when it comes to summer fun here at Orah Day Camp, we get the job done.
37 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
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Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim Annual Yarchei Kallah Last week, Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim/ Rabbinical Seminary of America held its annual Yarchei Kallah. Twenty-five alumni from around the country gathered at the Yeshiva’s campus in Kew Gardens Hills for a week of learning and reconnecting with their Rabbeim. The program opened Monday morning with a shmuess from Rav Dovid Weiner, a mashgiach in the yeshiva. Many of the yeshiva’s alumni are marbitzei Torah in communities across North
America. As such, he said, there must be a greater awareness of being mekadesh
sheim shamayim. We must strive in all of our interactions to emulate Hashem. The Sugya D’Kallah was lididi shave li, Kiddushin daf ches amud alef . The participants spent Monday morning and afternoon sedorim preparing the sugya. In the evening, the Rosh HaYeshiva, HaRav Akiva Grunblatt, said a shiur klali on the sugya. HaRav Dovid Harris, Rosh HaYeshiva, gave a shmuess discussing our ability to impact others. The Gemara in Makus
says that the redeeming factor that allowed Yehuda into Gan Eden was the in-
fluence he had on Reuvain about doing teshuva publicly. Rav Harris pointed out that it was not the merit of Yehuda himself doing teshuva and admitting publicly that he was wrong, rather the unintentional and indirect influence he had on Reuvain. We must realize and appreciate the profound impact that we have on people. In conjunction with the Yarchei Kallah, a special program was held Tuesday, Shiva Asar B’Tammuz. After
davening at the kevorim of gedolim buried in Queens, two speakers addressed the alumni. First, Rav Avrohom Stulberger, Rosh Yeshiva of Valley Torah High School in LA, a yeshiva affiliate, spoke on the importance of bein adam lechaveiro. Even the smallest acts of kindness, he said, can have a tremendous impact. This is especially true when it comes to marbitzei Torah. Quoting the Rosh HaYeshiva, HaRav Henoch Leibowitz ztz”l, he stressed that harbotzos haTorah isn’t just a job; it’s a mindset of being concerned for others. The program concluded with Rav Shlomo Yonosan Harris, maggid shiur in the yeshiva, who spoke about our difficulty in
feeling the loss of the Beis Hamikdash. He said that there are two points to focus on. The first is our personal yearning to grow in Avodas Hashem, which is limited without the Beis Hamikdash. The second he quoted from the Mesilas Yesharim, who writes that a chasid must
feel pain that Hashem is lacking a home. The Roshei HaYeshiva held a joint question and answer session Wednesday afternoon, affording the participants a unique opportunity to gain hadracha and hashkafa from their rabbeim. On Thursday, Rav Avrohom Semmel, Rosh Kollel, gave a shiur discussing the monetary obligations of shadchanus in halacha. At the seudas preida, Rav Dovid Harris spoke about the importance of mesorah and staying connected with one’s Rabbeim. He remarked that seeing the talmidim return for a week and partaking in the yeshiva’s sedorim infuses him with tremendous chizuk. The alumni left uplifted and strengthened in their dedication to avodas hashem and their avodas hakodesh.
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Guidance and Chizuk of Senior Gedolei Hador Heard Across the World at Dirshu Asifas Chizuk and Siyum at Binyanei Hauma
“Just like like aa person person can’t can’t live live without without air, air, so so too too aa “Just Yid cannot live spiritually without Torah. The world Yid cannot live spiritually without Torah. The world cannot exist exist without without Torah. Torah. A A Jew Jew cannot cannot exist exist without without cannot Torah. If a person chalilah does not have an esrog on Torah. If a person chalilah does not have an esrog on Sukkos he can still be a Yid. If he doesn’t have Torah, Sukkos he can still be a Yid. If he doesn’t have Torah, however, the the world world does does come come to to an an end!” end!” however, Those were the powerful, heartfelt words of of the the Those were the powerful, heartfelt words venerated, senior Rosh Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav venerated, senior Rosh Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Leib Shteinman, Shteinman, shlita, shlita, at at the the massive massive kinnus kinnus Aharon called by Gedolei Yisroel and organized by Dirshu on called by Gedolei Yisroel and organized by Dirshu on Sunday 15 Tammuz/July 23. The kinnus was simultaSunday 15 Tammuz/July 23. The kinnus was simulta-
neously aa siyum siyum on on Masechta Masechta Eruvin Eruvin just just completed completed in in neously the Daf Yomi and a chizuk gathering to mark the first the Daf Yomi and a chizuk yahrtzeit of of the the Posek Posek Hador, Hador, HaGaon HaGaon HaRav HaRav Yosef Yosef yahrtzeit Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l. However, the primary purpose Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l. However, the primary purpose of the the kinnus kinnus was was to to hear hear the the divrei divrei Elokim Elokim chaim, chaim, the the of words of guidance and inspiration of the senior gedwords of guidance and inspiration of the senior gedolei hador hador directing directing Klal Klal Yisroel Yisroel how how to to conduct conduct themthemolei selves in this difficult period facing Eretz Yisroel’s Torah community community and and to to give give chizuk chizuk to to the the Torah Torah world world rah and to all Jews to whom limud haTorah is dear. and to all Jews to whom limud haTorah is dear. Many thousands thousands gathered gathered both both at at Binyanei Binyanei Haumah Haumah Many
and at at live live satellite satellite hookups hookups around around the the world world to to drink drink and in the words of guidance from our gedolim. They came in the words of guidance from our gedolim. They came because instinctively all Torah Jews realize that we are because instinctively all Torah Jews realize that we are living in very turbulent, trying times. The Torah world living in very turbulent, trying times. The Torah world is under under unprecedented unprecedented attack attack and and desperately desperately needs needs is direction as to how to respond on the spiritual plane. direction as to how to respond on the spiritual plane. Gedolei Yisroel Yisroel led led by by such such luminaries luminaries as as HaGaon HaGaon Gedolei HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, HaGaon HaRHaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Auerbach, shlita, the Sanz-Klausenberger av Shmuel Auerbach, shlita, the Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe, shlita, shlita, and and numerous numerous others others pushed pushed themselves themselves Rebbe, to come, despite frailty and busy schedules, because to come, despite frailty and busy schedules, because
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the Dirshu Siyum was viewed as the optimum venue to address the burning issues facing Klal Yisroel. Indeed all of the gedolim spoke powerfully and passionately, energizing the crowd of people sitting spellbound and latching on to every word.
Efrati concluded, “Ashreichem Dirshu, fortunate are you Dirshu that you are perpetuating a Torah legacy through your many programs of accountable limud haTorah! Rav Elyashiv was especially supportive of the halacha programs that ensure knowledge of and adherence to halacha l’maaseh.”
A Three-Fold Purpose The Entry of the Senior Gedolei Yisroel The kinnus, as mentioned, had a three-fold purAs the crowd enthusiastically rose, singing, “Yamim pose: To hear guidance from the gedolei hador, to al yemei melech tosif,” they craned their necks and saw remember and gain inspiration from the life of Rav the diminutive figure of the Torah giant, Rav Aharon Elyashiv and of course, to celebrate the tremendous milestone of thousands upon thousands of Dirshu learners who have completed and been tested on Masechta Eruvin, many of them with Tosafos! Perhaps HaGaon HaRav Yosef Yekusiel “Torah is life! It is so important that Efrati, shlita, talmid muvhak and close confidant of Rav Elyashiv, put it best when he a Jew cannot live without it.” was called upon to address the assemblage in memory of Rav Elyashiv. In a voice brimming with emotion, Rav Efrati exclaimed, “If we really want to remember Rav Elyashiv; if we really desire to follow in his ways the Leib Shteinman, shlita slowly proceeding to the center only way to do so is by completing one masechta and of the multi-tiered dais. The sight of the Gadol Hador, beginning another—completing Eruvin and beginning stooped with age and the burden of Klal Yisroel on his Pesachim! There can be no greater hesped for Moreinu physically frail but spiritually strong shoulders, filled v’Rabbeinu than thousands learning and completing the audience with emotion. one masechta and beginning another. Similarly, there Rav Shteinman was followed by HaGaon HaRav is no greater way to neutralize gezeiros against the To- Shmuel Auerbach, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva rah world than learning more and more Torah!” Rav Maalos HaTorah, and the Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe,
shlita. Other luminaries in attendance included such greats as HaGaon HaRav Aryeh Finkel, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Mir Brachfeld; HaGaon HaRav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Ateres Yisrael; HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein, shlita, son-in-law of HaGaon HaRav Elyashiv; HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Porat Yosef; the Biala Rebbe, shlita; the Modzhitzer Rebbe, shlita; HaGaon HaRav Ezriel Auerbach, shlita; HaGaon HaRav Moshe Tzadka, shlita; HaGaon HaRav Asher Weiss, shlita, and tens more gedolim. HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Auerbach, shlita: Strengthening Ourselves in Torah Will Bring the Geulah Following the entrance of the generation’s luminaries, Rav Shmuel Auerbach addressed the assemblage. “How can we display to Hashem our deep desire for the geulah? The only way we can do that, is by showing Him how important that which we still have, that with which He has left us, is to us. If we show Him how much we love Torah, He will in turn see fit to once again entrust us with the Bais Hamikdash.” Rav Shmuel also called on the assemblage to invest even greater effort in tefillah and middos tovos. With his eyes closed and remarkable passion, Rav Shmuel concluded with a veiled reference to the difficulties facing the Torah community by saying that
The Call Heard Around the World: We Reserve our Honor for Torah Attending the Kinnus Ha’adir Lichvod Lomdei Torah, this writer’s eye was caught by an almost inconspicuous banner on the balcony at Binyanei Ha’uma that read “V’chol banayich limudei Hashem.” Those four words encapsulated the spirit of the event, and the lesson that
all participants internalized for the future. No geographical, cultural or generational boundaries can erode the common bond that Torah-true communities have with the Torah. They have not reduced our relationship with the Torah and only increased our resolve to strengthen the bond. Despite our myriad daily preoccu-
pations, countless Yidden around the globe – in Dirshu and other programs – dedicated precious time to learn and master a masechta as complex as Maseches Eruvin. Despite all the attempts to dispirit us and divide us, we are more determined and united than ever. Indeed, following the event, those on the ground in Eretz Yisroel relayed a palpable rise in spirit and optimism amongst both gedolei Yisroel and everyday Yidden. The message of unity and common resolve was also noted as many Yidden in communities across Europe and North America – residing far from the most direct and imminent threats against the Torah –took time on a Sunday afternoon to attend the event’s satellite locations, or listen in on the various telephone networks that carried it live. Appreciating the Inheritance The crowd at Cheder Bnei Torah in Lakewood rose as the Rosh Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Malkiel Kotler shlita, entered the auditorium to address the gathering. The Rosh Yeshiva began
by quoting the Chofetz Chaim zt”l, who stressed the importance of completing a masechta before proceeding to learn another one. The Rosh Yeshiva then quoted the Zohar Hakadosh, which compares the completion of a masechta to “inheriting a world,” as well as the words of “Torah tziva lanu Moshe, morasha kehillas Yaakov.” What is inherent in this “inheritance”? Rav Malkiel juxtaposed this concept to the “inheritances” of kehuna and malchus, which define the essence
of particular segments of klal Yisroel throughout the generations. So too, Torah molds the very essence of those who learn and acquire it. The Rosh Yeshiva concluded with a bracha that the merit of all the Torah learning symbolized by this Siyum and other Siyumim should help us maintain our prized inheritance into the future. Yom Tov on Sunday The sight of the renowned senior Rosh Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Green, shlita, standing up and delivering his address despite his physical
weakness made an immense impression on the members of the Monsey community gathered at Hamaspik Terrace. Rav Green delved into the lessons we must internalize from the churban habayis, as we work to merit its rebuilding, b’ezras Hashem. The Gemara in Maseches Nedarim explains that the churban was due to the fact that Yidden did not recite birchas HaTorah before learning, which the Ran explains symbolizes a lack of appreciation for the Torah’s value. “This Siyum is the antidote for the ‘lo birchu baTorah techila,’” the Rosh Yeshiva exclaimed, referring to the majestic display of honor due to the completion of Maseches Eruvin. Turning to the difficult issues that we face today, Rav Green explained that this concept is incredibly important in our children’s chinuch, as we fight a mighty battle to draw them towards the light of Torah and away from the world’s nefarious lures. “If we feel a geshmak in Torah, if our children see that our lives revolve around Torah,
The Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe, shlita: The “Light” of Torah Can Banish All Darkness The Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe, with great feeling, delivered a potent message that infused Klal Yisroel with hope and guidance for the future. He began by
Hashem will help that the message will reach our children,” the Rosh Yeshiva stated. Rav Green urged the audience to take the decrees against bnei Torah in Eretz Yisroel as a message from Heaven that we can do better in appreciating
the value of Torah. Rav Green explained that the aim of the decrees in Eretz Yisroel to uproot the spiritual Torah life implores us all to work on increasing our enthusiasm for learning. “That is how we will nullify the gezeira,” he concluded, “and this Siyum is a zechus.” Master Plan The crowd at Bais Medrash Birchas Avraham in the heart of Boro Park
praising the holy organization Dirshu for facilitating so much limud haTorah on a scale that no one would have dreamed of in the past. He said, “Only through Torah learning can a person truly become close to Hashem and Dirshu is at the forefront of creating the
heard from HaGaon HaRav Fishel Schachter, shlita, Maggid Shiur at Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. Rav Schachter cited an intriguing Midrash relating the story of an impoverished woman who lamented to Shlomo Hamelech that a wind blew away the bits of leket in a field that she was relying on for food. Shlomo Hamelech later turned to a businessman who had been enriched by the same wind – which allowed his boatload of goods to reach the shore before his competitors – to provide the woman’s needs. Rav Schachter related this to the heavy headwinds we face as a People, and placed faith in our ability to counteract them with positive winds of our own. “Pikudei Hashem yesharim mesamchei lev,” Rav Schachter concluded. “Hashem has a cheshbon for tomorrow.” Wake Up Call In the halls of the Raleigh Hotel in South Fallsburg, noted Dirshu Maggid Shiur HaGaon HaRav Zev Smith, shlita, spoke of the ease and accessibility of Torah learning today, which has no par in any period since churban habayis. He related the Gemara in Maseches Sanhedrin that lists “yaasok baTorah” – toiling in Torah – as the remedy to save one from the chevlei Moshiach, the suffering in the era of Moshiach, which no doubt applies today. Rav Smith related the words he
heard from a businessman who had difficulty committing time in his schedule for learning, until he became an avid participant in a Dirshu learning program and its solid learning structure. The man exclaimed, “I only live once, and I had to make it work. I am now a completely different person.” No doubt, our hectic lives present an enormous challenge in increasing our Torah learning, but Rav Smith implored us to consider the suffering of our brethren as an impetus to do our share in sparing klal Yisroel from the chevlei Moshiach. “There is a critical need for this today. It may not be a personal need, but it is klal Yisroel’s need.”
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strengthening ourselves in Torah, tefillah and middos is especially important now when we are facing such terrible gezeiros from those who seek to destroy us. Strengthening ourselves in the above will thereby certainly bring the geulah closer.
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deep bond between Yidden and Hashem.” The Rebbe then went on to talk about the vexing issue at the forefront of the worries of all Jews who care about Torah. The Rebbe, his faced etched in pain, began to address current events and what the call of the hour for Klal Yisroel must be. “We are living in very difficult times,” he cried out, “there is a strong battle being waged… primarily a battle against lomdei Torah. Torah is the lifeblood of Klal Yisroel. Rav Saadya Gaon famously wrote, ‘Our nation is only a nation because of the Torah.’ This is why they are so intent on
uprooting the Torah from among us. So what should our response be?!” thundered the Rebbe. “When Hashem created the world there was darkness everywhere until He said, ‘Yehi Ohr – let there be light!’ Only through kindling the great ohr, the great light of Torah, with another blatt Gemara, another shiur, building another bais medrash… can we neutralize the forces that seek to destroy us. “It is therefore so appropriate,” the Rebbe continued, “that this kinnus is in memory of Rav Elyashiv. Rav Elyashiv spent his entire life illuminating the
world with his Torah!” The Rebbe then emotionally exclaimed, “It is certainly no coincidence that these gezeiros that plague us only started after his passing. With his learning, the ohr – the light of his Torah protected the entire generation. As soon as he left us they began. The message is thus clear that we must collectively fill the void he has left by illuminating the darkness with more Torah and finally bring the ultimate light when Hashem will shine a new light to illuminate Tzion and finally bring Mashiach and the geulah shelaima!”
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HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita: Addressing the “Yissochers” and the “Zevuluns” When the chairman, Rav Mordechai Blau, called upon the senior Rosh Yeshiva Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman to address the assemblage, the crowd both in Yerushalayim and the many thousands around the world craned their necks and cocked their ears so as not to miss a word. The Rosh Yeshiva, bringing with him nearly 100 years of total immersion in Torah, spoke quietly and in his daas Torah he not only addressed the Torah world as a number of the other rabbanim
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had done but he also addressed the supporters of Torah and what their role would be in the new situation in which we find ourselves. Rav Shteinman said, “In certain areas of ruchniyus one can perform a mitzvah on behalf of another such as one person can learn Torah on behalf of someone who supports him. This does not work with all mitzvos; after all, one individual can certainly not don tefillin on behalf of another. Why is Torah different?” Rav Aharon Leib asked. With a strength and conviction that belied
his more than 90 years, the Rosh Yeshiva explained, “Because Torah is life! It is so important that a Jew cannot live without it. Torah is like air. Hashem makes air the easiest commodity to obtain because without it we would cease to live. Without Torah a person would cease to live as well. For that reason, Hashem infused in the creation the ability for a person who cannot learn Torah or cannot learn a sufficient amount of Torah to connect with the Torah through supporting it. In this way everyone can have a chelek, a part of Torah.” Clearly addressing what may be a new reality, Rav Shteinman said, “There are many Yissochers and many Zevuluns. Not everyone can be a Yissocher – some don’t have the ability to learn, others have various things preventing them from devoting their lives to Torah study. But they must have a connection to Torah. Without a connection to Torah, the world would cease to exist. That is why Hashem gave them the opportunity to support Torah thereby giving the entire Klal Yisroel the zechus of Torah. May Hashem help,” the Rosh Yeshiva concluded with a heartfelt exclamation, “that the zechus of Torah should endow us with
the requisite merits that we so need at this time!”
Rav Dovid Hofstedter: Achieving Unity Through Separation and Reunification One of the addresses that evening was delivered by the Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter. With a combination of passion and intellect, Rav Hofstedter touched on the evening’s themes echoing the call of the hour of the Gedolei Yisroel. Rav Dovid then addressed vexing current events, “In these difficult times, when those who hate Hashem are pursuing lomdei Torah in an attempt to try making both their spiritual and material lives difficult, we must contemplate, ‘Why is Hashem doing this to us’? How could it be that the beautiful Torah world that Remembering HaGaon HaRav Elyashiv, zt”l has risen from the ashes One of the evening’s of the Holocaust is today most moving moments under threat? Perhaps it was the Kaddish recited “If we show Him how much we is because we ourselves at the completion of the are lacking in the ideal of by HaGaon love Torah, He will in turn see fit masechta kavod haTorah. Perhaps HaRav Moshe Elyashiv, their hatred of us indishlita, son of the posek to once again entrust us with cates that we ourselves hador who has assumed the Bais Hamikdash.” are missing achdus and delivery of his father’s mutual love for each othfamed shiur in the “carer. Perhaps we must ask avan” bais medrash. the supporters of Torah Rav Moshe’s uncanny to show how dear the Torah is to them by increasing resemblance to his father symbolized the hemshech, support of lomdei Torah. When we will inculcate into the continuity, of the Torah of his illustrious father. our very beings the importance of Torah, those who The haschalah of Masechta Eruvin was made by anwant to destroy Torah will have no hold over us. If we other son of Rav Elyashiv, HaGaon HaRav Binyamin promote true shalom among ourselves, they will not Elyashiv, shlita. be able to harm us.” Rav Dovid concluded his powerful address by citHaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen, shlita: ing the haftorah of the weekly parsha. After Eliyahu “More Hours and More Depth” Hanavi killed the prophets of avodah zarah, he fled to HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen, Rosh Yeshiva of
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Gedolei Yisroel From Across the Spectrum Demonstrate the Power of Achdus The crowd was on its feet. They were clapping, swept up in their euphoria at the entrance of the Gedolei Yisroel. The venerated, senior Gedolei Hador were already sitting in their seats benevolently gazing at the audience of thousands, like wizened shepherds looking with care at their flock. This caused the crowd to sing even more, accompanied by lively music. In the front row we saw: HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita, The Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Auerbach, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen, shlita, venerated senior Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Porat Yosef, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Tzadka, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, shlita, and the list goes on. All of them representing a different approach to Avodas Hashem, and all of them united by the Torah the ultimate unifier of Klal Yisroel. Finally, the crowd was stilled, the music stopped and there was a hush in the cavernous Binyanei Haumah Convention Center. The crowd was waiting for the chairman of the event to introduce the speaker… and then it happened. One of the most beautiful sights was the Rosh Yeshiva of Maalos HaTorah, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Auerbach, shlita, rising from his chair and slowly, with yiras hakavod, approaching HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman and giving him a heartfelt greeting. The two venerated gedolim shook hands exchanging greetings for what was just a few seconds, perhaps half a minute, but it was a gesture that so symbolized the achdus that permeated Binyanei Haumah that evening. The handshake and the achdus among all the many gedolim that it symbolized, said it all. A palpable, quiet admiration was felt in the room before the flashbulbs began to hum; a wave of ahavah for all of the gedolim seemed to sweep over everyone.
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the desert. He had not eaten in days and asked Hashem to take his life. An angel came to him and said, “Come and eat, because you still have a long trip ahead of you.” Only then, following his fatigue, following the feeling that he had no more strength to do anything was Eliyahu able – from that very fatigue – to gather his strength and anoint Yehu as king and Elisha as navi. From here we see,” exclaimed Rav Dovid passionately, “that now, at a time when we feel so afraid, so weak and lacking koach, lacking strength, we must realize that we do have koach! “If we strengthen ourselves, Hashem will give us strength to continue to sustain Torah!”
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Yeshiva Porat Yosef, gave a fervent drasha encouraging the assemblage not to suffice with surface learning, but rather to delve in depth to truly find the meaning of our sages. He related that over the past 50 years he had occasion to speak to Rav Elyashiv about numerous important issues in both halacha and hashkafa. “When you spoke to him, the only thing that came out of his mouth was Torah. He was totally Torah. It was impossible to speak about anything else in his presence. If we want to do something in his memory we must learn more hours and learn with even greater depth.” HaGaon HaRav Azriel Auerbach, shlita: The Importance of an “Understanding Heart” Rav Azriel Auerbach, a son-in-law of Rav Elyashiv, concluded the evening by giving a drasha in memory of his illustrious father-in-law. He cited the famous Gemara wherein Hashem asked Shlomo Hamelech what he desired, a long life, a life of riches or an understanding heart. Shlomo Hamelech responded, “Give me a Lev Shomeiah – a heart that listens, a heart that understands.” Rav Auerbach said, “We have all heard remarkable stories about Rav Elyashiv’s amazing hasmodah, his diligence, his yegiah, the tremendous amount of toil and effort he invested in learning. That is all true, but it is important to understand that he constantly davened to Hashem for this. He asked Hashem to endow him with a lev shomeia, an understanding heart. He begged Hashem to help him learn and understand Torah. This is something we can all do. We can daven to Hashem and beg Him to endow us with a lev shomeia. “Today’s siyum on Masechta Eruvin is far more
about the future than about the past. It is a time to reflect as we enter Pesachim and beg Hashem for the future that we should possess an understanding heart.”
footsteps, not only will we return to the Torah but we will merit the Torah returning to us as well!” At the beginning of the evening, Rav Moshe Tzadka, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Porat Yosef, whose HaGaon HaRav Asher Weiss, shlita: talmidim include many Dirshu members, addressed the “May You Return to Us” crowd. Rav Tzadka focused on the ideal that Dirshu The Hadran on Masechta Eruvin was delivered represents a giant inclusive tent that embraces all of by HaGaon HaRav Asher Weiss, shlita, well-known the wide-ranging Jews compromising the rainbow of Rosh Yeshiva, Av Beis Klal Yisroel. Bnei Torah, Din and inspirational baalei batim, Sefardim speaker. Rav Weiss foand Ashkenazim, all come “There is no greater way to cused on the words that together under the banner we say when making a of Dirshu to learn Torah neutralize gezeiros against the with alacrity. This is the siyum on a masechta. “We say, ‘May we return Torah world than learning more greatest bracha!The ripto you, Masechta Eruple effect of the Dirshu and more Torah!” vin and may you return Asifas Chizuk and Siyum to us.’” Rav Weiss asked, and the messages of the “It is understandable that Gedolei Yisroel reverberwe say, ‘May we return ated throughout the world to you.’ But what is the meaning of, ‘May you return and gave Klal Yisroel chizuk, strength and most of all to us?’” He explained that the Gemara teaches that guidance on what the call of the hour is during this the Torah itself asks Hashem to reveal its secrets to most difficult time. Perhaps, Rav Avigdor Berenstein, those who toil in Torah. Torah is not a science, it is a senior member of Dirshu’s hanhala, put it best when not just another area of knowledge; Torah has its own he said, “The response from the thousands world over nefesh and wants nothing more than to reveal its se- to the Dirshu asifa was in effect a collective recitacrets to those who truly appreciate the Torah. The Sefer tion of the bracha of ‘Boruch Shenasan M’chochmoso Hakaneh says a talmid chacham is classified as some- L’ireyav, Blessed his He who has given His Wisdom one whose nefesh, whose soul, is bound up with the to those who fear Him.’ The wisdom that we have all soul of the Torah. Rav Weiss went on to say that “our collectively heard and internalized from the Gedolei generation saw in Rav Elyashiv the ultimate manifes- Yisroel have given us our marching orders and instructation of a person whose nefesh was bound with the tions on how to conduct ourselves in these times of Torah with an inseparable bond. If we follow in his travail.”
NEWS
Community
The Jewish Heritage Center of Queens has launched a new division for yeshiva high school boys to strengthen children’s Yiddishkeit through exciting and innovative programs. The group went on a kayaking trip and a trip to a Mets game last week as part of the summer night program.
Major Tisha B’Av Program to be Held at the Yeshiva of Brooklyn Torah Connections will again be organizing a special Tisha B’Av program to offer residents of the Metropolitan New York area inspiration and hope on our national day of mourning to commemorate the Churban Bais Hamikdash and other related and continuing tragedies to Klal Yisroel. Participants will have the opportunity to daven with chizuk and listen throughout Tisha B’Av to lectures by prominent rabbonim that will offer guidance on how we can transform this day of mourning into a joyous Yom Tov. This year’s Brooklyn Tisha B’Av Program will be held on Monday night, July 15th and all day on Tuesday, July 16th in a new location – the Yeshiva of Brooklyn (Boys Division) at 1200 Ocean Parkway, corner of Avenue L. The program will begin Monday night with Maariv at 9:05 P.M. Participants should bring their own Siddurim and Kinos. At 10 P.M., Rav Ozer Alport, author of Parsha Potpourri, will speak on “Appreciating What We Lost on Tisha B’Av.” The Tisha B’Av Program will resume with Shachris at 8 A.M. Rabbi Efraim Levine will offer an introduction and explanations of the Kinos. At 1 P.M. Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Klein, Director of Publications for Torah Umesorah, will speak on “The Prohibition of Learning Torah on Tisha B’Av.” The first Mincha minyan will be held at 2 P.M. At 2:45 P.M., Rabbi Baruch Rabinowitz, the Menahel of Mesivta Torah Vodaath, will talk on “The Flames of Destruction/The Fires of Construction.”
Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath, principal of Yeshiva K’tana of Passaic, will at 3:45 P.M. address the topic of “The Power of the Pausitive.” At 4:45 P.M. Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, Rav of the Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin, in Flatbush will speak on “When Brothers Don’t Get Along.” Rabbi Shmuel Dishon, Menahel of Mosdos Yad Yisroel, Karlin-Stolin, will offer his heartfelt insights regarding Tisha B’Av. Rabbi Avraham Reisman,
Rosh Kollel of Yeshiva Ohr Somayach in Yerushalayim, will discuss “A View from the Home Front (Israel) on Tisha B’Av 5773.” At 7:30 P.M. Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, Director of Teacher Training of Mishkan Yechezkel, will be the featured speaker. A second Mincha minyan will be held upstairs at the same time. Completing the lecture program will be Rabbi Fishel Schachter, Maggid Shiur at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, on the sub-
ject of “From Tisha B’Av to Elul, Bridging the Gap.” Maariv will begin at 9:05 P.M. and participants can break their fast with light refreshments. Admission is $12 a person or a maximum of $35 per family with separate seating. For more details, please call Torah Connections at (718) 998-5822 or email torahconnections@yahoo.com.
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At NCSY, There’s No Such Thing as a Summer Off By Hanna Schlager As the school year winds down and our children slowly make their trek up-
state to camps or gear up for their first summer jobs, one can’t help but wonder if all of the valuable Jewish education they had received and the rituals they had practiced throughout the school year will be remembered and maintained or will they fly out the window the moment they embark on their summer journeys? Will this be a summer “off” or will it be a summer full of inspiration, self-discovery, and Jewish learning? At NCSY, there’s no such thing as a summer off. There is no break, time-out, or pause. The momentum that is built up throughout the year at weekly Latte & Learning meetings, Regional Shabbatonim, and Jewish Student Union clubs comes to a peak as the calendar page turns to the month of July. And this incredible force of inspiration naturally continues into the following school year. Public school students, who do not have the opportunity to learn Torah during
their school days, spend the year learning with talented advisors after school and receiving inspiration from creative and unique NCSY events. After the school year, many teens set out on life-changing summer-long programs that empower
them as individuals, connect them with their peers, and expose them to their homeland and tradition. Whether they are in Israel hiking the historic peaks of Masada, attending a shiur at the Ner Israel campus in Baltimore after playing hours of competitive basketball at Camp Sports, or running a Jewish camp for Russian children in Eastern Europe, NCSY teens will be making the most of their summers while on unforgettable summer programs. And, with thirteen programs to choose from, it is not difficult to find the right niche for each individual teen. This year, NCSY Summer hit a new landmark. More than 980 teens from across the world are attending one of NCSY Summer’s 12 programs. Last year NCSY Summer had 835 participants. This year the programs experienced a 20 percent growth across the board. Below, a recent public school graduate and long-time member of NCSY tells his story of personal growth and expresses gratitude to the organization that allowed him to become the best version of himself he could be. “My name is Avi and I have been an active NCSY’er for four years. Growing up in a broken home, I always needed a stronger support system outside of my family – Boy Scouts, school, my teachers and my Rabbeim served that role. But one of the strongest support systems, especially through those four crucial years of high school, was NCSY. There were times in the past four years where I felt that the only place I had friends was at NCSY. I don’t even think my advisors, my mother, or even my fellow NCSY’ers realize how much of an impact NCSY has had on me. When I was in Yeshiva in seventh grade, I often left class with a very negative attitude towards Judaism. By eighth grade, I wasn’t keeping Shabbat in my house. I would watch TV, turn on and off lights, and use the computer. Outside
of the house, I kept Shabbat, or at least I would pretend to when people were watching. I wouldn’t always wear my Kippah, let alone don my tzitzis. In short, I wasn’t very proud of being Jewish. Everything changed when I attended my first NCSY Sheepshead Bay Shabbaton. I remember during Kabbalat Shabbat, we sang a version of Lecha Dodi that made the hair on my arm stand up. I had never heard anything so beautiful in my entire life. From that Lecha Dodi, I decided I would try to keep Shabbat. It took me about a month, but I did it. Since then I’m proud to say that I have never intentionally or knowingly violated Shabbat. But that’s not the story I wanted to tell you. One Shabbat, after I had been keeping it for a couple of weeks, I decid-
ed to sit down at the table and sing some Zemirot. I don’t know what made me do it – I guess it was just an instinct or a burning desire. My grandmother was in the other room, watching TV. But the instant she heard me singing that beautiful tune of Lecha Dodi, she turned off the TV, got up, and came in to sing with me. In my entire life, I had never felt more privileged to be Jewish. Looking back on my NCSY experience, I find it very i n t e re s t i n g to note that even though I was an active NCSY’er for four years, I never attended a single regional
Shabbaton, which means I missed eight! My mother didn’t want me to attend and out of respect for her, my advisors never pushed me to do it. Even still, I consider each one of those regionals a missed opportunity. Although I was never able to partake in regional Shabbatonim, NCSY introduced me to hundreds of other programs that inspired me and led me in the right direction. Since graduation, I have decided to dedicate fifty hours of learning to NCSY this summer in honor of the incredible gift of Torah NCSY has given me. I will iy”H complete these hours before August 20th, when I hope to leave for a year of study at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh in Israel. I will be learning Masechet Berachot and when I finish it, I will dedicate the Siyum to NCSY, as well. I also hope to return to NCSY as an advisor after my year in Israel, granted that my Yeshiva University schedule allows me to. I’d like to thank NCSY for all of the Jewish friends I have been able to make, for all of the role models who gave me guidance through some of the most challenging times in my life, and for all of the memories I made with NCSY. I will never forget these past four years, thank you so much.” Avi is just one unique teen whose moving story permeates the halls of the NCSY office. There are thousands of other teens striving for the inspiration, direction, and empowerment Avi received from his positive Jewish role models at NCSY. Can you imagine pressing the pause button for even one moment when you are charged with such a crucial mission? Reconnecting Jewish teens with their heritage and exposing them to positive Jewish experiences is not a part-time job, in fact, it’s not a job at all. At NCSY, there’s no such thing as a summer off.
NEWS
Community
JCCRP Sponsorship Opportunity for Food Pantry With today’s rising costs, making ends meet can be more than a little challenging, particularly when it comes to grocery shopping. It comes as no surprise that particularly after the devastat-
ing effects of Hurricane Sandy, the food pantry at the Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula (JCCRP) is seeing more clients than ever before. In its current state, the JCCRP building prevents us from fully reaching our potential to serve all who need help in this community. Our onsite kosher food pantry is not being fully utilized because it is currently inaccessible to senior and handicapped clients. Clients who need food must climb a flight of stairs to sign
in, and then go back downstairs and wait for our food pantry worker to give them pre-packed bags. Since there has been no waiting room, the hallway is often impassable. There is a large space ad-
jacent to the current pantry that is being used for storage but after renovations, will be incorporated into the supermarket-like space. Funding from The Food Bank has been instrumental in helping the JCCRP start renovations and optimize the space to meet the growing demand for services. The work included mold remediation, replacement of damaged flooring, framing and sheet-rocking, and installation of new light fixtures. The new JCCRP food pantry will mirror that of a supermarket so that clients can browse the pantry shelves and choose which food items they would like to take, mimicking real shopping experiences in supermarkets, enabling clients to choose their grocery items that they would like to bring home with them. The construction has stalled as the JCCRP has run out of funding for this project. The JCCRP is seeking a donor who would like to dedicate the pantry in the honor of a loved one. This donation will allow the JCCRP to complete the renovations to enable handicap accessibility and to ensure that clients can
receive food that is so desperately needed and still maintain their sense of dignity. Additionally, the newly renovated space will enable the JCCRP to attract clients that have shied away, who may benefit from other services the JCCRP has to offer in order to help them rebuild their lives and return to stability, security, and self-sufficiency. If you are interested in this sponsorship opportunity please email donation@jccrp.org or call Nathan Krasnovsky, Executive Director of the JCCRP at 718-327-7755, to schedule a tour of the food pantry or to discuss this sponsorship opportunity further.
Also, you can visit the JCCRP at www. jccrp.org to make a donation for the food pantry reconstruction. We ask you to act speedily as the pantry has been closed for three weeks and the people in our community are in great need for the pantry to reopen as quickly as possible.
Chaim I. Anfang, M.D. Howard M. Zimmerman, M.D. Are Pleased to Welcome:
ROBERT J. BRUNNER, M.D.
Specialist in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Advanced Interventional Biliary Diseases to our medical practice Board Certified and Affiliated with the finest hospitals in New York, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore Manhasset and Mt. Sinai Hospital
Gastroenterology & Gastrointestinal Endoscopy • Heartburn • Intestinal Problems • Ulcers • Liver & Gallbladder Disease • Rectal Bleeding • Hepatitis A, B, C • Colon Cancer Screening • AAAASF Certified • Lactose Milk Intolerance Testing • Video Capsule Endoscopy • Painless Treatment of Bleeding Hemorrhoids *NYS Certified in-office Colonoscopy and Endoscopy/ Gastroscopy
Please send all correspondence to:
3003 New Hyde Park Road 157-02 Cross Bay Boulevard New Hyde Park, NY Howard Beach, NY 516-352-0022 • 718-343-9393 718-845-0909 Evening Hours Available
editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.
Serving The Community for 30 Years
We’d Like to Hear From You
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NFL Great Alan Veingrad Visits Camp Avnet
NEWS
Community
OHEL Bais Ezra Ave M Residence Hosts Community Appreciation Day
Photo credits: Ira Thomas Creations
Former NFL great Alan Veingrad, a starting offensive lineman for the victorious Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl 27 in 1992, visits the Avnet Country Day School’s Woodmere Campus on June 27 to give an inspirational talk to the campers on how he, and anyone else, can overcome physical limitations and accomplish goals that were thought to be beyond reach. Alan was born in Brooklyn and became a practicing Orthodox Jew after retiring
On Monday, June 17 2013, the residents of OHEL Bais Ezra’s Ave M residence took some time to say thank you to all of their surrounding neighbors for being so welcoming, by hosting their Annual Community Appreciation Day Barbeque. Opened in 1993, OHEL’s Ave M residence is a home to 10 adults with developmental disabilities. Family, friends, and neighbors were invited, and all enjoyed the delicious food set up by the men who live in the residence. In addition to the residents and their family members, there were close to 30 community families who joined for the fun. Residents and neighbors exchanged good wishes for an enjoyable summer and many look forward from the NFL in the early 90s after be- to once again hosting OHEL Bais Ezra ing invited to a Dallas resident’s house individuals for Shabbos meals when the for a Shabbos meal during the last years families return from spending the summer upstate. of his career. Community and family members received tours of the residence given by Alan and others who have lived in this
home for over 20 years. Neighbors and family members remain impressed with how well kept the residence is and how each resident takes pride in their private space with photos of vacations as well as paintings done by the residents adorning the walls. One community member said, “The greatest chinuch I can give my children is living across the street from an OHEL Bais Ezra residence, and having the individuals join us for Shabbos meals. My children and my husband and I all gain immeasurably from spending time with the cheerful residents, whether it’s sharing a joke, a d’var Torah, or just talking about current events.” For more information about OHEL Bais Ezra and their many services which you can benefit from, or to host individuals for a Shabbos meal, please contact OHEL today at 1800-603-OHEL, askohel@ohelfamily.org or visit www.ohelfamily.org.
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Around the Community THE LANDER COLLEGE FOR WOMEN THE ANNA RUTH & MARK HASTEN SCHOOL
IS PROUD TO SALUTE OUR GRADUATE
MATTY LICHTENSTEIN Doctoral Student University of California at Berkeley
On her selection as a prestigious
PAUL & DAISY SOROS FELLOW FOR NEW AMERICANS
AND PRESIDENT OF OUR STUDENT GOVERNMENT
HANAH BRASCH On her selection as an intern at the
INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE in The Hague
THE LANDER COLLEGE FOR WOMEN • • • •
Affordable Academic Excellence Rigorous Honors Programs Comprehensive Judaic Studies Curriculum Rewarding Internship Opportunities
Undercover Waterwear A Look into the Premier Brand of modest Swimwear Don’t you love it when functionality and fashion can merge harmoniously? Well, the timing is right to discuss something that has become somewhat of a craze in the frum fashion world…Modest Swimwear! As someone who’s been wearing modest swimwear for years, I would like to assess the pros and cons, and figure out whether or not a new swimdress or swimskirt is a worthwhile investment for the upcoming summer season. Many people who remember the time of “shvimkleit” can recall an aproned, matronly-looking item that was worn by only a small segment of Jewish women. People, rightfully, don’t want to wear something that makes them feel unattractive. So most frum women had to struggle to figure out the appropriate attire in aquatic situations. Until one day, a religious woman wondered aloud, “I wish I could have a dress that would be modest to swim in and stylish enough to feel good in.” And that was how Undercover Waterwear came into being. What started with one woman’s vision, Undercover Waterwear has become a name brand in the frum woman’s closet. How else can the modest woman go swimming, kayaking, jet skiing, hiking, or enjoy any other water related activity modestly? Ten years later, that solid black swimdress has evolved into an array of choices for the fashionable modest woman. Over the years, Undercover Waterwear has developed a line of modest swim-
Tisha B’Av Torah Marathon in Queens Location: Beth Gavriel Community Center 66-35 108th St, Forest Hills, NY 11375 Monday, July 15th, 2013
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LANDER COLLEGE FOR WOMEN Please contact: Sarah Klugmann Phone: 212-520-4263 Email: sarah.klugmann@touro.edu
The Lander Colleges are the undergraduate Divisions of Touro College in service to the Jewish Community. Touro is an equal opportunity institution.
wear that is unparalleled. Their selection of swimskirts, swimtops, swimdresses and kids’ swimwear is sure to please even the most discerning Jewish fashionista! The most obvious benefit of modest swimwear is just that, that it’s modest. So some may wonder, what is the advantage of something like Undercover Waterwear, as opposed to buying a slinky skirt or wearing an oversized t-shirt? Maybe it’s because all of Undercover Waterwear’s swimwear is made from a special fabric, specialized for water, and chlorine-proof. So while wearing an oversized t-shirt is possible, there are many reasons to wear something made of this special fabric. Swimming fabric doesn’t cling, won’t weigh you down while swimming, and it dries faster. Did you know that the Skin Cancer Foundation reports that the most common form of cancer is skin cancer? 1 in 55 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Have you ever heard of sun-protective clothing? All modest swimwear by Undercover Waterwear is UPF 50+. Which means that it protects against ultraviolet rays. With sun-protective clothing, you are not only protecting your femininity, you are also protecting your health! So if I can look good, feel good and stay healthy all in one, I guess I’ll be treating myself to a new swim outfit from Undercover Waterwear this season after all!
9:30 PM: R’ Yossi Mizrachi Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 8:45 AM: Shacharit (Sephardic Nussach) 10:30 AM: R’ Zechariah Wallerstein Video 11:15 AM: R’ Benzion Klatzko 12:00 PM: R’ Israel Itshakov 12:30 PM: R’ Benzion Shafier 1:15 PM: R’ Ilan Meirov 1:45 PM: R’ Yitzchak Oelbaum 2:15 PM: R’ Mordechai Kraft 2:45 PM: R’ Label Lam 3:15 PM: R’ Avraham Nissianian
3:45 PM: 4:15 PM: 4:45 PM: 5:15 PM:
R’ Akiva Rutenberg R’ Daniel Gladstein R’ Moshe Bamberger R’ Dovid Lefkowitz
6:00 PM: R’ Igal Haimoff 2:00 PM-7:00 PM: Kalever Rebbe will be available to give blessings and advice to individuals and families 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM: Free shatnez checking 7:00 PM Mincha 8:00 PM Arvit 8:57 PM Fast Ends For more information, please call 917617-3636 or email info@chazaq.org.
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Cover Story Joe Bobker
Bobker On Tisha B’Av
TROUBLE’S MY MIDDLE NAME
T
he moment G-d decreed that “Trouble” was to be Tisha b’Av’s middle name, the Ninth of Av entered the Jewish calendar cycle as our Annual Bad Omen Day. Its zodiac sign is a lion, appropriately chosen by Eicha’s, “He is a lurking bear to me, a lion in hiding”; as if the Heavens have “stood aside” each year during this month and allowed the “lurking bears, lions,” and wild animals to have their way with His flock; a gentile free-for-all that drives the Jews to yearn for the day when the beasts of prey are tamed, when “the wolf will live with the sheep, and the leopard will lie down with the kid.” The date-fixation with the “9th” was such that all Jewish disasters, whether they occurred on the Ninth of Av, or close by, were automatically allocated to this day, a day that our kabbalists claim proves the world’s incompleteness. On this day, Temples fell and Jerusalem was destroyed; once by the Chaldeans, twice by the Romans, Titus and Hadrian, whose catastrophic rage sold so many Jews into slavery that the open market price of slaves collapsed. Mighty Rome’s commemoration of this major achievement would be the minting of special Judeae Capta coins, bearing the image of the broken exiled Jew, crying under a palm tree. So total were these twin psychic traumas that, at the sight of “Zion and her cities lamenting like an almuna girded with sackOur kinos are cloth,” God Himself “ceased to laugh” and became an empathic companion of His folk’s only substitutes tragic history, an expression of participation for the thousands known as Imo Anochi betzarah. It was on Tisha b’Av 1242 that Torah of volumes of scrolls and 20,000 hand-written Jewish manuscripts would burn in Paris, ordered by a unwritten diaries Pope Innocent IV who wasn’t so innocent. and incomplete King Louis IX was rewarded with a “Sainthood” for being such a good arsonist. chronicles whose As a result of those flames, all the yeshivas of Paris closed down and the spiritual blood-stained decline of French Jewry began. This inspired pages were the Maharam, R’ Meir Rottenberg, to write the kinos (Sha’ali Serufah ba’Aish) that we penned by Jews still say today. On this date, Beitar fell, Crusaders startbeing reduced to ed their bloodbaths, Jews were unceremonicinders either at ously kicked out of England, Germany began a World War, and all Jews were expelled the Temple or at from Russia’s border provinces, a move that marked the beginning of the end of Jewish Treblinka. life in Eastern Europe.
Jewish mystics, by juxtaposing 1492 and 1942, linked the Tisha b’Av’s of those two years to the sight of Spanish Jews being expelled to the seas with the 300,000 Warsaw ghetto Jews being shuffled off as cattle to a Treblinka crematoria. This Judaic day of “trouble” coincided with other tragedies, a fatal calendar “coincidence” whose improbability of odds convinced a Jewish nation that the Heavens were serving official notice to expect a hovering visitor, a prosecutorial adversary we know as the Angel of Death, who would appear suddenly and uninvited, ensuring that this day retained its unholy status as history’s shockwave of tragedies: distant only in space, time and number of casualties – but common in calendar. Tisha b’Av was carved into the Jewish cycle as an eternal Day of National Mourning, as one of four prostrate days, and given equal status with Yom Kippur as a “major” fast. In the past, some Jews fasted a half-a-day erev Tisha b’Av, others slept on rocks as pillows. The day before, we eat a meal called seuda ha’mafsekes, which literally means “the meal that interrupts,” meant to emphasize the break between a regular day and a fast day. Jewish law forbids eating different foods from separate dishes at this meal. Why? Because eating a variety of foods was considered too “festive.” Lentils, a “food of misfortune and mourning,” and eggs were the favored foods, because “roundness,” considered a symbol of mourning, also represented the belief that mourning surrounds (rounded) everyone eventually at some point in life. On this day there is no music, no festivities, no dancing, no singing, no bathing, no leather shoes: in short, no joy of any kind—one is not even permitted to greet other Jews with the customary words, Shalom aleichem, “Peace be with you” (this is why the Kohen’s priestly blessing is not said, because it contains the words, “and grant thee peace”); nor is one allowed to put on tefillin or tallis in the morning (worn in the afternoon instead). Why? Because both were considered ornaments, “theologic jewelry,” inappropriate for a day of sadness, reminiscent of a mourner
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Lamentations opens with the word Eicha, an expression that kabbalists link via the same letters – alef, yud, kof, heh – to ayeka, the word that G-d uses when rebuking Adam, “Where [ayeka] are you?” in order to show that Adam, history’s first alienated exile, was the archetype symbol of G-d’s loss of harmonious relationships. It was King James, and not the Jews, who first called Jeremiah’s book “Lamentations,” in that it described the national degradation and destruction of Jerusalem. In Hebrew, it is Megilas Eicha, literally translated as “The Book of How” (as in, “how can it be?”) thus making it a floating manuscript of “how” to remember the outrages of Jewish history. Jewish tradition, which forbids mourners to go to shul during their seven-day shiva period, makes an exception for Tisha b’Av, because everybody in the synagogue or beis medrash is in a “low” position, just like the shiva mourners, who are even allowed to be called up to the Torah on this day. On Tisha b’Av, all decorations are removed from the synagogue, lights are dimmed, and the whole community sits on the floor or on low wooden benches, analogous to mourning. The custom of dimming lights comes from G-d asking the angels, “What does a king of flesh and blood do when he goes into mourning?” “He puts out all his lanterns,” they replied; to which God answered, “I will do likewise.” Since our rabbis were aware of human nature, they understood that to order a sudden cessation in our normal lives for the pure purpose of grief was risky, so they devised a “mourning ramp-up” that started with the Three Weeks, then moved on to the Nine Days, climaxing finally on Tisha b’Av with the removal of the curtain of the Ark and the stripping off the Torah scrolls of their velvet embroidered cloaks. After maariv, Jews listen in hushed silence to the mournful melodic cadences of Lamentations, followed by liturgical “poems of sorrow” known as kinos un piyyutim; their content dripping in anguish and agony, despondency and depression. Why poetry? This was the most admired form of religious expression in both ancient Israel, medieval Europe, and the golden age in Spain: from King David’s Tehillim to Moses’ Song of Triumph at the Red Sea to Bilaam’s Ma Tovu to such Sephard giants as R’ Samuel ha-Nagid, R’ Solomon Ibn Gabirol, R’ Dunash Ibn Labrat, R’ Moses Ibn Ezra, and the legendary Zionist “mother of all Hebrew poets,” R’ Judah ha-Levi. Jews are the only people in the world whose very existence inspired this new genre of literature but only at the feel of cold blades of steel at their collective throats. Tragically, these poignant lyrics have expanded over the centuries as Jews became the unlucky beneficiaries of gentile largesse, ranging from the tale of the Ten Martyrs (Aseres Harugei Malchus) at the time of the Mishna to the devastation the Crusaders decided to visit, seven times over several centuries, upon the Tosefos communities of France and Germany. There are seven weeks from Tisha b’Av through the month of Elul, known as shiva d’nechemta, the “seven weeks of being comforted.”
The Shabbos Torah readings that fall just before and after have special significance, their names derived from the haftora portion of the Hebrew prophets read on those days. Our rabbis, acutely aware that a people’s belief system needed a bond between despair and hope, preceded Tisha b’Av with Shabbos Chazon and followed it with Shabbos Nachamu. Because its content predicted horrific experiences for Am Yisrael, the Chazon portion is chanted to the same haunting and fearful melody as Megilas Eicha; and yet, for a haftara of puranut (“punishment”), it still ends on a positive note, “Zion will be redeemed in Justice [and] will be redeemed in Righteousness”; a reaffirmation that the last note in the symphony of the history of Israel would end in the composition of triumph. Meanwhile, Nachamu is the first word from the fortieth chapter of Isaiah that begins Nachamu, Nachamu ammi, “Comfort ye, comfort ye My people.” (After the Holocaust, many babies were named Menachem, as a “comforter” for the family emerging from the Nazi abyss.) Isaiah, the son of Amotz, was a brilliant and boundlessly gifted poet with a style both comforting and melodic tinged in grandiose themes of hope and optimism. His Shabbos Nachamu, in sharp contrast to the morbid gloom of Shabbos Chazon, contains uplifting poems, soaring inspirational prophecies, and such enriching lyrics that it was from here that the Zohar lifted its lofty battle cry, “Men fall only in order to rise!” In order to buttress this fast day with both mourning and the hope of deliverance, this Shabbos became the Shabbos of joyful festivities and the start of Jewish wedding cycles. Our rabbis designated the month of Av as Menachem Av, the “comforting” Av, in order to soften a potentially damaging body-blow to the Judaic belief system, and based it on the belief that the ultimate redeemer of the Jews, the Messiah himself, was born on this terrible day. Meanwhile we begin lamenting gradually, haltingly, in gentle whispers and in hushed tones, swaying and murmuring in unison. Then our kinos rise, until we reach an anguished crescendo; and then they rise even further, and further still, until the crushing emotional awareness of the full weight of Jewish history erupts on Tisha b’Av. Sadness propels the words of kinos that are nothing more than a revisit of the savagery, one that unpleasantly throws the ghosts of our enemies amongst us. They are a summary of works written on behalf of the millions of Jews who were unDoomed Jews able to bear witness to what they saw, heard, experienced. But remember: our kinos are were able to look only substitutes for the thousands of volumes ahead. They now of unwritten diaries and incomplete chronicles, whose blood-stained pages were penned knew the odds: the by Jews being reduced to cinders either at the Temple or at Treblinka; as such they are eternal Jew always a massive reportage that has rolled down the remained, not so mountain of Jewish history from the ancient borders of Canaan to Europe 1939, when easily defeated they crashed head-on into a Third Reich’s “Holocaust Kingdom.” after all.
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who does not put them on the day of a funeral as part of the nihugei gavra, the active display of mourning. And more: one is even forbidden to study Torah. Why? Because Torah learning represents the highest state of happiness. Instead we read the Book of Job (a dramatic probe into the question of seemingly undeserved suffering), Megilas Eicha (the lamentations of Jeremiah over the fate of Jerusalem), and certain moralistic aggadic parts of the Talmud, allowed because they are of a non-legal nature, and thus more historic or poetic (e.g. Maseches Gittin which deals with divorces, considered suitable because the Churban represented a “temporary” separation between G-d and the Jewish People).
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Early Intervention Services For children birth - 3 years with special needs.
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Physical & Occupational Therapy
ABA Program – Center & Home Services Routines Based Interventions & Collaborative CoachingDuring the Holocaust, Tisha b’Av allowed each Jew to look over his hurt shoulder and see the shiftthe Holocaust, ing During silhouettes of Jewish Tisha b’Av history; the allowed shadowseach of Jew surrounding to look overthe hisBlack hurt the Bar Kochba revolt, Crusades, the Mainz affair, pogroms shoulder see the Plague, a blood libel in Trent, ferocious Christian passion plays,and burning of shiftMaring silhouettes of Jewish ranos, “hep, hep” taunts of World War I (a Crusaders acronym of Heirosolyma est the (Please shadowssave of perdita, “Jerusalem is lost”), Kishinev, and the wretchedhistory; “Ratevette!” the Bar Kochba revolt, Crusades, the Mainz affair, pogroms surrounding the Black me!) cries that were pouring forth from the Nazi ghettos. Plague, blood libel in Trent, ferocious plays, burning of MarThis arepetition reminded him that thereChristian exists notpassion only days of dark destruction, ranos, “hep, hep” taunts of World War I (a Crusaders acronym of Heirosolyma but also desirable days of creation, a recurring annual theme that allowed Jewsest to perdita, is lost”), Kishinev, andtotality the wretched “Ratevette!” see their“Jerusalem own dreadful dilemma within the of Jewish history. (Please save me!)Tisha criesb’Av’s that were pouringhistoriography forth from thethus Naziacts ghettos. traumatic as a compass to help each genThis repetition reminded him that there exists only Jewish days of destiny. dark destruction, eration place their own harvest of hate sufferingsnot within Doomed but also desirable days of creation, a recurring annual theme that allowed Jews to Jews were able to look ahead. They now knew the odds: that the Hitlerian or Crusee their own dreadful dilemma within the totality of Jewish history. sader sounds in the background would be drowned out by the past voices of the Tishaprophets; b’Av’s traumatic thus acts aFcompass helpgo, each Hebrew that the historiography Auschwitzes’ might, nayaswould, cometoand butgenthe aJewish r eration place their own harvest of hate sufferings within destiny. Doomed R eternal Jew always remained, not so easily defeated after all. oc kaw us orturnCruJews were ahead. They knew“songs” the odds: the (“Help Hitlerian That is able why to if look you compare the now first two of that eichah to aplaintive, y of the sader sounds the will background would our be drowned outold”), by the past are voices You, L-rd, andin we return, Renew days as of which Hebrew that would, come and go, but the mournful,prophets; wistful, to thethe lastAuschwitzes’ eichah you’llmight, noticenay a shift in tone. eternal Jew always remained, not so easily defeated after all. The coda suddenly bursts forth in a rousing and invigorating optimism. That islast why if you compare the first “songs” of eichah (“Help us 311. turnand to These lyrics make Tisha b’Av, in two itsINTERVENTION own strange way, a day of robust TO REFER YOUR CHILD TO THE EARLY PROGRAM CALL You, L-rd, and we will return, Renew our days as of old”), which are plaintive, imaginative hope. If you thenProgram juxtapose(EIP) this insight with program the final words, chadesh This Early Intervention is a public for children mournful, wistful, “make to the last eichah you’ll a shift all in tone. yamenu k’kedem, new ourare days of notice old,” which Jews say under the age of three who either suspected of having or together, at risk foryou The coda suddenly bursts forth in a rousing and invigorating optimism. developmental delays or disabilities. EIP is funded by NYS and NYC. All These last lyrics make Tisha b’Av, in its own strange way, a day of robust and EIP services are provided at no cost to parents. Health insurance may imaginative hope. If you then juxtapose this insight with the final words, chadesh be used for approved services. A child’s eligibility for the program can yamenu k’kedem, “make new our days of old,” which all Jews say together, you l
Ser
ving
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
will notice that this begins not with the word kina, a lamentation, but with mizmor, implying a song of praise, a hint of acclaim, a teaser of adulation. And so we read Lamentations, one of the “Five Scrolls,” from ordinary and will notice that thiswith begins not with the and word kina, lamentation, but from with mizmor, inexpensive paper simple binding not, likea Megillas Esther, a parchimplying a song of praise, a hint of acclaim, a teaser of adulation. ment scroll. Why? Because parchment was considered a permanent means of recording. And we read Lamentations, one Messianic of the “Five Scrolls,” from was ordinary and Sinceso Purim was to “spill-over” into times, parchment appropriinexpensive paper with simple binding and not, like Megillas Esther, from a parchate for the saga of Esther and Mordechai but not for a sorry tale of Lamentations ment was considered permanent means of rewhichscroll. clashesWhy? with Because our faith parchment that Redemption will come aspeedily. cording. Thus printing kinos was seen as a waste of money; since Tisha b’Av would one Purimofwas to “spill-over” Messianic times, parchment wasneed appropridaySince be a time happiness instead into of sorrow, eliminating any further to laate for the saga of Esther and Mordechai but not for a sorry tale of Lamentations ment. which clashesawith our faith that Redemption come speedily. Consider: chassid, astonished at the sightwill of his Rebbe dancing happily on the Thus printing kinos was seen as a waste of money; since Tishawith b’Avtears would one Ninth of Av, approached his mentor and saw that he was dancing of sadday be a time of happiness instead of sorrow, eliminating any further need to laness. When asked why, the Rebbe replied, “It’s very simple, it’s a mitzva to be sad ment. on the ninth of Av, and a mitzva must be carried out with happiness!” Consider: chassid, the sight of histoRebbe on the Therefore,awhile it isastonished technicallyatcorrect to refer Tishadancing b’Av as happily the traditional Ninth of Av, approached his mentor and saw that he was dancing with tears of day of preeminent mourning, sorrow, and grieving; it is just as correct to refer sadto it ness. askedday why, Rebbe replied, “It’s simple,and it’srecall a mitzva sad as ourWhen traditional of the hope and optimism par very excellence; thattoit be is also on the ninth of Av, and a mitzva must be carried out with happiness!” the day when Noah sent out the dove. Therefore, while it is technically correct to refer to Tisha b’Av as the traditional day of preeminent mourning, sorrow, and grieving; it is just as correct to refer to it as traditional day of hope andLos optimism excellence; andauthor recallofthat is also Joeour Bobker is the publisher of the Angelespar Jewish Times and theitpopular the day when Noah sent out the dove. “Torah With a Twist of Humor” series. This is an excerpt from Bobker’s “From Fasting to Feasting: A Unique Journey Through the Jewish Holidays” (Gefen Publishing). The author can be contacted at jbobker@aol.com. Joe Bobker is the publisher of the Los Angeles Jewish Times and author of the popular “Torah With a Twist of Humor” series. This is an excerpt from Bobker’s “From Fasting to Feasting: A Unique Journey Through the Jewish Holidays” (Gefen Publishing). The author can be contacted at jbobker@aol.com.
will n imply
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T H E J E W IT SH H E JHEOW M IES n HM H OAYM E2 4n, 2012 M AY 2 4 , 2012
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During the Holocaust, Tisha b’Av allowed each Jew to look over his hurt shoulder and see the shifting silhouettes of Jewish history; the shadows of the Bar Kochba revolt, Crusades, the Mainz affair, pogroms surrounding the Black Plague, a blood libel in Trent, ferocious Christian passion plays, burning of Marranos, “hep, hep” taunts of World War I (a Crusaders acronym of Heirosolyma est perdita, “Jerusalem is lost”), Kishinev, and the wretched “Ratevette!” (Please save me!) cries that were pouring forth from the Nazi ghettos. This repetition reminded him that there exists not only days of dark destruction, but also desirable days of creation, a recurring annual theme that allowed Jews to see their own dreadful dilemma within the totality of Jewish history. Tisha b’Av’s traumatic historiography thus acts as a compass to help each generation place their own harvest of hate sufferings within Jewish destiny. Doomed Jews were able to look ahead. They now knew the odds: that the Hitlerian or Crusader sounds in the background would be drowned out by the past voices of the Hebrew prophets; that the Auschwitzes’ might, nay would, come and go, but the eternal Jew always remained, not so easily defeated after all. That is why if you compare the first two “songs” of eichah (“Help us turn to You, L-rd, and we will return, Renew our days as of old”), which are plaintive, mournful, wistful, to the last eichah you’ll notice a shift in tone. The coda suddenly bursts forth in a rousing and invigorating optimism. These last lyrics make Tisha b’Av, in its own strange way, a day of robust and imaginative hope. If you then juxtapose this insight with the final words, chadesh yamenu k’kedem, “make new our days of old,” which all Jews say together, you
Joe B
95 “Tora
Feasti can be
Larry Domnitch
Tisha B’Av and the First World War
ccording to tradition, the messiah is born on Tisha B’Av. It also stands to reason that the redemption of the Jews can only follow their exile. On Tisha B’Av, the First and Second Jerusalem Temple was destroyed and Judean independence was lost to the Romans following the fall of the city of the city of Beitar, the last stronghold of the Bar Kochba revolt. As a result, the Jews lost their spiritual center and were exiled from their homeland. Many additional tragedies throughout history have marked the day of Tisha B’Av. One of the most ominous was Tisha B’Av, August 1, 1914. On that day, Germany had declared war on Russia, transforming the European conflict between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Serbians backed by Russia to a World War between opposing alliances. The declaration of War on Tisha B’Av, 1914, brought the unthinkable to reality. Millions died on the fronts. Military casualties from new weapons technologies produced tools for killing en masse: improved artillery, poison gas canisters, tanks, airplanes for dropping bombs from the skies. Civilians caught in the fighting often faced persecution, expulsion, starvation and disease. Over one As the war which shook million Armenians were systematically massacred by the Ottoman Turks. the world and caused The twentieth century was a post-enlightenment era where new ideologies hatreds against the viewed mankind as the arbiter of his actions, possessing a personal autonoJews to surface, it also my free of any controlling dogma. Yet, man’s primal instinct endured, and his unleashed powers of capacity for evil had not diminished despite the onset of modernity. redemption. This storm that had swept over the world severely impacted the Jews who were caught in the middle. Young Jews stood on different sides of the lines in trenches facing enemies some of whom were fellow Jews. Amid the chaos of war, Jews were targeted, suffering Pogroms at the hands of Cossacks, and mass expulsions in Poland and Galitzia by the orders of Russian commanders. It is estimated that one million Jews fled or were expelled from their homes into dire circumstances. Following the war, Jews would face additional horrors. Catastrophic massacres took place during the Ukrainian Civil War of 1919-1920 along with a rise of anti-Semitism throughout Europe and the world. The rise of Communism following the 1917 Russian Revolution, which was also a direct result of the war, would soon threaten Jewry with a new virulent form of anti-Semitism. Nazism would gain a
foothold in Germany, and grow with the rise of Hitler and the eventual economic chaos of the Great Depression of the early 1930’s. In the year 1914, a massive storm was unleashed upon the world and the Jewish People. Rabbi Yehudah Leib Graubart, in the introduction of a book he authored on the extreme difficulties of the First World War, cites a sentence from the Psalms, “Hashem looks to the Earth and it quivered” (104:32). The events of 1914 shook up the world whose aftershocks are still felt. The letters of the Hebrew word, “tirad” from the sentence meaning, “The ‘Earth’ quivered” is the numerical equivalent of the year, 5674, which is 1914. Perhaps, as the war which shook the world and caused hatreds against the Jews to surface, which so often accompanies chaos, it also unleashed powers of redemption. As victorious British and Allied forces over the Turks in the Middle East were completing the conquest of Palestine in 1917, the famous Balfour Declaration endorsing Jewish statehood in the Land of Israel was issued. During this era of nationalism and the advocating of national rights for minority groups, the Balfour Declaration had received support among many world leaders. It was an era of both widespread anti-Semitism as well as support for Jewish Statehood. War-weary Jewish communities around the world paused and celebrated. A popular Yiddish daily, Dos Yiddishe Folk, stated, “For the first time in two thousand years we again enter into the arena of world history as a nation which deserves a national home.” The religious Zionist movement, Mizrachi, issued a statement, “It seems that Holy Providence which guided Israel in its long night of exile is about to reward the Jewish people for all their suffering and tribulations.” That dream, although appearing near, was still distant. Its realization was soon prevented by the British who enacted severe restrictions on Jewish immigration into the land and implemented the infamous MacDonald White Paper of 1939 which called for 15,000 Jewish immigrants per year the next five years. The White Paper also nullified the principle of Jewish Statehood as called for by the Balfour Declaration. With no sanctuary, European Jewry faced destruction. The Balfour Declaration did not cause the rebirth of the Jewish State, but it did give Zionism international support and caused its eventuality. Zionism gained a footing during these tragic and trying times. Ninety-nine years later, the Jewish world still lives in the shadow of the dark days of The Great War of 1914-1918. Forces of hate still abound and clamor for the destruction of Israel and Jewry. The events of November 1917 have ultimately lead to Jewish Statehood and the continual ingathering of the exiles. The Jews en masse have returned and reconnected with their spiritual home. They no longer need to be prey for their enemies in foreign lands as in the days of that horrific conflict. The hope of Tisha B’Av is the same yesterday and today: that the light of redemption will shine bright, illuminating the world, where sorrow would be a painful memory of the past.
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Tremors of Tragedy We Still Feel Today
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Forgotten Heroes
Avi Heiligman
Tisha B’Av Rome’s Rise and Fall
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he destruction of the Second Bais Hamikdash was caused by the sin of sinas chinam and Klal Yisrael has been in golus ever since. The perpetrators of the destruction were the Romans led by Titus ha’rasha. The Romans had been on a warpath for hundreds of years and they thought it would be easy to add Eretz Yisrael to their conquests, but they were mistaken. It took a four siege of Yerushalayim and three years of fighting after that to conquer Eretz Yisrael. Many Jews were killed and the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash culminated on Tisha B’Av. Over 1800 years later, it was a Jewish general who captured Rome. Even though it was one of the saddest times in Jewish history, it is important to know the basic facts surrounding the siege and destruction of the Bais Hamikdash. The Jewish historian Josephus, at one time a resistance leader who was captured and then befriended Vespasian, wrote about the rebellion, and many of the facts that we have today are from his books. Rome was a nation built on military success. Emperors and leaders were chosen based on their successes on the battlefield. Low ranking or “under the radar” generals were given a chance to prove themselves when assigned so-called easy assignments.
the northern Jewish resistance but left the stronghold of Yerushalayim alone. The southern leaders wanted to prevent as many deaths as possible and didn’t come to help their northern brethren. The Jews were driven out of Jaffa and many of the leaders, including Shimon Bar Giora, of the northern resistance came to Yerushalayim. Many civilians fled there as well. Civil War had sprung out among the different factions in the holy city and many leaders were killed. Now many of the government leaders were dead and the ones in charge were hotheads who didn’t listen to anyone especially the rabbanim. Seeing that the city was in disarray, the Romans made their move in the year 68. The gemara in Yoma explains that the destruction of Bayis Sheini was due to sinas chinam (hatred of a fellow Jew) and this was the cause of many deaths as one Jew fought another. The Romans just came in to finish the job. All they had to do was put a siege on the holy city and not let anyone or thing in or out. Stockpiles of food were burned down by the Zealots causing rampant starvation. This is when the story of Rabbi Yochanon Ben Zakai occurred. The only thing that the Romans or the Zealots let out of the city was corpses to be buried. So Rabbi Yochanon feigned death in order to leave the city, and once outside the walls, he asked the The Background of the Churban Roman guards to take him to Vespasian. In the year 66, a revolt began in Walking into the general’s quarters, Eretz Yisrael which at that time was Rabbi Yochanon addressed the general called Judea. A Roman governor had as your majesty and Vespasian demandbeen killed trying to repress the uprising ed that he be killed because it sounded so Emperor Nero sent General Vespa- like treason against the current empersian to Judea. His second in command or. (The year 69 was known as the year was his son Titus. With 60,000 well- of the four emperors.) Just then a mestrained soldiers, the Romans subdued senger arrived from Rome saying that emperor was dead and Vespasian was the new emperor. The newly crowned emperor thus rewarded Rabbi Yochanon with the fulfillment of three requests. One was that the city of Yavneh and its talmidei chachamim be spared. The second was that the ailing Rabbi Tzadok be healed, and the last was The Arch of Titus in Rome depicts the Romans pillaging the that the family of the nesiim holy objects from the Beis Hamikdash could continue.
Vespasian left Judea (he didn’t out of a beachhead, the Allies, led by go straight to Rome because there were the American 5th Army, advanced topolitical matters to be dealt in Egypt), wards Rome. and his son Titus took over the campaign The commander of the 5th Army was against the Jews. Vespasian opposed General Mark W. Clark whose mother a siege on Yerushalayim because he was a daughter of Romanian Jews. He felt that Rome would lose too many soldiers. However, in the year 70, he wasn’t there, and Titus put a stranglehold on the city. At first, the Jews employed covert and night sneak attacks which severely The Judea Capta coins were issued by Vespasian in the year 71 to celebrate his victory over the Jews hampered the Roman efforts. However, Rome sent more troops and did not have any affiliation with being Titus waited for more forces to arrive. Jewish but had great admiration for his Eventually, he used battering rams Jewish soldiers. On June 4, 1944, two and missiles thrown from towers that days before the invasion of France, were constructed outside the walls. In Clark led his troops triumphantly into the summer, the walls of the city were the open city of Rome. The Germans breached and the Romans began their had fled to the northern part of Italy and plunder and destruction. It culminated didn’t defend Rome. The war lasted unon Tisha B’Av when the Bais Hamik- til May 1945 when the Germans surrendash was set afire. dered to the Allies. Most of the fighting ended after the The irony of the capture of Rome by Churban except for in a few places like a Jewish general was lost on many. Here Masada. All resistance stopped by the was a nation that destroyed the holy year 73. Titus returned to Rome in the Bais Hamikdash, brought many other year 71 as a hero, and in 79, he became peoples to their knees but was captured emperor. He died two years later when without a fight by a nation led by a Jewa gnat flew up his nostril and ate away ish general that supported Jewish causat his brain. It way Hashem’s way of re- es. This is just one small sign that this paying Titus who said that Hashem only world is ruled by Hashem, and may we had powers at sea (Gemara Meseches soon see the rebuilding of the third Bais Hamikdash in our times. Gitten 56b). Author’s note: These articles are Defeating the Romans meant to be informative and are not all The Jews were sent into golus (ex- inclusive. Due to space constraints, not ile) and didn’t regain political authori- all information on the topic can be adty in Eretz Yisrael until 1948. Over the dressed. If the reader feels that someyears, Rome was attacked by many ene- thing needs to be clarified, feel free to mies and conquered. The capital city of email the author for an explanation. Italy is called Rome, and during WWII (1939-1945), the country was allied with Germany. The Italians overthrew Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to Dictator Benito Mussolini in 1943 but The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comHitler ym”s still controlled the country. ments and suggestions.for future columns Allied armies invaded Italy but were and can be reached at aviheiligman@ slowed by the Germans. After a break- gmail.com.
61 Rabbi Aryeh Nivin
Personal Redemption Finding Your Unique Life’s Purpose
T
here’s room for all of us to grow closer to ourselves and therefore infinitely closer to Hashem. We fast, we sit on the floor, we cry, we recite Eicha and kinos - but do we really even care that we don’t have a Beis Hamikdash? As we near Tisha B’Av, let’s take a moment to understand exactly what galus – exile – has to do with our own lives. Most of us find ourselves in wonderful frum communities with great schools for our children; we daven in warm shuls and learn in the best kollelim and yeshivas; on top of that many of us have excellent jobs, beautiful homes, and fancy cars – what exactly is missing in our lives? How does galus affect us on a daily basis? Let’s make the question stronger: even when there was a Beis Hamikdash, did the Jews ever have it as good as we have it now? At this time of year, these
questions should be bothering all of us. To answer these questions, we have to define galus. For two thousand years since the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, we have really been mourning the Galus HaShechina – the exile of the Divine Presence. The Shechina is G-d’s revelation in the world. When there was a Beis Hamikdash, Hashem’s presence was revealed in the world; when people came to Jerusalem they could tangibly feel G-d. Nowadays, without a Beis Hamikdash, no matter how comfortable we may be – both in ruchniyous and gashmiyous – the presence of G-d in our lives and in the world is hidden. The tangible relationship with Hashem that should permeate every aspect of our lives is only peripheral at best. Perhaps the greatest place where we can
clearly see the result of this exile is in ourselves. Our Sages teach us that the soul is literally a spark of G-d. When one is disconnected from their self, they
ing for the galus reaches its climax, we must ask ourselves the ultimate question: Do we honestly know who we are and what we are here for?
There’s room for all of us to grow closer to ourselves and therefore infinitely closer to Hashem.
are in effect disconnected from Hashem. The most relevant part of galus is that most of us are walking around without a clue as to who we are and why we’re here in this world. Now that’s something to cry about. Finding Yourself – The Most Important Lost Object Finding yourself and finding your life’s purpose can be compared to the mitzvah of hashaves aveida – returning a lost object. Everyone knows that it’s a tremendous mitzvah to return a lost object to its owner; how much more so, to return a lost soul to its owner! Our rabbis learn the great importance of kiruv from here – to teach people that they have a soul. The problem is that with so much emphasis on kiruv these days, many frum people may think that their souls are already “found” and that only nonfrum people need to find their souls. However, the truth is that if you don’t clearly understand your own unique life’s purpose – you have hardly begun to find your soul. Despite the fact that you may be totally frum, you may be only scratching the surface in regards to fulfilling what you were created for. No matter how religious we are, there’s room for all of us to grow closer to ourselves and therefore infinitely closer to Hashem. At this time of year as our mourn-
In the next few issues of The Jewish Home we are going to address this question and hopefully present you with the tools to begin to discover who you are and what your unique purpose in life is.
Rabbi Aryeh Nivin is the founder and director of Machon Ha’adam Hashalem – a personal development Torah network which helps thousands of people around the world find their unique life’s purpose. A new cycle of Rabbi Nivin’s personal development phone chaburas for women is starting in Elul ( Aug 5th and 6th). Register now for the 3-Class No-Obligation Trial and for a limited time receive a bonus 3 CD Series, “The Jewish Woman’s Introductory Guide to Achieving Vitality” for just $1. For more information go to www.newchabura. com, call (646) 863-4123 from the US, or email newchabura@gmail.com. If you’re traveling this summer, there will be a special review session after the Yomim Tovim so that you can make up any missed classes.
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Part 1: Why We Should Cry on Tisha B’Av
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The Observant Jew Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
I’ll be the Judge of That!
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ecently I heard a story about Robin Williams. Robin Williams is a world-famous comedian and actor who has been in the business for decades. While he is not Jewish, he has said that growing up he gravitated towards the Jewish kids in school because they, like he who had moved to the area from another city, were seen as outsiders. He even called himself an honorary Jew because he attended 14 Bar Mitzvahs in a single year! While being interviewed on a German talk show, a woman asked him, “Mr. Williams, why do you think there is not so much comedy in Germany?” He replied, “Did you ever think you killed all the funny people?” When a friend related this story, one woman who heard it was very upset. She said, “If he really said this, it is a terribly cruel and insensitive response to someone not responsible for the horrific acts of a previous generation.” Now, I’ve often said that when given the choice between good taste and a good line, a good line will win every time. I’m not going to discuss whether his comment was tactful or not or whether it was funny or not. (OK, I think it was funny!) What I’d like to focus on is this: The woman who was incensed by the cruelty of his comment may have jumped the gun. She was obviously feeling defensive for the interviewer, who was seemingly attacked by this American, born after the Holocaust, who stereotyped Germans as indiscriminate murderers. I wondered: how did he deliver the punch line? What was said before that
question? How did the interviewer take the line? In truth, we can’t rush to judgment because we don’t have all the facts. We just have a snapshot in time where we see an interaction, but we’re seeing it out of context. In that light, I don’t think it’s fair to condemn him. Unfortunately, though, this woman’s behavior is not uncommon. All too often we see people do things wrong and we condemn them. We assume they are insensitive, sinful, callous, and any other adjectives that fit someone who does something wrong and maybe even hurtful. Chazal tells us, “Don’t judge your fellow until you reach his place.” In the American vernacular, we say, “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.” Both expressions highlight something key. If we want to judge someone, we first need to not only be in the same
lenges faced by one who climbed to the summit himself, so can we not judge others when we’ve not experienced exactly what they have. And here’s a little secret: That will never happen! No two people are alike, so we can’t know what someone else is thinking, how each experience affected them, or how they got to where they are. In other words, we can NEVER judge people. In fact, it’s a posuk, “Ki hamishpat l’Eilokim hu,” for judgment is G-d’s. Once we’re on the topic of judging though, let’s take this example one step further. Just as we can’t judge people
The point of the questioning should be to reach some level of understanding of why Hashem might have done something and what message He is sending.
place as he is physically, emotionally, spiritually, or otherwise, but to have gotten to that place on the same path as he arrived there. Just as one who helicopters to the top of a mountain cannot gauge the skills necessary or the chal-
because we don’t know what they’ve gone through and why they do what they do, so too can we not judge Hashem and question His actions. Now, before somebody stands up and says, “That’s the problem with you people,” (what does he mean by that?!) “you just believe everything the rabbis tell you and you don’t allow people to think for themselves or ask questions,” let me stop you. I’m not saying that we can’t wonder why Hashem did something, or that we shouldn’t discuss how and why “bad” things happen. What I mean is that the point of the questioning should be to reach some level of understanding of why Hashem might have done something and what message He is sending, but we can’t second guess Him or say that He made a mistake, or lost control, G-d forbid. We are only seeing an instant in human history, and only from the very limited perspective of our personal life experiences. We don’t see the ripple effect,
the consequences, good or bad, that are taking place. A friend took his daughter and two grandchildren to the airport. His daughter was traveling abroad and the airline told her that one of her bags was too large. She had to call her father to come back to get it, and have a brother-in-law come get it from her parents’ home later. Surely this was a frustrating experience that was just “bad.” What she couldn’t know was that her father was a bit misty-eyed, having dropped off the kids and wondering when he would see them next. When she called him to come back, he was pleasantly surprised to be able to hug them again so soon, courtesy of something “bad,” which G-d had planned all along. So, before you rush to judgment next time, think of Robin Williams’s joke, and how we don’t know what took place before and after it was said. It might make you withhold your opinion and realize you’re just getting a glimpse through a keyhole. That’s how wise people look at the world. No kidding.
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. HELP PUBLISH THESE ARTICLES! We are currently gearing up for publication of a book of Observant Jew articles. Reread your favorites; laugh, cry, scratch your head in confusion, just like the very first time! Sponsorship opportunities are available and necessary. For more information, or to sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English, e-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Publication Sponsorship or Subscribe in the subject. © 2013 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.
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In the Kitchen
What’s on the Menu This Week No Meat? No Problem!
Breakfast for Dinner Who ever said that pancakes and waffles were only for the AM? Serve your family breakfast for dinner and mix things up!
What’s on the Menu
• Eggs, any style, with lettuce and tomato slices • Hash browns with ketchup • French toast • Blueberry pancakes • Whole wheat bread, toasted • Fruit smoothies
Classic French Toast Ingredients 3 large eggs ¾ cup milk Pinch of salt ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 slices of good quality, day old bread (cut into 1/2 inch slices) or challah
Preparation In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon (if using). Transfer the egg mixture to a large shallow glass or ceramic dish. Dip both sides of each slice of bread into the egg mixture. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick frying pan over medium to medium-high heat, melt about one tablespoon of butter. Fry the slices of bread until golden brown on one side and then turn and fry the other side. When done, transfer to serving platter and continue frying the other slices of bread, adding more butter as needed. Serve immediately with a dusting of powdered sugar and pancake syrup.
Light Delights Eating dairy does not have to mean not watching what you eat. You can serve your family a nutritious and delicious meal that will fill their bellies and satiate their appetites.
What’s on the Menu
• Vegetable soup • Sesame-style tuna with spinach • Teriyaki green beans • Roasted cauliflower • Baked sweet potato slices • Fresh fruit
Sesame Tuna
Ingredients 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil 4 (6-ounce) tuna steaks 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 1 package baby spinach leaves Garlic powder, to taste Preparation Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush fish with soy sauce. Combine 2 teaspoons pepper and sesame seeds; sprinkle evenly over fish. Add fish to pan, and cook 2 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Wash spinach leaves. In a separate pan, heat pan over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Place the leaves in pan and cover with silver foil until wilted. Sprinkle with garlic powder to taste a few minutes before the leaves are done.
Say Cheese
Are the boys in your family hankering for some meat? Treat them to a burger with all the trimmings! A burger ‘n fries, even without being fleshigs, will definitely fill them up!
This meal is the perfect one to serve to your dairy-lovers. Some people can’t get enough cheese and there’s lots and lots of the stringy delight for them to enjoy at tonight’s dinner.
What’s on the Menu
Asian Cole Slaw
Ingredients 4 cups shredded purple cabbage 2 large carrots, julienned 1 red bell pepper, julienned 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned ¼ cup rice vinegar 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon light brown sugar 1 tablespoon peeled and grated fresh ginger 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil Preparation In a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, carrots, and peppers. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over vegetables. Toss to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature topped with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
For the Kids Need to prepare supper but also need to entertain the kids for a while? Why don’t you have them help make supper just this once? Don’t worry about the mess. There’ll be plenty of time after they go to sleep to sweep the kitchen floor.
What’s on the Menu
• Cut up veggies with dip or hummus • Make-your-own pizza • Sweet potato fries • Steamed broccoli spears • Chocolate pudding
What’s on the Menu
• Mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce • Onion soup • Greek salad • Corn on the cob • Baked ziti • Marble cheesecake
Marble Cheesecake
Ingredients 1 chocolate crumb pie crust 3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar, divided ½ cup sour cream 2-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 eggs ¼ cup cocoa tablespoon vegetable oil Preparation Preheat oven to 450°F. Beat cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, sour cream and 2 teaspoons vanilla in large bowl on medium speed of mixer until smooth. Gradually add flour, beating just until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine cocoa and remaining ¼ cup sugar in medium bowl. Add oil, remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla and 1-1/2 cups of cream cheese mixture; stir well. Spoon plain and chocolate batters alternately over crust, ending with spoonfuls of chocolate on top; gently swirl with knife for marbled effect. Bake for 10 minutes. Without opening oven door, reduce oven temperature to 250°F; continue baking 30 minutes. Turn off oven; without opening oven door, leave cheesecake in oven 30 minutes. Remove from oven. Immediately loosen cheesecake from side of pan with knife; cool to room temperature. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
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• Veggie burger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo • French fries with ketchup • Cole slaw • Fried onions • Iced tea
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Burger with the Works
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More than Just the Classic Did you know that people have written books about how to make the perfect grilled cheese? It seems that there’s a whole group of people out there who spend many moments of their lives perfecting this dish. For me, grilled cheese is grilled cheese, but if you do your research, you’ll see that there’s more than just cheese between those two slices of bread.
What’s on the Menu
• Tomato and rice soup • Garden salad • Grilled cheese • Dill pickle spears • Cheese-stuffed mushrooms • Potato chips
Roasted Tomato Soup
Ingredients 2 28oz cans whole & peeled tomatoes 4 cups pareve chicken or vegetable stock 1 red pepper, cut into chunks 1 leek, white part only, cleaned & cut into chunks 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 sprigs fresh thyme salt to taste Preparation Heat oven to 425°F. Drain one can of tomatoes, reserving the liquid. Put the drained tomatoes and red pepper in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and roast for 30 minutes. While tomatoes are roasting, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over low heat. Add the leek and cook over low heat until soft, about 15 minutes. Add remaining can of tomatoes, reserved liquid, stock and thyme and bring to a boil. Lower heat and let cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Add roasted tomatoes, red peppers and any juices that accumulated in the baking dish to the Dutch oven. Cook for about 15 minutes to combine the flavors. Let cool and then blend gently. Reheat and season to taste prior to serving.
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71 Gedaliah Borvick
Strengthening our Nation ith your permission, I am going to stray from my usual real estate-related topics to make an appeal. (Don’t worry, it’s not for money.) We are fortunate to be living in a very special period in Jewish history: Jews in most parts of the world are able to practice their religion and live in comfort and security. And in Eretz Yisrael, this time period is downright miraculous. For the first time in over two thousand years, we have been blessed with a Jewish State. Hashem has blessed Israel with economic success, spurred by its advances in many vital fields such as medicine, high-tech, energy, and water technology. And despite our enemies surrounding us, the country’s army has consistently proven itself as a reliable and unswerving protector of the Jewish people. From a religious perspective, there is an unprecedented amount of Torah that is being learned and religious growth that is occurring in Israel. There are literally thousands of Torah classes offered for people of all ages and all skill levels. The sheer number of people studying Judaic studies is astounding, and the level of learning is remarkable. Notwithstanding all of these phenomenal achievements, one issue saddens my heart – and with Tisha B’Av upon us, perhaps it is timely to discuss this concern. The gemara in Masechet Yoma (9b) relates that despite the Jews’ focus on holy pursuits such as learning Torah and keeping its commandments and being immersed in acts of kindness, the Second Temple was destroyed due to sinat chinam, or baseless hatred. Sinat chinam is so deplorable that the gemara equates it to the three cardinal sins that caused the First Temple’s destruction: idolatry, immorality and bloodshed. When I see the current animosity between Jews, whether between the religious and secular populations or between religious camps, I shudder to think about the pain that we must be causing our Father in Heaven. (Please do not think that I exonerate myself; I too am guilty of this heinous sin.) Let me share with you an intriguing thought from Reb Chaim Brisker. After
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Overcoming Sinat Chinam
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My Israel Home
the Almighty quashed the rebellion of Korach, who wanted to usurp Moshe’s position and become the leader of the Jewish people, the Torah states that such an episode will never again occur (Numbers 17:5). Reb Chaim Brisker asked: How do we understand that verse – haven’t we unfortunately seen many instances of rebellion and infighting after Korach? He proceeded to offer the following fascinating explanation and wonderful life lesson: in Korach’s rebellion, G-d revealed Moshe and Aharon’s position to be 100% right and Korach’s position to be 100% wrong. Rav Chaim Soloveitchik suggested that this verse is a Divine guarantee that there will never again be a dispute in which one side is entirely correct and the other side is absolutely incorrect. If we remember this guarantee, it may be easier for us to listen to the merits of the other side’s argument, which will hopefully lead to a peaceful resolution. No one group has a monopoly on truth. We need to respect everyone’s contributions to society, whether their involvement is via Torah study, army service, or any other honest pursuit. Only when we stop demonizing those who don’t share our beliefs and start appreciating their contributions, will we overcome the divisive and debilitating effects of sinat chinam. May the Al-mighty bless us with wisdom to see beyond ourselves and understand other viewpoints. With this appreciation and sensitivity, may we be worthy of seeing the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash, speedily in our days. Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home, a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@gmail. com. Please visit his blog at www.myisrael home.com.
Kidding!
A small town prosecuting attorney called his first witness to the stand in a trial—a grandmotherly, elderly woman. He approached her and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know me?” She responded, “Yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I’ve known you since you were a young boy. And frankly, you’ve been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you’re a rising big shot when you haven’t the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.” The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, “Mrs. Williams, do you know the defense attorney?” She again replied, “Why, yes I do. I’ve known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. I used to babysit him for his parents. And he, too, has been a real disappointment to me. He’s lazy, bigoted, he has a drinking problem. The man can’t build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Yes, I know him.” At this point, the judge ordered silence and called both counselors to the bench. In a very quiet voice, he said with menace, “If either of you asks her if she knows me, you’ll find yourself in jail within 3 minutes!”
Riddle Made up and submitted by Yosef Fertig, age 9 Meir, Reuvain, Eitan, Avraham, Yerachmiel, Shalom, Baruch, and Zacharia go to a barbecue. They each ate one food. No two people had the same food. There was a hot dog, a burger, chicken zingers, fried chicken, Caesar salad, salmon, rice sushi, and an apple. Who had what? Reuvain, Eitan, & Shalom are vegetarians. Zacharia, Shalom, & Reuvain don’t like rice sushi. Eitan & Zacharia don’t like lettuce or salmon. Avrohom likes all chicken except zingers. Yerachmiel loves meat. Meir had a hot dog. Baruch didn’t wash. Reuvain didn’t want an apple or salmon. Answer below
Know Ya Phobias?
All but six of the below listed phobias are listed with their proper names. Which six are made up by the TJH Centerfold Commissioner, who takes great pride in being able to contribute to the phobia lexicon?
Alektorophobia- Fear of chickens
Musophobia - Fear of mice
Anglophobia- Fear of England or English culture
Nephophobia- Fear of clouds
Arachibutyrophobia- Fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth
Ophidiophobia- Fear of snakes
Bogyphobia- Fear of boogeymen. Brooklaphobia- Fear of Brooklyn Chronomentrophobia- Fear of clocks Dentophobia- Fear of dentists Failaphobia- Fear of report cards Hicuphobia- Fear of hic-hic-hic-hiccups
Phobophobia- Fear of phobias Tjhphobia-Fear of finding the TJH centerfold so funny that you just can’t stop laughing Xanthophobia- Fear of the color or the word yellow Truthaphobia- Fear of determining whether a phobia name is correct Answers on next page
Homilophobia- Fear of sermons Ideophobia- Fear of ideas Alphabephobia- Fear of not being able to alphabetize Kosmikophobia- Fear of cosmic phenomenon
Yerachmiel – burger Shalom – salmon Baruch – zingers Zacharia – apples
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You Gotta be
Answer to riddle: Meir – hot dog Reuvain – Caesar salad Eitan – rice sushi Avraham – fried chicken
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4. Which of these players did NOT hit two home runs in an All-Star Game? a. Babe Ruth b. Arky Vaughan c. Gary Carter d. Ted Williams
1. Where is the 2013 All-Star game being played? a. Marlins Stadium b. Yankee Stadium c. Citi Field d. Target Field 2. How many Met players made it to the 2013 National League All-Star team? a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. 3
Answers 1. C- Memo to Ike Davis: perhaps you should show up to watch the game and get some tips on how to swing the bat. You strike out so much that you should think about joining a union or something like that. 2. C- David Wright will be the starting 3rd baseman and Matt Harvey will be one of the pitchers. (Starting pitcher? remains to be seen). 3. D-The Orioles first baseman Chris Davis, short stop J.J. Hardy, and outfielder Adam Jones are all starting for the American League team. 4. A 5. D- Rose “only” appeared in 17 All-Star Games in his 24 major-league seasons. 6. B- The All-Star game was the idea of Arch Ward, a sports editor for the Chicago Tribune, to coincide with the celebration of Chicago’s Century of Progress Exposition. 7. A-After 10 innings, the game was tied and both teams were out of pitchers. The American League manager Joe Torre and the National League manager Bob Brenly met on the mound with Commissioner Bud
5. Three of these players appeared in a record 24 All-Star Games. Which one did not? a. Stan Musial b. Willie Mays c. Hank Aaron d. Pete Rose 6. The first All-Star Game was played in 1933 in which ballpark? a. Polo Grounds, New York b. Candlestick Park, San Francisco c. Comiskey Park, Chicago d. Memorial Stadium, Baltimore7. Why did the 2002 All-Star game end in a tie? a. Both teams ran out of pitchers. b. The stadium ran out of hot dogs and distraught fans started demonstrating, resulting in the head of security calling off the rest of the game in the 7th inning.
Selig to discuss the situation, and it was controversially ruled that if the NL did not score in the bottom of the eleventh, the game would be declared a tie. After the decision was announced over the stadium’s PA system, fans loudly booed and jeered, with beer bottles being thrown onto the field, and chants of “Let them play!”, “Refund!”, “Bud must go!” and “Ripoff!” were heard. Garcia retired the side in the eleventh, and the game ended in a 7–7 tie, to further booing and bottle throwing. No MVP award was given. 8. B 9. B 10.B-Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige played in the Negro League until shortly after Jackie Robinson integrated the Major Leagues in 1947, at which time Paige signed with the Cleveland Indians on his 42nd birthday, becoming the oldest rookie in baseball. In 1952, Paige won 12 games and became the oldest player selected to an All-Star team, at the age of 47. Always the showman, he frequently would call in his outfielders before an inning and then proceed to strike out the side. Paige returned to baseball in 1965 with the Kansas City Athletics at the age of 59. He
GOT FUNNY? Let the Commissioner decide. Send your stuff to centerfold@fivetownsjewishhome.com
c. All-Star games automatically end after 15 innings if tied. d. It was rained out in the 6th inning. 8. How are the All-Star game managers selected? a. The managers with the best records in the previous season are automatically selected. b. The managers of the previous year’s World Series teams are given the honors. c. The managers hold a vote, but they can’t vote for themselves. d. They have a bubble gum blowing contest and the two managers who make the biggest bubbles are chosen. 9. This All-Star pitcher took the mound in the fifth inning on July 10, 1984 at the age of 19 and made history for being the youngest player to appear in an All-Star Game. He complemented this distinction by striking out the side. Who was he? a. Fernando Valenzuela b. Dwight Gooden c. Roger Clemens d. Pedro Martinez 10. The oldest player to participate in an All-Star Game was Satchel Paige. How old was he at the time? a. 41 b. 47 c. 51 d. 53
pitched three innings. Not surprisingly, he didn’t give up a run.
Scorecard 8-10 correct: You are a Centerfold All-Star!! (That and a $1.50 will get you a donut at, well, probably any donut shop.) 4-7 correct: You are a decent player, but not an AllStar, which still puts you way ahead of the Mets! 0-3 correct: Yes, I know the shtick, “If a baseball player has a .300 average he is great...” But I am not exactly hurling 96 mile per hour fast balls at you. So, the truth is, to put it bluntly: YOU STINK! (Hey is that Sandy Alderson knocking at your door? oh, I forgot you don’t know who Sandy Alderson is...he is the GM of the Mets.)
The six new phobias brought to you by TJH are: Brooklaphobia, Failaphobia, Hicuphobia, Alphabephobia, Tjhphobia, Truthaphobia
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3. Which team has the most starters in the 2013 All -Star game? a. Yankees (as usual) b. Rockies c. Cardinals d. Orioles
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The Shmuz
R’ Ben Tzion Shafier
Parshas Devarim I Hate Criticism
“And it was in the fortieth year, in the twelve month, on the first day of the month, when Moshe spoke to the Bnai Yisroel according to everything that Hashem said to them.” — Devarim 1:3
didn’t give rebuke to the Jewish nation until he was about to die. This Rashi is very difficult to understand. Why would Yaakov be afraid that if he criticized Reuvain, it would cause him to leave and cling to Aisav? First off, it is difficult to imagine a re-
When Moshe Rabbeinu was near the end of his life, he gathered the Klal Yisroel together to give them rebuke for the sins they committed in the forty years of wandering in the desert. Rashi is bothered by why he waited. Why didn’t he rebuke them years earlier when the events first took place? Rashi answers that Moshe learned from Yaakov Avinu. Yaakov didn’t admonish his son Reuvain until he was close to death. “If you are wondering why I didn’t admonish you all of these years,” Yaakov told Reuvain, “it’s because I was afraid that if I did, you would leave me and cling to my brother Aisav.” Therefore, Yaakov waited until he was about to die and only then did he chastise Reuvain. Moshe learned from Yaakov, so he too
When you criticize me, I feel unwanted and unaccepted. lationship of love, mutual respect, and dedication that was greater than the one that Yaakov and his oldest son Reuvain shared. Aside from the natural sense of attachment of a son to his father, Reuvain accepted his father as his teacher, mentor, and spiritual guide. Surely, that should have allowed Reuvain to know that his father’s rebuke was only for his good. Furthermore, whenever Yaakov
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spoke to his son, it was with love and sensitivity. If a situation arose where Yaakov felt his son erred, a mature person like Reuvain would willingly accept words of guidance and correct his ways. Why should Yaakov have been afraid?
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The Damage of Criticism The answer to this question is based on the effect that criticism has upon a person. The Orchas Tzadikim (Shaar 12) explains that when you verbally attack me, it is a given that I will retaliate. It isn’t much different than if you were physically assaulting me. I perceive your words as an attack against the essence of me, and it is almost within the category of self-defense for me to strike back at you. Every fiber of my being screams out to defend myself against the onslaught of your words. Criticism is but one step below a verbal attack. It isn’t quite as pointed, not quite as aggressive — but not that far off. When you criticize me, I am under attack. The essence of me, who I am, and what I stand for is being assaulted. You may not have intended it that way, but that is what I feel. There is a powerful sense of disapproval and condemnation that comes across, and I feel under attack. No one likes to be criticized, and the easiest course is to avoid the pain by pulling away. The greater you are in my eyes, the greater the damage of your words, and the more they will drive a wedge between us. This seems to be the answer as to why Yaakov was so afraid to criticize Reuvain. Despite the fact that Yaakov would only have intended it for his son’s good, and despite the fact that Reuvain was looking for direction from his loving father, if Yaakov had rebuked Reuvain, he was afraid that it would have forced them apart, damaging the relationship, and perhaps even going so far as to drive Reuvain away. The sense of disapproval that Reuvain would have felt would have been so difficult to bear that Reuvain might well have run away to avoid it, even going so far as joining Aisav.
This is a powerful illustration of the damage caused by rebuke. Even in a relationship based on mutual love and respect, criticism undoes the bond and causes a separation. Here we see it with a mature man whose priorities were straight, a man who lived his whole life for growth and recognized his father as the spiritual guide of the generation. Yet words of rebuke could have had the effect of separating and causing even such a man to go off the path. If this concept is true for people as great as the Avos, how much more so for us. The reality is that we humans are very sensitive; we hunger for approval and despise rejection. When you criticize me, it may not be your intention, but I feel unwanted and unaccepted. I feel that you don’t approve of me, so I am not respected in your eyes. That emotion is very difficult to bear. The easiest course is for me to run away — away from the situation, and away from you. For that reason, criticism is poison to all relationships. As a parent, it is one of the most noxious elements that can ruin an otherwise strong relationship. As a spouse, it can be the wedge that drives apart an otherwise happily married couple. And amongst friends, it can be the force that ends an otherwise nurturing relationship. The Three Rules of Criticism For that reason, before a person sets out to criticize, he should remember the three cardinal rules of criticism. The first rule is: don’t do it. The second rule is: don’t do it. And the third rule is: don’t do it. Don’t do it because it hurts. Don’t do it because it distances people. Most of all, don’t do it because it doesn’t work. Even if your intentions are to help, and even if you only mean these words for the good of the recipient, criticism is a powerful separator that accomplishes no good, merely drives people apart, and should be avoided like the plague. Get the new Shmuz APP! Access hundreds of audio, videos, and articles from the Shmuz. Simply go to the app store or Google Play and search for “TheShmuz” or go to www.theShmuz.com.
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beginning thursday, august 2nd and then every sunday, tuesday and thursday night
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FIVE TOWNS M ARRIAGE INITIATIVE
4th of July 2013 Tammuz 26
Celebrate independence in Binyamin Upcoming Trips Ask us about our trips on the following dates:
We begin our day with a visit to artist Ora Solomon at Talmon in western Binyamin. Then to the tunnels, caves and Second Temple wine and oil presses at Givat Yekevim and Mitzpe Haresha, with a stop at one of many local springs. Continue to lovely Yakir above the Kana Ravine and the playground built with the assistance of One Israel Fund. Move to the amazing "outpost" Havot Yair, with its very unique Aron Kodesh, and enjoy a dairy gourmet lunch at Hatzrif shel Tamari. Ariel, the capital of the Shomron, is more than a university town. Visit the world famous theater & culture center and Park of Challenges where Israeli leadership is developed. As reward for spending a family day, relax with wine tasting at the award winning boutique winery Gvaot at Givat Harel.
July 23 â&#x20AC;˘ July 29 August 7 â&#x20AC;˘ August 11 August 20 We leave from the Liberty Bell Parking lot promptly at 8:30am, return approximately 6:30pm. Cost for the day including lunch: $65/adult $55/student in Israel or child under 12. For reservations & further information visit
www.oneisraelfund.org/daytrips or send email to daytrips@oneisraelfund.org Israel: Rivkah Rybak 054-803-4853 or Rivkah@oneisraelfund.org. In US: Ruthie Kohn 516.239.9202 x10
ItInerary subject to change as determIned by securIty and weather consIderatIons.
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august Day trips 2013
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rosh ChoDesh
New Vistas
iN the shomroN
SundAy, AuGuSt 11 with eliAnA PASSentin
wedneSdAy, AuGuSt 7 with eve harow
Ancient Shiloh- See remarkable new finds and the just opened multimedia production of the Ro-eh Tower. Join archaeologists in uncovering thousands of years of history. In Eli visit Talmud Torah Hadar-Yosef, the Hayovel Hilltop neighborhood of Israeli war heroes Roi Klein Hy"d and Eliraz Peretz Hy"d and meet the residents to learn of their struggle to save their homes.
Sweet morning! In Tapuach at the Seter Hamadrega Farm, we will learn all about the honey making process including a visit to a hive and a sticky treat. Then out to Eynavi's in Barkan for a gourmet chocolate workshop after a tour of the town with journalist Noam Orr. This 'strenuous' morning will be followed by a gourmet meat lunch and wine tasting at the award winning Tura Winery in Rachelim.
on Ancient Soil
Enjoy a delicious mehadrin dairy lunch at Safta Chana's CafĂŠ in Yitzhar. In Chavat Alumot in Itamar meet Yifat Meshulami and learn how she creates delicious award winning organic goat cheese. Collect eggs with the farmers in free range chicken coops. With Rachel Tzimmerman at her ecological organic farm. "Pick your own" produce and sample delicious sour dough bread, organic granola and Yoghurts. Learn about her geoponic inventions and new ideas for agriculture in Israel. End the day in 'France' of Ofra at the Domaine Ventura Winery with tasting and a visit to the vineyards. coSt for the dAy includinG lunch: $75/adult $65/student in israel or child under 12
Good GAStronomic livinG
Down to Gush Shilo; at Esh Kodesh see vineyards and olive groves and digest their security situation before stopping at top olive oil producer Meshek Achiya. Top off the day at Shilo Winery for tasting. Opportunities to purchase for chagim all thru the day. coSt for the dAy includinG lunch: $90/adult $80/student in israel or child under 12
we leave from the liberty Bell Parking lot promptly at 8:30am, return approximately 6:30pm. for reservations & further information visit
www.oneisraelfund.org/daytrips
or send email to daytrips@oneisraelfund.org iSrAel: rivkah rybak / 054-803-4853 in uS: ruthie Kohn / 516.239.9202 x10
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In Memory
PHOTO CREDIT: TSEMACH GLENN
Rena Zingmond, MA
Rav Shmuel Shmelke Rubin THE SULITZER REBBE ZT”L
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estled in the heart of Jewish Far Rockaway, a modest red-brick building regards the vibrant suburban traffic with a quiet and humble pride. A modern version of its older self, the building sits on the corner of Beach 9th and Roosevelt Court, a beacon to all seeking authentic Chassidishe Torah and tradition. Its presence serves as a precious link in the chain of its heritage and is a testimony to the vision and unwavering determination of its founder. It is Kehilas Yaakov, a Torah nucleus originated and sustained by the illustrious Rav Shmuel Shmelke Rubin, the Sulitzer Rebbe zt’”l. On the 21st of Adar, 5685 (1925) in Sasregen, Romania, Rav Rubin entered the world as the 7th generation of the Ropshitzer dynasty. Born to parents Rav Yaakov Yisrael Veyeshurun and Rebbetzin Alta Nechama Malka (nee Dachner) Rubin, hy”d, the rebbe was a direct descendent of Rav Naftoli Tzvi Horowitz, the original Ropshitzer Rebbe. Rav Rubin, one of ten siblings, spent his early years studying in his father’s beis mi-
drash, which had been reestablished after his parents’ move from Sulitza during World War I. With his father as the rav of the town, the Rubin establishment was a paradigm of community-centered leadership anchored to Torah and mitzvos. Whether a travelling guest or local resident, it was a known fact that the Rubin home was open and available to all. People from far and wide would come to eat, drink, or stay for the night. The rebbe himself recalled that not one meal transpired in his father’s house without a minyan present for bentching. The people of Sasregen treasured their local hub of learning and g’milus chessed and gave thanks for their loving and holy rav. When the rebbe was in his late teens, the ruthless fingers of World War II encircled his beloved town and deportations quickly commenced. Unfortunately, his parents and a few siblings were not spared the horrors of this reality and they, too, were sentenced to Auschwitz. Facing his father in the train window for the last time, Rav Shmuel Shmelke cried out, “But I don’t
have a gartel!” His father quickly removed his own and passed it to his son through the window. With the gartel in hand, the rebbe watched as his parents were taken away by the creaking train to Auschwitz and, ultimately, their deaths. Thus illustrates the rebbe’s fierce desire to preserve his family’s traditions to the utmost, beginning at a young age and so turbulent a time. The gartel remains in the family until today. This steadfast adherence to minhagim followed the young rebbe through his multitude of challenging war experiences. He was “enlisted” in a special Jewish division of the army called Munke Tabor, to whom degrading and menial assignments were relegated. Even during those hours of backbreaking labor, Rav Rubin strove to complete his tasks dressed as much as he could in his Chassidishe levush, stowing his father’s gartel in his pocket when necessary. Enduring the harsh conditions of the camp was not easy, but with his brother, Rabbi Mordechai David, the current Sasregener Rebbe, at his side, the situation remained that much more bear-
After the War
with Rebbe with the the Rachmistriskte Rachmistrivke Rebbe
At his wedding
tunately, the sum total of his funds was enough to cover the sole digging of a pit so without further ado, with only his tenacity of faith and no further inflow in sight, the rebbe ordered the pit to be dug. When a member of the community heard this, he was so impressed with the rebbe’s level of commitment that he supplied him the rest of the necessary funds. Running a shul from within the Rubin’s home ensured that there was never a dull moment. People from all walks of life created a steady flow of traffic through its open doors, basking in the Torah, chessed and hint of miracles that surrounded the household. It happened that during the time the minyan was in the house, someone noticed a leak in the ceiling dripping in front of the aron kodesh. After a short time, it was determined that the substance, though not alarming, was undoubtedly an unexpected discovery to be dripping from the ceiling of a house: it was honey. Somehow, a massive and fully operational beehive had been constructed in the narrow space between the ceiling and the roof of the room. When the rebbe’s wife heard about the discovery, she good-naturedly commented that the aron kodesh was a fitting place for such a phenomenon, for the Torah is the ultimate sweetness. Even after the hive was removed, the honey continued to drip for months afterward. Another miraculous event came to light at the time that the rebbe was gathering funds with which to build a proper shul building. The contractor spared no words in conveying his interest in receiving payment, but the rebbe simply did not have the means to fulfill his request. One Friday night, a man came to shul wishing to daven with a siddur of his own nussach – Nussach Ari. There happened to be one available in the form of an old Lubavitch siddur the rebbe had brought back with him after the war. Somehow, the siddur was dropped, and from within the binding fell around eleven American hundred-dollar bills. The story emerged that upon entering the DP camp in Germany, there was, understandably, a shortage of religious articles to satisfy the needs of the commune. The rebbe and a friend had the idea to search a Jewish cemetery for anything they could find and came out with a copy of the Meor Einayim by the Cherno-
bler Rebbe, and the Nussach Ari siddur, respectively. The friend, having descended from Chernobyl lineage, asked the rebbe if he didn’t mind switching with him. The rebbe was quite reluctant, but after much pressure he finally relented. Little did he know that that fateful exchange would provide him with the means to secure his very own house of Torah and tefillah so many years later. After ascertaining that the money was indeed ownerless, Rav Rubin put the sum towards the building of the shul. Family and community members alike remember the rebbe as personifying true ahavas Yisroel and commitment to Yiddishkeit. With the revolving door characteristic of the Rubin tradition, the home was a constant ebb and flow of individuals in need. Meshulachim made regular use of couches and even floor space. People with no prior exposure to an open Chassidishe home inquired as to how to go about paying for the meal they had just consumed in the apparent “restaurant.” The minyan was a rainbow of color, a representation of the array of Jews who felt comfortable identifying with a kehillah led by a man who clung to the minhagim of his heritage so tenaciously. This steadfast approach also manifested itself in the realm of halacha. Under no circumstances would the rebbe compromise his values for the sake of “the times” or social pressure. The only sharp words he ever uttered were solely for the sake of ensuring that the exactness of Torah law was upheld. When it came to conversing with his beloved talmidim, the rebbe was soft-spoken, genuinely interested in their affairs, even following up with them afterward. Following shul each Shabbos, the men and boys would line up to greet the rebbe, each one receiving a kind word, a warm smile, a pat on the cheek. A person would enter the Beis Midrash intending to daven and would leave feeling like the rebbe’s close friend. The red-brick shul on the corner has dimmed in its illustrious light with the passing of the venerable Rav Shmuel Shmelke. As his worthy son steps up to perpetuate his father’s legacy, the memories and lessons of the rebbe will remain faithfully with us, and the light will shine once more. Kehilas Yaakov will continue to stand erect on its unshakable foundation, a paragon of the virtues and vitality of its founder.
At his wedding
the Rebbe with his son, who has now taken over the kehillah
the Rebbe with the Bobover Rebbes
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able. He also had his tefillin with him and proudly recalled that not a day passed by without his donning of them. A granddaughter of the rebbe recalls his telling the story of the end of the war as he experienced it. It was in the wintertime, and the Nazis told everyone, for whatever reason, that they had to run or else suffer the consequences. Though Rav Rubin knew he would be shot for not complying, he was so devoid of strength that he was unable to muster the energy even to save his own life. For reasons that would always remain unknown to him, instead of shooting the rebbe, the nearest guard fired a shot into the air and kicked him instead. That kick ultimately left the rebbe with terrible back pains, but his life was spared. After the war, the rebbe remained in Fernwald, a DP camp in Germany, for three years. During that time, Rav Rubin learned Torah in the makeshift beis midrash with other Jewish survivors and was also introduced to his future wife, Shifra Rosenbaum, daughter of Rav Yissachar Ber Rosenbaum, the Rebbe of Stroznitz. They met and became engaged on either side of the FrenchGerman border. With the help of the rebbe’s other brotherm Rabbi Mendel Rubin, Muzhayer Rav, who was already in New York, Rav Rubin came to America in 1949 and settled in the Bronx, where his kallah’s family resided. The rebbe and rebbetzin were married in 1950. But their time in the Bronx was fleeting. Not long after, Rav Mendel, who was living in Edgemere at the time, suggested that the rebbe relocate to Far Rockaway, explaining that there were Orthodox Jews there who desired to daven with a minyan of their nussach, aligned with their minhagim. So, in accordance with this request, the rebbe and his wife moved to Far Rockaway a short year later in September of 1951 (5712). They would remain there for over sixty years. Running a Chassidishe kehillah in Far Rockaway at that time was far from a smooth ride; the rebbe constantly struggled to gather a minyan and faced regular opposition from fellow survivors whose only connection to Yiddishkeit was their desire to leave it behind. The rebbe pushed on, taking the steps that would render the area’s change from a neighborhood to a community. After establishing regular minyanim in his house, Rav Rubin’s next desire was to construct a mikvah. Unfor-
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Finding Meaning in Tsfat
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his year, Sharei Bina seminary in Tsfat celebrated its twenty year anniversary. The Jewish Home congratulates Rabbi Rafael Weingot and Rebbetzin Tova Weingot on the occasion of this milestone. In conversation with The Jewish Home’s correspondent, Rebetzin Weingot explained, “In many ways it was the vision of Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld, zt”l, that guided us in creating first Yeshiva Shalom Rav and then Sharei Bina Seminary. He had a way of seeing the best in people, including those who were struggling, or who had issues in Yiddishkeit. He believed that each student is capable of succeeding, and conveyed this message to them, empowering them to start believing in themselves. And he believed that a religious life must be lived full of meaning.” Rabbi Weingot himself was a teenager when he first met Rabbi Freifeld, zt”l. He was one of the first group of students when Sh’or Yoshuv opened. But after many years, when he decided to spend some time in Israel, he made it up to Tsfat and felt an inner calling – this was his place! Soon after their marriage in 1979, the Weingots made aliya and moved to Tsfat. “My husband was growing in his learning, but was missing the genuine sparks of warmth and enthusiasm that he had come to thrive on. He figured that if he felt this way, there must be others in Tsfat who also yearned for something more, and he created a kollel and yeshiva that would attract them. “At the same time, it became clear to me that there was a need for a similar type of environment for young women. Jewish girls from secular backgrounds were coming to Tsfat and discovering that you could live a religious life and still be real and normal! They wanted to stay here and learn, but the options were limited. I spoke to rabbis at the more established schools in Jerusalem and they encouraged me to create a place for girls who were searching for something inspiring and creative, going as far as sending me some of their own students when Sharei Bina opened its doors. I saw tremendous siyata d’shmaya; the teachers and schedule fell into place with a short sequence of phone calls, and we were ready to go.” About five years into Sharei Bina’s success, the program shifted. Girls from observant homes wanted the same experience, wanted to ask the same basic questions that the ba’alei teshuva were asking. They craved authentic answers that would make sense in a confusing world. They were looking for a deeper connection to truth, and they found it in Tsfat. Chana, now married with five children, was one of those early students. Reflecting back on her Sharei Bina experience, she says, “During my two years there, I went through a lot of personal growth and many struggles, but no matter what was going on, I felt accepted and seen for my strengths, some of which I hadn’t known that I had. Tova didn’t lose patience with me, and was there to shed light on difficult situations. The staff taught me such wonderful Torah, from a real and genuine place. Their words came straight from their hearts and entered directly into mine. The classes were not like any of my earlier experiences of learning. Questions were welcomed and not shushed and the conversations were dynamic and fresh. With time, my eyes were opened to the hidden springs of holiness within myself. I am still in touch with many girls from that year, and I know
that life would have turned out very differently from the fulfilling life I have now, had I not had that special time in Sharei Bina.” For Miriam, being in the Rabbi Rafael Weingot and his son, holy city of Tsfat was essential Rabbi Avraham Shimon Weingot to the changes that she made while at Sharei Bina. “When I arrived, my iPod and my cell phone were extensions of my very being − almost like limbs. I was used to the New York pace of life; at first Tsfat felt too quiet and slow, but after a month or two, something inside me also quieted and slowed down, and I found myself hearing and noticing things that I hadn’t before − a beautiful sunset, the birdsong at dusk, and even my own subtle emotions, which had previously been drowned out by the noise. I realized that where I grew up there was so much emphasis on physicality − nice clothing and an upscale lifestyle – that I hadn’t had time for the truly finer things in life. In Tsfat, the focus is on more important things, and the term lifestyle takes on an entirely different meaning. Sharei Bina’s building, which we nicknamed ‘the castle,’ with its stone archways overlooking the Tsfat mountainside, was the perfect backdrop for me to let go and look inside.” Sharei Bina has always had a family feel to it, with tutors bringing their babies to sessions, and students doing chesed in the homes of the staff and community, but recently Sharei Bina and Yeshiva Shalom Rav truly became a family endeavor in every sense of the word. Rav Avraham Shimon, the eldest Weingot son, has taken over many of the responsibilities at Shalom Rav, and his wife Kiki is the vice-principal of Sharei Bina. The metaphorical family continues to grow as well, as the Weingots are always deeply moved to celebrate the weddings and simchas of their former students, many of whom have settled in Israel and some even in Tsfat. Rabbi Weingot joins the conversation to add, “I once heard a vort from Rabbi Freifeld zt”l. Every morning in shacharis we say the pasuk, ‘[Hashem] heals the broken hearted, attending to their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name.’ What’s the connection? When people don’t know their infinite intrinsic value, they cannot help but be brokenhearted. How can they be healed? By showing them that they count, and calling them by name. This has stayed with me and is a guiding force in my approach to chinuch.” To the Weingots in Tsfat, chinuch is about finding chein, the spiritual radiance that is within each and every Jew. This is the first step on the path of a meaningful Jewish life. Tova Weingot will be”H be visiting Far Rockaway between July 21st and August 6th and is available to interview potential students for the coming school year. Students wanting reach her or boys wanting to discuss Yeshiva Shalom Rav, can call 609-375-5085, or email weingot@gmail.com. For more information, see their websites: www.shalomrav.org and www.shareibina.com.
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In Memory Aryeh Z. Ginzberg Photos: Kuvien Press
The Great Sar HaTorah
A TRIBUTE TO RAV YOSEF SHALOM ELYASHIV ZT”L ON HIS FIRST YAHRTZEIT
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few weeks after I arrived in Eretz Yisrael in 1974 to learn in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, I received a heartfelt letter from a kollel fellow I knew. The letter detailed the difficulties that he and his wife were undergoing, as her last three pregnancies had ended in miscarriages and doctors could not identify the cause. The couple had heard about a mekubal in Netivot who dispensed bottles of water rumored to prevent miscarriages. Since I was the only one he knew living in Eretz Yisrael at the time, he asked if I could travel to Netivot, obtain a few bottles of water from the mekubal and send them to him. In those days, a round trip from Yerushalayim to Netivot required at least six hours. Moreover, with the inevitable long lines at the mekubal’s home, I could expect the trip to take all day. I wasn’t sure what to do: Should I give up an entire day of learning in yeshivah for this act of chesed? When I asked the mashgiach of the yeshivah, Rabbi Avrohom Kanarek, for advice, he recommended that I present the she’eilah to a posek in Meah Shearim who at the time was not known outside of the small circle of scholars in Yerushalayim. His name? Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. I went to see Rav Elyashiv and upon hearing my she’eilah, he said, “I am not personally familiar with the practice of dispensing water as a segulah nor with the people who do so. However, there is a concept in Chazal that ‘Tzaddik gozeir, v’Hakadosh Boruch Hu mekayem’ (What a righteous person decrees, the Al-mighty makes happen). Therefore, if a true tzaddik decrees that if one drinks from a certain cup of water, berachot will come from it, then I strongly suggest he drink to the very last drop.” I then asked who, in his opinion, fits Chazal’s description of a “tzaddik.” Without any hesitation, he said, “The Steipler Gaon.” (The Steipler was the father of Rav Chaim Kanievsky and also Rav Elyashiv’s mechutan.) Since the Steipler lived in Bnei Brak, which was less than an hour from Yerushalayim, Rav Elyashiv suggested I travel there to obtain a berachah for this young couple. I immediately traveled to Bnei Brak with a letter in hand from Rav Elyashiv introducing me and stating the purpose of my visit. Upon showing the letter, I was seen immediately. After the Steipler read the letter, he smiled and said, “Di kumst fun Rav Elyashiv. Veist du vus iz by Rav Elyashiv? Kol pesakav min Shamayim hu.” (Loose translation: “You are coming from Rav Elyashiv. Do you know who Rav Elyashiv is? All of his halachic decisions come from Heaven above.”) Having secured the berachah, on the ride back to Yerushalayim I contemplated the words that the “tzaddik of the generation” had just shared with me: the unassuming man in Meah Shearim was completely and totally dedicated to Torah. And his halachic decisions come from Heaven itself. At that moment, I decided to spend as much time as I could with this great and holy man and absorb what I could from him. (Incidentally, approximately twenty years later, I was granted the honor of reciting a berachah under the chuppah at this young couple’s eldest daughter’s wedding.) And so, for the following sixteen months that I was in yeshivah in Eretz Yisrael, I visited with Rav Elyashiv several times a week. Ultimately, I was blessed with the great zechut of having a regular seder with him every Motzaei Shabbat, where I would present halachic questions to him that I received from all over Yerushalayim. In the ensuing years, after I returned to the States, I made sure to return to Eretz
Yisrael several times a year to visit with Rav Elyashiv and present she’eilot. Sometimes my stay in the country was only twenty-four-hours long, for I came for the sole purpose of seeing him. Over the past four decades, I obtained more than 3,000 of his halachic rulings. Observing Rav Elyashiv respond to she’eilot was a breathtaking experience. At one point, I witnessed the rav answer she’eilot successively for a period of almost three hours. These were not simple she’eilot, but complex questions covering a range of topics. A group of prestigious sofrim arrived to discuss a complicated issue in safrut; they were followed by experts in shemittah, then representatives of a mikvah organization arrived to discuss the construction of a mikvah. Each she’eilah was answered within minutes, and with the utmost clarity, attesting to Rav Elyashiv’s mastery of every aspect of Torah. A well-known story about Rav Elyashiv demonstrates the breathtaking scope of his Torah genius. A renowned Torah scholar had just published a sefer—which he had worked on for ten years—on Masechet Ohalot, one of the most complicated areas of Torah. The scholar came to show his sefer to Rav Elyashiv. The two of them then engaged in an in-depth conversation. A little while later, the scholar, looking dejected, emerged from Rav Elyashiv’s home. Despite this scholar’s decade-long immersion in the subject matter, he realized that Rav Elyashiv had a much greater mastery of the topic. Rav Elyashiv’s influence on my life was profound, and my appreciation for the depth and breadth of Torah has been greatly enhanced because of my relationship with him. I remember once escorting Rav Elyashiv to the funeral of the rosh yeshivah of Brisk, which consisted of a ten-minute walk to the yeshivah, a twenty-minute stay at the levayah, and a ten-minute walk home. Throughout the forty-minute period, people constantly approached him, asking she’eilot. I had a pen and a notepad in hand and tried to record every she’eilah and teshuvah. Upon returning to yeshivah, I was astounded to discover that in those forty minutes, Rav Elyashiv had answered more than seventy she’eilot touching upon the entire gamut of Torah, exhibiting his colossal and breathtaking knowledge. It has been noted in numerous newspaper articles that from the age of twelve until approximately six months before his passing at 102, Rav Elyashiv strictly adhered to a routine. His daily regimen of learning began at 3:00 am and ended often past 11:00 pm. This didn’t change during times of war or peace, whether he was marrying off a child or, tragically, sitting shivah for a child—the learning never stopped. His bein hazmanim“vacation” meant more hours to learn and less time for the public. The tremendous zechuyot his learning and his extraordinary hasmadah, diligence, brought to the world are beyond our comprehension; but his remarkably disciplined way of life—day in and day out, decade after decade—underscores the exalted level a human being can attain even in this lowly physical world. I am writing these reflections on the plane while returning from a brief visit to Yerushalayim. This is the first time in almost forty years of my visiting Yerushalayim that I could not visit with Rav Elyashiv—the great Sar HaTorah of our generation. Yerushalayim is different; Klal Yisrael is different, and together with the Torah itself, we mourn the loss of this great treasure that is no longer. Yehi zichro baruch.
Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg is rav of the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center in Cedarhurst, New Yaork. This articles was reprinted from the Summer 2013 issue of Jewish Action, the quarterly publication of The Orthodox Union.
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“I
’m not crazy!” Ralph protested. “I’m not going to therapy!” “You don’t have to be crazy to go to therapy,” Cindy grumbled. This was so trying. All she wanted was to make their marriage better and it was like banging her head against a wall. Ralph would not budge on the subject of therapy and he didn’t think he needed a self-help book either. This is a common problem and frankly, therapists have brought it on themselves by utilizing a code of diagnosis which practically guarantees that when you go to therapy, you will get some sort of label. But there is an alternative and I experienced it this weekend. It’s called the OU Marriage Enrichment Program. It was started ten years ago by a far-seeing person named Frank Buchweitz. I’m guessing that he felt that couples deserved something more fun than being “fixed” in therapy. He created a really pleasant summer weekend out of this idea and it has become an OU staple. First, they feed you. There is no end of food. (Of course it’s under strict supervision.) And it is delicious. They put you up in a really nice hotel an hour or so outside of New York, complete with Shabbos services. Finally, three workshops run at the same time so you get to choose which one you’re interested in attending. And then three more are offered and then three more and so on. The weekend was chock full of interesting new information – and food. Audience participation was encouraged, the presenters were knowledgeable (if I say so myself), and the staff couldn’t do enough to accommodate people. Topics included: • Mindfulness and Emotion Reg-
ulation • Personality Compatibility Profiles • Taharas HaMishpacha Review • Off-the-Derech Children • Intimacy from a Medical Perspective and many others. There were 27 workshops offered in all.
organized it this year, Hannah Farkas, started planning with the hotel for next summer, and they will open it up to new attendees. And that’s why I’m writing about it now. Going forward, you may hear of local presentations in which you will get a chance to interact with faculty and ask questions of staff. I would suggest
Life has a habit of throwing us all curveballs and sometimes they are difficult to catch.
The three that I offered were called • Self-Esteem and its Effect on Marriage • Get What You Want! – The Nice Way • How to Accrue “Points” in Your Marriage The Five Towns boasted two other faculty besides me: Rachel Pill and Dr. Michael Salaman. When I wasn’t speaking myself, I was delighted to attend other people’s workshops and found them informative. Judging by the questions from the audience, they gave plenty of food for thought to go along with the catered kind. This year, the program was geared just for alumni, so it wasn’t promoted. Nevertheless, sixty-nine couples attended. The fact that these people have been coming regularly is an indication of how valuable they thought it has been. The good news is that as soon as the program ended, OU Director of Community Engagement Rabbi Judah Isaacs and the one-woman dynamo who
you definitely take advantage of this great opportunity by going, listening, and asking. As much as I favor therapy and truly believe there is nothing like it for taking a good look at oneself and trying to make life better, the OU Marriage Retreat was a great alternative for people who are gun-shy about therapy. What I have discovered about people who come to therapy for their marriages, their children, or their own general happiness is that they are “normal” just like you and me. But life has a habit of throwing us all curveballs and sometimes they are difficult to catch. We can be bright, caring, and loving, and still miss the ball. In other words, we don’t have to be “crazy” to go to therapy and
benefit from it. I truly believe that Hashem has given these curveballs to us in order to help us to learn and grow. When we utilize the help of other well-intentioned people to be able to grab those balls, it’s exciting and wonderful. We suddenly feel capable, competent, and in control of our lives – to the extent that any of us actually has control. Oddly enough, the difficulties may seem in retrospect as gifts because getting through them has taken us to a much better place. I myself would go to therapy should such a curveball fly my way; I’m an advocate. But I also think a weekend retreat in the country in a relaxed and friendly environment can go a long way toward strengthening one’s batting arm. (Ladies, I hope you don’t mind the male metaphor. I’ve got something different just for you: a talk at Aza Hair Salon in the Gourmet Glatt Plaza on July 22 at 11 o’clock. It will be called, “You’re Beautiful – Now Feel Beautiful!” Gourmet is sponsoring refreshments, too!) Dr. Deb Hirschhorn, a Marriage & Family Therapist and best-selling author of The Healing Is Mutual--Marriage Empowerment Tools to Rebuild Trust and Respect--Together, is proud to announce that readers of The Jewish Home will receive a $50 discount on every visit to her Woodmere office. For more information, call 646-54-DRDEB or check out her website at drdeb.com.
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Notable
Quotes
Compiled by Nate Davis
“Say What?” There are prison-like elements, but it’s a really nice prison. - First lady Michelle Obama describing life as the first lady An amusement park in Mexico has opened a fake border-crossing attraction. You get to experience what it’s like to come across the border. Unfortunately, the park is losing money now because instead of buying tickets, people just keep sneaking in. - Jay Leno
Politicians don’t always kiss babies. - Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan sharing a photo of him kissing a fish
According to the American Medical Association, obesity is now a disease. Have you looked around? Apparently it’s contagious. - Jay Leno Broccoli - President Obama responding to a child’s question regarding what his favorite food is
A new report reveals that Mexico has replaced the United States as the world’s fattest nation. In fact, Mexicans now are trying to cross the border just to ask, “Are you going to finish that?” - Conan O’Brien
My mission is to break the ice between hostile countries. Why it’s been left to me to smooth things over, I don’t know. Dennis Rodman, of all people. Keeping us safe is really not my job; it’s [Obama’s] job. But I’ll tell you this: If I don’t finish in the top three for the next Nobel Peace Prize, something’s seriously wrong. - Dennis Rodman in an interview with Sports Illustrated, discussing his visits with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un earlier this year
That Edward Snowden dude got out of Hong Kong, flew to Russia, has been in the Russian airport the whole week, but still no one can find him. When Sarah Palin today heard that he may be incognito, she called for a full scale invasion of Cognito. - Bill Maher
Sometimes we’re deeply disappointed by the things our children do. But we love them anyway, and we move on. - Statement by George Zimmerman’s defense team after the 24-year-old daughter of one of the defense attorneys posted a picture of her and her father eating ice cream last weekend under the caption, “We beat stupidity celebration cones.” I shot myself a deer. - Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan recalling a hunting trip with Justice Antonin Scalia
Since his plane touched down in Washington at 4 am, Secretary Kerry was working all day and on the phone dealing with the crisis in Egypt. - Secretary of State John Kerry’s spokesman Jen Psaki when questioned about rumors that Kerry was on his yacht while the coup in Egypt was taking place While he was briefly on his boat on Wednesday, Secretary Kerry worked around the clock all day. - Ibid., three days later after photos of Kerry on his yacht were released To be fair to Secretary Kerry, he has been going through a grueling time. - David Gergen on CNN arguing that it was okay for Secretary of State Kerry to be on his yacht while Egypt was imploding
You expect me to believe that “Mrs. Ketchup” is in critical condition? - Glenn Beck, arguing that reports of Teresa Heinz Kerry being hospitalized in critical condition may be a State Department fabrication to take the spotlight off of Secretary of State Kerry who was on his yacht when Egypt’s president Morsi was ousted from power
He respectfully requests six Cleveland Browns pallbearers so the Browns can let him down one last time. - From the Columbus Dispatch obituary for lifelong Cleveland Brown’s fan Scott E. Entsminger, who passed away last week
By overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, the Court recognized that discrimination towards any group holds us all back in our efforts to form a more perfect union. - Joint statement by Bill and Hillary Clinton after the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning the Defense of Marriage Act, which was signed into law by Bill Clinton in 1996
In the NFL, 31 players have been arrested just since the Super Bowl. In fact, a lot of teams are switching to the no-huddle offense because players aren’t allowed to associate with known felons. - Jay Leno A new report from sociologists has discovered the number one cause of prison overcrowding — apparently it’s the NFL. - Jay Leno The show “Cops” is now on the NFL network. That’s how bad it’s gotten. - Jay Leno
Last Thursday we celebrated our 237th year of independence from Great Britain. And our 10th year of dependence on the Chinese. - Jay Leno
On Friday, Dwight Howard announced that he is leaving the Lakers to join the Houston Rockets. Or as Kobe Bryant put it, “Great. Now who am I NOT going to pass the ball to?” - Jimmy Fallon On Saturday Phoenix had its fourth hottest day in 110 years. The high was 119 degrees. The low was 91. 119 to 91. That’s not a temperature range. It’s a basketball score. - Jimmy Kimmel It was so hot in L.A. today that you could cook a tofubased cruelty-free egg substitute on the sidewalk. - Ibid Six half-marathon runners were hospitalized yesterday for running in 100 degree heat. They were rushed to a mental hospital. - Ibid
It is estimated that 150 million hot dogs will be consumed on the Fourth of July, and another 50 million eaten by a depressed Paula Deen. - Jimmy Kimmel Cleveland Browns rookie Ausar Walcott was arrested for attempted murder. Boston Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested for murder, with possible links to another double murder. In fact, now the NFL is begging the press to start talking about concussions again. - Jay Leno
I will say that every country in the world that is engaged in international affairs and national security undertakes lots of activities to protect its national security and all kinds of information contributes to that. All I know is that is not unusual for lots of nations. - Secretary of State Kerry responding to a leaked Snowden document which shows that the U.S. spied on the European Union and various countries
Thank you for bringing it up. - Former President George W. Bush when asked in an interview about his recent higher favorability ratings
There are some circles that are jealous of Turkey’s growth. They are all uniting, on one side the Jewish diaspora. - Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay blaming civil unrest on Jews, who are almost nonexistent in Turkey
Republicans are already trying to paint Hillary Clinton as too old to be president. In fact, a new ad claims she’s so old that she could be a Republican. -Conan O’Brien
How you doing George? - What George Zimmerman’s former professor said when he was on the witness stand and the defense attorney pointed out Zimmerman in the courtroom and asked him if he knows Zimmerman
Microsoft is testing a smartphone that can sense your mood, using a scope that tests your mood and shares them on media sites. I don’t need that. I have a fiancée who can test my mood. - Jimmy Kimmel
Frank Lautenberg followed three fundamental principles as New Jersey’s U.S. Senator: stay true to his progressive values, put New Jersey first, and be a workhorse, not a showhorse....Frank Pallone knows that gimmicks and celebrity status won’t get you very far in the real battles that Democrats face in the future....While it may not always attract glamorous headlines, Frank knows that to be effective you must put New Jersey and your principles first, not your own glory. - Statement from the family of recently deceased Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) endorsing Frank Pallone and taking veiled shots at Newark Mayor Corey Booker who is also running for the seat
The Administration is announcing that it will provide an additional year before the ACA [Affordable Care Act] mandatory employer and insurer reporting requirements begin. - A notice by the Treasury Department, titled “Continuing to Implement the ACA in a Careful, Thoughtful Manner,” which announced that the controversial Obamacare “mandatory coverage” provision is being delayed a year The president’s healthcare law is already raising costs and costing jobs. This announcement means even the Obama administration knows the “train wreck” will only get worse....This is a clear acknowledgment that the law is unworkable, and it underscores the need to repeal the law and replace it with effective, patientcentered reforms. - Speaker of the House John Boehner, responding to the announcement
Oh, you who murdered Allah’s pious prophets Oh, you who were brought up on spilling blood You have been condemned to humiliation and hardship Oh, Sons of Zion, oh most evil among creations Oh, barbaric monkeys, wretched pigs - Little girls reading a poem on the official Palestinian Authority TV channel
Nathan’s held its annual Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4. The winner and seven-time champion was a guy named Joey Chestnut. He ate 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes. How is that possible? My garbage disposal doesn’t work that fast. - Jay Leno
If Governor Perry decides to run for president, I think there are three good reasons he could be president. You know, Texas is a big, successful state, he’s a longterm governor, uh, I can’t remember the third one. - Sen. Rand Paul (R- KY), poking fun at Rick Perry’s famous “oops” moment in the 2012 presidential debate
Raise your voice and not your hands! We need to stand together as one, no cuffs, no guns. Let’s give violence a rest, because we can easily end up arrested. I know your patience will be tested, but law enforcement has your back! - From a video released by the Broward County sheriff’s office warning citizens not to engage in violence after the George Zimmerman verdict
I took the phone but I offered the kid two dollars. - Feliberto Ramirez, 53, upon being sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years for stealing an iPhone from a 3-year-old child in Manhattan
Gov. Christie’s dead to me. -Tweet by Conservative personality Ann Coulter after Christie’s hand-picked choice for U.S. Senate voted in favor of the immigration reform bill
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Paula Deen’s new cookbook is already on Amazon’s bestseller list. As a result, Rachael Ray declared that she’s not crazy about Mexicans. -Conan O’Brien
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Humor
Chaim Zipper
A Visit to the Dentist
T
eeth are an important part of the human body. Without teeth, you can’t chew pizza, chew chicken, or talk, which iz wewy imh-paw’tint. When I was little, my teeth would help me get my toy back from someone who took it from me. I would say something like: “Give me back my toy or I’ll bite you.” It was very effective. When I was told to “ask for it nicely,” I would day, “Please give me back my toy or I’ll bite you,” not realizing that merely adding the word “please” didn’t make it “nicely.” I was not aware that my teeth were not in my mouth for biting people but rather for biting food. I didn’t know that it helped me to talk, as well. I was told many times that if I didn’t brush my teeth, they would fall
out. What made me confused was why would I want to brush my teeth if every time my tooth fell out, my father gave me a dollar? I didn’t understand the value of money except that if my grandfather took me to the store, the man behind the counter liked money, and if I gave the money to him, then he would give me something I liked – a toy. I was lucky if the toy didn’t break before I got home. I didn’t know that if I would have saved the money, then after a while of not spending the money I received, it would accumulate so that I would be able to buy a toy that would have lasted more than the time it took to go home. What can you expect from a toy that costs only a dollar? When I got a little older, I found out that the teeth that fell out were supposed to fall out, so that the adult teeth can grow in. And then it hit me: if my teeth were supposed to fall out, and I
was getting a dollar for each tooth that fell out, that meant that I was getting paid for something that happens without me doing anything. I did nothing, and I got something. “Were my parents trying to teach me something – Hmm...?” Anyway, I needed to make sure that my teeth were healthy, so every six months I had to go to the dentist. The night before I went to the dentist, I did what all kids do, brush my teeth – really well – hoping that if I brush my teeth now, somehow I wouldn’t have any cavities, and if I did have any cavities, my dentist wouldn’t notice. Of course, he noticed – he’s a dentist! The next day, after school, my father took me to the dentist. I sat in the waiting room and waited for my turn. While I sat, I was thinking: “I hope I don’t have any cavities. I hate that drill thing.” “Maybe he’ll run out of time and I’ll have six months to brush my teeth.” “Hey, where’s the Spiderman comic Number 143 that I was in middle of reading from six months ago (i.e. the last time I was here)?” I didn’t mind the wait because there were comics to read. For some strange reason, it would only be my turn when I was in middle of reading a comic, and up to the “best” part. Why couldn’t the secretary call the next patient or at least wait until I finished the page? Unless, of course, the next patient was also in middle of reading a comic. The next time I’d be able to continue reading this comic would be in six months. By that time, there would be a whole new set of comics. When it was finally my turn, I was told to go into a room, sit in a chair and “Relax, the dentist will be with you shortly.” Right after I sat down, the dentist’s assistant would take out a tiny mirror, sharp, pointy-shaped tools, and place them on a tray that was about 2 feet from where I was sitting. The dentist came in wearing a mask and gloves. How in the world was I supposed to relax?! This is like bringing your car to a
mechanic because it makes a noise that it shouldn’t make, and you ask the mechanic “Can you fix that?” He replies, “Sure! Relax, have a seat.” And then “disappears” for a moment and comes back with a sledgehammer. “It’ll be fixed in no time.” How am I supposed to relax? There are strange, sharp-pointy tools, two feet from where I’m sitting. Besides, why does the dentist need sharp-pointy tools anyway? Is this a dentist’s office or an acupuncture office? Or perhaps that’s what’s done now to relax the patients before the dentist does his thing. I’d rather have an ice cream – chocolate. Why is he wearing a mask? Is he trying to hide his face? Maybe he’s somebody else? For all I know, the dentist went on vacation, and this guy is the computer technician from the computer store across the street. Maybe he got bored cleaning computers (from viruses), and decided to give it a shot at cleaning teeth (from plaque – duh). What’s with the gloves? This is not the post office. There’s no anthrax. Is he afraid of getting dirty? He doesn’t know the meaning of dirty! Let this guy be a plumber for a day. Then, he’ll have an inkling of what it means to be dirty. To say the least, I’m anything but relaxed, and then all of a sudden, the chair I’m sitting on starts to move – my back and head are going down. Maybe those sharp-pointy tools are the needles for the acupuncture after all. That’s why this chair is converting into a bed. I just can’t seem to find the pillow. Hey! Where’s the pillow? And why is my head hanging off this chair. Can’t you see I’m over six feet tall? Get me the manager! I want a refund! Once that’s done, he tells me to open my mouth – wide. I don’t have a problem with that. My problem is: How does he expect me to keep my mouth open like that for – THIRTY MINUTES! He keeps repeating “Open…open…open… open–open…You need to keep your mouth open so I could see your teeth.” All I’m thinking is: “Open...open…you need to open your eyes, so you could see what you’re doing. If you still can’t see what you’re doing then, you need to: put...put…put on your glasses…” While I’m trying to keep my mouth open, there’s this little device-like vacuum in the corner of my mouth. Its
purpose is to suck up all the saliva and blood that is quickly accumulating in my mouth (you know what I’m referring to). However, the problem is that it moves – and ends up on my cheek. Now, it’s annoying. It’s not sucking up any saliva or blood. It’s sucking my cheek. If I close my mouth so that the device moves and all the saliva and blood are able to be sucked in once again, then guess what? Yes, you guessed it! “Open...open…” resumes all over again. I can’t tell him to please move the device because my mouth is wide open and he’s cleaning my teeth with those strange, sharp, pointy looking tools, and if I try to tell him to please move that device off my cheek, I end up sounding like this: “An oo moo u ee. Ih u-ing I ouh.” “What did you say?” “I eh I ou ih eein uk iu eeh.” “Please speak clearly. You’re not making sense.” “Uh coth uh no a-kin thenthe. I outh ith why oh-in. eeth oov duh uhking thin, I hah allonth uf wateh and lood in my outh.” “I’m sorry. I can’t understand you. Your mouth is full of saliva and blood. Let me take this off your cheek. There! That’s better! Now, what did you say?” “Thank you.” The dentist is now scratching his head in confusion. When the dentist finished cleaning my teeth he took of his dirty, bloody gloves and threw them in a garbage can. It looked like he just slaughtered a chicken for Empire Kosher Chicken. I had no idea my teeth could produce that much blood. Then, he tells me to “rinse out” forgetting that I’m still lying horizontal. What does he expect me to do? Pour the water into my mouth and spit it out into the air? I told him I have some talents but none would help for this. He understood the problem and pushed the button that controls the chair. When the chair was vertical, I rinsed my mouth a few times the assistant removed that little blue “smock-like thingy” and I was ready to leave. As I was leaving, I received a new toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, and… wait for it…a lollipop! At first I thought it was a joke, but then I realized why. He wants to guarantee that I’ll come back.
87 Yehoshua Levy
The Hungry Soul
The Rabbi Responds: You remind me of Mahatma Gandhi’s observation: “There are people in the world so hungry, that G-d cannot appear to them except in the form of food.” If the misery of hunger loves company, know that you are not alone. If you find it very difficult to wait till after shul to eat, after finishing Shemone Esrei of Shacharis, you are technically allowed to make Kiddush and eat some refreshments. Practically, one should be discreet and quietly leave sanctuary to a private area. It’s important not to disrupt the services. You certainly shouldn’t start a Kiddush Club during davening. Some have a medical condition that requires them to eat before going to shul. Such individuals may be required to make Kiddush before davening or may only eat or drink certain foods. This should be discussed with your rabbi in person. It is actually forbidden on Shabbos to refrain from eating until chatzos (midday). Right now that is about 1pm, but can be as early as 12pm early in the winter. The source for this law originates from the Talmud (Megillah 23) which states: “On Shabbos we hasten to go [to shul] and we hasten to leave.” This does not mean that on Shabbos you should run to shul or that you should leave shul early. It also doesn’t mean to bolt out of shul immediately after davening before even saying “Good Shabbos” to anyone. The simple understanding is that on Shabbos, we should start Shacharis (morning prayers) earlier, and we should end early too. In his glosses to the Shulchan Aruch, the Rema writes that in practice, it is actually customary to start Shacharis later on Shabbos than the rest of the week. (Shacharis is a prayer said in lieu of the morning Tamid offering brought during the Temple era. On Shabbos, it was brought later on than during the week.) Even today this remains the prevailing custom. To reconcile our practice with the teachings of the Talmud, the Magen
Avraham explains that the Talmud is discussing the proper time to begin davening on Shabbos relative to Yom Tov. It is not telling us to begin Shacharis on Shabbos earlier than weekdays. (Aishel Avraham ibid.) On Yom Tov we commence later than on Shabbos because on Yom Tov we are allowed to do certain preparations for the meal, and many need the time to make those preparations before going to shul. (See Levushei Serad ibid). When I tell this to women, they respond that this is halachic proof that men must help in the kitchen. Their husbands argue that this is proof that women should do the preparations and still come to shul. The Rema also notes that davening takes longer on Shabbos due to the extra singing, but cautions against singing too much or for too long, because we cannot eat before Shacharis, and we must eat before chatzos, as it is prohibited to fast even for half a day on Shabbos because it diminishes Oneg Shabbos. The meaning of “hastening to leave” is essentially “don’t schlep out davening.” For this reason, shuls should be careful to instruct their chazanim (cantors) to finish davening well before chatzos, so that everyone will have time to go home and make kiddush and begin eating before chatzos. (Magen Avraham ibid.) I would think the same would apply to the rabbi’s sermon, but don’t quote me on that. As long as people have adequate time to begin their meal before chatzos, it is acceptable practice. Some suggest that if one drinks before chatzos, he is not considered to be fasting. It is permitted to drink water, and some other beverages before davening, so by drinking water, tea, or coffee before davening the issue is avoided. This could solve your problem if drinking something is enough to stave off the pangs of hunger. Then, there’s always King David’s solution: “My tearful prayers have been my bread” (Psalms 42). Please note, the information written above is not meant as a rabbinic ruling. If you have any questions, please consult your rabbinic authority for clarification. Yehoshua Levy, a teacher of Torah, is a writer and lecturer who dares to think outside the box to bring his thought-provoking insights and facts to his readers. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.
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I have a very difficult time not eating until after davening on Shabbos. By the time the chazzan finishes his singing, the rabbi finishes his (wonderful, inspiring, but sometimes a little long) sermon, and walking home, I find myself plotzing. What should I do?
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From My Private Art Collection
Health & Fitness Devorah Gerber Schmeltz
Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg
Artistic Photo Planning
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f you happen to be upstate for the summer, take advantage. The flowers are blooming, foliage is a healthy
shade of green, and the waterfalls are easy to find. Pleasant and soothing rides through the countryside and down winding roads often turn out to be excellent choices for family photo shoots. So take along a camera and start your adventure and family trip by searching for those special places where the background setting will make all the difference. This is also an excellent activity to take part in together with your friends on a long summer day. Here are some of the secrets which make for a picture that is interesting and eye-catching. The background setting makes all the difference, and there is nothing as charming as nature itself. Stop by a reservoir of water, a waterfall, an old bridge or interestingly-shaped rock. Look for a farm, an old inn with unusual signs or an antique store with attractive pieces outdoors. Use the unusual scenery as the background of your picture. Is there an old well nearby, wagon, bike or boat that can be used in the background? Keep your eyes open
for scenes that are appealing at parks and even an old, quaint, hick town with a striped barber pole out front. Besides the actual props, that might include shovels, pitchforks, baskets or unusual fencing, the way you dress will make a difference. Choose colors that complement the surroundings. If the surroundings are dull, then the clothing should be bright and vice versa. The colors should contrast and pop. By using creativity and an artistic flair your pictures will be embraced by all.
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.
More Bath Time Help Dear Devorah, I’m having a very difficult time with my three-year-old son during bath time. Although he doesn’t mind having his body washed, he absolutely refuses to have me or my husband wash his hair. He screams and wiggles so much, I’m terrified one day he will slip and hurt himself against the tile or tub. Other than the hair washing, I don’t see any other sensory type of issues in other areas. I’m anxiously awaiting your response. Vickie Dear Vickie, Wow, I really do understand what you are going through. I have a son who also hates having his hair washed; although he is just one-years-old, he has a full head of hair! I have met a number of parents who have this very similar situation, so we are all in good company.
Distraction and Attention Having your son attend to something else will help distract him while you wash his hair. Consider some fun bath activities like soap crayons he can use to color on the wall and foam letters and shapes that stick to bathroom tiles. Adaptations There are handy visors on the market which prevent water from dripping onto a child’s face while washing their hair. A quick search on Amazon.com comes up with quite a few. The Lil Rinser Splashguard (approximately $10) received some good reviews.
Environment You may want to consider washing his hair in the sink. (Position him as you would when you go to a hair salon.) You can even place a rolled up washcloth across his forward to catch any drops of water. With the correct positioning, he can watch his favorite DVD while Desensitization having his hair Having your son and Experience washed. Your son is You can also attend to something most likely upask your son if else will help set when the wahe himself would ter goes into his like to rinse out distract him while eyes along with the shampoo. Prothe burning effect viding him with you wash his hair. the soap/shampoo this independence may have. So if may be very exyou haven’t alciting for him, ready, make sure the shampoo you are exciting enough to distract him from using is tear-free. Since it is summer, noticing how much water is dripping all there are plenty of water activities to do over his face after pouring water over outside. Does he have any pool time his head! (home, camp etc.)? You may want to Wishing you the best of luck! consider providing him with swim instruction. Not only will it teach him survival skills in the water, he will also Devorah (Gerber) Schmeltz, MS OTR/L is a learn to dunk his head in the water in 2003 alumnus of Downstate Medical Cena safe and fun environment. Running ter’s OT Program. She worked as a senior through the sprinklers will also create occupational therapist at United Cerebral a fun and exciting opportunities for his Palsy’s Brooklyn Children’s Program for head to get wet. These experiences 9 years. Currently, Devorah runs a private will create pathways in his brain that practice, Bumble & Tumble Occupational will signal “my face and eyes getting Therapy P.C in Far Rockaway. Your queswet is fun and OK” as opposed to the tions and comments are welcome. She can fight-and-flight reaction he has in full be reached at BumbleTumbleTherapy@ gmail.com or 917-971-5327. throttle now.
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Tools for Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Busy Jewish Woman
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The Business of Money Jay Spok
What Are They Doing? Understanding Brand’s Strategies Big Box Retail
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n this column I usually analyze a particular brand, but in this article I’ll be focusing on big box stores in general. I started writing about one in particular and realized it applies to many in the industry. They’re failing miserably and are having a really hard time adapting, so I switched the focus to understanding big box stores in general verses successful online retail. There’s a lot of discussion these days that big box stores are nearing their end. We see this with stores such as Toy’s R US, Sears and JCPenney. With the 24/7 accessibility of the online market and ease of price checking, folks are shopping less and less in brick and mortar stores and more and more online. The stores that are successful are the ones that give you an extreme experience. We discussed this last time in our analysis of the Starbucks chain. Starbucks gives you a strong experience of home, besides they’re a food retail which is a whole different story altogether. We also see this with the successful Apple stores. The roominess, “hip atmosphere” and Geek Bar invite individuals to explore their shops. With Big Box stores experiencing a decline in sales, they’re desperately exploring new ways to gain relevance. We saw this with JCPenney’s recent fiasco of trying to rebrand themselves where they introduced “shops” in the hopes of giving that Apple store feel to their large stores. Recently, on my blog, I wrote a post that explains in depth where they went wrong; if you have a few minutes it’s definitely worth a read. We’re seeing this throughout with more advertising from Sears and even Walmart, a company that hardly ever advertised in the past. So what are they doing and why is it not working? These big stores are just advertising more. First, let’s discuss why they are doing that. The annual Cannes Lions recently just finished. Cannes Lions is an annual event held in Cannes,
France. It’s the biggest event for the advertising, marketing and creative industry. The greatest minds in these industries get together for a few days of celebration, awards and to discuss what’s next. This year, while I couldn’t make it to France, I watched some of it live from my office. A lot of the discussion was about social media and the future it holds for advertisers, marketers and brands going forward. They spoke about how brands have to realize that today’s consumers are engaged 24/7 and expect their brands to be as well. It used to be a company would sit down in the boardroom and strategize what would be the best way to advertise this quarter, through print, radio and TV. They would discuss different slogans, circulars, targeted
their social sites and it wouldn’t gain any viral attention. Yet little no name companies and individuals would get the viral attention. This was brutally painful and made it clear to the big box industry that they don’t have anything better over anybody; it’s just that they have more money to put it in front of more people, but once it’s on the web and there are many options, individuals have to feel connected in order to share content to their own social networks. Before the internet, the formula to
THIS WAS BRUTALLY PAINFUL AND MADE IT CLEAR TO THE BIG BOX INDUSTRY THAT THEY DON’T HAVE ANYTHING BETTER OVER ANYBODY; IT’S JUST THAT THEY HAVE MORE MONEY TO PUT IT IN FRONT OF MORE PEOPLE.
sales and the general feel and goals of each campaign. All of a sudden, since 2008 with the boom of social sites, besides general strategy, they now have to post daily and be engaged daily. There’s no time for long brainstorming on a slogan or graphic; people expect them to be alive with good content every day, all day. And what came more as a big shocker was when a TV commercial or print commercial that cost them millions to make and had the top agencies and brightest minds working on it would then be placed online and get nearly zero recognition, it was a very bitter rude awakening. They would put it on YouTube and get only a few hundred views or post it on
success was fairly simple. The ones with the most money won. If you had the biggest store with the biggest variety, easy parking, and were big enough to offer low pricing and be able to lose on setting up store policies such as “always accepting returns” and then have enough money to send the most mailings to individuals’ home, take out the biggest ads in the local papers and take out radio and TV spots, you won. Nobody questioned it. You just had to have money to be big and spend on awareness and you were successful. Folks who wanted an item, didn’t want to go to a small retailer, haggle on prices, try to find parking, maneu-
ver around small aisles and then be told that they don’t have something in stock or they don’t carry that particular brand or item and then not have the security of being able to return something if it was faulty. It was much easier to drive after work or on a Sunday to a big parking lot, shop with ease in a big store that usually had everything, was always running a sale and then be able to return the item if it was defective. Nobody cared that the store wasn’t particularly nice or that the workers were uninterested minimum wage workers who knew very little and had no passion for the products they were selling and were there just to get by in life. It was an easy and secure shopping experience. Then came the internet, and now folks who are shopping around for a specific item can have ten different ecommerce sites open at once and want to be able to shop at any time. E-commerce, for the most part, is extremely limited in the way they can function or look. One can’t have bigger aisles or store or higher ceilings or a bigger parking lot. They all have a certain size landing page, limited by a screen, and can carry unlimited amount of product and options. And the shopping experience is done from wherever the shopper is and at any time. The way to make it in this market is to simply give the consumer a better online experience and better customer service. A better online experience inContinued on page 93
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Don’t play the odds with your child’s future Keeping a child with learning disabilities in a mainstream class, when he or she needs the support of a professional special education program, greatly increases the risks of failure and isolation with the potential for at-risk behavior in the later grades. Since 1992, CAHAL has helped hundreds of children in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, Queens and greater Nassau County overcome their learning disabilities. CAHAL has a proven success rate of helping children rejoin mainstream classes and reach their full potential, while avoiding the shame and stigma of being singled out. CAHAL’s success in the classroom adds up to a brighter future for our children! To discuss placement of a child with learning disabilities contact CAHAL today at 516-295-3666 or visit us online at WWW.CAHAL.ORG.
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going to buy toys, they would say I’m going to Toys R Us or Walmart. They wouldn’t say I’m going to buy clothes, they would say they’re going to the mall or the GAP. These days when you shop online, how come you don’t go straight to a store but instead Google an item? The answer is very simple; because it’s easy to have options. We want ease first, so if it’s easiest for us just to drive to one store that has the most items and is usually the cheapest, we’ll do that. But we also want security to know that we’re making the right purchase; maybe there’s a better cheaper version somewhere else. If it requires me to drive to every store in my area, I’m not willing to do that but if it means searching the web for a half hour, I’m definitely going to do that before I make a purchase. If I want to buy clothing online, I don’t want to feel limited to just going to one retailer I want to search and explore as many options as possible. I may have a few sites that I visit for particular items because I had a good experience with them in the past but I still want the options so I’m still going to search. Nobody cares what your name is anymore or how much money you spent on a TV spot. If the site looks legit, is easy to use and has a beauti-
ful user interface, has an overall easy user experience, good reviews, good return policy and someone to chat with to help me with my purchase, I’m willing to give them a shot. So what can big box stores do? Instead of advertising more, focus on making your online and in-store experience the best possible. It’s time to get creative, hire people at higher wages that would be knowledgeable and actually care to offer real value to consumers. Try to be relevant on social media, not just big. Now’s their chance to switch focus and switch strategy. That’s one of the downsides of being so big; you’re not nimble so it may be hard to move. The future will tell which companies will be on the right side of history and the ones that won’t. Times running out. On the good side, if you have a small brick and mortar retail store or sell online, now’s your chance to advance. Over the next five years it’s
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estimated that another five billion individuals will join the online universe and with that comes their shopping needs. We’re still at the beginning of the internet age and now’s the time to get involved and focus on offering real value.
Jay Spok is the founder and creative director of Spok Global, a business development firm with offices in New York and Chicago, IL. Connect with Jay on Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. His office can be reached at 718-427-2202 or at tiffany@ spokglobal.com.
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UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE VAAD OF THE FIVE TOWNS & FAR ROCKAWAY
T hT He EJ Je EwWi sI ShHHHoOmMe E nn Mj uAYly 2141, ,2012 2013
cludes easy user experience, easy maneuvering, simple beautiful design and a knowledgeable staff to offer real useful advice to someone who needs assistance. Zappos did this with sending a return box with each purchase for easy returns, so consumers can try product with ease (a big hurdle for the online market). The most well-known success story is Amazon. The reason Amazon succeeded so well and continues to succeed is because they focus on being an online retailer and only that and are always evolving. When they started in the mid 90’s, they focused on having the most books because they were virtual and were able to be open all the time; then they kept on evolving to be at the forefront in online retail. Today, trust is the big factor and they aim to be at the forefront of gaining consumer trust. So big box stores’ solution to all this, like everything else they do, is: let’s spend more! If only we were in people’s faces more then they’ll buy from us. More TV spots, more circulars, more sales. Here’s why it’s failing. It’s an interesting concept: think about this. Ten years ago, if someone wanted an item, they would associate it with a store. Folks wouldn’t say I’m
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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
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Chapter 17 Alone
he train pulled into the Budapest station at 9:50 p.m., just ten minutes before the curfew would close the ghetto’s gates. My heart raced as I rushed toward the old Jewish Quarter, correct in my assumption that it would be where the Nazis had located the ghetto. I slipped in just before curfew. The guards did not acknowledge me. I had no idea where the Judenrat was however, and I could not see any obvious sign or posting of directions. It was past curfew and doors were being shut and locked everywhere. I wandered around, but there was nobody to ask and I had no place to stay. I saw one door that was still open and dashed for it. Inside, I headed down the basement stairs. I thought it was the least likely place to be discovered. I sat on the stairs about halfway down, tired and terror-stricken. A few minutes later I heard the janitor making his rounds. He locked the front door and went upstairs. I had no idea what sort of building I was in or what I would do in the morning. I could not sleep so I decided to venture upstairs to see what I could determine regarding my whereabouts, but after a few steps I lost my nerve and returned to my spooky seat on the stairs, which had been transformed in my mind into a shelter. About an hour or so later, I heard a door above me open and then close. I heard footsteps. Then there was silence and I detected the odor of a cigarette being lit and smoked. I heard a muffled cough that sounded like a man’s, but how could one be sure from only a cough? I crept farther down the stairs almost into the basement. I stayed there for at least another hour, too petrified
to move. Finally, I decided to creep back up the stairs because the building had become silent again. I climbed a few stairs, trying to do it quietly, but the stairs were old and made of wood, and filled with cracks from wear that creaked under even my slight body weight. “Who is there?” It was a man’s voice. “Nobody…I mean…I’m sorry…I missed the curfew and I am sitting here until the morning. I mean no offense to anyone.” I barely stammered out the
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. tell him the truth. There was something about him that made me feel comfortable enough to blurt it out. “I am a Jew, but I have false papers.” He nodded nonjudgmentally and did not criticize me. His voice was soft and he asked me what I was doing there and what was wrong with me. I told him about Mechel’s imprisonment and told him I was trying to reach the Judenrat for help. “Well, you don’t have to look any further. I am the Judenrat – I am the head of it. You have come to the right
“It is next to impossible, if not totally impossible, to do anything for him. You will never see your husband again.”
last few words. A man with glasses started down the stairs toward me. He walked normally and without aggression or threat in his steps. I saw that he was balding, of fair complexion, and had a pleasant expression on his face. He was probably in his forties, of average height, and a little chubby. When he got closer to me I could tell that he was a Jew. “Are you Hungarian?” “Yes, yes, I am Hungarian.” “Well, I have to ask you then, where is your armband?” That was the one question I had forgotten about. I was so “assimilated” in my role and used to being accepted as a gentile woman, I had forgotten about the armband issue. Of course! There I was in the ghetto, and what would a gentile be doing in the ghetto after curfew? My lies and deceptions could no longer be maintained. I was too tired to keep all the lies organized coherently and I ached for Mechel’s return. I took a long look at the man and decided to
place. I can’t offer you a room here, however, because I have just given my own quarters to a woman with a small child.” I had miraculously ended up where I needed to be, but I wondered why there was someone else that needed a room in the Judenrat headquarters. An absolutely crazy idea entered my head. A woman and a child? It couldn’t be, I reasoned with myself. But then I thought, Well, I think it must be so because so many things have happened that cannot be explained. It began to register that it probably was Rosie and Micheline who had preceded me to Budapest by car. I was about to ask him what they looked like, but he continued talking. “She said she and her daughter had to have privacy and so I said I would be happy to let them stay. I would sleep in the basement for the night. That’s where I was headed, when I found you.” “May I please ask you what this woman and her child look like?”
He described them exactly – even their clothing. “That’s my cousin and her daughter.” We both looked at each other in disbelief. I began to cry. He told me I had no reason to be so upset. He told me he had a great deal of power and would find out where Mechel was. He introduced himself. He said his name was Kasztner. “Please, don’t worry. This is not as hopeless and dire as you may think. However, in order to help you, I must get more information.” He took out a small notebook and I told him everything I knew. He wrote it all down carefully. When I was done he looked over his notes. He then asked me to fill in certain details I had skipped over in my rush to remember. He said that we would meet again in the morning. He told me I should stay where I was, as it was a safe refuge. The last thing he said to me was I should try to get some sleep, or at least try to close my eyes. After he walked away I was overcome by what had just occurred. Had I just been duped? Was I in the presence of another Moishe Schiller? Was he actually an informant who would now go find Mechel and have him killed and then come back for me and Rosie and Micheline? I could not believe my lack of caution. What would Mechel think of this behavior? Yet somehow I felt this man was not an informer or a Kapo. I believed he would help me find Mechel. I thought the fact that he had given his room to Rosie indicated he was a good person with a generous heart. Just after daybreak Mr. Kasztner returned and told me to meet him in the park later in the day. He said it was best to discuss these matters outdoors where there was no chance of being overheard by informers. Now, of course, I was ashamed of myself for having distrusted him as a potential traitor to his fel-
“Not my God. He does not forgive such things. If I am to ask for His help in finding my husband it will not be found in this manner.” “And just where do you think you will stay tonight then?” “Don’t worry about that. I’ve been through more things than you can possibly imagine. Your offer does not tempt me in the least. I will find a place to stay.” I walked away from him and did not look back to see his expression. My gait was steady. I made sure my posture told him I was a dignified married Jewish woman who did not compromise her fidelity. Only after I got back to his room, where Rosie and Micheline were, did I express my anger. I told Rosie everything and she was not surprised. Mostly she was horrified that he kept me waiting the entire day for nothing. I said that as Kasztner had stopped bothering her, she and Micheline might as well stay in his room for another night until we figured out what to do. During the day of waiting, a kind woman had left the line and come over to me to see if she could help. She had given me her address in the ghetto. I went to her place and was welcomed. Later that very night, the Gestapo went to the hotel where Kasztner was staying and arrested him. I detested what he had done to me, but I was horrified that the head of the Judenrat could be rounded up like everyone else and thrown into prison. Within days we learned of his release. The Nazi officials said it was an unfortunate case of mistaken identity. After his release I had no better idea than to appear before him during the day in his office to see what he had learned about Mechel. He greeted me with caution but not complete hostility. “When I was in prison I met your husband.” I blanched, wondering if he had lied to Mechel about our encounter in the park. “I told him he had the most amazing wife in Europe. ‘Never, ever, have I seen or met such a wife as yours,’ is what I told your husband.” He wanted to continue telling me how he had praised me to Mechel, but I gave him a very harsh stare, which he did not appreciate. His feelings toward me quickly turned to contempt. “Here is the truth. It is next to impossible, if not totally impossible, to do anything for him. You will never see your husband again. They are not going to release anyone from that place.” He said it somberly, without a trace of sympathy. I had not played by his rules and I was going to be punished because of it. He would do nothing to secure any favors for Mechel because I
had dared to refuse him. I left without saying good-bye. Mr. Kasztner and I were finished pretending with each other. He held me in contempt but I held him the same. However, I had gotten one very valuable thing out of the meeting. I knew exactly where Mechel was. I never saw Kasztner again, and had no wish to ever see or hear about him. Oddly enough, his name came to my attention again in the 1950s. He remains a mysterious figure in Holocaust history. Some said he was responsible for saving thousands of Jews. He was not the head of the Judenrat – that was a lie. However, he was indeed a powerful man. He was the deputy chairman of the Hungarian Zionist Organization. The Zionist Organization in Hungary completed major operations in the successful rescue of Polish and Slovakian Jews like Mechel and me. Kasztner was linked to the aborted “Blood for Goods” plot to save Jews in exchange for war materiel – especially trucks. The larger plan fell apart, but Kasztner did arrange a transport that delivered more than one thousand Jews safely to Switzerland, including the Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum. Others insist that Kasztner was responsible for halting a mass murder of Jews in Auschwitz in late 1944. After the war, he made his life in Israel and resumed his original career as a journalist and political activist. In 1953 Malkiel Gruenwald, the publisher of a newspaper based in Jerusalem, accused him of having been a Nazi collaborator. In Gruenwald’s allegations, Kasztner was accused of hastening the death of thousands of Hungarian Jews. Kasztner was by then an Israeli government official and the Israel Attorney General’s Office successfully defended him. Gruenwald was then indicted for libel. On appeal, however, the court held on June 22, 1955, that Gruenwald’s accusations were true and Kasztner had been a Nazi collaborator. The Israeli government appealed again, insisting that Kasztner was completely innocent. On January 17, 1958, the Israel Supreme Court overturned the lower court’s decision and cleared Kasztner’s name completely. It would not change the course of his life though, because Kasztner was already dead. He had died the year before on March 12, 1957, at the hands of an assassin on a street in Tel Aviv. Even his first name was buried in a cloud of confusion and obfuscation. The newspaper article that reported the assassination said he was known as Rudolf a.k.a. Reszo a.k.a. Israel Kasztner. Lola wrote this book with the help of Alida Brill. A World After This was published in 2010 by Devora Publishing.
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We stayed inside all day. I didn’t think I should go to the park to meet him, but Rosie and I both reasoned there was nothing else to do. We did not have another avenue to pursue. I left for the park reluctantly at the appointed hour in the afternoon. When I reached the exact location he described, I was confronted with a scene I will never forget. There was a large line of distraught women begging him for information. He stood at the front of the line with the women lined up, crying out for his help. He spoke to them in turn, one by one, and just as he had done for me, he wrote down everything they knew about what had happened to their husbands and when it had happened. The cries were in different voices but they were all the same desperate plea. “Please, Mr. Kasztner, help us… My son is gone and my husband… My children and I are alone… My husband, my husband... my husband…” The same cry of alarm and sorrow echoed from each of them, and it reverberated through me as well. Nobody was alone
in this misery. I stood quietly to the side and he nodded, indicating that he had seen me. However, he did not approach me. He kept taking notes as each woman spoke, but as the day progressed the line of women grew longer and longer. So he was not an informer. I thought perhaps he was the head of the Judenrat. Whatever his position, he was clearly the man to see if you wanted help in getting your loved one out of the grip of the Gestapo. I could see he was treated not only as someone with power, but as a kind of ghetto personality, if not a celebrity. He was almost holding court. It is hard to explain how he behaved and how the women responded to him. There was something theatrical about the whole setting. The “park” as he had called it wasn’t grand; it was a large lawn with a few benches – that was really all it was. It might well have been something quite lovely before the horrors. It was adjacent to the ghetto but not fenced in; people came and went freely. Sunset was not far off, and as darkness fell I did not know what to do. Kasztner finally spoke to the last woman in the line for that day. He told those he had not spoken with when to come the next day. Then he came over to where I had been standing the entire day, just waiting. He was charming and kind to me and apologized for the long wait. He said he never knew how many people would come on any given day. I told him I understood and was grateful for any help he could give me. “You know I am a yeshiva man,” he said. “I have no idea where my wife is now, but I fear she is in Auschwitz. Nothing is normal any longer.” I felt a fleeting tenderness for him as a man who had lost his wife and possibly the rest of his family. However, I also knew how badly he had behaved with Rosie and so I was guarded. This turned out to be the correct stance. He tried to put his arm around my shoulders. I moved away gently without saying anything or making a fuss. “Please,” he urged. “These are not times when God judges us for being human. See, just across the way there is a fine hotel and I am known there. I am allowed to stay as a guest. Come with me. Let’s get away from the ghetto and our sorrows and worries for one night.” I burst into tears rather than fight back like a tiger. I was so thoroughly offended that my outrage boiled inside me without finding a verbal outlet. That a Jewish man should ask this of me? After all I have been through with the Nazis? Now, one of my own asks me to do this? “No, you misunderstand. I do not mean you harm. It will be good for both of us and God forgives these things now.”
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low Jews. I made a note in my mind of the precise directions he gave me to the park. “Would you like to go upstairs to your cousins now?” Helplessly, I let him lead me upstairs to what he referred to as his apartment but was only a dingy, dark room. There, still asleep, were Rosie and Micheline. I ran to Rosie and woke her up, and could not stop weeping and clinging to her. Rosie was calm and little Micheline patted my back. Kasztner was quiet and did not intrude on our family reunion. When I calmed down he told us we should stay together in the room until he found a place for us to live. Then he left. I thought it most unusual that Rosie did not say good-bye to our benefactor. Nor did she thank him. I thought it was rudeness but wrote it off as exhaustion. After I had rested, Rosie told me things were not as they appeared with Mr. Kasztner. He had made “approaches” and she’d had to make a scene to get him to leave her alone. She’d threatened that if he did not she would scream at the top of her lungs. That is why he had gone downstairs where he found me hiding. He was not an informer, apparently, but sadly, neither was he a gentleman. Beyond the fact that he was a cad, we knew we could not stay in the Budapest Ghetto. We had fake Christian papers and no armbands. In any event, there was no reason to believe anyone in the ghetto would be willing to share sparse accommodations with strangers. And even if he allowed us to remain in his room, the building concierge would turn us in to the authorities promptly because we did not wear our Jewish stars.
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Insurance & You Achiezer Staff
Navigating the Insurance Maze, Part II Covering your Newborn
My husband and I are each covered under our respective parents’ health insurance plans. We had assumed that our baby would automatically be covered under the same policy, but now we found out that our parents’ plans only cover us, and not our children. What should we do? I’m iy”H expecting my first child in three weeks, and I wanted to apply for public insurance for the baby. I am not eligible for Medicaid. When I spoke to Child Health Plus (CHP), they said that I can only apply after the baby is born, and they won’t cover any bills retroactively. They also said that it will take up to six weeks for the application to be processed and approved. How can I cover my baby from birth if I can’t even apply until after s/ he is born? Many young parents find themselves in a bind with the birth of their first child. As per federal law, as of January 2012 young adults may remain on their parents’ health insurance plans until the age of 26. This coverage does NOT include the young adults’ own dependents, forcing expectant couples to look for other options. In this second part of Achiezer’s insurance series, Sruly Miller answers some of the most common questions pertaining to public health insurance for newborns. Q: What public health insurance options are available to my newborn? A: There are two public insurance options available for children: Medicaid, and Child Health Plus. As stated in the previous segment of this series, Medicaid requires lower income levels, and offers full coverage without premiums, co-pays or deductibles. Child Health Plus (CHP), which offers similar coverage, can be attained at significantly higher income levels with monthly premiums ranging from $0$180 based on family income. Q: Are the benefits good? And, just as importantly, will my pediatrician accept this insurance? A: The benefits are excellent, and cover basically everything necessary for a normally developing child, including hospitalizations, prescriptions, and doctor’s visits. Virtually every pediatrician in our area accepts HMOs affiliated with Medicaid and CHP, as do a wide variety of specialists. Q: Are there any differences in coverage between Medicaid and CHP? A; Medicaid offers better coverage for babies requiring long term care, but for normal, healthy newborns, the differences are negligible. Q: I’ve heard that there can be problems with getting CHP coverage for a newborn. What’s the story with that? A: The biggest difference between Medicaid and CHP is that Medicaid can be applied for in advance, and also covers most bills retroactively. CHP can only be applied for after the baby is already born, and coverage doesn’t begin until 3-6 weeks after that. Q: Three to six weeks after birth?! What happens with all of the hospital bills, doctors’ visits, etc., from birth until six weeks? A: Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do. If you are not eligible for Medicaid, your choices are either to pay out of pocket expenses for the first few
weeks of the newborn’s life, or to take out an insurance policy that covers your baby through you or your husband. Q: I would never take the chance of leaving the baby without coverage. What if I get stuck with a $20,000 bill from a stay in the NICU? I would prefer to find some sort of coverage that will last until I can get the baby onto CHP, even if it costs me more for the first couple of weeks. What are my options? A: First of all, if you are being covered through your parents’ insurance policy, there may be a clause that your baby is covered for the first 48 hours, so ask your insurance agent. Other than that, you can take out a policy for yourself or your husband through your school or employer. You also may be eligible for a policy through Healthy NY, a public insurance plan designed for higher income individuals who do not have access to group insurance policies. Q: What if I can’t get back onto my old insurance plan right away? Won’t I get stuck paying for the new insurance plan for longer than it takes for the CHP application to be approved? A: You might. That’s the price you pay. Q: Sounds like Medicaid is a much better bet. What’s the likelihood that I’ll be eligible for it? A: Happily, Medicaid income guidelines for newborns are significantly higher than for kids over age 1. Young couples who are expecting their first child are very often still in yeshiva or college, and frequently qualify for Medicaid based on that higher income allowance. Even if you think that your income is too high based on your online research, it is worth your while to give us a call, since you may actually be eligible based on the guidelines. Q: When should I contact your office to apply for Medicaid or CHP? A: Sooner is better! Ideally, you should contact our office by your fourth or fifth month of pregnancy. This way, we have the leisure to figure out your best options, give you time to collect your documents, and send everything out with plenty of time to spare. If you are eligible for Medicaid, an advance application ensures that you get full coverage from birth (retroactive coverage may not cover doctor’s visits), don’t need to wait until the baby’s birth certificate is issued, and continue coverage until the baby’s first birthday without a stitch of paperwork. CHP applications cannot be submitted until after delivery, but you can at least get the preliminaries out of the way. Once the baby is born, the father can come in and take care of the rest of the CHP application, no birth certificate necessary. Q: What if my baby is already due—or born!—and I haven’t applied for insurance yet? A: Unfortunately, you have a problem. Medicaid insurance applications take six weeks to process; CHP applications take three to six weeks. If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can’t fight your way to retroactive coverage—not for CHP, and not for private insurance. Regardless of your situation, you can contact our office at 516-791-4444 or SMiller@achiezer.org, and we’ll do our utmost to help you make the best of the situation.
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Leisure & Travel
From Sea to Shining Sea: Oregon
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f you like cheese, love nuts, and don’t like to pump gas, head to Oregon this summer. The Beaver State is known for many things, and you and your family are bound to enjoy your vacation week there. Oregon boasts the deepest lake in the United States. The crystal-blue waters of Crater Lake are world-renowned. Speaking of bodies of water, the Beaver State is home to the world’s shortest river—the D River is only 121 feet long! The largest cheese factory in the world calls Oregon its home. The Tillamook Cheese Factory has been around for 100 years. It is also the only state with an official state nut— the hazelnut. I guess that means that they’re just nuts over their nuts! Speaking of being a little nuts, the city of Portland is just plain weird. In fact, residents like to call their city Weird and Unusual Portland and have been overheard saying, “Keep Portland weird.” But Portland is not just about weird sculptures and people. It is also known as the City of Roses. The International Rose Test Garden features more than 500 varieties of roses since 1917. Want to hear some weird facts? Oregon residents own one-fourth of the country’s total llama population. There’s a city in Oregon called Sisters and another city in the state called Brothers. The state also has more ghost towns than any other in the nation. And, just like New Jersey, Oregon is the only other state in the entire United States where it’s illegal to pump your own gas. Want to go on a major road trip this summer? It’s best to head out now if you want to visit Oregon sometime before school starts again. If you plan on driving, you’re gonna have to drive across the whole country and of course make many stops along the way. But once you get to your destination, remember, no more pumping gas for you—you’re in the wonderful state of Oregon! Things You Won’t Want To Miss Skeleton Caves If you’re looking to cool off in the summer’s sweltering heat, the Skeleton Caves are the best place to do it and experience the awesomeness of Oregon. The High Cascades Mountains are picturesque with snow-capped peaks, deep green forests, and glassy ponds and lakes. But you can explore the mountains from within where years ago lava formed tunnels in the mountains creating caves deep within the earth. The Skeleton Cave is nearly 2900 feet long and drops 100 feet across. And no matter how hot it gets outside, the temperature remains a steady, cool 44°F. Mount Hood The highest mountain in Oregon reaches 11,245 feet and
is the second most climbed mountain in the world, after Japan’s Mount Fuji. The grandeur of Mount Hood reflected in the lake below is breathtaking. Along the way, visit Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, made of timbers and stone and dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937. Trillium Lake offers a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake, and swimming, canoeing, and kayaking are great activities to do with the family on the perfect summer day. At the end of day, stop at Jonsrud Viewpoint, a five-acre park, and enjoy a awe-inspiring view of Mount Hood and the bucolic Sandy River Valley. Wallowa Lake Tramway Ever want to experience nature from the skies? The Wallowa Lake Tramway takes visitors on a 3700-foot ascent to the summit of Mt. Howard on the steepest vertical gondola ride in North America. The views of the valley are spectacular, and if you’re in the mood of adventure, bring your bike with you on the ride up and enjoy an amazing downhill ride over pine-covered hills and gravel paths. Garden of Delights Portland is Oregon’s largest city in terms of population and there’s a lot going on in this busy and quirky metropolis. But if you’re looking for some time to relax and reconnect, spend time at the Lan Su Chinese Garden where you can meander along with winding walkways, enjoy the bridged lake, and spend time in the open pavilions. Speaking of tranquility and relaxation, the City of Roses boasts the International Rose Test Garden, and there visitors can spend time among the 7,000 luscious rose bushes and breathe in their intox- icating scent. Who knows? You may be able to witness one of the many marriage proposals that take place in this romantic setting.
Susan Schwamm
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Ask the Attorney Zehava Schechter, Esq.
Dissolving the Corporation I Share with My Partner
The Attorney Responds: When business partners decide to separate, it is akin to a marital divorce. Your dreams and hopes for this partnership did not materialize and you are disappointed by the reality of an unsuccessful future together. Moreover, you are quite possibly losing the friendship of a close and familiar comrade. Yet… you understand that you need to sever the relationship so that you may move ahead with your business goals. While it is not easy to take this path, once you have carefully made the decision, it is probably for the best. So, how do you do it? When you incorporated the business, you or your attorney filed a Certificate of Incorporation and prepared the corporate bylaws. You or your attorney should consult those Bylaws to determine the means of terminating the corporation, whether by transferring shares from one shareholder to the other, resigning as a corporate officer, passing a Resolution at a “Special Meeting,” or perhaps all of the above. In addition, a Dissolution Agreement signed by both of you should be prepared and executed (signed by both parties to the Agreement before a notary public). This Agreement will deal with who pays outstanding business debts (if any), use of corporate customer lists and/or business name, sale or distribution of corporate assets, and details concern-
ing the winding down of the business. In addition, New York State’s Department of State Division of Corporations will also need to be notified of the dissolution. For more information about NYS Department of State Division of Corporations rules, please see www.dos.ny.gov/corps. I strongly suggest that you and your partner do not share one attorney in this process. You and your partner have different goals in winding down the business. You may not see it now; you will see it as negotiations begin as to outstanding debts and ownership of customer lists, etc. Each of you needs a separate attorney in this process to protect and represent your disparate needs. While it may look as though you have a similar goal (i.e. terminating the business), in fact this situation is rife with different agendas and conflicts of interest. Each partner wants to end the business with as little debt or encumbrance assigned to him/her and with the most benefit. One attorney cannot represent two people with vastly different interests. Besides being unfair to both parties to the Agreement, it would be an ethical violation of the Attorneys’ Rules of Professional Responsibility for one attorney to represent you and your partner. I am sorry to hear that your business partner and you are not able to continue your business. However, it is wise that you plan to properly terminate the business and move ahead with your separate business goals. Good luck to both of you. W. Zehava Schechter, Esq. specializes in real estate law, estate planning and administration, and business law. Her private practice is located on Long Island. Please send your comments to SchechterLaw@gmail.com. No column is a substitute for competent legal advice. Please consult with the attorney of your choice concerning specific legal questions you may have.
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When my business partner and I formed an “S” Corporation, we had been personal friends for many years. We are now five years down the line and recognize – albeit belatedly – that our work styles do not mesh. We argue frequently about everything from marketing to budgeting and are ready to call it quits. I am the president of the corporation with 50% of the shares; my partner is the vice president with the other 50% of the shares. How do we end the corporation so we may move on separately in business?
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classifieds Services
Looking to design/redecorate your home? Call Tami Rosenbaum Interiors for a free consultation! 718-734-7452 or email: tamiroseinteriors@gmail.com Affordable design without having to compromise
Children's Way Learning Center After School Homework Group Orton Gillingham: Reading,Writing,Math & Hebrew HomeSchool Education! Register Now! www.childrensway.wix.com/childrens way 516-847-2047 Reliable Shomer Shabbat Driver Available for trips upstate, out of town, airport or local errands Brand new minivan. Very reasonable rates Call Shlomo at 917-385-9043 HOME SERVICES & MAINTENANCE Plumbing Electricity repaired- replacedrelocated. We do asssemblies- House problems solved. so put togeter your repair to do list and call Avrohom 917.744.1962 Fivetownsrentaguy@yahoo.com
Is your child home this summer? Want to treat yourself to some fun? Enjoy some of our creative lessons given by qualified and experienced instructors. Centrally located at the Young Israel of Wavecrest & Bayswater 2716 Healy Ave. Arts & Crafts, Jewelry (Beading),Mosaics, Papercutting* All Classes are $120 for 6 lessons. All materials included. Lessons are based upon registration. Beginning July thru Aug. For more information or to register: Chana Yurman 347 729-3102 Chanaschugim@yahoo.com “Kosher” Yoga & Licensed Massage Therapy The Peaceful Presence Yoga & Massage Studio - 436 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst NY Separate for men & women Massage therapy: studio visits- $85, home visits- $130 www.peacefulpresence.com 516-371-3715
Girls voice lessons- and recording studio. Group or private available. Girls will learn proper breathing, extend their range and agility through vocal exercises. Coaching and different techniques taught. Recording studio-record and come home with your own cd as part of the voice lessons. Shira call or text 516-506-1732 or email Shiradahan@yahoo.com.
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) 4288525 Mailplace4-counseling@yahoo.com
Children's Way Learning Center After School Homework Group Orton Gillingham: Reading, Writing, Math & Hebrew HomeSchool Education! Register Now! www.childrensway.wix.com/childrensway 516-847-2047 www.WeddingSHTICK.com Available to rent or made to order Visit www.weddingshtick.com for pictures and deals Locations in Far Rockaway and Brooklyn Email: Shtick4u@yahoo.com Certified Nurses Aid is available to care for your loved ones in your home Day or night. Very caring and loving. Reliable - Excellent references Call Pat or Carmen at 516-661-8068 Certified Male Personal Trainer for men and boys only Available in your home or mine One on one training - Special packages and rates - Nutritional guidance also available Call Morde Gable 845-596-0350 Lifeguarding Courses available for Women and Girls ages 16 and up this summer (also right before the summer). Learn CPR and First aid as well. Shira LGI and WSI certified. Call or text 516-506-1732 or email Shiradahan@yahoo.com Got Math? Math Tutor - Experienced High School, Regents, SAT, AP, Geometry College, Calculus, Algebra, Trig, Stats, Excel Call Hillel @ (718)-471-9337 Email: soberhi@yahoo.com 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 Yiddish Home Study Program: The new book Yiddish in 10 Lessons along with 2 CD's has just been released to easily learn to read, write and speak the Yiddish language. Call Chaim at 516 924 7694 or www.conversationalyiddish,com You can also sign up to receive a Free Weekly Taste of Yiddish 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
Swim Lessons WSI certified lifeguard with seven years’ experience. Private indoor pool and outdoor pool available All ages from infants to adults Call Shoshana: 516-776-2229
LEARN TO LEAD A BEAUTIFUL DAVENING Do you love davening for the amud? Do you sometimes wish you could lead the Tsibbur but lack the knowledge and confidence to pull it off? Call Yaakov 516-229-1948 Exercise - Certified personal trainer with years of experience, giving a privet sessions at her studio. $40 for full hour. (availability at client home. lady's only) Please call Ruchi at 917-847-3888.
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!
Real Estate for Sale House for Sale Flushing/Kew Garden Hills 3 Family brick home, 2 car garage $825k 718-261-9430
Voice Coach Now Available In Five Towns Do you love singing? Do you wish you could reach higher notes? Not get tired? Not get hoarse? Do you wish you had more power, depth and ring in your voice? The answer is Voice Coaching – You can develop and maintain your true vocal potential. Yaakov 516-229-1948 Bubby babysitter available Newborn and up Excellent references - Long hours Centrally located in Far Rockaway TLC 718-327-1932 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 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
Babysittin Guaranteed cheapest prices on strollers and baby gear! Babyjogger, Uppa, Stokke, Britax,g Bugaboo and more! Free next day shipping and no tax Available Call or text 443-208-8532, sthav@zment.com in Hair Course Learn how to wash and style hair and wigs Woodmer Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group e Call Chaya 718-715-9009 Mon-Thurs 9:30-2:00
Experienced Certified Life Coach for Men only For Call Chaim 516 924 7694
Lawrence - For sale by owner Co-op, large one bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, eat in kitchen, cent. A/C, double terrace, top floor, doorman, pool, garage, walk to town, temples, train. (516) 791-7000
TJH 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
more info please call Rochel Cohen 516-456-7184 Can You Sell? Looking to make some extra cash? A highly successful organization is seeking
a
On-The-Marc is hiring motivated part time sales people. Six to 8 hours a week with unlimited income potential. Must have/own car. Forto: more information call Marc at Fax your resume 718-506-1051 or email to 917-612-2300 jobs 7185061051@gmail.com
motivated fundraiser. "Very well paid"
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 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.
Real Estate for Rent 2 Bedroom Co-op for Sale/Rent in Lawrence Ready to move in immediately, Low maintenance fee $1600 to rent or $180,000 for sale Call 516-456-4238
House for rent in Bayswater, weekly or weekend, starting June 23 to Aug. 25. 4 BR, 3 BA, finished basement, enclosed yard. Close to all shuls. Please call 646-932-1763*
Shared Office Space Available Affordable shared office space available with a chiropractor on the Far Rockaway / Lawrence Border. ~$600 a month, utilities included, no broker fee. If you are interested and in a similar profession, please email writers613@gmail.com for more details. 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
Teachers F/T General Studies PreK, 1st, 3rd, 4th Grades Co-ed progressive Brooklyn Day School Inspire students' hearts, minds & souls! Email jobs@mazeldayschool.com call 718-368-4490
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.
Due to expansion, Torah Academy for Girls in Far Rockaway is seeking a qualified and experienced 1st grade Morah . Please fax resume to 718868-4612 attention Morah Levin. An embroidery store in New Hyde Park is seeking a male, front desk operator. Needs to be bright, energetic and very responsible. Required to deal with customer service and prepare work tasks for embroidery operations. Will train fully embroidery program. For more info please call 516-355-0362 A highly successful organization is seeking a motivated fundraiser. "Very well paid" Fax your resume to: 718-506-1051 or email to jobs 7185061051@gmail.com Warm, loving and responsible assistants needed for a girls preschool - elementary school grades 1-4 Full day or part time available. Please send resumes to yoppen@bbyschool.org Job offer store manager Store manager for a mattress store in Cedarhurst. full time, experience in sales pref. e-mail us @ SleepTightBed@aol.com We are seeking, friendly female to work in our newly renovated high end wig salon, located in the heart of Cedarhurst Experience in cutting and styling required please send resume to tresjolieboutique@hotmail.com Nursing in Far Rockaway Looking for P/T Executive Secretary Monday – Thursday 1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. Knowledge in Quickbooks. Fax resume to: 718-327-2880 Sales position available. Flexible hours, great commission, excellent communication skills needed, must have car. Please call 732-503-3760 if no answer leave message. Due to expansion, Torah Academy for Girls in Far Rockaway, is seeking qualified, experienced and successful moros for our lower elementary and junion high school divisions for the September school term. Please fax resume to: 718-868-4612, att: Morah Drillman
New to market. 2 bedroom apt 1st floor.
Neilsen and Dinsmore area. Kosher kitchen $1,400 available July 1st. Call 516-569-1150
Local restaurant looking for responsible experienced shomer shabbos night time manager email relerner1@hotmail.com Boys Elementary School in the Far Rockaway / 5 Towns area seeks experienced and dynamic General Studies teachers for grades 1-5 and Junior High School SS, Sc, ELA and Math positions. Please email resume to educate128@gmail.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
Seeking Job 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
Misc. Looking to rent an apt. or studio in Far Rockaway, Lawrence or Inwood $1,000 to 1,200 per month Call Robert 917-922-8426
Looking for donation of car or minivan in good running condition. Tax exempt receipt available for full market value. Please call 347-342-8196
Get CASH Today for your Junk Car We will pay you cash for your junk car & tow it Call now 845-661-1109 Love your car?…Give it life Donate it to Yeshiva Fast, Free pick-up and towing Easy donation steps Maximum charitable tax deduction Free Vacation Voucher, 2 days/3nights CALL NOW! (718) 778-4766 Looking to rent a garage for storage No food will be stored Call 646-657-3131
Simone's Bridal located at 71-05 Main Street has many elegant wedding gowns by designers Maggie Sottero , Enzoani , Morilee and Allure Bridal look on their site to see if u like the gowns we carry most samples . Custom made gowns and mother of bride and sisters are all welcome. Please call for appt. 718793-5989
Shaital gmach in Eretz Yisroel desperately needs shaitels. To be a part of this great mitzvah please call Peninia @ 347-6756526 Tizku L’mitzvos Lost white gold diamond bracelet/covered watch either at Kennedy Airport or in Boro Park. If found please call 347.578.4165 Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students The Mesivta/ Torah High School of Long Beach and Rabbinical Collage of Long Beach 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.
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For Sale / North Miami Beach Apt. One Bedroom Deluxe, First Floor, Gym, 2 Pools... Gated Community, Walking to all Shuls & Shopping Low Maintenance, Must be 55 or Older Call - 305-761-9323
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Life Coach Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS
Picture Perfect
S
o, they post these camp pictures time to smell the roses ,so to speak, on the internet and we peruse maybe even to plant a few of them! 200 pictures a day looking for a Not to traumatize our kids of course glimpse of our daughter’s sleeve or our with this effort, but it might be nice to son’s eyelash—anything that says, that let them find out that not everything one’s mine! And if we find a full fron- originates from Amazon. tal view—nirvana! 199 other pictures The world may have changed a lot of someone else’s but camp, thankprized jewel can fully, is still gogo to spam as far ing back to basics. as we’re concerned Okay, some may –unless, of course, argue they have the our child is old luxuries of home enough to date, then there, like having we might check out their own bathroom the crowd in some connected to their greater detail. We bedroom, but in are tapping into our camp they are sharparental desire to ing it with 15 other make sure they are kids—the bedroom having a good time. as well as the bathWe want them to be happy but we are room. They also have their own personreally glad to be having a break from al night light above their beds, but they being the one providing that entertain- are the ones who have to hold it there. ment. They even have their very own supply There is literally nothing left the of snacks, but they do have to bend mailman delivers that is of interest to down and schlep it out from under their us. But a letter from camp makes his bed to access it. And who knows what job the other 10 months of the year rare relics they may encounter on this worth every flyer, charity request, and foray into the unknown—possibly, the bill we are forced to flip flops they’ve sort through. Those been missing since coveted letters last summer. HopeCamp has a purity light up our lives. fully there’s noth“Mommy, I hate it ing more mobile to it that we want here please take me than that living unour children to home,” “Mommy, der there. send me more batWe send them experience: the teries,” “Mommy, I off with a prayer outdoors, the didn’t take enough that they will thrive. snack with me,” And we hope all is “fend for yourself” “So and so was going really well mean to me!” Still, for them daily. Esatmosphere, the we wait and hope pecially because appreciation of for these connecthat’s the only way tive messages, writwe can fargin oursimple forms of ten in simple black selves to enjoy our on white, because own summer at all! enjoyment. once in a while they So just rememsay: “Camp is fun,” ber, one picture is “I’m having a great worth a thousand time,” “I love you.” And those few sim- words so keep a very smiley one of your ple words soothe our soul like no thera- kids plastered inside of your head—and peutic treatment ever could. have a wonderful, picture-perfect sumCamp has a purity to it that we mer! want our children to experience: the outdoors, the “fend for yourself” atmosphere, the appreciation of simple forms Rivki Rosenwald is a certified life coach and of enjoyment. Their lives at home are relationship counselor, as well as a space fast-paced, computer-based, interfaced. design consultant. She can be contacted at We want them to slow down and have 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com.
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Belle Harbor Family Health
Care for the Entire Family.
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Introducing
Dr. Yating Lee FamiLY Practice At Belle Harbor Family Health, we treat the entire family from birth through adulthood. From well baby care to elderly chronic diseases, the family practice physicians at Belle Harbor Family Health can meet all of your medical needs. Your healthcare is our first priority. We welcome new patients, couples and families. Your personal physician will get to know you and your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care needs. We look forward to developing a long term doctor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; patient relationship with you and your loved ones.
Same day appointments are available. most insurances accepted. Parking available.
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Belle Harbor Family Health 114-12 Beach Channel Drive, Suite #5 Rockaway Park, NY 11694 718-474-4500
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107 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n JULY 11, 2013
e h t n i y Rall h g i e Ral The event you’ve been waiting for! Join the Mesamche Lev Auction Drawing
An evening devoted
to Bringing Simcha to Life! An exciting night of thrilling prizes and exhilarating entertainment! World Famous Inspirational Speaker
Hilarious, Show-stopping Variety Act by Linda Pack
Riveting Mesamche Lev “Bringing Simcha to Life”
film presentation
Soul Stirring Philharmonic Experience The one & only all-female band, with full-scale harp & cello.
Magnificent. lavish buffet Hot smorgasbord. Delicate pastries.
Featuring the amazing prizes you’ve been waiting to win! Culminating in the long-awaited Bringing Simcha to Life Live Auction! Benefitting widows, orphans, and poor families.
Come join us at this incredible, can’t-miss-it event.
Be there. You. Yes, you. Monday July 22, 8:30pm at the Raleigh Hotel ט״ו באב
243 Heiden Rd, South Fallsburg, NY 12779
for
en m o w ns & tee Admission: $20
includes free auction ticket
Exciting door prize!
To arrange transportation from your bungalow colony, call 718.473.5175 or email raleightrans2013@gmail.com. To purchase auction raffle tickets please call 877-686-1313
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Congratulations to our last raffle winner, Stephen Henesch • Next raffle drawing 9/4/13