Five Towns Jewish Home 10-17-13 by The Jewish Home

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Around the Community

THEJEWISHHOME A PUBLICATION OF THE FIVE TOWNS & QUEENS COMMUNITY

october 17- october 23, 2013 | Distributed Weekly In The Five Towns, Queens & Brooklyn

Rambam Wins Blood Drive Award for Sixth Year in a Row

Page 42

Hundreds Gather for Hesped at Yeshiva Far Rockaway for Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l Page 46

Rabbi Paysach Krohn Visits Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island Page 47

e f i L n i d o o G Seeing the from Auschwitz to the White House

How Martin Greenfield Went from the Ruins of the Holocaust to Suiting World Leaders Page 62

What’s for Supper?

It’s Mexican Tonight!

Big Sister/Little Sister Program at SKA Fosters Friendships Page 52

Fire Safety is Fun at Woodmere Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Day Page 46

Page 74

jccrp Legislative Breakfast Sunday Oct 27. . . See Back Flap Rav Yechiel Abuchatzeira At The White Shul This Coming Sunday. . . See Page 8 For Details

— See page 36 —

— See page 64 —

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n october 17, 2013

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Contents >>Letters to the Editor >>Community

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Readers’ Poll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Community Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

>> News Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 National . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Odd-but-True Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

>> Israel Israel News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 My Israel Home: Tax Reform and its Real Estate Implications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

>> People Seeing the Good in Life—from Auschwitz to the White House: How Martin Greenfield Went from the Ruins of the Holocaust to Suiting World Leaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 American Victory in the Battle of Fort Riviere. . . . 78 A World after This: The Story of Lola Lieber . . . . . 79

>>Parsha

Dear Readers, Technology: you can’t live with it and you can’t live without it. I learned this the hard way yesterday when my computer froze and no amount of hitting the keys would get it to work. I tried all the advice the gurus at Google could give—rebooting, deleting, archiving, working offline, working online…but to no avail. My stubborn laptop would just not give an inch. And I became frustrated. Wasn’t this piece of equipment supposed to be working for me? I rely on it day-in and day-out. And I depend on it for so much—how can it let me down, especially on a day when so much had to be done? But despite this frustration and being forced to do some things the old fashioned way, I learned a lesson from my experience (besides for the importance of constantly archiving my old emails). Sometimes we take things for granted. Many times these are the things we rely on the most. And they are dedicated and always there for us—until one day, they’re not—and we miss them and realize how much they do for us. This lesson can be seen in the little things in life—the heat and electricity we enjoy, the railroad we use to take to work, the car we drive daily—and in the larger, more important things in our lives—our family, our health, our friends, our homes, and our livelihoods. I can’t say I am happy that I was faced with this frustration (that I am still working on getting fixed), but I can truly say that the lesson that I have learned is worth more than a new laptop. Speaking of appreciating the small and large things in life, this week we highlight an impressive individual who, despite losing his family in the Holocaust, rose from the ashes to build a company that is respected by leaders around the world. Martin Greenfield got his first tailoring job in Auschwitz and now he clothes presidents, ambassadors and Hollywood actors. What’s most salient about Martin’s character, though, is his zest for life, his drive for success, and his pride in his children and Yiddishkeit. I think that you’ll enjoy hearing about the many people Martin has met along the way. As always, we love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to me at editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

The Shmuz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

>> Jewish Thought Rabbi’s Musings (& Amusings). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Music to My Ears, by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz . . . 59

Yitzy Halpern Publisher

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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classifieds@fivetowns jewishhome.com 443-929-4003

A Spa Vacation, by Rozi Davis Davidowitz. . . . . . . 70

>>Health

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Backpack Awareness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 The Lap Band: Miracle or Danger?

Friday, October 18 Parshas Vayera Candle Lighting: 5:54 Shabbos Ends: 6:50 Rabbeinu Tam: 7:21

by Aliza Beer, MS, RD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 How to Avoid Mistakes in the Dating Parsha, by Deb Hirschhorn, PhD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Karate—Not Just Self-Defense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

>> Food & Leisure Recipes: The Aussie Gourmet: What’s for Supper? It’s Mexican Tonight! . . . . . . . . 74 Travel: Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

>> Lifestyles Ask the Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

fri. Oct 18

sat. Oct 19

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Weekly Weather sun. Oct 20

mon. Oct 14

tues. Oct 21

wed. Oct 22

thurs. Oct 23

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Your Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Help is Not a Dirty Word, by Rivki Rosenwald. . . . 87

>> Humor Centerfold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

>> Art From My Private Art Collection: The Artist Mary Cassatt, Part II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

>> Political Crossfire Notable Quotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

>> Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

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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.

Dear Editor, I am not of Sephardic descent, but I was saddened to hear of Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l’s passing. Over the weekend, as I read more and more about the gadol, I realized what a true loss it was for our nation and the world to have lost this giant. The secular world may paint Rav Yosef as a political man, but his true greatness was his love for Torah and his love for every Jew. It was because of these deep-rooted loves that Rav Yosef started the Shas party and was bold enough to stand up to the secular world. He was vocal about that which he felt was right and worked tirelessly for the Sephard community, providing them with a reason to be proud of their heritage. May he continue to work for all of klal Yisroel in his seat in Shamayim, and may he be a meilitz yosher for all of us. Randy Cohen Dear Editor, I love trying out new recipes and when I saw a recipe for spaghetti squash, I had to try it! The dish came out delicious; I love Naomi’s recipes! I also tried the recipe without the cheese and served it as a side dish for a fleishig meal; my family loved it. Bon appétit, Rena Gerber An Open Letter to the Community from Richard Altabe Dear Community Member, As we approach the one year anniversary of superstorm Sandy, we cannot help but reflect upon how far we have come since the floodwaters devastated our homes and we were left bereft of heat, electricity and even gasoline. Our community response brought us together, made us stronger and ultimately we were restored better than before. Each of us owes a tremendous debt of hakoras hatov to the myriad of people and organizations that pulled together to maintain us during our time of need. We have an opportunity to express our thanks this coming October 27th at the upcoming JCCRP breakfast, 9:30 am at the White Shul. The organizations and individuals being honored this year each had a hand in our ability to weather the storm.

The UJA Federation responded to our needs on several levels. They supported our yeshiva educators who continued to teach our children while their own homes were suffering from damage. In addition, they provided tuition relief to affected families while also providing funds to several shuls in the area for repair. Lastly, they created the funding stream that enabled Met Council to process over 300 cash grants of $2,000 each to homeowners in need. All told, the UJA Federation infused over $1 million dollars to families and institutions locally. Met Council was a first responder. They provided over $100,000 in emergency food assistance that enabled our community to set up soup kitchens at the White Shul, Young Israel of Bayswater and Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv. In addition, they helped procure a team of security professionals to patrol our area the first Shabbos of the blackout. Given the lack of gasoline available that Shabbos, we had to import the team of security professionals from Albany, New York, to assist us. This could not have been done without the aid and assistance of Met Council. The JCCRP will also be honoring five community leaders whose efforts deserve our recognition. Yanky Brach provided for the initial food distribution in the first days after the storm. He was an invaluable resource throughout the darkest days. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder spent the first night of the storm sleeping in our local police precinct to remain on hand to provide help where needed. He was our direct conduit to the city and state agencies and just recently brought home over $2 million in state funding to organizations in our community. Pesach Osina was our man on the ground dealing with LIPA and a myriad of other issues during the storm. He has been an invaluable resource ever since. Donovan Richards has been an incredible asset to our community since assuming office. He helped bring hundreds of thousands of dollars in Red Cross funding to assist hurricane victims to our community. Deputy Inspector Maloney of the 101st precinct has been a resource His precinct throughout the crisis.

Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home.

the Editor worked hand-in-hand with the Rockaway Safety Patrol throughout the storm and the precinct even assigned an officer fulltime to our command center in Bayswater. Through his efforts, crime was kept to a minimum throughout the blackout. The JCCRP will also honor the following organizations for their incredible efforts on the ground during the storm: Achiezer, Hatzoloh, RCSP, Nivneh, Ohel, COJO Flatbush. American Red Cross, Young Israel Bayswater, Congregation Knesseth Israel, Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv and the Department of Sanitation. These organizations and the incredible volunteers and professionals involved with them provided relief assistance and support to countless families in our community during and after the storm. All of us benefitted from the services provided by these worthy organizations and therefore we all should make the ef-

fort to come out Sunday, October 27th to express our hakoras hatov. Whether you received financial assistance, ate meals at the three community soup kitchens, had your home protected or utilized the extensive services offered through our community organizations, you have sufficient cause to say thank you by stopping in at the JCCRP Breakfast on Sunday, October 27th at 9:30am in the White Shul Ballroom. Admission is just $36. You can reserve online at JCCRP.org The difficult days of Sandy enabled us to come together as a community to face our challenges. Let us now join together this October 27th to celebrate our success. I look forward to greeting each of you there. Sincerely, Richard Altabe Chairman of the Board, JCCRP

Readers Poll Compiled by Toby Bobker

How many computers do you have in your household? One 36% Two-three 52% Four or more 12%

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

Letters to

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

10 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week

Global Taliban Mocks U.S. Shutdown

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The government shutdown has been the subject of much criticism and the punchline to countless jokes over the last couple of weeks. Now the Taliban is weighing in. The Islamist militants in Afghanistan issued a statement accusing U.S. politicians of “sucking the blood of their own people.” They used the word “paralyzed” to describe the state of government-run institutions. “The American people should realize that their politicians play with their destinies as well as the destinies of other oppressed nations for the sake of their personal vested interests,” the Taliban said. The insurgents accused “selfish and empty-minded American leaders” of taking U.S. citizens’ money “earned with great difficulty” and then “lavishly spending the same money in shedding the blood of the innocent and oppressed people.” Despite the shutdown, the U.S. embassy in Kabul has said that it expects “to function normally in the short term.”

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sented to Malala Yousafzai, 16, who was shot in the head by the Taliban for campaigning for education for girls. The Pakistani 16-year-old was attacked last year while on a school bus in northwestern Pakistan. Her wounds were not fatal and she recovered after receiving medical treatment in Britain. She won the honor over Edward Snowden. “She is an icon of courage for all teenagers who dare to pursue their aspirations and, like a candle, she lights a path out of darkness,” said Joseph Daul, chairman of the center-right European People’s Party in the European Parliament. Malala quickly rose to international fame when more and more foreign media outlets conducted interviews with her. Her inspiring story attracted a lot of media attention which only infuriated the Taliban and led to more frequent death threats. “I was not worried about myself that much. I was worried about my father. We could not believe they would be so cruel as to kill a child, as I was 14 at the time,” Yousafzai said in a U.S. television interview with “The Daily Show” on Tuesday. Her book, I Am Malala, is currently the second-best selling book on Amazon.com. The young girl was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize but in the end the committee decided not to award her the prestigious award, a decision that was met with disappointment from her fans and joy by the Taliban.

Argentina Refuses to Bury Nazi

Malala Yousafzai Wins European Union Award

1408 MOTT AVENUE, FAR ROCKAWAY CORNER OF CAFFREY AVE

In News

The winner of the European Union’s annual human rights award was pre-

Officials in Argentina have refused to allow the remains of a 100-year-old Nazi to be buried in their country. Nazi war criminal Erich Priebke will be buried in his home country of Italy instead. He died in Rome after serving 15 years of house arrest for a World War II massacre at Italy’s Ardeatine Caves that killed 335 people, including 75 Jews.

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week In 1998, Priebke was sentenced to life in prison. Four years earlier, he had been arrested in the Argentine ski resort city of Bariloche, where he had lived for more than 40 years. Because of his age and ill health he was allowed to serve out his sentence under house arrest. The Ardeatine Caves massacre was carried out in March 1944 in retaliation for an attack by the Italian resistance movement on SS soldiers. Victims of the massacre were executed with a bullet to the neck. Priebke never expressed remorse for the killings, insisting he had only obeyed orders. “My death would not have allowed for those innocents to be saved,” he said at an appeal hearing in 1998. The Argentine foreign ministry said on Twitter that “Foreign Minister Hector Timerman has given the order not to accept the slightest move to allow the return of the body of Nazi criminal Erich Priebke to our country.” Jewish groups in Argentina welcomed the move; the Jewish community in Argentina consists of around 300,000 members, the largest Jewish community in Latin America.

Is this Paradise in Afghanistan?

Kandahar, Afghanistan, was once the quintessential suburban town. The streets were quiet, the homes were beautiful, everyone’s garden was well-kept, and many backyards had inviting swimming pools where the family pet could take a dip. But this lovely town was where a horror story began. Kandahar is the

In News birthplace of Osama bin Laden. The suburb was also once home to Taliban supreme Mullah Omar. Lately, it has become notorious for Islamist death squads, criminal gangs and drug traffickers killing hundreds of public officials and tribal leaders, including the president’s half-brother Ahmed Wali Karzai. However, life remains peachy in Aino Mena, a relatively new development on the city’s outskirts. Residents frequent the gym after work, the treelined boulevards lead to cascading fountains. Residents can relax and enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants. “It is like we grew up in a village, which first turned into a big city and now into this,” Kandahari businessman Khalil Ahmad, 35, told AFP. “We have good schools, the security is high and it is not dusty or noisy. I come to exercise here six days a week.” Of course, the town still has signs of Islamic life. The women wear burkas in public and the gym is exclusively male. Aino Mena was founded in 2003. The first phase of the development has about 2,000 homes, and a second phase

of 11,000 more properties is planned. Residents consist of wealthy residents who claim to avoid getting involved in politics. Homes in Aino Mena range in price from $25,000 to over $600,000. Many homeowners are accused of profiting from the 12-year war with the U.S. Some residents admit their businesses rely on contracts from the US-led NATO military campaign. They worry that the economy will suffer when U.S. troops withdraw at the end of next year. “With the U.S. leaving, it will affect us a lot,” said Sharifullah, the owner of a transport and logistics company that works for the NATO coalition. Aino Mena has not been immune to attack; in May, two bombs went off on the suburb’s main road, killing nine people.

Greeks Approve Neo-Nazi Takedown A new poll taken in Greece shows that most Greeks believe that criminal charges filed against the leader and top officials of Greece’s far-right Golden

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week Dawn party are fair and more than half are happy with the government’s handling of the case. The party’s leader, Nikolaos Mihaloliakos, five other senior lawmakers and dozens more members were arrested in September following the killing of a popular anti-racism musician by a Golden Dawn sympathizer.

The stabbing of 34-year-old Pavlos Fissas prompted a wide crackdown on the Golden Dawn party in a search for evidence linking it to the attack and also led to a shake-up of the police after allegations that party cells were operating within the force. Recent TV footage of the lawmakers, handcuffed and hustled to the police

headquarters by hooded anti-terrorism officers with machine guns, had riveted Greeks unused to such images since a military coup nearly five decades ago. The party, which according to the poll remains the country’s third most popular political force, has shed support since the arrests. The poll put support for Golden Dawn at 6.3 percent. Before the killing, opinion polls found the party enjoyed about 10 to 13 percent support. Before winning 18 seats in last year’s elections, Golden Dawn was relatively unknown, but it won over Greeks struggling through Greece’s dire economic crisis by giving out food in poor neighborhoods and promising to fight crime and take on corrupt politicians. Human rights groups have linked Golden Dawn members dressed in black and wielding batons to violent attacks on dark-skinned migrants and political opponents, but the party denies accusations of violence. It is widely regarded as a neo-Nazi group. Nazi memorabilia has been found in searches of the homes of arrested party members and its leader has been seen giving Nazi-style salutes, although the party rejects the label.

In News U.N. Being Blamed for Haiti Cholera Outbreak

The U.N. is being accused of covering up its part in initiating one of the worst outbreaks of cholera in modern history. Survivors and family members of nearly 700,000 Haitians who have contracted cholera are now suing the United Nations for billions of dollars. “They have to help us because there are so many kids that are orphans now, that lost their mom, that lost their dads,” said plaintiff Felicia Paule, 45, who survived cholera but lost a daughter, brother and nephew to the disease. “They’re responsible, so they have to help.” The suit was filed in a Manhattan federal court last Wednesday. It was filed by the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, which attempted to file the suit in 2011 with the U.N. The United Nations did not respond for more than 15 months, but then invoked an extensive immunity from nearly all legal claims that dates back to its founding. “We felt it would be much easier to resolve this out of court, to spend less money on lawyers and litigation and more money on stopping cholera in Haiti,” said Brian Concannon of the IJDH. “The U.N. refused to take that opportunity and left us no choice but to go to court.” The U.N. cited its immunity and has not accepted responsibility for the epidemic, even though medical experts agree that the disease was likely introduced by U.N. peacekeepers. During an interview in Port-auPrince on Monday, a top U.N. official repeatedly refused to answer questions from NBC News’ chief medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman about whether or not the U.N. was to blame. “I can’t answer that question,” said Sophie de Caen, senior country director for the United Nations Development Program. “It’s an ongoing legal case and it’s something that needs to be discussed with the U.N. legal office in New York.”

The cholera outbreak began near Mirebalais, Haiti, in late 2010, ten short months after a devastating earthquake. Since then, more than 650,000 Haitians have contracted the disease, which had been unknown in the country for centuries. By now, it has spread to Venezuela, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and has claimed the lives of more than 8,500 people. Numerous scientific studies have linked the disease to a group of U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal who arrived at a camp near Mirebalais in October 2010. Tests show that the strain of cholera circulating in Haiti is genetically similar to cholera found in Nepal. Members of an independent panel appointed by the U.N. initially said that the evidence pointing to the peacekeepers was not conclusive, but have since said that new evidence indicates the soldiers were the likely source. The suit alleges that U.N. officials falsely claimed that peacekeepers had been tested for cholera and none had come back positive, and barred Haitian health officials from the camp in late October. The suit also alleges that the U.N. issued a false statement that its septic tanks were up to U.S. EPA standards. A spokesperson said the U.N. is working “on the ground” in Haiti to “do all that the Organization can do to help the people of Haiti overcome the cholera epidemic.” The U.N. has spent $118 million to date to respond to the outbreak, and plans to spend millions more, depending on the level of international contributions.

U.S. Captures Senior Pakistani Taliban Commander

The U.S. confirmed on Friday that American troops are holding Latif Mehsud, a senior Pakistani Taliban commander.

The Pakistani Taliban is believed to be responsible for the failed attempt to detonate a bomb in NYC’s Times Square in 2010. Marie Harf, deputy spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, said that Mehsud was captured by U.S. forces in a military operation. “Mehsud is a senior commander in TTP, and served as a trusted confident of the group’s leader, Hakimullah Mehsud,” Harf said. “TTP claimed responsibility, as folks probably know, for the attempted bombing of Times Square in 2010 and has vowed to attack the U.S. homeland again. TPP is also responsible for attacking our diplomats in Pakistan and attacks that have killed countless Pakistani civilians.” There are conflicting reports as to exactly how Mehsud was captured. Arsallah Jamal, governor of Logar province in eastern Afghanistan, said Mehsud was captured a week ago as he was driving along a main highway in Mohammad Agha district. The road links the province with the Afghan capital, Kabul. The Pakistani Taliban confirmed the capture but claimed Mehsud was seized on October 5 by the Afghan army at the Ghulam Khan border crossing in the eastern province of Khost. According to sources, he was returning from a meeting to discuss swapping Afghan prisoners for money but that version of the story has yet to be confirmed.

N. Korean Prisoner Gets Visit from his Mother

In News northeastern region of Rason; the North Korean government accused him of subversive acts. The emotional visit between mother and son was photographed. The pictures show Myunghee Bae embracing her ailing son who is wearing a blue and white striped uniform. Prior to her visit, Myunghee Bae said in a video statement that her heart “was broken into pieces” when a prison interview with her son surfaced in July, because he looked so unlike himself and so frail. “I want to see him and comfort him and hold him in person,” she said. “I miss him so much.” Bae was transferred from prison camp to the hospital in August because he had lost more than 50 pounds. He suffers from diabetes, an enlarged heart, liver problems, and back pain. Bae’s sister, Terri Chung of the Seattle suburb of Edmonds, said on Friday she had not yet spoken with her mother, but did hear from the Swedish ambassador in Pyongyang, who attended the visit. “He said it was a very emotional meeting, that they had a reunion and that Kenneth did look better from when he was hospitalized on August 9,” Chung said. The ambassador also reported that Bae has regained about 15 pounds since being transferred to the hospital. There has not been much headway as to his release but his sister says, “We can only hope.” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the U.S. helped coordinate the visit through the Swedish embassy, which represents U.S. interests in North Korea because the U.S. has no diplomatic ties there. Bae has three children. He is officially a U.S. citizen but had been living in China for the past seven years. He was born in South Korea and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents and sister in 1985.

Assad’s Un-funny Joke

Last week, Kenneth Bae got a visit from his mother, Myunghee Bae, in his North Korean hospital room where he is serving out his harsh sentence. The Korean-American missionary was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor after being accused of rebelling against the North Korean government. Bae, 45, was arrested last November while leading a group of tourists in the

A pro-Damascus Lebanese newspaper reported on Monday that Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad said that he should have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The prize was awarded to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which is working in Syria to destroy the Assad regime’s massive chemical arsenal by mid-2014. In jest, Assad said the award “should have been mine.” Yes, he was kidding but is that even funny? We’re talking about the lives Continued on page 18

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The Week

S AY ! D Y N A E W T A

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

16 This Event is Being Sponsored

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ONE YEAR SINCE HURRICANE SANDY This special gathering will be a community-wide Asifa and Siyum Sefer Tehillim at the Sh’or Yoshuv Campus, where we will collectively give hakaras hatov to the Ribono Shel Olam for protecting us during last year’s Hurricane Sandy. There will be a special address geared towards adults and children from HARAV FISCHEL SCHACHTER, a Siyum on Sefer Tehillim, as well as an uplifting musical performance from EITAN KATZ AND BARUCH LEVINE. There will also be a special gift for every child who attends. We urge everyone to be a part of this massive Kiddush Hashem.

Siyum On Entire Sefer Tehillim TO BE LED BY THE RABBONIM OF OUR COMMUNITY

FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER

Rabbi Fischel Schachter

SPECIAL MUSICAL PRESENTATION

Eitan Katz

Baruch Levine

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 f 2:00 PM AT: YESHIVA SH’OR YOSHUV 1 CEDARLAWN AVE, LAWRENCE, NY

Special seating arrangements will be in place to accommodate the overflow crowds.

For more information please call: 516-791-4444 Ext. 110 The Rabbonim and Principals of our community strongly urge all parents to join with their children at this event.

17 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

PARTICIPATING YESHIVOS AND SCHOOLS: (LIST IN FORMATION)

999 Yeshiva

Far Rockaway

‫ישיבה דרך איתן ע''ש מרן הגאון רבי אברהם יפהן זצ''ל‬

999

THE FOLLOWING SHULS FROM ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT: Congregation Magen David Rabbi Izhar Azriel

K’hal Nesiv HaTorah Rabbi Binyamin Forst

Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz

K’hal Zichron Moshe Dov Rabbi Aron Eliezer Stein

Yeshiva Darchei Torah Rabbi Yaakov Bender

Agudath Israel of the Five Towns Rabbi Yitzchak Frankel

Congregation Anshei Chesed Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz

Bais Avrohom Zev of Lawrence Rabbi Asher Stern

Young Israel of Woodmere Rabbi Herschel Billet

Chofetz Chaim Torah Center Rabbi Aryeh Zev Ginzberg

Beis Medrash Ateres Yisroel Rabbi Yisroel Meir Blumenkrantz

Yeshiva Ateres Shimon Rabbi Mordechai Groner

Young Israel of Hewlett Rabbi Heshy Blumstein Yeshiva of Far Rockaway Rabbi Aaron Brafman HILI Bais Medrash Rabbi Dov Bressler Agudath Israel of West Lawrence Rabbi Moshe Brown Congregation Tifereth Zvi Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff Young Israel of Far Rockaway Rabbi Saul Chill Agudath Yisrael of Bayswater Rabbi Menachem Feifer Congregation Kneseth Israel Rabbi Eytan Feiner Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi Rabbi Yaakov Feitman Young Israel of Bayswater Rabbi Eliezer Feuer

Congregation Beth Sholom Rabbi Kenneth Hain Bais Medrash Ohr Shlomo Rabbi Chanina Herzberg Bostoner Bais Medrash of Lawrence Rabbi Yaakov Y. Horowitz Bais Medrash of Harborview Rabbi Yehoshua Kalish Sh’or Yoshuv Institute Rabbi Naftali Jaeger Rabbi Avrohom Halpern

Congregation Bais Yehuda Rabbi Levi Osdoba Irving Place Minyan Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky

Young Israel of West Hempstead Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer Agudas Achim Rabbi Elisha Horowitz Yeshiva of South Shore Rabbi Binyomin Kamenetzky Rabbi Mordecai Kamenetzky

Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum Young Israel of Long Beach Rabbi Chaim Wakslak

Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok Rabbi Zvi Ralbag

K’hal Chesed V’emes Rabbi Shmaryahu Weinberg

Agudath Israel of Long Island Rabbi Yaakov Reisman

Congregation Shaaray Tefilah Rabbi Dovid Weinberger

Sephardic Beit Medrash of Bayswater Rabbi Yigal Reuven

Congregation Aish Kodesh Rabbi Moshe Weinberger

Congregation Bais Tefilah Rabbi Shaya Richmond Congregation Ohab Zedek Rabbi Tsvi Selengut

Congregation Shomrei Shabbos Rabbi Shimshon Katz

This event is being coordinated by

Young Israel of Oceanside Rabbi Jonathan Muskat

Young Israel of North Woodmere Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Chabad Lubavitch of Far Rockaway Rabbi Pesach Schmerling Kehillas Ahavas Yisroel Rabbi Dov Silver Congregation Shaarei Emunah Rabbi Yitzhak Simantov Bais Medrash of Cedarhurst Rabbi Dovid Spiegel

Bais Tefila of Inwood Rabbi Pinchas Weinberger Woodsburgh Minyan Rabbi Lewis Wienerkur K’hal Bnei HaYeshivos Rabbi Shmuel Witkin Chabad of the Five Towns Rabbi Zalman Wolowik Kehilla Ateres Yaakov Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid Lawrence

with the endorsement and direct guidance of our local Rabbonim.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week of hundreds of innocent lives. Whether guilty or innocent, this comment illustrates the arrogant attitude of the president.

Child Bride Dies in Yemen A very disturbing and shocking report has come out of the backwards society that is the country of Yemen. Last month, an eight-year-old girl named Rawan died after being forced to marry a 40-year-old man. Young girls being forced into marriage is a phenomenon that is found all over the country and one that is resulting in many psychological and medical complications. Dr. Arwa Rabi’i, an OBGYN from the capital city of Sana’a, is calling for the legal age of marriage to be raised to 18. “When a woman marries before the age of 18, … there are going to be many complications … and life-threatening infections,” she said. “We see it every day, not every month or week, every day! A lot of them, 10 or 20 sick girls.” According to data from Human Rights Watch, about 14% of girls in Yemen are forced into marriage under the age of 15, and about 53% marry under the age of 18. Belkis Wille, an activist in Human Rights Watch, said that in rural areas, it is common to see marriage at the ages of eight or nine. Wille told reporters that stories such as Rawan’s are very common. After the girl’s death, Civil Rights Minister Huria Mashhoor pledged to raise the marriage age in the country to prevent such incidents recurring. “We demand to raise the legal wedding age to 18, considering Yemen is signed on the international treaties for children’s rights.” The government commissioned a special committee to look into reports about the death of the child. Before the commission, the minister expressed concern that there may be attempts to silence the case. Aside from the horrific physiological problems with the low marriage age, the girls are not prepared to live in a social and economic world. Many of the girls who are forced to marry drop out of school before the age of ten and move into their husbands’ homes. There, it is very likely the young bride will be the victim of domestic violence and abuse. They are extremely isolated and alone and develop no skills outside of the home.

In News Red Cross Workers Kidnapped in Syria On Sunday, gunmen kidnapped seven Red Cross workers in northern Syria after stopping their convoy along a road near the town of Saraqeb in Idlib province. The gunmen opened fire before kidnapping the workers. The team was returning to Damascus. Six of the people kidnapped are International Committee of the Red Cross staff workers, and one is a volunteer from the Syrian Red Crescent. The team had been in the field since October 10 to assess the medical situation in the area and to decide how to provide medical aid. Much of the countryside in Idlib has fallen into the hands of rebels and kidnappings have become more of the norm. It has been said that this kidnapping was perpetrated by “terrorists.”

Rioting Against Migrants in Moscow

A peaceful protest turned violent in Moscow on Sunday, with rioters smashing window shops, storming warehouses and clashing with police. Shops that were known to employ migrant workers were vandalized as well. Several hundred people were demonstrating anti-migrant sentiment that has grown in the country. Protesters were seen chanting “White power!” as they stormed a shopping center. The protest came after the killing of a young ethnic Russian, Yegor Shcherbakov, 25, that was blamed on a man from the Caucasus. Several police officers were wounded in the attacks as protesters threw glass bottles at them and police fought back with batons. Around 380 people were detained after the riots. Over the past decade, many Muscovites have been angered by the influx of migrant laborers to the capital. The Kremlin has watched with alarm at frequent outbreaks of violence in Russian

19 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

Bais Yaakov of Queens

Open HOuse Wednesday, november 13th, 2013 9:00 a.m. - Meet the administration 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Tour the school 1:00 p.m. – Meet the administration 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tour the school Experience our warm and nurturing environment filled with loving staff, inspiring chinuch and 21st century learning! Feel the joy of becoming life long learners! If you require additional information please contact Mrs. Yocheved Granek at 718 847 5352.

Open HOuse

WednesdaY, nOveMBer 13TH, 2013 1 2 4 - 5 0 M e T r O p O l I Ta n av e n u e K e W G a r d e n s , n e W Y O r K 11 4 1 5

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov The Ruth & Hyman Simon High School 131 Washington Avenue Lawrence, NY 11559 T: (516)374 (516)374--6465 www.ateresyaakov.com

ek Open House e W 1 t s Ju y! Sunday, October a Aw

1:30 PM

Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Ph.D. Menahel Rabbi Yehuda Horowitz, shlit”a Mashgiach Ruchani Rabbi Sam Rudansky, M.A., J.D. General Studies Principal Rabbi Yossi Bennett, M.S. Assistant Menahel/Assistant Principal

27th

ah r o T n e B e h t Become ! e B o T t n a You W

INTERVIEWS HAVE BEGUN!

Contact the Mesivta for an application and appointment.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week cities between members of the Slavic majority and people with roots in the mostly Muslim North Caucasus, ex-Soviet South Caucasus states and Central Asia. “On the one hand, I completely understand resentment among Muscovites who see people getting killed on our streets and law enforcement officials doing nothing,” Mikhail Fedotov, head of the human rights council in Russia, said. “But that in no way justifies ... this pogrom.” The rioting on Sunday was the worst outbreak of violence seen over a racially charged incident in Moscow since December 2010.

In News

manipulation and scare tactics to raise awareness about the “unrealistically harsh treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.”

Israel Shocking College AntiIsrael Campaign The Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at Rutgers University are using

As part of a campaign called, “The Palestinian-style eviction movement,” over a thousand students at the university woke up to find that an eviction notice had been posted on their dorm room doors. The notice informed students that they would have three days to vacate their rooms or their belongings would

be destroyed. The movement originated at New York University and has trickled across the nation. The same campaign was demonstrated at schools across the nation including Harvard University, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of California, Berkeley. The eviction letter stated: “We regret to inform you that your suite is scheduled for demolition in the next three days. If you do not vacate the premise within this time, we reserve the right to destroy all remaining belongings under Code 211.3B.” Rabbi Akiva Dovid Weiss, the Orthodox Union-Jewish Learning Initiative rabbi at Rutgers Hillel, was outraged by the incident and said the group violated student privacy and their emotions. “This is a group that receives university funding and routinely engages in controversial and divisive programming and tactics, often employing the use of propaganda to play on the emotions of students in order to spread their views or message to others,” Rabbi Weiss said. Rutgers Hillel released an official statement to the university concerning the alarming campaign. “We decry this manipulation and intimidation of stu-

dents through stunts employed to promote a political agenda,” the statement read. Rabbi Reed of Rutgers Hillel also condemned the campaign. “These were not approved fliers, and the information was factually inaccurate and vilified Israel,” Reed said. Reed also suggested that there are “more positive ways to engage in a factual discussion” about Israel. “Making students feel unsafe in their homes is apparently part of the SJP strategy which also includes propagating half-truths, misstatements and historical inaccuracies.”

Israel Finds Terror Tunnel in Gaza

On Sunday, Israel displayed a Palestinian “terror tunnel” running from the Gaza Strip into Israel proper. As a result, it was announced that Israel will freeze the transfer of building material into the Palestinian territory. “The discovery of the tunnel ... prevented attempts to harm Israeli civilians who live close to the border and military

OU Community Shabbat in woodmere Parashat Vayera

The Orthodox Union Brings You Oct. 18-19, 2013 Today's Leaders in Jewish Education, Outreach, Kashrut and More!

S H A B B AT RABBI STEVEN WEIl Executive Vice President, Orthodox Union MOSHE BANE

Chair, OU Board of Governors

AllEN FAgIN

Chair, NCSY Youth Commission

STEPHEN SAVITSky

OU Chairman of the Board

@ Young Israel of Woodmere 859 Peninsula Boulevard

RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB

Please join us for a Community Melave Malka

Motzaei Shabbat, October 19th at 8:45pm, at the Young Israel of Woodmere Esteemed community and OU presenters will address the following topics:

Can One Survive Today as a Middle Class Orthodox Jew? How Do We Nurture An Environment Where Ethics and Morality are of the Highest Standard? What Will the Future Hold for the Role of Women in Orthodox Judaism?

Executive Vice President, Emeritus, Orthodox Union

@ Congregation Aish Kodesh 894 Woodmere Place

PA N E L I S T S :

RABBI YAAKOV BENDER Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Darchei Torah

RABBI STEVEN WEIL Executive Vice President, Orthodox Union

RABBI HESHY BILLET

Rabbi, Young Israel of Woodmere

RABBI TZVI HERSH WEINREB Executive Vice President, Emeritus, Orthodox Union

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

212.613.8335 | 212.613.8257 Stephen Savitsky, Chair

w w w.o u.o r g

‫בס"ד‬

The entire Far Rockaway and Five Towns Community is invited by Mr. & Mrs. Reuven & Esther Guttman to join the Tefillos and Tishen of our esteemed guest

‫כ"ק מרן אדמו"ר מניקלשבורג שליט"א‬

NIKOLSBURGER REBBE Shlita on

‫ שבת פ' וירא‬October 19 '13 Which will take place at

The Regency

260 Central Avenue, Lawrence NY 11559

FRIDAY NIGHT DAVENING Mincha and Kabolas Shabbos At the Shul ........................................6:00p.m. FRIDAY NIGHT TISH At the Ballroom .................................8:45p.m. SHABBOS MORNING DAVENING At the Shul .......................................9:00a.m. MINCHA AND SEUDOS SHLISHIS Mincha At the shul ..........................6:00p.m. Followed by Seudos Shlishis in the Ballroom

‫בזמן שהצדיק בעיר הוא הודה‬ ‫הוא זיווה הוא הדרה‬ The Rebbe will be available for private appointments at the Guttman residence at The Regency on Thursday evening, Motzei Shabbos, and Sunday until 3:30. Please contact 845 - 425 - 7583 or Email info@nikolsburg.org

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

‫לקראת שבת לכו ונלכה‬

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week forces in the area,” Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said in a statement, accusing Gaza’s ruling Hamas Islamist movement of being behind construction of the 1.5 mile-long tunnel.

Hamas did not officially claim responsibility for the tunnel, but a spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing wrote on Twitter that “the determination deep in the hearts and minds of resistance fighters is more important than tunnels dug in the mud.” Hamas, along with other militant

groups, tunneled into Israel in 2006 and seized an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, who was held for five years before being exchanged for 1,400 Palestinians in Israeli jails. The military said the tunnel, dug in sandy soil, had been reinforced with concrete supports, and Yaalon announced that he was immediately halting the transfer of building material to the Gaza Strip. For years, Israel had refused to allow these goods into the territory because it said militants would use them to build fortifications and weapons. In 2010, as part of its easing of its internationally-criticized Gaza blockade, Israel gave foreign aid organizations the green light to import construction material for public projects. Last month, Israel resumed the transfer of cement and steel to Gaza’s private sector.

In News 60 others to conspire against the government. Not surprisingly, many of those on trial are said to have confessed under interrogation. Prosecutors said they acted against Iran’s security, collected information and transferred it outside the country, and assisted anti-religious establishments in Israel.

Newest Spy Trial in Iran Another group of “Israeli spies” have gone on trial in Iran. According to Iranian news sources, the group on trial was led by three people who hired over

Iran regularly accuses Israel and the United States of waging a deadly campaign of sabotage against its nuclear program and has announced a string of arrests of alleged agents in recent years. In August, the Islamic Republic claimed it had arrested a local citizen on charges of passing intelligence about Iran to Israel. In June, Iran claimed to have dismantled a terrorist and sabotage network in the southern city of Shiraz, which allegedly planned bombings and assassination attempts during Iran’s presidential election. In May, Iran hanged two convicted spies, one accused and found guilty of working for Israel, the other for the United States. Last year, Iran executed Majid Jamali Fashi after convicting him of spying for the Mossad and of playing a key role in the January 2010 assassination of a top nuclear scientist in return for payment of $120,000.

agenda this week. Two weeks ago, the newspaper’s front-page editorial criticized Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s speech at the UN General Assembly as “combative” and sarcastic. This week, an interview-profile was printed that portrays Netanyahu as a “shrill” voice on a one-man “messianic crusade” against Iran’s nuclear weapons program. In the piece, the Times says Netanyahu’s long campaign against Iran is “a messianic crusade” according to “critics and admirers alike.” However, it quotes mostly critics, like journalist Ben Caspit, who says of Netanyahu that he is “a professional whistle-blower. He’s a professional prophet. But all the time pessimistic, threatening.” The Times claims that Netanyahu not only seems “a solo act on the world stage,” he is also “increasingly a oneman show in Israel, doubling as his own foreign minister.” “Netanyahu is most comfortable predicting disaster, scaring people into doing something,” the liberal paper quoted a political analyst as saying. “The problem is now he’s lost momentum.” In his recent attempts to focus the world on the Iranian nuclear program, “using ancient texts, Holocaust history and a 2011 book by Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani,” the paper says, “he has sometimes come off sounding shrill” and “risks seeming frozen in the past amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.” The “ancient texts” the Times appears to be referring to is the Torah.

Teva Announces Cutbacks

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The New York Times has continued its anti-Netanyahu (read: anti-Israel)

Israel-based pharmaceutical giant Teva has announced that it will cut about 10% of its workforce worldwide throughout 2014. In the largest layoff in the company’s history, over 5,000 employees will be receiving pink slips. Of those, about 800 workers live in Israel. A year ago, the company announced

a restructuring plan in the hopes of saving $1.5-2 billion. The layoffs are a part of the restructuring. “Teva will complete the majority of the reduction by the end of 2014,” the company said in its statement. “Teva continues to identify opportunities to optimize value through the selective trimming of assets that no longer fit its core business or are not critical to its future.” Teva President and CEO Jeremy Levin commented, “Teva is managing its operations to achieve high levels of effectiveness in the short term, while pursuing opportunities for the long term. The accelerated cost reduction program will strengthen our organization while improving our competitive position in the global marketplace. We understand that this may be a difficult time for our employees and are committed to act with fairness, integrity and respect, and provide support during this time.” Teva is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world, the leading company in the genetic field and the largest commercial company in Israel. The company has production, research and marketing facilities in Israel, North America and Europe. The

company’s greatest achievement was receiving the Food and Drug Administration’s approval for its Copaxone drug in 1996. The medication was developed by a team of researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science to treat multiple sclerosis.

National Dubya and Cheney Never BFF’s

Seems like if enough time passes after a president leaves office, a report will

In News come out saying he and the VP didn’t quite get along. Well, the George W. Bush administration is no exception according to the new book, Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in the White House, by chief white house correspondent Peter Baker. In the book, Baker details what he describes as the “final insult in the Bush-Cheney marriage”: the president’s decision not to pardon “Scooter” Libby, Cheney’s former chief of staff, who had been convicted of lying to federal officials investigating the leak of the identity of CIA officer Valerie Plame Wilson. When Bush informed Cheney of the decision, Cheney snapped: “You are leaving a good man wounded on the field of battle.” But according to Cheney, they were never really on friendly terms. “It was professional, more than personal,” Cheney told Baker shortly after leaving office. “We weren’t buddies in that sense.” While Bush called Cheney “Dick,” Baker wrote, Cheney always called Bush “Mr. President” and referred to him with others as “the Man.” Baker also highlights how the Bush Presidential Library and Museum in

Texas is filled with exhibits of Bush with his First Lady, children, Condoleezza Rice, Joshua Bolton, Andy Card, and his dogs. But there is very little sign that Cheney worked there, also. In reality, Baker writes, it was Rice who became Bush’s top lieutenant. “No one in the White House had the relationship with Bush that Rice had. She worked out with him, talked sports with him, dined with him and Laura in the residence and spent weekends with them at Camp David,” he writes. Guess the Oval Office is more like a high school cafeteria than I thought.

Eco-terrorist Pleads Guilty

After a decade of being wanted by the FBI, radical environmental activist Rebecca Jeanette Rubin has turned herself in. She has pleaded guilty to arson and conspiracy for playing a part in setting 20 fires between 1996 and 2001. The fires destroyed over $40 million worth of property. Continued on page 26

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

YESHIVA OF CENTRAL QUEENS 73 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week THE AMIT GREATER

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Rubin, 40, faces a federal sentence term of 5 to 7 years when she is sentenced early next year. The short prison stay is part of the plea deal her lawyer arranged with prosecutors in return for providing information concerning her co-conspirators. She belonged to a highly wanted eco-terrorist group known as “The Family.” According to the FBI, the Family is even more extreme than both the Animal Liberation Front and the Earth Liberation Front. Rubin surrendered last November at the Washington state border after a decade of hiding in Canada, where she is a citizen. Her attorney said that she tried to give herself up as early as 2009 but that he couldn’t work out an acceptable arrangement with prosecutors. Rubin was indicted in 2006 with three other Family members in a 1998 fire that caused $12 million at the Vail Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado. Two of the others, Chelsea Gerlach and Stanislas Meyerhoff, were sentenced to nine and 13 years in prison, respectively, in 2007. The third, Josephine Overaker, remains at large and is the subject of a $50,000 reward offered by the FBI.

In News parts of the world there is a great deal of foreclosures and now a great deal of people who are fortunate to own their own houses owe more on them than the houses are worth in the present market, and that’s all changed in the last eight years,” Carter said during an exclusive interview with The Associated Press. Taking a break from framing windows at a new 12-unit town house development in a section of East Oakland where Habitat already has built or repaired 115 homes, the 89-year-old former Democratic president said the federal government is investing less in affordable housing at a time of greater need. “The disparity between rich people and poor people in America has increased dramatically since when we started,” he said. “The middle class has become more like poor people than they were 30 years ago. So I don’t think it’s getting any better.”

House Members Arrested in Rally

Jimmy Carter: Middle Class Living Like the Poor

ELEANOR CHIGER & JAY KAPLOWITZ SHOSHANA CHAPTER/WEST HEMPSTEAD

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Jimmy Carter evaluated the nation’s economic problems this week and highlighted some dismal points. According to the former president, the income gap in the United States has increased to the point where members of the middle class resemble the Americans who lived in poverty when he occupied the White House. He spoke at a construction site of a Habitat for Humanity project in Oakland. The recent economic downturn revealed that families living in even comparatively well-off, but expensive regions like the San Francisco Bay Area are economically insecure, he said. “Even in one of the wealthiest

About 200 people were arrested at a rally blocking a main street near the Capitol in Washington. Among them were at least eight members of the House looking to push Republicans to vote on immigration reform. While police would not divulge the identities of those arrested, reporters did witness the arrests of Reps. John Lewis, D-Ga.; Luis Gutiérrez, D-Ill.; Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz.; Keith Ellison, D-Minn.; Joseph Crowley and Charles Rangel, both D-N.Y.; Al Green, D-Texas; and Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill. Representatives of other groups whose members attended the rally, such as United Farm Workers and Farmworker Justice, confirmed that several of their members were arrested as well. Those arrested will be charged with “crowding, obstructing and incommoding” under the local laws of the District of Columbia, the Capitol Police said.

27 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week Before being arrested, Gutiérrez said he planned the act of civil disobedience “so the speaker of the House can free Congress and finally pass immigration reform.” Prospects for passage of a comprehensive immigration bill appear dim at best. A bill passed by the Democratic-controlled Senate and backed by the White House includes billions of dollars for border security as well as a 13-year path to citizenship for those already in the U.S. illegally. It’s unclear whether the GOP-dominated House will ever pass legislation that could form the basis for a final deal with the Senate. Most House Republicans have rejected this comprehensive approach, and the House Judiciary Committee has moved forward with individual, single-issue immigration bills that could come to the floor sometime later this year or the next.

Obama’s Stingy Pardon Record

On March 1, President Obama granted 17 pardons to convicted felons

who had committed crimes ranging from drug dealing to embezzlement to pirating cable TV. This brings the total number of pardons issued by President Obama since taking office to 39 – an amount that’s actually well below the rate of many of his predecessors.

Franklin Roosevelt, the longest serving president, granted over 3,600 pardons during his twelve years in office. These were not without controversy, especially the pardon of Earl Browder, the founder of the Communist Party here in the United States. Browder was pardoned during World War II, after America and the U.S.S.R. signed an alliance. Contrastingly, both William Henry

In News Harrison and James Garfield signed a total of zero pardons, but that may have to do with the fact that they both died soon after taking office. Article Two of the U.S. Constitution establishes the president’s right to issue a pardon, which has been used on some well-known individuals throughout America’s history. In 1868, President Andrew Johnson pardoned all the soldiers that fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War. Perhaps Gerald Ford granted the most famous presidential pardon to former President Richard Nixon for any laws he had broken as a result of the Watergate scandal. Nixon’s pardon created a scandal of its own, as many people felt the former president was getting off too easy.

year 2013. Topping the list this year is House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, the late former first lady Betty Ford and Title IX advocate Bernice Sandler.

The ceremony is being held in Seneca Falls, the western New York village where the first known women’s rights convention was held in 1848. “I’m absolutely thrilled. I can’t believe it,” Pelosi told reporters. Several of her female congressional colleagues, along with two of her daughters and two granddaughters, plan to attend. Also being honored are horse racing’s most successful female jockey, Julie Krone, Ina May Gaskin, who is known as the “mother of authentic midwifery,” and monetary scholar Anna

Pelosi, Ford, and Others Inducted into Women’s Hall of Fame The National Women’s Hall of Fame has announced its new inductees for the

HAFTR HIGH SCHOOL

Join us October 27 th 10:00 AM

Academic excellence in General Studies and Limudei Kodesh in a warm and caring environment

Ms. Naomi Lippman Principal, General Studies

Outstanding record of college

nalippman@haftr.org

admissions and post-High School

Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen

Israel Yeshivot

Principal, Judaic Studies

Strong focus on building

geoppen@haftr.org

character through meaningful Chesed & Jewish activism projects Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School

635 Central Avenue Cedarhurst, NY 11516 · 516-569-3807 · www.haftr.org

Sunday Evening November 24, 2013 22 Kislev 5774 New York Marriott Marquis 1535 Broadway • New York City Reception 5:00 PM • Gala 6:00 PM

GUESTS OF HONOR

Chani and Jay Kestenbaum

CHAIRPERSONS OF THE OHEL OMNI GOLF CLASSIC CELEBRATING 10 SUCCESSFUL YEARS

L-R Ben Englander, Jonathan Marks, Michelle Sulzberger, Izzy Kaufman, Jeffrey Schwartz

AND CELEBRATING THE CAMP KAYLIE ALL-STARS

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T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week Jacobson Schwartz, who collaborated with Nobel laureate Milton Friedman on “A Monetary History of the United States, 1867-1960,” published in 1963. She died last year. “The 2013 inductees again represent the spirit of Seneca Falls and the groundbreaking events that inspired the nation and the world,” Beverly Ryder, co-president of the board of directors, said in announcing the inductees this year. The inductees join the ranks of suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, tennis pro Billie Jean King, astronaut Sally Ride and actress Lucille Ball. A new class is selected every other year based on their lasting contributions to society. In all, 247 women have been inducted so far.

Who is Janet Yellen? Federal Reserve Vice Chair Janet Yellen has been nominated by President Obama to replace Ben Bernanke as head of the Federal Reserve starting next year. She will be the first woman to lead the Fed in its 100 years of existence.

In News

House only once in the past two years. Although she was head of the Council of Economic Advisors for two years in the Clinton Administration, she does not appear to have close ties with this administration or Congress. Yellen is also the top Fed forecaster. A study of 700 economic predictions made by 14 Fed policymakers from 2009 to 2012 found Yellen was the most accurate forecaster overall. She also scored in the top four for her forecasts on inflation, labor, and growth. Despite being the first to lead the Federal Reserve, Yellen wouldn’t be the first woman to lead a central bank; she will join a list of 17 women who already The president called her “one of the lead central banks around the world. Yellen is married to a Nobel Prize nation’s foremost economists and policy makers.” You may have heard a lot winning economist. Her husband is about her in the last few months but George Akerlof, an economist at UC here are some things you may not have Berkeley. One of his best known articles is “The Market for Lemons: Qualknown about her. Yellen is independently wealthy. ity Uncertainty and the Market MechaShe is one of the richest members of the nism.” The paper delves into the theory central bank’s board of governors, ac- of information asymmetry by using the cording to the Federal Reserve’s annual market for used cars (lemons) as an example. financial disclosures. Additionally, she is not a political insider. Yellen has been to the White

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We Care,” Kelly said. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said in a statement on Saturday that investigators never gave up. “They made it their mission to identify this young child, to lay her to rest and to bring her killer to justice,” he said. Investigators launched a renewed push this summer for leads in the case, and it was amid that publicity for “Baby Hope” that a tipster contacted police, saying she thought she might know the child’s sister, now an adult. That tip led detectives to relatives of the girl, and eventually her mother. This week, the child’s real name was finally learned.

For 22 years the “Baby Hope” case has been a mystery. In 1991, the body of a 4-year-old girl was found in an icebox in a wooded area in upper Manhattan. But now police have announced that they have arrested a suspect – a cousin of the girl. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said 52-year-old Conrado Juarez was visiting relatives, staying at his sister’s house in Queens, when he attacked the girl, whose name is Anjelica Castillo. Construction workers found the girl’s body on July 23, 1991 along the Henry Hudson Parkway near Dyckman Street. Her identity was not known until this week. Detectives in the cold case had even paid for her headstone, inscribing it with the message “Because

On Sunday, Arrowhead Stadium roared into the record books. With a representative on hand from the Guinness World Records, fans cheered so loudly for the Kansas City Chiefs that they reached a deafening 137.5 decibels. The noise broke the record for the loudest recorded crowd at a sporting event. The previous record was set by Seattle Seahawks fans last month with a level of 136.6 decibels. 137.5 decibels measures way past a rock concert’s noise level (115 dB), the level at which pain begins (125 dB), and slightly short of a jet engine when you’re standing 100 feet away (140 dB). The loudest recommended exposure that a person can withstand without hearing loss is 140 dB, so watch out sports fans. This extreme noise is becoming an extreme sport on its own. Years ago, Arrowhead Stadium was recognized as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL when a crowd hit 116 dB. After Seattle recently claimed the “noise-crown,” die-hard fans wished to reclaim the title. “We want the fans being as loud as ever and we’re doing everything we can

to break a world record and to reach 137 decibels,” said Ty Rowton. “But more importantly, the main goal of all of this is to bring back Arrowhead and make it the loudest and most intimidating stadium in the NFL.” But Chiefs fans shouldn’t be resting on their laurels. It looks like Seattle wants its record back and it’s not afraid to scream about it. “All records are meant to be broken. Fortunately #12S have experience in this endeavor,” the team tweeted. Pass the ear plugs please.

with bacon buttercream and a CheezIt-flavored cake with a filling of chocolate ganache, peanut butter, and chocolate-covered Cheez-Its.

The Cheesiest Wedding Cake of all Time I have to admit that I have never tasted Cheez-Its but I have never heard it spoken about in gourmet circles as a culinary confection. But this bride had her own ideas about the perfect wedding cake. At her wedding ceremony, Stephanie Izard served her guests a wedding cake made of alternating layers of Strawberry Nesquik-infused chocolate marble cake

Lest you think that this is probably the most vile dessert ever served, bear in mind that Stephanie was the winner of a celebrated cooking competition. She is also a chef and owns her own restaurant. Her husband, Gary Valentine, is also a “foodie”; he is a craft beer consultant.

In News “I just wanted to have a fun, sweet, and savory wedding cake that was unique and tasty at the same time,” Stephanie recounted. “Mathew [her restaurant’s pastry chef] is always up for trying new fun flavor combinations to fit my love of sweet and savory cuisine. I think the cake was a marriage of our two styles.” Stephanie’s husband is not as big a fan of Cheez-Its as Stephanie. But he does has a favorite beverage of his own. “Gary is not a Cheez-It addict like I am. But while I got to choose the cake, he got his brewing buddies to make special beers. So it all worked out!” Stephanie said. For those of you who weren’t invited to the wedding but would love to sample some of the eclectic dessert, there are slices of the cake on sale in Stephanie’s restaurant for just $3—what a bargain!

Like a Bridge over Troubled Waters After finishing a walk against breast cancer, a 55-year-old woman decided to take a shortcut home. Ignoring No Tres-

passing signs, she tried to cross a bridge that was not meant for pedestrians. Unfortunately for the Fort Lauderdale woman, the bridge started going up, and she was forced to cling to the bridge for dear life from about 22-feet in the air, while passersby called authorities to rescue her.

When police came, they used a 24foot ladder to rescue the terrified woman. Luckily, she escaped the ordeal unharmed, but it’s a good lesson for all people out there: signs are there for a reason. Authorities don’t just post them for fun.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

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The Week Egg-sized Diamond Sells for $32M

This diamond is sure to weigh down the finger of any bride. The 118-carat, flawless D-diamond fetched $32.6 million when it was auctioned off by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong last Monday. It was estimated that the diamond would sell for between $28 to $38 million. Sotheby’s declined to comment on the buyer or the buyer’s nationality. The precious gem is the largest and most significant diamond graded by the Gemological Institute of America. So-

theby’s says it was discovered in southern Africa but won’t name the country because the seller wishes to remain anonymous. During the auction, 330 pieces of rare jewelry were sold for a total of $95 million, $15 million less than expected. “Hong Kong has in the last few years pulled itself up alongside Geneva and New York as one of the three major selling centers at auction” for diamonds, said Quek Chin Yeow, deputy chairman of Sotheby’s Asia and an international diamond expert. The all-time world record price for a jewel at auction was set in 2010, when London jeweler Laurence Graff paid $46 million for a “fancy intense pink” diamond weighing 24.8 carats.

New Guinness World Record Set at Baltimore Running Festival What weighs 716 pounds, is edible, can be eaten with or without teeth, and is served in a (very large) bowl?

In News I bet you didn’t guess applesauce. The Baltimore Running Festival hosted marathoners, supporters and...a representative from Guinness World Records on October 12 to see their 716 pound bowl of applesauce. Applesauce company Musselman’s sponsored the event in which runners (and others) dumped cups of applesauce into a giant bowl resulting in the biggest bowl of applesauce on record. Yum?

Police Officer Tickets Toy Car This police officer either has a sense of humor or a very low IQ. Last week, a classically pink Barbie toy Jeep was left abandoned on the street in the Salt Lake City suburb of Cedar Hills in Utah. An unidentified police officer was patrolling the suburban neighborhood when he noticed the vehicle blocking the road. The officer moved the Jeep to a nearby driveway and ticketed it with a bright-orange abandoned vehicle tag.

It seemed the intention was to show residents that police were patrolling their streets. “It’s a warning tag we put on cars that tells owners it has to be moved within 72 hours,” said Lt. Sam Liddiard of the American Fork Police Department. The next morning, the father of two young girls, ages 7 and 9, found his children’s toy with the ticket. The girls had reportedly left their Barbie Jeep in the street after the battery died. “It had nothing to do with the girls,” Lt. Liddiard said of the police warning. “It was his [the officer’s] attempt at humor to let the residents in the area know

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The Week that he’d been patrolling the neighborhood. “He just thought it’d be a cute idea to put a tag on the car.” Now residents know he was patrolling their area, and they know how mature he is as well.

Hello, Where’s My Jello?

A 39-year-old Pennsylvania man called the Upper Macungie Township police on Thursday night to report an emergency. Apparently, his Jell-O was stolen from the break room fridge at work.

According to the police report, the caller explained “that this was not the first time his food had been stolen from the refrigerator.” The incident remains under investigation.

Plane Door Falls from the Sky It’s not a bird… it’s not a plane…it’s a door! A Beechcraft King Air twin-turboprop plane took off from Monterey Regional Airport in California on Thursday afternoon. Mid-flight the pilot heard a pop and immediately prepared for an emergency landing. When he was back on the ground, he discovered he had lost a door while in-flight. It wasn’t until Friday morning that the missing door was discovered by a contractor working at El Castell Motel in Monterey, California. The 75-pound door apparently landed on the tile roof of an unoccupied room. What do you do when your door comes knocking?

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In News Doctor Heals Seizure Disorder with Laser Surgery Chris Murto’s silent seizures began when he was just an infant. At the time, doctors assumed it was nightmares and it would pass. His mom, Maura Murto, 59, of Sedona, Arizona recalls, “He rarely slept more than two hours at a time. He would wake up and look startled, then begin to cry.” By time he was a toddler, he would frequently stiffen up and look tense but only when he was asleep. “His face would grimace and a slight tear would roll down his cheek,” she said.

absolutely amazing. Now we have all zeroes on his chart.” Dr. Peter Nakaji, Chris’ neurosurgeon, used a new kind of surgery that uses MRI technology to pinpoint the tumor and destroy the mass. Nakaji cut a two-millimeter incision in Murto’s skull to insert the laser catheter. “The laser gently heats up the hamartoma and cooks it to death,” he said. “The tissue is dead and the body absorbs the melted cells.” Amazingly, the complex surgery involves a single stitch and only one night’s stay in the hospital. Now, two months past surgery, Murto says he still experiences fatigue but is “contemplative and relieved” about his future, hoping eventually to find a job programming the computer games he likes to play. “This surgery has changed my life,” Murto said. “It’s amazing to have instantly gone from having [on average] 250 seizures a month to not having one. After all these years, I’m finally able to live an independent life.”

Ancient Haggadah Discovered in England Eventually, Chris was diagnosed with a rare type of benign tumor, a hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). HH tumors, affect about 1 in 200,000 individuals. The condition could cause up to 350 seizures a month. By the time he was 13, Chris was taking 25 pills a day. Chris’ parents began logging his daily seizures at age 5. They began to get worse as he got older and affected his ability to learn. His IQ declined from 120 to 79, and his parents were told he would not be able to live independently. “He had tremors in his hand, his eyes rolled up in his head so you could see the whites, he slept a lot and his drool was out of control,” Maura Murto said. “He was losing ground mentally and physically.” “It’s impossible to explain the amount of pain I was experiencing,” said Chris. Now Chris Murto is 29 and he is miraculously seizure-free. He owes it all to Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, the first in the country to treat HH tumors. The surgeons used new, minimally invasive laser-surgery techniques to burn out the tumor in his brain. Since his surgery in August 2012 Chris has not had one seizure. “Oh, my gosh, what a miracle for our family,” his mother said. “It was

After an elderly Jewish couple passed away in Bury, England, their home was cleared out by relatives. While sifting through their belongings, their relatives discovered a cardboard soup box that was protecting a Jewish manuscript from the 18th century. The discovery was made during a house clearance conducted after the passing of the Jewish couple that lived there. Bill Forrest of Adam Partridge Auctioneers made a field visit to evaluate the antique item in the home. He said, “There was this one very thin, fairly modest looking manuscript really sitting in there. I picked up, picked up that and started to leaf through it and realized actually this is quite a significant piece.” This significant piece was a 20-page Haggadah, painted on goatskin vellum by Aaron Wolff Shreiber Herlingen. It is believed that the Haggadah dates back to 1726.

Judge Tells Ohio Man that He’s Legally Dead Ohio resident Donald Eugene Miller Jr. is very much alive but Judge Allan Davis refuses to acknowledge that. Back in 1994, a Hancock County court ruling declared the 61-year-old legally dead after he disappeared from his rental home for eight years, resulting in the retirement of his Social Security number and his driver’s license. Judge Allan Davis admitted that it is a “strange, strange situation,” but he at the same time maintained that the court cannot budge in its decision. “We’ve got the obvious here,” Davis said. “A man sitting in the courtroom, he appears to be in good health. I don’t know where that leaves you,” he continued, “but you’re still deceased as far as the law is concerned.” Although it varies state by state, generally in order to declare a person legally dead without proof they need to be missing for seven years and there has to have been a continuous and genuine effort to find the person. Miller said he is a recovering alcoholic and abandoned his rental home while in the throes of his addiction. He is now attempting to regain his identity in the hope of putting his life back on track. There is a three-year legal limit for reversing a death ruling. “It kind of went further than I ever expected it to,” Miller told the court. “I just kind of took off, ended up in different places.” According to the law, Miller has the right to petition his case and have his Social Security number reinstated in

federal court, but his attorney, Francis Marley, said that Miller does not have the financial resources to pursue a second hearing. “My client’s here on a wing and a prayer today,” Marley said. Miller’s ex-wife, Robin Miller, asked for the initial death ruling so that Social Security death benefits could be paid to their two children. According to sources, Robin Miller is opposed to overturning the death ruling because she would be required to reimburse the federal government for the benefits she received over the last two decades. Reportedly, her ex-husband owed her $26,000 in child support at the time of his disappearance.

Canadian Hunters Kill “Sacred” Albino Moose

Researchers at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and the Bern University of Applied Sciences in Burgdorf, Switzerland, have collected data showing that the birds take little to no breaks during their migration from breeding grounds in Switzerland to wintering grounds in Western Africa and back again the following year.

media, and it’s been an outcry and our people are outraged.” A Department of Natural Resources biologist said that based on the photographs, the moose probably was a partial albino. The names of the hunters have not been released but they did issue an apology explaining that they were not aware that the animal was considered sacred. They agreed to hand over the carcass to the Mi’kmaq people so they can perform a traditional ceremony. What a moose-take!

It’s Not Superman, It’s a Super-Bird The Alpine swift bird is a swallow-like bird that has a wingspan of about 22 inches (57 centimeters) and a body length of about 8 inches (20 cm). It spends most of its life in flight according to scientists who have researched their habits extensively. Recently, researchers found a way to prove exactly how long these birds fly without taking a break.

To collect their data, the researchers outfitted six birds with small tags that logged acceleration and ambient light during the course of a yearlong migration cycle that began and ended in SwitContinued on page 38

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FEATURING Three proud hunters posted a photo of themselves with their loot, a rare albino moose that they killed in the Nova Scotia wilderness last week. They were within their rights when they killed the unusual animal but they have been harshly criticized on social media. Their action particularly outraged the indigenous Mi’kmaq people, who regard white creatures as “spirit animals” and believe that killing them brings bad luck. Danny Paul, a Mi’kmaq hunter, said that aboriginal people have known about the spirit moose for years. “We know the significance and we’ve been teaching that to the non-native population for almost 500 years—about the importance that this and other white animals played in our lives,” he said. “We are not to harm them in any way, shape, or form because they could be one of our ancestors coming to remind us of something significant that’s going to happen within our communities. It was so disrespectful having seen it put on the social

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Adam Partridge said, “So if we look here it’s all handwritten by the scribe Aaron Wolff and hand-illuminated as well each little vignette.” Supposedly, the manuscript ended up England during World War II when it was smuggled out of Belgium by a family escaping the Nazis. “This family became slightly split up and various sides of the family weren’t talking to each other. Decades then ensued and these things get lost,” Partridge explained. The estimated value of the precious artifact is £100,000–£150,000 (about $161,000–$242,000), but can potentially be sold for much more when it goes up for auction at the end of November. I guess there’s no need to ask how this haggadah is different from all the other haggadahs.

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Suozzi spent his 8-years as Nassau County Executive spending your money on a luxury office suite and a healthy pay raise, while setting a record for government waste and mismanagement. He claims he balanced the Nassau County budget. Simple math shows all he did was hike taxes and borrow millions.

Here’s what it cost the Five Towns the last time Tom Suozzi was in office: • Hiked property taxes 23%* • Planned another 16% hike* • Passed a tax on heat and electric† • Stuck taxpayers with a $378 million deficit • Gave himself a generous $65,000 pay raise • Spent nearly $70 million dollars on luxury offices for himself and fellow Democrats * Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) † Ed Mangano and the new Republican Legislative Majority repealed the Emergy Tax their first day in office, LI Herald 12/21/09, Nassau County Public Records, News12.com

County Executive Ed Mangano spent the past 4 years cleaning up Suozzi’s mess. We’re halfway there.

Vote for ED MANGANO on Nov. 5th

so he can finish the job.

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

Five Towns taxpayers CAN’T AFFORD to vote for Tom Suozzi

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

The Week zerland. Only three of the six birds were recaptured the following year, but these individuals provided enough data to complete the study, the researchers said. The only period of prolonged rest appeared to be when the birds were breeding in Switzerland. “Their activity pattern reveals that they can stay airborne continuously throughout their nonbreeding period in Africa and must be able to recover

while airborne,” the team writes in their report. “To date, such long-lasting locomotive activities had been reported only for animals living in the sea.” Scientists have not determined whether or not the birds sleep in flight but periods of decreased movement suggest that they do. I guess there are no stopovers on their flight.

In News Silent Supper These days it’s basically impossible to enjoy a nice dinner out without hearing the person next to you yap on their cell phone. Now diners at Eat in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood do not have to be subjected to that type of rudeness but they also need to be ready to practice their self-control and

sit in silence. The New York City restaurant prohibits any talking while dining at their restaurant (not a great place for a first date).

Nicholas Nauman, head chef, said he was inspired to pitch the tight-lipped consumption sessions after spending time in India, where Buddhist monks take their breakfast without exchanging words. “It’s just an opportunity to enjoy food in a way you might not have otherwise,” said the chef. Aside from the clanking of flatware and dishes and some background noise from the kitchen, the dining hall is quiet. “There’s such a strong energy in the room,” says Nauman. “It’s kind of like a meditation,” Eat owner Jordon Colon said. “The silence speaks for itself.” Don’t even think of bringing the kids!

A Celebration of the Pilgrims & Maccabees This calendar year, Chanukah and Thanksgiving fall out on the same day. While Thanksgiving is always the last Thursday of November, Chanukah varies since it’s based upon the Jewish calendar. Usually we celebrate eight nights of Chanukah in December but this year it falls out in the end of November. The last time this convergence occurred was in 1888, and if you miss this opportunity to celebrate both holidays, then you will have to wait till 2070, according to calculations by Jonathan Mizrahi, a quantum physicist at the Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico. After that, the two holidays overlap again in 2165 and then again in 76,695. So bust out the sweet potato latkes and enjoy your long weekend filled with lots of jelly doughnuts or maybe a cranberry filled one, if you’re experimental in the kitchen. Happy Thanksgivukah!

T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

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Acheinu Brings Fathers Closer to Yiddishekit Through Their Sons! By Chaim Gold “NOW I understand what my son is doing all day and why he is doing it!” These were the words of Ehud Bar Shalom at an Acheinu Father and Son Sukkos event that brought fathers of talmidei Yeshivas Acheinu together with

their sons to a special Sukkos celebration at the yeshiva. Acheinu’s yeshiva in Yerushalayim is a unique institution. All of its talmidim are baalei teshuvah from families that are not shomrei Torah and mitzvos.

“One of the singular challenges facing talmidim of Yeshivas Acheinu,” explains Rabbi Ariel Elbaz, one of the Yeshiva’s devoted rebbeim, “is trying to explain to their parents and other family members why they chose to go to yeshiva and

what a life of limud Torah and mitzvah observance means to them.” “On Chol Hamoed Sukkos we held a simply unforgettable simchas beis hashoeiva for fathers and sons. The emotional moments of connection to their children, the dancing, the powerful speech of the Nasi of the Yeshiva, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, were all moments that left an indelible impact on all, the parents, the children and the staff. I found myself wiping tears from my eyes numerous times throughout the evening,” said Rabbi Elbaz. Sons Bringing Fathers Closer to Hashem: Veheishiv Lev Avos al Banim! Acheinu believes strongly in the koach of Torah, the power of Torah to bring Jews closer to Hashem. That is why a significant part of the evening was devoted to a father and son chavrusah learning session. Most of the fathers had never seen the inside of a Gemara so it was extremely important to let them understand and gain an appreciation for what their sons do throughout most of the day. It was amazing to see sons explaining first the Mishnah to their fathers followed by heated discussions on the ensuing Gemara that followed. These boys themselves have only been learning Torah for a year or two but they threw themselves into the learning session with tremendous enthusiasm. It was clear that fathers were swept up in their sons’ passion. It wasn’t only Ehud Bar Shalom who finally realized, after learning with his son, what his son was doing all day. Virtually every father left the yeshiva that evening with a far better appreciation of how their sons spend their days. “You must understand,” continues Rabbi Elbaz, “virtually every bachur in our yeshiva had to fight with his parents to come here. But now, after having seen how much their sons honor them, how refined they have become, and how happy they are in yeshiva, the fathers have completely changed their attitudes.” “Interestingly,” Rabbi Elbaz remarks, “while everyone was eating in the yeshiva’s sukkah I overheard two fathers talking to each other. One father urged the other, ‘I am telling you, go to the beit knesset!’ The other retorted, ‘But I almost never go to the beit knesset .’ To this the first father replied, ‘I rarely went too until recently, when I wanted to develop a better relationship with my son,

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and show him that I respect the things that are important to him. You know what? Not only is my relationship with my son doing great, but I feel good about going to the beit knesset. It has made me better too!’” “This exchange between fathers,” Rabbi Elbaz stressed, “is itself an extremely positive aspect of the event!”

Today Dirshu is a world renowned organization with many tens of thousands of members learning in its programs and taking its tests. However, only a select few Dirshu Kollelim have been around virtually from the beginning. The Dirshu night kollel for baalei batim in Beit Shemesh is one of those kollelim that have zechus rishonim. In introducing Dirshu’s Nasi, Rav Dovid HofstedThe Missing Ingredient: ter, at the siyum, Rabbi Mordechai Pitem Tefillos of the Parents! and Rabbi Yaakov Blumenthal, the two Without a doubt, the climax of the Roshei Kollel, thanked Rav Hofstedter evening was the entrance of Rav Dovid and Dirshu for the 14 years that the kolHofstedter together with his son, Rav Zev lel has been in existence. Rabbi Pitem Hofstedter, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas remarked, “The kollel enables baalei Acheinu. The fathers were visibly moved batim who spend their days engaging in upon hearing Rav Dovid emotionally parnassah to return each night to their exclaim, “My dear friends! yeshiva days. I have seen Your sons are so happy how this Dirshu Kollel has here – they have everything had a profound impact not that they want, good, caring only on its members but on rabbeim combined with a their families as well. As a great atmosphere of simcha. result of the Torah anchor They are only missing one which the kollel provides – thing – the tefillos of their the Torah life, the chinuch parents! There is nothing and shalom bayis of the more potent than the tefillos families have been truly of a father; there is nothing enhanced. It is a testament heard in shamayim like the to the koach haTorah and Rabbi Chaim Walkin tefillos and tears of a mother as the leadership of Dirshu, an she lights the Shabbos candles begging organization that fervently believes that Hashem that her children be successful all Yidden have a chelek in Torah, that all in Torah and in all of their endeavors. Yidden can shteig regardless of whether That is something only you – the parents they spend the entire day in the beis me– can do!” drash or not.” Then the music began. The entire asBoth the men and the women were semblage exploded into a united circle deeply inspired by derashos given by of dancing with ecstatic joy and passion. Rav Dovid Hofstedter who eloquently Rabbi Elbaz said, “One father came to connected the siyum on Masechta Kidme in the middle of the dance and with dushin with the Yom Tov of Sukkos and tears of joy in his eyes said, ‘Finally I the Mashgiach of Yeshiva Ateret Yisrael, realize that Yeshivat Acheinu is such a HaGaon HaRav Chaim Walkin, shlita, special place. I am so happy my son is who journeyed especially from Yerushahere!’” layim to participate in the event.

The Koach HaTorah: The Underlying Foundation of Dirshu and Acheinu The belief in the power of Torah as the underlying foundation is not limited to Acheinu. Acheinu is the kiruv arm of Dirshu whose very raison d’être is the koach of Torah. Dirshu promotes Torah learning throughout klal Yisrael with its tens of programs that promote accountable limud HaTorah. Whether it is for yeshiva bachurim, kollel yungeleit or baalei batim, Dirshu has one goal: increasing limud HaTorah and yedias Hatorah in every segment of klal Yisrael. The dedication to this principle that binds Dirshu and Acheinu was clearly evident at a beautiful gala siyum on Masechta Kiddusin held by Dirshu’s baalei batim kollel in Beit Shemesh this past Chol Hamoed.

A Mini “United Nations” United By Torah Another highlight of the event was the sight of all the wives of the kollel members who joined the celebration. It was amazing to see how despite their different backgrounds they all connected and found so much common ground through the Torah learning of their husbands. The mesiras nefesh displayed by these special women, who willingly forgo their own limited time with their husbands, brought them together as one. Indeed, Rabbi Pitem quipped, “Our kollel is like a mini United Nations. Our members wear all kinds of hats and kippas but we are united as one by the ultimate unifier, limud haTorah. That is what Dirshu is all about.”

The Greatest Nachas: Acheinu Talmidim Joining the Ranks of Dirshu Members Perhaps the final Sukkos event was most indicative of the limud haTorah connection between Acheinu and Dirshu. A moving alumni mesibah at the Acheinu Yeshiva in Kiryat Sefer brought together alumni – true bnei Torah – who had slowly been eased into the Torah world by Acheinu and eventually mainstreamed into yeshivos kedoshos throughout Eretz Yisrael. Acheinu never relinquishes its talmidim. Even after they

send them to yeshivos they make sure to have rebbeim keep in touch with their charges to ensure that they are excelling in their respective yeshivos. Rav Dovid Hofstedter has repeated on several occasions that the greatest nachas is to see Acheinu talmidim who have come closer to Yiddishkeit become so successful and become such bnei Torah that they can join the ranks of Dirshu members and test takers! Rav Hofstedter, who attended and addressed the event, undoubtedly derived much nachas as he witnessed the realization of that dream!

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Community Mesivta Yam Hatorah Parents and Teachers Connect

In honor of the yahrtzeit of Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, zt”l, Rosh HaYeshiva of the Mir Yeshiva in Yerushalayim, Yeshiva Gedolah Ateres Yaakov made a siyum on mishnayos Seder Mo’ed this past Tuesday, 11 Cheshvan (Rochel Imeinu’s yahrtzeit). The Yeshiva was privileged to hear divrei zikaron from Rav Meir Braunstein, shlita, Rosh HaYeshiva of the Yeshiva Gedolah (left), and Rav Avi Schulman, 9th grade Rebbe in the Mesivta (right), both of whom were talmidim of Rav Nosson Tzvi, zt”l.

Rambam Wins Blood Drive Award for Sixth Year in a Row For the sixth straight year, Rambam Mesivta was honored by the Long Island Blood Services Center for their outstanding contribution to saving lives. The Rambam Mesivta Blood Drive Committee, the driving force behind the school’s success, is currently comprised of seniors Eli Lava, Avi Gross, Junior Netanel Muskat, and Sophomore Johnny Wiesel. The impetus behind last year’s award was alumnus Chanani Levy who is now learning in Yeshivat Har Etzion (Gush).

Many of the young men were on hand to accept the Long Island Blood Services “Hero-Globin Award.” This award recognizes schools that are able to surpass their expected blood donation counts. Rambam Mesivta had an astounding 195% donation turnout. By manning phones, sending out emails, and encouraging local denizens of Lawrence to come in during work breaks, the young leaders were able to ensure that parents, alumni, and family members came out to help in this noble endeavor.

This past week at Mesivta Yam Hatorah parents had a chance to hear from their son’s Rebbeim and teachers at back to school night. The evening opened with a message from the Menahel, Rabbi Eli Zoldan. Rabbi The dorm students enjoying a Thursday night Vaad with cholent and divrei Torah given by Nosson Tzvi Seplowitz Zoldan spoke of the Mesivta’s belief that to be successful in producing bnei Torah there needs to be a a chance to hear from their son’s rebteam effort between the school and par- beim and teachers about the curriculum ents. It is through this harmonious re- and requirements of their classroom. lationship that we can be confident that Parents walked away impressed by the our lessons will last a lifetime. Rabbi professionalism of the staff and the chalZoldan also spoke about some of the lenging program. new exciting things happening at the Mesivta this year, such as AP classes For further information, please call and workshops in both the Judaic and Mesivta Yam Hatorah on 718-471 7471 secular department. Parents then had or email: office@yamhatorah.org.

Parent Orientation at Mesivta Yam HaTorah

MYHT Students learning with the yungerleit from Kolel Ner Yehoshua at the chavrusa program that began this past week between the Beis Medrash and the Mesivta

A Flying Sales Office for Nofei Buyers

Service on an unprecedented level: for the first time in the real estate industry where apartments in Israel are being marketed in the United States, the project’s professional teams will be travelling to the United States to present the buyers with all the details of the project. It will be as though the buyers are at the sales office on the construction site in Israel. To date, those interested in purchasing apartments in Israel had to travel to the relevant project, meet the marketing team, and make the arrangements. But the developers of the Ramat Givat Zeev neighborhood in Jerusalem have decided to upgrade service, and fly the entire marketing team to a special sales expo in the United States. All the professionals involved in the project, from architects to interior designers, lawyers and sales and service representatives, will be on hand to present a full picture to interested buyers at the expo. After the expo, a festive dinner will be held for the many people who have already signed contracts to purchase units in the project. The dinner will feature professionals who will give an overview of the uniqueness of each aspect of the project. Likewise, HaRav Shmuel Brazil, Rosh Yeshiva of Zeev HaTorah,

who is moving his community to Ramat Givat Zeev, will also be addressing the dinner. The news that HaRav Brazil would be moving to the neighborhood generated much excitement among potential buyers who see it as an important way to establish the spiritual character of the community. The evening will culminate with a special entertainment performance for the audience’s enjoyment. Ramat Givat Zeev is Chish Nofei Israel’s flagship project. Most rabbanim in the United States have categorized it as the most suitable way to realize the dream of Americans to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. The project offers many exclusive advantages that facilitate residents’ acclimation to their new home. Emphasis is being placed on building a warm, homogenous community that includes a plethora of communal institutions that suit the residents’ mentality. Ramat Givat Zeev will offer luxurious residential homes, with rich technical specifications, parks and shopping centers. Likewise, the neighborhood is located just north of Jerusalem, and is the perfect combination of a tranquil, suburban setting with breathtaking views and crisp mountain air, yet is close to all the Torah and chassidic centers located in the capital.

Sanitary District No. 1 Hosts Shredding Day on Sunday, October 20 Shredding Day is Sunday Oct. 20th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Sanitary District. No. 1 residents are invited to safely, securely, and permanently shred unwanted personal documents and old financial records in a high capacity

shredding truck at Sanitary District No. 1 – 2 Bay Blvd, Lawrence (behind Costco) from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. This is a FREE service for residents of Sanitary District No. 1.

NEWS

Community Performing Hachnasas Orchim in the Right Way

There are numerous real life stories in which being on the receiving end of hachnasas orchim changed a person’s life. There are people who became frum because of a Shabbos meal they attended. There are those who decided to marry a certain type of person because of hachnasas orchim that they experienced. There are also many people who were lifted out of depression and brought back from the brink of despair due to their experience as a guest. Bearing all this in mind it is worthwhile to remember that as with many commandments, there are numerous levels of how hachnasas orchim can be performed. We learn from Avraham and Sara that hachnasas orchim is a “team effort” and it is imperative that both partners be “on the same page” regarding how they perform this commandment. When the guests arrived, Avraham asked someone to bring them a bit of water. He then asked Sara to bake for the guests. He himself went and prepared three tongues in their honor. We see that when Avraham asked someone other than himself and his wife to help out he only asked them to do a minimal amount; however, when it was him or his wife the hachnasas orchim was done on a grander scale. As our lives constantly change it is important for each couple to periodically reevaluate the way in which they perform hachnasas orchim and adjust it according to their mutual agreement and their current life situation. Of course, there are times where a couple should do hachnasas orchim in a grand fashion following the example of Avraham

and Sara. There are also times where this is not what a couple belongs doing. There are situations in which one spouse needs space and perhaps having sleeping guests is not appropriate at this time. There are times where one spouse is overwhelmed and maybe hosting numerous guests is not proper for that time and guests should be limited to one or two, possibly even to none. For instance, there are times where perhaps a couple’s performance of this mitzvah should be more indirect (ex: through contributing to another’s hachnasas orchim). May Hashem help us to perform hachnasas orchim in the manner of Avraham and Sara, as a unified team. Performing this mitzvah should only serve to strengthen the bond between us and our spouse and our efforts should bring much joy to Hashem. 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 516430-5280 or email dsgarry@msn.com. HaRav Moshe Meir Weiss will be speaking at a Keynote Event with breakout sessions this upcoming Sunday, Tzom Gedalia, at the White Shul starting at 10:15am for men and women. Babysitting onsite will also be available and there is no charge for those attending.

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DRS Freshmen Shabbaton This past Shabbos, DRS played host to the 82 students in its freshmen grade at the Annual DRS Freshmen Shabbaton. The weekend began on Thursday afternoon, when the students enjoyed an exciting shiur vs. shiur wacky Olympics competition in the “DRS Greenhouse” Gym. Following the activity, the students were treated to a gala BBQ complete with hot dogs, burgers, French fries, and all the fixings. On Friday morning following Shacharit, the Freshmen competed in a ?? team Flag Football Tournament followed by a pizza lunch. After an afternoon of fun and games, the students prepared for a meaningful Shabbat, which began with an inspiring Kabbalat Shabbat in DRS’s beautiful Beit

Midrash. The entire grade was joined by their Rabbeim and DRS administra-

turned into a lively and leibedik tisch led by some of the students themselves.

tion for a wonderful Friday night meal. The zemiros were “rocking” as the meal

Following dinner, the students took part in a Family Feud competition which pit-

ted the different gemara classes against one another. Throughout the rest of Shabbos, the students were treated to fantastic shiurim and divrei Torah from their Rabbeim and classmates. The Shabbos was capped off by a meaningful Shalosh Seudot at the home of DRS Menahel Rabbi Kaminetsky. In his closing Shabbaton message, Rabbi Kaminetsky made it clear to all of the students that his home was their home, and that they should always feel comfortable there as they were now part of the DRS family. It was so clear that the Shabbaton fostered many new friendships throughout the ninth grade, and DRS looks forward to many more exciting events throughout the year.

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For 21 years, CAHAL’S highly individualized program has enabled hundreds of local Jewish children with learning disabilities to successfully complete the mainstream curriculum

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Fire Safety is Fun at Woodmere Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Day On Sunday, October 13, the Woodmere Fire Department hosted a Fire Prevention Day at the Woodmere Fire Department. Children enjoyed the rides on fire trucks (complete with sirens!), putting out fires, a demonstration of the Jaws of Life and going in the smoke room.

Hesped held at Yeshiva Far Rockaway for Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l Photo Credits Ivan H Norman

On Sunday, the 10th of Cheshto significance van October 13, on the last day of of the loss of shiva for Harav Hagoan Rav OvaRav Ovadia z”l dia Yosef z”l, a hesped was held in as the loss of yeshiva of Far Rockaway-Derech a general and Ayson. It was a true kiddush Hasha leader and em as in addition to the talmidim someone who several hundred people from the can inspire the community attended as well. people to batThe rosh yeshiva, Rav Yechiel tle and rise to Perr, spoke about the kina of Dovid great heights. Rav Yisroel Belsky address the crowd Hamelech upon hearing of the He then introdeath duced Rav Yisof Shaul and roel Belsky shlita, rosh yeshiva of Torah Y o n a s o n Vodaath who came to be maspid Chawhich be- cham Ovadia z”l. gins with the Rav Belsky described the accomposek “Eich plishments of Chacham Ovadia z”l, who n a p h e n in addition to his awesome gadlus b’Tog i b o r i m ” rah elevated the whole Sephardic world. and very He brought back to the descendants the m o v i n g l y Rambam and the Rashba the striving to a n a l y z e d become gedolei Torah and created the the kina and giant yeshivos and kollelim that they now Rabbi Yechiel Perr applied it have.

Afterwards, a parent of the yeshiva, who is also an alumnus, made a siyum on the 6th volume set of Tshuvos Y’chave Daas, which he had learned and reviewed over the past eighteen years, which was just completed at the time of the petira of Rav Ovadia z”l. He spoke about the last teshuva, read the last few

lines and said kaddish d’rabbanim. After which, Rabbi Aaron Brafman, menachel, made a kalel moleh. May we all continue to be inspired by Rav Ovadia’s legacy. A CD is available of the program from Ivan Norman at 212-461-0087.

Rabbi Aaron Brafman, Rav Yisroel Belsky, and Rabbi Moshe Brown at the gathering

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Going the Distance with J. Mark Interiors How do you decorate your home from 6,000 miles away? You hire the design firm that goes the distance for you. Jeffrey Mark of J. Mark Interiors is always on the move. From his New York headquarters to the hills of Jerusalem to the North Carolina furniture market, Jeffrey travels the world to accommodate the growing needs of his discerning clients. The dream of owning a home in Israel is now becoming a reality for many Americans and Europeans. With the recent increase in vacation homeownership in Israel, Jeffrey has developed a very specialized market. Several of his largest design projects are currently underway there. Very often, Jeffrey’s international clients turn to him for advice even before taking the leap. His constant presence in both countries allows his clients to feel at ease with their new home purchase. After the purchase is complete, Jeffrey and his team get to work developing and mapping out a unique design that’s tailor-made to the client’s individual needs. Jeffrey and his New York team can be found on daily conference calls with the Israel office, discussing details of each and every international project. The goal is to ensure that each new home surpasses the client’s expectations. In Israel, Jeffrey oversees all aspects of the building, renovation, and design. After the project is officially completed, Jeffrey makes sure to follow up throughout the year to secure that every last need is met. He typically forms long-lasting relationships with his clients and considers them friends. “Nothing makes me happier than helping my clients create the home of their dreams,” Jeffrey says. “That goes for any client, but when it’s somebody fulfilling a lifelong dream, it’s beyond exhilarating.” J. Mark Interiors is still as committed as ever to providing its local clients with the same attention to detail and customer service they have come to expect over the past 20 years. Now located at the Five Towns Design Center in Cedarhurst, the 6,500 square foot showroom features ever-changing displays that represent the latest interior design trends and the finest quality products. With all of his global resources and staff in place, Jeffrey Mark and J. Mark Interiors can accommodate any project, big or small, at home or abroad. J. Mark Interiors is located at 461 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst. Stop by or visit www.jmarkinteriors.com.

Rabbi Paysach Krohn Visits Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island

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Rambam Shabbaton Brings School Closer Together Over the Shabbos of Parshas Lech Lecha, the talmidim at Rambam attended the school’s annual Shabbaton at Camp Seneca Lake for a weekend that was filled with chevra, learning, sports (including a Homerun Derby/Gold Glove Tournament and a Flag Football Tournament), ruach, and excitement. As always, the freshman class is comprised of boys from 13 different elementary schools, so Rambam arranges for them to arrive in camp a day early to have an opportunity to bond with their new classmates. Following a delicious lunch, the boys were free to swim, use the Jacuzzi, play basketball, hockey, football and softball. They also threw out the first pitch for the school’s 1st Homerun Derby. Freshman Noah Schwartz was crowned 9th Grade Champion with Moe Horowitz a close 2nd. After a day of sports (not to mention the videogame room) and another delicious meal, the boys were introduced to an activity on perspective and individuality by Assistant Principal Mr. Hillel Goldman, who asked them to “zoom” in and out when making decisions. The night was complete with a competitive and friendly game of “Crazy Dodgeball: Senior Advisers (and Mr. Goldman!) vs. Freshmen.” On Friday, the rest of the school arrived and the Rambam freshmen now had an opportunity to bond with the upperclassmen. One of the hallmarks of Rambam Mesivta is that the school is close-knit and freshmen and sophomores and even juniors and seniors can know one another by name and forge friends. Soon the camp was filled with talmidim, rebbeim, teachers, and advisers playing Frisbee, softball, football, roller hockey and floor hockey, and basketball in the spirit of achdus. The Flag Football Tournament also kicked off at this time with the finals set for a Motzei Shabbos Super Bowl! During this time, amidst all the hustle and bustle of the games, talmidim could still be seen

throughout the landscape with open seforim. Kabbalat Shabbot, highlighted by senior Tani Martin’s davening and a dvar Torah concerning the importance of chevra and its impact on Lot delivered by Mr. Goldman, was followed by another outstanding meal filled with booming zemirot. The beautiful zemirot continued throughout the night as the dining room was filled with the sounds of boys represented by over a dozen elementary schools fusing their voices together to create a sense of achdus that is the hallmark Rambam Mesivta. Rabbi Avi Haar then gave a profound dvar Torah and the meal concluded with dessert. Following the meal, the Rambam rebbeim and alumni advisers led each grade in chaburahs revolving around “How to Lead the Proper Life as a Torah Jew in Today’s Society.” Then, Rabbi Yosef Ziskind held a special tisch filled with even more zemirot, divrei Torah and yes, hot cholent.

Shabbos morning davening featured a special dvar Torah from Rabbi Friedman highlighting a few aspects of the parsha with a special emphasis on the challenges of the values in Lot’s time as well as today’s time. It also featured a hot kiddush with words of inspiration from Rabbi Yaakov Wiesenberg heard during lunch. The sounds of zimerot reverberated throughout the whole camp as Rambam students, from freshmen to senior, joined together in ruach-filled singing. After the seudah, Rabbi Yotav Eliach, Principal of Rambam Mesivta, continued the Shabbaton’s theme of perspective, by giving an erudite discourse on the Yom Kippur War and its impact on emunah and how the yad Hashem must be recognized in Israel’s success and continued existence. Seudat Shlisheet culminated with moving messages from new Rambam Rebbe, Rabbi Aryeh Young, senior Sam Cohen, and Rambam alumus Dani Edelman. The boys sang into the night, davened Maariv and heard Rabbi Arie Chait make havdala. The entire school then broke out into dancing as they were still clinging to the spirit of Shabbos and chevra that had been created over the last few days. Motzei Shabbos continued with the talmidim once again engaging in sports activities. The Flag Football Super Bowl almost went into overtime as the Tyrannosaurus Tabaks took on the Altman Aardvarks under the lights. In the

end, Team Tabak was victorious and freshman, Ben Koppel was named Tournament MVP. Everyone then rushed toward the dining room for a melave malka with pizza, ice cream, and ruach, provided by world-class guitarist, and 9th and 12th grade Gemara Iyun Rebbe, Rabbi Ari Boiangiu. Rabbi Boiangiu’s Band included an amazing keyboardist and premier drummer, Mr. Halbfinger, father of junior Shmuel Halbfinger! The night ended with the final round of the Homerun Derby, as Senior Mendy Duftler hit a dramatic three-run homer that allowed him to take the lead. Senior Eli Chesner was awarded the runner-up trophy while Yaacov Gross won the runner-up Gold Glove award, with Daniel Petrokovsky winning the 1st Place Gold Glove award. The seniors then retreated to a late, late BBQ and bonfire by the lake, and a vasikin minyan was held for the early risers. The Rambam Mesvita Shabbaton promoted Torah, achdus, and new friendships. The Shabbaton was a weekend of profound opportunity and fun that has set the tone for the whole year and the kesher created between the talmidim and their rebbeim and new friends will continue to be strengthened as the year moves forward. Students are already looking forward to the spring Shabbaton!

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Getting To Know You: Big Sister/Little Sister Program at SKA The first year of high school can be a little intimidating but the administration of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls is constantly working to ensure

that their ninth graders are comfortable in their new surroundings! The annual Big Sister/Little Sister Program pairs up freshmen and juniors

to create special connections between upper and lower classmen with the goal of building strong relationships both inside and outside of school. The program on Thursday, October 3, was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to meet each other in a relaxed

venue; bonding over the game, “The Quest,” the girls built human pyramids and shared stories over ice cream. Each SKA ninth grader now has a “sister” as a friend, role model and shoulder to lean on!

Fitness Extravaganza a Huge Success On Saturday night, October 12th, EMUNAH partnered with Studio Inna in an effort to raise $50,000 to build a sports and multipurpose facility in Achuzat Sarah, one of EMUNAH’s five children’s residential homes for children at risk in Israel. The beautiful new gym at the HAFTR elementary school, transformed for the event by nightclub lighting and music supplied by Jason Hagler, owner of Rapid Motion Technologies, proved to be the perfect venue for the event. EMUNAH, a recipient of the Israel Prize, provides vital social services and educational programs to children and families in Israel. Inna Koppel, founder of Studio Inna, was the visionary behind this event. A Russian immigrant who came to this country with her family in 1976, Inna movingly recalls the warm welcome she received in her new country. She is forever grateful for the benevolence and generosity of organizations like HIAS and NIANA that helped Russian Jewry embrace and acclimate to their new home in America. These memories serve as a motivating force, inspiring her to help others. Inna and her family visited Achuzat Sarah several years ago and were so impressed with EMUNAH’s dedication to helping vulnerable children. They witnessed firsthand how these children, who for a myriad of reasons are not able to live at home, are lovingly cared for and nurtured by the staff. Inna came back knowing she had to help, and that’s what she has done on numerous occasions. The hugely successful fitness extravaganza, dedicated in memory of Inna’s mother, Sheila Roit a”h, boasted a sports memorabilia auction, yoga, kickboxing , spinning and a men’s boot camp. With her unparalleled dynamic drive, Inna and her co-instructor Raina Butler, simultaneously led the women’s spinning and kickboxing classes, while the men sweated and toiled away in a boot camp under the instruction of the Studio Inna coaches. This sports initiative met and exceeded everyone’s expectations. Not only was it exciting and enjoyable, but it reached its important goal. The children at Achuzat Sarah will now have a new sports facility due to the enthusiasm and generosity of Inna Koppel, the Studio Inna team, her devoted studio members, and the big-hearted participants that evening.

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Community

Assemblyman Goldfeder Urges Homeowners to Register to Receive STAR Tax Break To ensure taxpayers are protected from inappropriate or fraudulent STAR exemptions, Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway) is reminding all homeowners receiving the Basic STAR benefit to register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to continue receiving exemptions in 2014 and subsequent years. Registration began on August 19, 2013 and will continue through December 31, 2013. “This new requirement will help improve the program and safeguard taxpayer money,” said Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder. “It’s fast and easy to register and will provide homeowners enormous financial assistance.”

Improper STAR exemptions cost New Yorkers an estimated $13 million in 2010-11, and that could increase to $73 million by 2015-16. Enhanced STAR recipients must continue to apply annually, or continue participate in the Income Verification Program. Additionally, first-time applicants are not affected by this year’s registration procedure and must file Form RP-425, Application for School Tax Relief Exemption, with their local assessor. “To discourage fraud and abuse of STAR, this new law has incorporated individual fines and penalties to better protect the program and taxpayers dollars,” said Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder. “I

encourage all eligible homeowners to apply immediately to ensure they continue to receive their exemption.” The tax department will mail instructions – including a STAR code necessary for registration to all homeowners who currently receive the Basic STAR exemption. Additionally, seniors who receive Enhanced STAR will be exempt from the new requirements and will not need to register to continue participation in the program. Homeowners can register at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s website at www.tax.ny.gov or by calling 518-457-2036.

Project Go Green at Yeshiva Har Torah The students at Yeshiva Har Torah partnered with the National Council of Young Israel in their initiative called “Go Green.” The campaign raises money to provide soldiers in the IDF with special tzitzit that can easily be worn under their uniforms and other battle gear. The students and parents at YHT raised over $750 over the month of Elul and Tishrei, which will provide over 40 pairs of tzitzit to the chayalim! YHT was honored to welcome Rabbi Yedidya Atlas, a Lt. Colonel in the IDF and representative for the Chief Rabbinate of the IDF, as well as Rabbi Chaim Leibtag, Executive Director of the NCYI, this past Tuesday to receive the school’s donation for the IDF. Rabbi

Rabbi Gary Menchel, principal; Rabbi Yedidya Atlas; Rabbi Chaim Leibtag; Rabbi Ahron Rosenthal

Atlas addressed the middle school and related that prior to his arrival in New York that morning, he received a call from the Golani Brigade requesting these special tzitzit. Rabbi Atlas was happy to

announce that YHT would be the source of that donation of tzitzit. Many soldiers request “the real bulletproof vest,” and with the school’s help, that will become a reality.

53 T h e J e w i s h H o m e n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

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Chaverim Five Towns and Rockaways by Chaia Frishman Most organizations have a press release prepared for submission to coincide with an event they are holding. They usually have someone working there write it and include various facts about the positive things that the group does. I, however, contacted Binyamin Lipsky and Mayer Kramer to ask if I could help Chaverim in gratitude for what they did for me. I could tell you about the 50+ volunteer members and 15 dispatchers or the over 250 calls a month that they answer. Or wax poetic about the many cars they boost, gas tanks they fill, flats they repair, or cars they unlock. But I really want to tell you a personal story that gave me a firsthand introduction to the types of people that pursue chesed. Four months ago I attended a

wedding in Williamsburg. I always get lost, so I brought my GPS with me. Before I got off the phone with my husband, he told me that his car broke down, but he managed to get home. The GPS sent my car through the side streets. I wanted to get on a highway to find roads that I was familiar with to get home quickly. The side streets I found myself on were unnerving but I figured that I would follow the GPS and hope for the best. There were many construction signs and the bumping of the car proved that the streets were not paved. Then I felt it. That sickening thud of the wheel. I had a flat. I was driving on Atlantic Avenue in a poorly lit neighborhood, with nothing open. Too far from Williamsburg to return and not

Bais Yaakov of Queens’ Fourth Grade Scientists

At BYQ you can find fourth grade students combining the scientific method, science experiments and writing! Mrs. Evelyn Hefetz, one of the fourth grade teachers, generated such excitement when she asked, ”Can things grow without earth?” This was her segue into introducing the scientific method of inquiry to the girls. The question generated such lively discussion. The students hypothesized about whether things can or cannot grow. For the experimentation, they placed beans, paper towels and water in plastic ziplock bags. The bags are hanging on their wall so the girls can regularly measure and keep a notebook of their observations. Connecting their science to formal writing, Mrs. Hefetz taught the girls sequence and transitional words to help them use

creative and varied vocabulary in their writing of this particular assignment. A writing assignment where they write up the information regarding all parts of the experiment from the question to the results with proper paragraphing will follow the experiment. The girls will continue this process with another experiment where they will write up the scientific experiment on their own. We all remember the experiment with celery and food coloring! Mrs. Hefetz plans on conducting the experiment in class and her students will have a discussion of the purpose of the experiment and will write their own hypothesis and their observations. It is wonderful to see them so engaged in their experiments and scientific discussions.

close enough to Far Rockaway to get help. Wait, what help? My husband had no car. It was close to midnight. Not exactly the time to call a friend. I drove on that flat a few more blocks till I found an open Hess station. I did not feel safe getting out of my car to knock on their bullet-proof window. I called Chaverim. Even though I knew that I was far away from their jurisdiction, it was worth a try. The dispatcher felt my pain, but pointed out that he could not guarantee anyone would answer the call so late at night in such a bad neighborhood. On top of that, the spare tire that fit my car had also just broken. The responder would have to find a spare to bring along. Plus (it gets better), my phone was dying and the charger was nowhere to be found. I needed to get my info out quickly. The dispatcher proceeded to send out a message to all members of Chaverim in Five Towns/Far Rockaway and Brooklyn giving them my approximate coordinates (Atlantic Avenue and Nowheresville was my assessment). I hoped for the best. Yup. Tehillim was said. I didn’t get one call. Nor two. I got many calls. From different people. Including the call from a Brooklyn Chaverim member who did not have his equipment on him, but was driving out to meet me so that I wouldn’t be alone in such an awful neighborhood. Then someone arrived with materials to secure the area with Chaverim flashers

and orange cones. Finally, one member picked up another to fetch a tire that matched my car, drove out to find me on Atlantic Avenue at the Hess station and proceeded to fix my tire. Four men working in sync to help a fellow Jew. The tire had very old and corroded nuts. It was so rusty that they were almost impossible to take off. Some of the materials broke in trying to remove the tire. The member working on it offered to reimburse me! Seriously? Then the members from Far Rockaway followed me home to make sure I was safe driving on the donut. Of course, there is a happy ending. I am left with not just a drivable car, but also intense hakaras hatov to a group of men who are on call day and night to help a fellow Jew. Obviously we sent a donation, but I want to implore you all to support chaverim. My story could have ended poorly. I was in a dangerous neighborhood at a scary hour, with no help in sight. And help arrived very quickly. Please support the people that help our community. This Sunday, October 20, at 9:30 am, men and women are invited to a parlor meeting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Muchnik, 517 Cedar Hill Road in Far Rockaway. Please try your best to attend. The Chaverim emergency contact number: 718-337-1800. For information, call 516-331-1460, email events@ chaverim5t.org or visitwww.chaverim5t. org.

TMM and Chessed Go Hand in Hand TMM students understand that the chessed program is an integral part of their curriculum. By extension, they realize that chessed must play an integral part of their lives as well. The chessed program, run by the talented Ms. Faige Fried, was launched on Monday, October 7th at the annual gala chessed dinner. The event began with an elegant buffet served in the Ateres Nechama Liba Simcha Hall. The guest speaker at the dinner was the inspiring Tikvah Emunah, who related the challenges and victories she faced as a special needs child. The event concluded with a Chinese auction for a wide array of enticing prizes. A hand-out distributed at the dinner

delineates for the TMM students the available chassadim for which they may choose to volunteer. The choices run the gamut from working with young, disabled children to visiting the elderly and homebound; from tutoring struggling elementary school students to getting involved in kiruv initiatives; and from mentoring younger girls to creating gift packages for children in the hospital. The Far Rockaway/Five Towns community has benefited tremendously from the outpouring of chessed from the TMM girls, as have the girls themselves. The training for their future lives as baalos chessed is incomparable and the feeling of satisfaction at extending a helping hand is inestimable.

R’ Ben Tzion Shafier

Parshas Vayairah

The Prison Cell of Laziness

Hashem appeared to Avrohom and told him that the people of S’dom were wicked and would be destroyed. The only ones who would be saved were Lot and his family — because of the merit of Avrohom. Hashem then sent two molochim, Gavriel and Michoel, to accomplish this task. When they arrived on the scene, they explained to Lot that they were on a mission to wipe out the city, and he was to take his family and flee. Yet he didn’t move. “He delayed.” While he clearly understood the consequences, he remained glued to the spot. Finally, the molochim grabbed him by the hand and pulled him and his daughters away to safety. The Seforno notes that there is an apparent contradiction here. It is clear that Lot was being saved because of the merit of his brother-in-law, Avrohom. Yet in this pasuk, it says that he was saved because of “the mercy of Hashem.” Which one was it — the merit of Avrohom or Hashem’s mercy? The Seforno answers that both are true. Initially Lot was to be saved because of the merit of Avrohom. However, he wasted that opportunity. The molochim told him to flee and he didn’t. The merit of Avrohom was now used up. However, Hashem still had mercy on him because “it wasn’t out of rebelliousness that he delayed, rather out of being overwhelmed by the situation and out of laziness.” This Seforno is very difficult to understand. The two reasons given are: being overwhelmed and laziness. Aren’t these two concepts contradictory? If Lot was “overwhelmed by the moment,” that means that he understood the gravity of the situation. The entire city — and every man, woman, and child in it — was going to be annihilated. Life as he had known it would cease to be. That understanding is enough to evoke terror in any man’s heart, and we can certainly understand why he didn’t move. He went into emotional overload. Too much was happening too fast. He froze out of fear.

Is it possible that a man could be standing in a burning building, knowing that his life is in danger, and be too lazy to move? But the Seforno said there was a second reason: laziness. If he was gripped by fear, how could he be too lazy to move? Is it possible that a man could be standing in a burning building, knowing that his life is in danger, and be too lazy to move? To understand this we need a deeper perspective on the human personality. Understanding Laziness When Hashem created man, He took two diverse elements and brought them together. One part of man is pure intelligence, the Nefesh Ha’Schili. The other part is animal instincts, the Nefesh Ha’Bahami. Together, these two make up the “I” that thinks, feels, and remembers. The Nefesh Ha’Schili only wants to do that which is good, proper, and noble. It aspires for holiness and growth. More than anything, it desires to be close to its Creator. The Nefesh Ha’Bahami is made up of all of the instincts, drives, and passions in the human. Each part has its own nature; each has its own inclinations. To better understand the animal soul of man, we need to look for its corollary in the animal kingdom. Living at the very top of the food chain, the mighty lion is known as the king of the beasts. You would imagine that his life would be idyllic, until you watch his daily routine. In the African Serengeti, the male lion will wake up in the noon sun, let out a monstrously loud yawn, roll over and go back to sleep. A few hours later, he will wake up for bit, and then go back to sleep again. Not long after that, he will stir, let out another earth-shaking growl, and go back to sleep yet again. On average, he will sleep twenty hours a day. When there is no food to eat and the pride is not under not under threat, there is a heaviness to his nature that is almost depressing to watch. Part of the human has that tendency. We know it as laziness, but it is actually a sluggishness that is part of his inner nature. As the Mesillos Yesharim describes

it: “The nature of physicality is thick.” There is a part of me that just doesn’t want to move. It is a weightiness that makes we want to just stop and remain inactive — not out of tiredness, not out of fatigue, but because of a lazy streak that makes me just wants to vegetate. Even when a man may is fully motivated and driven to perform, this tendency can remain in the background and surface in almost undetectable ways influencing his actions and decisions. Two Forces in Lot This seems to be the answer to the Seforno. Lot was fully aware that the molochim came to destroy S’dom, and because of that, he was in a state of extreme agitation. “Oh, my goodness! The entire city with everyone in it will be destroyed!” Yet at the same time, there was a heaviness that influenced him. While he understood the gravity of the situation, he was still pulled by the heaviness of physicality, and when there was a decision to be made — do I leave or do I stay? — both elements had their say. He was indecisive because he was overwhelmed, but in the background, without his being aware of it, was also a sluggishness that made it even harder to choose. The chiddush that we see from this Seforno is that laziness will surface

and factor into the equation even under such grave circumstances. The concept is very helpful in understanding the dynamics of the human personality. It is almost unheard of that a single trait will drive a person’s behavior. Typically, there are multiple forces at work: some good, some bad, and some just nature. Within our actions, there may be many factors that weigh and shape the way we operate. While we may think that the reason we aren’t producing enough is that we aren’t sufficiently motivated, it may also be a simple dose of laziness. Held down by metal chains, tied to a ball of heavy iron, the lazy man can’t move. Everything is difficult; everything is a burden. Even the greatest motivation won’t get him to move. Lot could not have been more motivated to act. He was distraught because he understood that his very life and the life of his city was at risk, yet laziness factored in and prevented him from moving. For a person to reach his potential it isn’t enough to be motivated to do the work necessary; he must attack this middah directly. When he does, Hashem will help him to acquire the opposite: the middah of alacrity, so he can change his very nature and become the great individual he was destined to be. 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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“And he delayed, and the men held him, his wife, and his two daughters by the hand because of the mercy of Hashem, and they took them and left them outside of the city.” — Bereishis 19:16

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56 78 T h e J TeHwE iJsEhWHIoSm e r 2147, ,2012 2013 H eH n O M Eo cnt oMbAY

You Gotta be

Riddle!

Kidding!

Alice and Frank are bungee-jumping one day. Alice says to Frank, “You know, we could make a lot of money running our own bungee-jumping service in Mexico.” Frank thinks this is a great idea. So they pool their money and buy everything they’ll need: a tower, an elastic cord, insurance, etc. They travel to Mexico and begin to set up on a square in a small town. As they are constructing the tower, a crowd begins to assemble. Slowly, more and more people gather to watch them at work. When they finish, there’s such a crowd they think it would be a good idea to give a demonstration. So, Alice jumps. She bounces at the end of the cord, but when she comes back up, Frank notices that she has a few cuts and scratches. Unfortunately, Frank isn’t able to catch her and she falls again, bounces, and comes back up again. This time, she is bruised and bleeding. Again, Frank misses her. Alice falls again and bounces back up. This time she comes back pretty messed up; she has a couple of broken bones and is almost unconscious. Luckily, Frank finally catches her this time and says, “What happened? Was the cord too long?” Barely able to speak, Alice gasps, “No, the bungee cord was fine; it was the crowd. What in the world is a piñata?”

David sent his business associate, Jack, to the airport to greet three high level executives who were potentially big clients. Jack had never met any of the executives and didn’t know anything about them. David warned him, “Bob is very sensitive so make sure you are very proper and nice to him when you meet him.” When the three executives come off the plane, Jack walks up to them, turns to one of them and says “Bob, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Can I grab your bag for you?” How did he know which one was Bob? Answer below

Everything October 1

Everything October

6 7 8

11 12

13 14 16 17

Answer to riddle: The other two executives were women.

Down 2. Arrives in the Bahamas after a 33 day trip 4. First prime minister of Israel 5. Missile crisis 6. Happened to Clinton and one other president 7. Baseball’s first number 42 9. Russian leader Nikita Khrushchev pounds the U.N. podium with this 11. Tallest trees in the world 13. Getting early 14. The Great Fire of Chicago erupts when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicks this over 15. Leader of nonviolent resistance to end British rule over India 17. Chicago gangster sentenced to jail for tax evasion Across 1. 22.6% market plunge on October 6, 1987 3. Henry Ford’s car for the masses 8. The first satellite ever sent into orbit 10. The oldest institution of higher learning in America 12. Many different colors 16. Egyptian President assassinated on 10/6/81 while watching a military parade 18. U.S. development of the atomic bomb Answer on next page

57 H Ei sJ h E WHIoSmHeH n O M EOnc tMo AY T h e J eTw b e r2 41,72012 , 2013

Interpret Your Evaluation Comments AVERAGE: Not too bright. EXCEPTIONALLY WELL QUALIFIED: Has committed no major blunders to date. CHARACTER ABOVE REPROACH: Still one step ahead of the law. UNLIMITED POTENTIAL: Will stick with us until retirement. QUICK THINKING: Offers plausible excuses for errors. ZEALOUS ATTITUDE: Opinionated. TAKES PRIDE IN WORK: Conceited. TAKES ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PROGRESS: Buys gifts for superiors. INDIFFERENT TO INSTRUCTION: Knows more than superiors. EXPRESSES SELF WELL: Can string two sentences together STERN DISCIPLINARIAN: Nasty TACTFUL IN DEALING WITH SUPERIORS: Knows when to keep mouth shut. APPROACHES DIFFICULT PROBLEMS WITH LOGIC: Finds someone else to do the job. A KEEN ANALYST: Thoroughly confused. NOT A DESK PERSON: Did not go to college.

Answers to crossword: DOWN 2. Columbus 4. David Ben Gurion 5. Cuban 6. Impeached 7. Jackie Robinson 9. Shoe

11. Redwood 13. Shabbos 14. Lantern 15. Gandhi 17. Al Capone

SPENDS EXTRA HOURS ON THE JOB: No life outside of work CONSCIENTIOUS AND CAREFUL: Scared. METICULOUS IN ATTENTION TO DETAIL: A nitpicker. DEMONSTRATES QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP: Has a loud voice. JUDGEMENT IS USUALLY SOUND: Lucky. MAINTAINS PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE: A snob.

WELL ORGANIZED: Does too much busywork.

STRONG ADHERENCE TO PRINCIPLES: Stubborn.

COMPETENT: Is still able to get work done if supervisor helps.

GETS ALONG EXTREMELY WELL WITH SUPERIORS AND SUBORDINATES ALIKE: A coward

CONSULTS WITH SUPERVISOR OFTEN: Pain in the neck

IS UNUSUALLY LOYAL: Wanted by no one else.

WILL GO FAR: Relative of management.

ALERT TO COMPANY DEVELOPMENTS: An office gossip.

SHOULD GO FAR: Please.

REQUIRES WORK-VALUE ATTITUDINAL READJUSTMENT: Lazy and hard-headed.

USES TIME EFFECTIVELY: Clock watcher.

HARD WORKER: Usually does it the hard way.

VERY CREATIVE: Finds 22 reasons to do anything except original work.

ENJOYS JOB: Needs more to do.

USES RESOURCES WELL: Delegates everything.

HAPPY: Paid too much.

DESERVES PROMOTION: Create new title to make him or her feel appreciated.

ACROSS 1. Black Monday 3. Model T 8. Sputnik 10. Harvard 12. Leaves 16. Anwar Sadat 18. Manhattan Project

G OT FU N N Y?

Comm Let the ission er dec Send your s tuff

ide

to fivetow centerfold@ nsjewis hhome. com

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Rabbi's Musings [& Amusings] Rabbi Dani Staum

t is well known that the month of Cheshvan is devoid of any official holidays (Thank G-d for Shabbos!) But to me and my siblings, Cheshvan marks the yahrtzeits of my father’s mother (16 Cheshvan) and my mother’s father (27 Cheshvan). The late comedian Sam Levenson once quipped that grandparents and grandchildren get along so well because they share a common enemy. Indeed, grandparents and grandchildren seem to live in a fantasy world in regards to each other. Grandparents cannot seem to find any fault in their grandchildren, and grandchildren see their grandparents as divine ethereal figures. A friend of mine once remarked that whenever his mother comes over to visit his home and his children excitedly line up to greet her, he smiles to himself. It is incredible to see how the most dignified and regal people interact with their grandchildren. Even the parents who never believed in spoiling, may sudden-

Parshas Vayera ly change their belief system. (Just ask my children’s grandparents, b”H.) As mentioned, this week marked the yahrtzeit of my father’s mother, Mrs. Minnie Staum. To her grandchildren,

“Savta Minnie” was the generic Hebrew name for grandmother. I believe I was in sixth grade before I found out the truth in a most embarrassing way. One Sunday, a classmate

“You have a Savta Minnie too. Maybe you call her ‘Bubby’ or ‘Grandma,’ but in Hebrew she’s called ‘Savta Minnie.’” she was affectionately known as “Savta Minnie.” Being that my first cousins were quite a few years older than myself and my siblings and had children of their own, their children referred to our grandmother (their great grand-mother) as “Savta Minnie,” and their grandmother (my aunt) as “Savta Chaya.” However, in my naïveté, I did not realize that Minnie was my grandmother’s name. I was under the impression that

asked me what I was planning to do that afternoon. I replied that my family was going to the city to visit my Savta Minnie. He looked at me quizzically, “Your what?” I very seriously replied, “You have a Savta Minnie too. Maybe you call her ‘Bubby’ or ‘Grandma,’ but in Hebrew she’s called ‘Savta Minnie.’” Needless to say, I learned something new that day, and my classmate had a good laugh.

It is now more than fifteen years since Savta Minnie’s passing. But the memories are ever so vivid: The smell of lamb chops when we would visit, the omnipresent bottle of ginger ale in her fridge, the walnuts in the brown bowl with the nutcracker hanging out of it, and the smell and look of her apartment on the fifth floor on the Lower East Side. I personally do not have the best memory. But it is uncanny how I remember so many details from the Shabbosos I spent with my saba and savta, going to the shteeble with my saba, the zemiros at the table, the grapefruit as their perpetual entrée, saba’s special egg salad, reading Scuffy in saba’s bed, etc. As all those memories swirled this week; it gave me reason to pause and introspect: Will I be able to create such beautiful memories for my grandchildren, G-d willing? Will they remember me the way I remember my grandparents? I guess I still have a lot of work to do.

59 Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz

Music to My Ears

person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest, most important sound in any language.” I guess I’d agree, but I’d add that ranking right up there with their name is the sound of their own voice. What happens to these singers is that they believe everyone enjoys lis-

tening to them as much as they enjoy listening to themselves. Here’s a clue: they don’t! I’ve thought of this when I heard a fellow sing EVERY perek of Hallel on a long Yom Tov davening and start to warble words as if they had many more

short and sweet. There’s a story of a speaker who was allotted ten minutes to speak at a large gathering. He ignored the limit, and droned on. As he did so, the crowd slipped away, until there was but a single man in the audience. When

You are not defined by your talents, your abilities, or your achievements.

syllables than they actually should. I wondered, “Does he have a good voice? — Or does it have him?” Is he determining how much he should sing or is he following the pied piper’s tune of his own vocal chords, and choosing to give himself as much pleasure as possible, regardless of his audience? It isn’t limited to music. I’m a speechwriter and also a relatively good speaker myself. However, there are times when one should not be speaking. I remember my father getting up on Yom Tov and saying as his drasha, “Yom Tov is supposed to be ‘chatzi laShem, v’chatzi lachem,’ half for G-d and half for you. You’ve been here a long time in shul, now you should go home and enjoy the festive meal and your family. Gut Yom Tov.” He understood that though he could weave a masterful speech together that would enlighten, inspire, and impress, it’s not always the right thing to do at the time. You need to gauge your audience’s willingness to listen to you, and whether you’re just going to annoy them. On more than one occasion when I was asked to speak, I realized that the chazzan, with his sweet melodic voice and utter lack of awareness of time, had already brought the crowd to the point of annoyance, anger, and antagonism. Since I couldn’t use my father’s line because I wasn’t the standard Rav and they were expecting something, I end up chopping my remarks down, removing sections and points, and keeping it

the speaker finished an hour later, he thanked the man and asked him why he alone had chosen to remain. “I had to,” explained the lone audience member, “I’m the next speaker.” Had I been the next speaker, I would have left with the rest of the crowd and not persevered even to hear my own voice, as sweet as it might be to me. That’s because I’ve been clued into the fact that my belief that my words are witty, eloquent, insightful, and of great import is set by the fact that they are my words. They sound good to me, but others will likely not enjoy them as much. What I’ve also learned is that my speeches are simply speeches, and not my identity. Sometimes people create things like schools, programs, ideas and so on, and they become synonymous with that creation. If the school closes down, they lose their identity and cease to exist. Therefore, they will go to the

nth degree to prevent that happening, lest they disappear. Those people don’t have schools, the schools have them, and that’s the lesson I’d like to share with you today. You are not defined by your talents, your abilities, or your achievements. While those may teach people about you, they do not define you. Rather, you are a valuable human being simply by virtue of the fact that Hashem has chosen to put you on earth, and you need justify your existence no further. If that information keeps you confident and willing to think about how your actions are perceived by others without defending them as “necessary,” and makes you able to give up an opportunity to hear yourself sing, speak, advise, or whatever else it may be, then you will have mastered the most important instrument of all – that of your own self. 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. Follow him on Twitter @ObservantFellow. 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.

O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

’ve always enjoyed singing. As a boy, I tried out for the choir in camp time and time again, yet I never made it in. I didn’t make it to the backup group, let alone to the soloists. I blamed it on the fact that I didn’t know so many songs, but the truth is much more shocking. When I was a teenager in yeshiva, my friends would tell me, “You can’t sing, Jonny. Don’t.” You see, the shocking truth is that I don’t really have a good voice. I mean, my mother a”h would have told you I sang beautifully, but she’s my mother; of course she thought I sounded good. I sang at my wedding, and we have an embarrassing picture or two of me “rocking the mike,” when I should probably have stuck to the dance floor. Since it was my simcha they couldn’t stop me, but I know now that I truly don’t have a singing voice that makes people want to listen. A lot of people do, however, and we come across them all the time. Usually, though, even if it’s a voice we find pleasing, there is a certain element we don’t enjoy all that much. Often, when we hear one of those people whose voice is pleasant, they are leading the davening in shul. It may very well be that they sing nicely, but in their rapture of music they lose track of time, and, more specifically, they lose track of the listeners’ time. Dale Carnegie famously said, “A

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Health & Fitness Devorah Gerber Schmeltz

Backpack Awareness

ackpack Awareness Day, an ini- shoulder to evenly distribute the tiation began by the American weight. Messenger bags and backOccupational Therapy Asso- packs should not be slung over one ciation (AOTA), officially is the 3rd shoulder. This forces the child to lean Wednesday in September. With yom towards one side, placing pressure on tov falling out throughout Septem- the shoulder, and curving the spine, ber, we will be celebrating Backpack causing pain and discomfort. Awareness Day • Select a bag now in October. with well-padded Over 79 million straps to protect students across the the many blood Your child’s United States wear vessels and nerves backpack should backpacks. Unlocated at the fortunately, many shoulder and neck. weigh no more children suffer • The height from injuries reof the backpack than 10% of your lated to improper should extend child’s weight. backpack use such from approximateas back and shoully 2 inches below der pain. The folthe shoulder blades lowing is a helpful to waist level. guideline to help you and your child • If your child’s backpack has a use a backpack properly and avoid waist strap, encourage her to use it; it pain and injury. further helps the weight distribution. • Adjust the straps so the backpack/messenger bag fits against your Loading a Backpack child’s body. A backpack that is hang• Your child’s backpack should ing loosely can place a strain on your weigh no more than 10% of your child’s back and force him to lean child’s weight. So if your child weighs backwards. Both teachers and parents can help ensure our children practice correct backpack use. Teachers can arrange assignments that don’t make students taking home too many heavy books each day. Parents can teach their child how to load and wear backpacks properly. -Devorah 70 pounds, her backpack should weigh no more than 7 pounds. • Heavier items should be placed in the back of the backpack. • Arrange items so they don’t slide around. • Check to see if your child needs to be carrying around all the items in his backpack; some books may not be needed everyday. Wearing a Backpack • Wear both straps over each

Devorah (Gerber) Schmeltz, MS OTR/L is a 2003 alumnus of Downstate Medical Center’s OT Program. She worked as a senior occupational therapist at United Cerebral Palsy’s Brooklyn Children’s Program for 9 years. Currently, Devorah runs a private practice, Bumble & Tumble Occupational Therapy P.C in Far Rockaway. Your questions and comments are welcome. She can be reached at BumbleTumble Therapy@gmail.com or 917-971-5327.

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Cover Story

Seeing the Good in Life

FROM AUSCHWITZ TO THE WHITE HOUSE

How Martin Greenfield Went from the Ruins of the Holocaust to Suiting World Leaders BY NACHUM SOROKA

ne night in late 1991, after all the staff had already left for home at Martin Greenfield’s East Williamsburg, three-story, custom suit factory, the phone rang in Martin’s office. The caller on the other end identified himself to Martin’s son, Jay, as General Colin Powell, the recently returned, four-star hero of the Gulf War. Jay recalls, “I’m thinking, yeah right. This is some kind of prank. After all, this is after the U.S. victory, and everyone’s talking about Colin Powell. So my dad asks me who it is and when I tell him that this guy says he’s Colin Powell, he’s like, ‘Sure, that makes sense, hand me the phone!’” There are many things about Martin Greenfield that would surprise anyone, yet are considered just natural, everyday occurrences to the worldfamous octogenarian. In fact, just about everything in Martin’s life is extraordinary. Would you believe that the tailor to the likes of former President Bill Clinton, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Cardinal Edward Egan, the one who GQ magazine calls America’s greatest living tailor (Martin disagrees; he says he’s the world’s greatest tailor), the one who helped create Donna Karan and Isaac Mizrahi’s original lines of suits, the one

whose eponymous Brooks Brothers Martin Greenfield Golden Fleece label is sought after the world over, learned his craft in the midst of death and squalor, in Auschwitz? How about the fact that of all of Martin’s achievements in life, from suiting heads of state to being Hollywood directors’ exclusive choice for costuming prime-time movies and shows, he lists his accomplishments with his family and community as the ones he is most proud of? Hard to believe, but everything about Martin is remarkably true. Martin Greenfield is a handsome, dapper man with a full face and a head of silvery-white hair. When I met him he was impeccably dressed in a pleated vest and a perfectly knotted tie with green argyle socks peeking out from on top of a pair of oxfords. He looks the part of any exceptional Savile Row tailor, except that his “shop” is located just off of Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. It’s been there since the days it was GGG clothing, which Martin took over in 1977, long before the gentrification of the neighborhood began (the shop has been burglarized eleven times). His company now employs close to one hundred and twenty expert tailors and he himself has assumed as close to a celebrity status as anyone with a measuring tape and scissors can get. The walls of his factory are lined with framed articles about him from newspapers like the New York Times and magazines like

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cising a little Yiddishe hubris. After being assigned the company’s most important customer, President Dwight Eisenhower, Martin would leave little notes in the pockets of Eisenhower’s suits. One of them concerned the conflict over the Suez Canal, which had ramifications regarding Israel, and posed this question to the president: “Why don’t you send money?” The two had met before when Martin shook then-General Eisenhower’s hand in Buchenwald, but now their relationship was a little more intimate. These days, Martin still works full time on the floor of his suit factory; although he loves to read, he only takes time to crack a book during his biannual two-week vacations. Every suit made in his factory is hand-stitched and perfectly detailed. It’s no wonder then that when Martin Scorsese needed a suit maker for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire he was insistent that it would be only one person: Martin Greenfield. But, according to Martin, all this should be irrelevant to readers of The Jewish Home: “The Chassidic in the ‘Four Towns’ – they wouldn’t know about HBO!” Even the media follow Martin’s comings and goings like the paparazzi on the hunt. Recently, the Washington Post published a report complete with investigations of White House guest logs and analysis of photos of the president that tconcluded that Martin is indeed President Obama’s suit maker. While they would definitely agree that a Martin Greenfield suit is an absolute upgrade from the Hart Schaffner Marx tuxedo President Obama wore to his inaugural ball, Greenfield Clothiers will not comment on the issue. What is most remarkable about Martin is what he considers to be his crowning accomplishments in life. He is most proud of his being a founder of the West Hampton Synagogue and of his close relationship with his spiritual leader, Rabbi Marc Shneier. He boasts of the prominent guests at his granddaughter’s recent bas mitzva, including Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger and the man known as the herring king of Israel. Indeed, Martin is so proud of his Jewishness that he even strongarmed Colin Powell, himself a former “ShabWith his family in his youth; Martin is in the center bos goy,” into inviting him for Friday night dinner. “I told him, don’t worry, you just make sure no one else’s food touches mine!” Recently, Martin was at an event with the fomer-Israel ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren. “I saw he was wearing [a suit from] Men’s Wearhouse. So after he finished his conversation with someone I pulled him over and said, ‘What are you doing wearing that Men’s Wearhouse? Throw it away – forget it! I wouldn’t even buy it to throw away! Other countries have their representatives dressed nicely, and you represent the Jewish people like that? You’re nuts!’” And of all the personalized letters and signed photos that cover the wall behind his desk, the one he chooses to point out to me is his correspondence with former President Bill Clinton, thanking him for attending Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin’s funeral. “Rabin was a great man, and I told President Clinton that because he went so many other important people made it their business to go.” Shortly after the Allied Forces liberated Buchenwald, Rabbi Herschel Schacter, the late U.S. Army chaplain who helped thousands of Buchenwald prisoners after the Holocaust, came looking for Jews in Martin’s DP camp. Martin asked him, “Where was G-d in all of this?” Rabbi Schacter had no answer. “Whom can I turn to for answers now that everyone I love is gone?” Still he had no answer. (The two reunited and became best friends forty years later at a reunion in Auschwitz.) These days, however, Martin has the answer. “People ask me: Did you see G-d? I say, ‘Sure I do, I see him every morning. It’s so easy to believe, to be good!’”

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the New Yorker, its floors are crammed with racks and tables of fabrics and suit canvases, and his office boasts a wall of fame that any politician would lust after; Martin’s clients range from billionaires (Michael Bloomberg) to athletes (Shaquille O’Neal) and from righteous (Israeli Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger) to downright creepy (Michael Jackson). Moshe Shimon Greenfield was born in 1928 to a very religious family in the city of Pavlova in the Carpathian Mountains of Czechoslovakia. His grandfather, Fishel Berger, was very prominent in their Munkatcher community, and was known by the many Rebbes who came to vacation at the nearby mineral baths as the “Pavlover Kiddushmacher,” as he took care of all the trappings of the weekly Shabbos kiddush. His family sat at the mizrach vant of the shul which they commissioned. Moshe’s grandfather was also very concerned with young Moshe’s Yiddishkeit and made sure he was well-learned and on the way to becoming a Talmud chachom. By the time the Nazis and Hungarians came to Pavlova in 1938, Moshe was expert at the beginning of Bava Mezia. After his father was taken away and it was apparent that he would also soon be, he was sent to hide by his cousins in Budapest. Three years later, his father escaped from the camp he was being held in, and the family reunited in Pavlova. In 1943, after the first Pesach seder, the Germans rounded up all the Jews of the city, and the Greenfields, along with all their community members, were sent to the Munkatch ghetto and shortly after to Auschwitz. “At Auschwitz,” says Martin, “my father said, ‘When they call your number, whatever trade they say they need I will say that you do it.’ I didn’t know how to do anything; all I knew was how to learn Torah!” So after the Nazis requested a tailor, Moshe was sent to the laundry of Auschwitz. On his first assignment, the first time he probably cleaned a shirt in his lifetime, Moshe tore a Gestapo officer’s collar while trying to remove the dirt from it. After a quick and thorough thrashing, the Gestapo officer threw the shirt in Moshe’s face and after Moshe fixed up the collar so he could have the shirt for himself to wear, he had completed his first tailoring job of many. Later, on the death march from Auschwitz to Buchenwald at the end of the war, that shirt, along with another he received later on in Auschwitz, helped him survive in the brutal winter weather. After General Eisenhower liberated Buchenwald in 1945, Moshe – by now Martin and by now bereft of family (his mother chose to go to the “left” and not be separated from his 3½ -year-old sister when they arrived at Auschwitz) – drove a truck loaded with survivors who were to emigrate to Israel aboard the Exodus nightly. Every night he would be arrested and his truck would be confiscated; the next night the sequence would be repeated, only with a different truck. After a while, he immigrated to America aboard the U.S.S. Ernie Pyle to live with his cousins who had immigrated well before the war. He began a job at GGG clothiers in Brooklyn, and slowly made his way to the top, eventually buying the company in the 1970’s and renaming it Martin Greenfield Clothiers. Even as a young worker at GGG, Martin had no trouble exer-

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Health & Fitness Aliza Beer, MS, RD

The Lap Band: Miracle or Danger?

e live in a century defined by technological and scientific advancements. Medicine has been revolutionized in recent years and only continues in the positive and rapid course for progress. Although dieting is as old as mankind, new surgical procedures have been developed in recent times to aid and even replace traditional diets. One popular surgical option is the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, colloquially referred to as the lap-band. How does the lap-band work? The lap-band is actually an inflatable band encircling the upper portion of the stomach, which creates a smaller pouch. The pouch only can hold about half of one cup of food. A regular stomach can hold six cups of food. Since the pouch fills up quickly and the passage of food to the stomach is drastically slowed, the brain gives off the message that the person is full. Therefore, the patient eats less often and feels full for longer periods of time. This directly causes the desired result of weight loss. The three key aspects of this weight loss are that the person’s stomach restricts the amount he eats in one time, limits appetite, and increases the time it takes to digest. What type of surgery is it? A small incision is made close to the belly button and a laparoscopic camera is placed through into the abdomen. A few additional incisions are made and the surgeon gets a good

view of all the key structures involved. The surgeon creates a small, circular tunnel behind the stomach, inserts the gastric band through the tunnel, and locks the band around the stomach. What happens when I lose weight? As you shed the pounds, your lap-

which side effects are associated with the lap-band? Many lap-band patients commonly report the regurgitation of non-acidic swallowed food from the upper pouch, commonly known as Productive Burping. However, doctors say that they should eat less, eat more slowly and

Only if the traditional methods and array of diets and exercise fail should one consider this procedure.

band will need to be adjusted to ensure its continued effectiveness. The band is connected to a small “access port” close to the skin. A saline solution is injected via a needle into this access port. This helps with the comfort of the patient and also can increase or decrease the binding of the lap-band in order to maintain the desired setting so that a limited appetite, food intake, and digestion is assured. How many pounds will I lose? On average, a person should lose around one or two pounds per week. However, heavier patients tend to lose more than this initially. You should expect to lose between 50 and 100 pounds the first year with the lap band. As with all surgical procedures,

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chew their food more thoroughly. Other complications that may result are ulceration, gastritis, erosion of the band into the gastric lumen, slippage of the band, malposition of the band, internal bleeding, and infection. The FDA also documents mechanical malfunctions such as: port leakage, cracking of the kink-resistant tubing or disruption of the tubing connection from the port to the band, and bulging of the port through the skin. Also, some patients reported abdominal and chest pains. Who is eligible for the surgery? Patients with a BMI above 40 or those who are 100 pounds or more over their estimated ideal weight, according to the National Institutes of Health. The age of the patient is generally between 18 and 55. Is it a good option? Lap-band surgery, despite its potential for success, should only be viewed as a last resort option. First, you must try dieting and other natural ways to lose weight. Only if the traditional methods and array of diets and exercise fail should one consider this procedure. There are many harmful side effects one might experience

from this surgery that are listed above. Also, recently there have been numerous deaths attributed to the lap band in Southern California. Therefore, it’s definitely not the preferred choice. One should first seek nutrition counseling and by maintaining the guidelines of the weight loss program, one will be very successful. I have seen a number of patients, post-lap-band surgery, who have regained the weight. The success of this surgery directly depends upon a healthy nutrition diet plan. If this procedure is done without changes in eating and lifestyle, it will ultimately result in failure. The lapband, in conjunction with proper nutrition, may have extremely positive results. Weight loss options are popular and very eclectic. Most people look for a new eating lifestyle or gym membership while others seek to harness modern science for other successful choices. The lap-band has developed from early prototypes in the 1970s into the adjustable band and surgical laparoscopy we benefit from today. The lap-band has revolutionized the weight loss field and its success is visible in many of its users. However, this is a surgical procedure and a foreign object is placed around the stomach so it’s prudent to be educated about all the possible side effects and outcomes. The lap-band is an option out on the table, but should only be used after other methods of weight loss have failed.

Aliza Beer is a registered dietician with a Master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz Show. Aliza’s new line of prepared, healthy mealsto-go are available at Gourmet Glatt. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@ gmail.com.

Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

TJH Staff

How to Avoid Mistakes in the Dating Parsha open up somewhat. The two of them found themselves talking about their families, their hopes for the future, and themselves. They laughed a bit, too. There was never a moment when Mimi became bored with this boy who, although quiet, held himself with dignity. It seemed that part of the attraction was that Yitzi never made her feel

“But you are a new chossan,” Mimi points out. “Shouldn’t you be with me, making me happy instead of leaving me alone?” Now it’s Yitzi’s turn to be disturbed. “You know I am a learner,” he said with an edge to his voice. “We have a great week of sheva brochos. Why not enjoy it? I was only gone a few hours. I cut

In healthy relationships, each person’s interest is a sign of a growing bond.

smothered with too much attention. After all, she wanted to look up to a boy. If he needed her too badly, then that wouldn’t be a good sign at all. Finally, the big day came. Yitzi spoke softly to Mimi and told her he loved her and wanted to spend the rest of his life together. He told her that she was special and he would always take care of her. He told her how beautiful she was and how smart. Mimi was captivated and overjoyed. She said, “Yes.” Let’s fast forward. It’s the next morning after the wedding. Mimi wakes up and is jolted by the fact that Yitzi is not there. She searches through the house. He is not anywhere there. She is shocked, but goes back to her room, washes, dresses, davens, calls his cell, gets a machine, and waits. Two hours go by, then three. No Yitzi. Finally, Mimi starts to cry. Somewhere in the middle of her tears, she hears the door open and jumps up. “What’s the matter?” Yitzi walks in and asks, taken aback. “Where were you?” Mimi asks accusingly. “I went to learn. Where else would I go?” Yitzi is truly perplexed.

back my schedule enormously. I’m really surprised at you!” Instead of receiving comfort and assurance as Mimi wanted, she got chided like a child. As the months rolled by, there was only more of the same. The tender caring that Mimi anticipated never came. But, from Yitzi’s standpoint, he did exactly what he had promised her on the day they became engaged: He was taking care of her by learning. He appreciated her for just being there. And he was becoming less appreciative as he learned that she wanted more of his attention and less of his calling the shots. Yitzi started to feel angry. Here he was, doing everything in his capacity to create a good home and he wasn’t being appreciated. What’s more, it seemed that his learning didn’t mean to Mimi what he thought it should. Little by little, his tenderness made way for irritation. If Mimi felt neglected at the outset, she only felt more so as time went on. How did this happen? Were there signs that Mimi overlooked? Was there something in Mimi that she should have looked at more closely?

Mimi had admitted to herself while dating that she wanted a boy who, in essence, played hard to get. She was afraid of too much admiration by a boy; his would dampen hers. That’s not right. In healthy relationships, each person’s interest is a sign of a growing bond. Then, as she and Yitzi were dating, what was it that attracted her? Was it his good middos? Well, he was polite and punctual, but that is all she knew about him. She knew very little about him even after he opened up. What she did experience was a feeling of interest simply because he didn’t show admiration. Mimi needed to take a hard look at herself from her earliest dating experiences and see what was behind her lack of attraction to boys who seemed to find her wonderful and her opposite reaction to the one boy who didn’t. Sometimes a person lacks self-esteem in spite of her prettiness and smartness. After all, self-esteem doesn’t come from external truths but from the messages one has received in earliest years. Mimi was just such a girl. And to cope with her low self-esteem, she learned to overcompensate: She told herself she was absolutely wonderful, the best. She knew, deep down, however, that any boy who saw it the same way had to be the wrong one because she wasn’t wonderful or the best. The only boy who would be a fit match would see her as she was in her own eyes. Far from fawning over her, he would “know” that she was sorely lacking. The key to unlocking this scary closet is how she felt about the boys who admired her. She needed to use this information as the starting point of a journey into herself. It is only with healthy self-esteem that a person can be a fit marriage partner and Mimi absolutely can overcome this.

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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imi was all excited. She was getting ready for a first date with Yitzi. She was looking forward to the date because she had heard such glowing reports about him from all his references: He was smart, likeable, and a great learner. He was, in fact, somewhere at the top of his shiur. Yitzi was punctual, a good middah. He smiled very pleasantly at Mimi as she opened the door. Yitzi took Mimi to a coffee shop inside a hotel lobby not terribly far away. He was very proper; he did the polite things like opening doors for her but he also held himself back a little, too. When there were those awkward silences over coffee, Yitzi didn’t seem to need to rush in to fill the silence or smile with embarrassment. He simply sipped his coffee slowly and carefully and waited patiently until one of them would think of something to say. Mimi, herself, felt somewhat uncomfortable with those moments and Yitzi didn’t rush in to salvage her from them. It felt to Mimi, in a strange sort of way, good: He was giving her space to be who she was, awkward and all. She would look up and be the one with the nervous smile. At the end of the date Mimi honestly didn’t know whether she had impressed this boy favorably or not. That was unusual; generally, they made it clear that they found her interesting and attractive. Instead of enjoying all that admiration, it would unsettle Mimi; if a boy needed her, then whom did she lean on? But Yitzi was different; he held himself back and this was another example of it. As a result, she found herself thinking about him over the next few days. She felt so relieved when, nearly a week later, she learned that Yitzi wanted a second date. That second date didn’t go significantly different from the first one; it was pleasant and a bit awkward. Yitzi was reserved but polite. Once again, Mimi found herself wondering “how she did.” That annoyed her: “It’s not a test,” she told herself. In fact, she reminded herself that she could do what she had done with numerous other dates: decide not to continue. But she didn’t. There was some kind of draw that kept her in the game. As the dates continued, Yitzi did

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Notable

Quotes

Compiled by Nate Davis

“Say What?” California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill that allows illegals in California to practice law. You thought a lot of Americans wanted to close the border before? Wait until lawyers start sneaking across. - Jay Leno

When he leaves office on Dec. 31, he will be worth about $31 billion … Trust funds have already been established for his daughters and other loved ones, and he is not far from owning as many houses, planes, paintings and sculptures as he needs. The rest he has promised to give away – “bouncing the check to the undertaker” … In 2013, Bloomberg plans to spend about $400 million on pet causes … If his net worth holds steady, or even if it fails to gain a bit of interest over the coming decades, the annual giveaways will have to rise substantially to meet his goal of spending down the fortune in the lifetimes of his daughters, ages 30 and 34. Ask him about the challenge, and Bloomberg will smile. “That’s a nice problem to have.” - TIME Magazine

Syrian dictator Assad says he may run for re-election next year. In fact, today he went over the results of next year’s election and he said it looks pretty good. - Jay Leno

I think I would just ignore, it is local news doing a story on a lost dog. Their entire government is shut down and about to default and this is how the U.S. media spends its time. - An internal Air Canada email that was mistakenly sent to CBS News in response to an inquiry about their losing a dog that was shipped to Canada on one of their planes

Circulation of newspapers has fallen to all-time lows. They say newspapers are becoming obsolete. I’ll tell you how bad it’s gotten. Today I saw a homeless guy sleeping on a park bench with an iPad on his face. - Jay Leno

Should have been mine. -Syria’s President Assad joking that he should have been awarded the Nobel Peace prize, as reported by Al-Akhbar newspaper

President Obama’s approval rating is down to 37 percent. Time to kill bin Laden again. - David Letterman

Starbucks is offering something called the duffin. It’s a combination of a donut and a muffin. Who says America has lost its exceptionalism? - David Letterman The duffin is a combination of a donut and a muffin, and if you eat enough of them you get a combination of diabetes and heart disease. - Ibid. After four or five years of eating the duffin, they’ll put you in a cuffin. - Ibid

They said today that the government shutdown will not interfere with NASA’s next mission to Mars. Isn’t that ironic? We can go to Mars but we can’t go to the Statue of Liberty. - Jay Leno

This afternoon, President Obama has invited the Senate Republicans to the White House. So after leaving here, I’m going to be going to the White House. I will make a request, if I’m never seen again, please send a search and rescue team. I very much hope tomorrow morning I don’t wake up amidst the Syrian rebels. - Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) joking at a press conference before departing for shutdown talks at the White House last week

For me, I think the coolest thing is that if there is somebody interesting who’s doing anything – a scientist, a sports figure, a writer, anybody in the world – if I want to call them up ... they will answer my phone call. That’s a pretty cool thing. - President Obama on New York’s WABC television discussing what the coolest thing about being the president is Yesterday, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said he wants the Iranian people to stop chanting “Death to America” because he thinks it’s too harsh of a statement. Then the Iranian people were like, “Paper cuts to America?” - Jimmy Fallon

A historian has evidence that the Chinese discovered America before Christopher Columbus did. He said the Chinese were the first to sail across the ocean to North America. Then they realized they’d forgotten the sweet and sour sauce and had to go back. - Jimmy Kimmel

China issued a warning because we owe them $1.3 trillion. If we default, they have threatened to cut off our supply of cheap plastic [junk] made by kids. - Jimmy Kimmel There’s a new restaurant in New York that doesn’t let customers talk to each other during their meals. When they heard that, Obama and Republicans said, “Table for 200 please?” - Jimmy Fallon Tell Biden that it’s a big [big] deal that one person signed up for Obamacare in Delaware. -Sarah Palin, referring to the infamous hot mike catching Vice President Biden congratulating President Obama during the healthcare signing ceremony Researchers say there might be diamonds on both Jupiter and Saturn. Apparently, the diamonds form on the planets because of immense pressure. So it’s nice to know that planets get diamonds for the same reason husbands do on Earth. - Jimmy Fallon I’m like the conservative ayatollah. Okay, I’m issuing a fatwa: We have to win elections! - Ann Coulter

I think it’s a big mistake to pay the death benefits to the families of members of the military who are killed in Afghanistan and whose bodies are being brought back to Dover Air Force base and were not going to get benefits because of the government shutdown. The government does some great things. When you shut down the government, a lot of great things are not going to get done. And why should we make an exception for those that just happen to pop up and get a lot of media attention? - Liberal radio host Bill Press discussing the fact that after a public outcry the Obama administration agreed to pay death benefits to families of soldiers who died in Afghanistan last week

I don’t know where that leaves you, but you’re still deceased as far as the law is concerned. - Ohio Probate court Judge Allan Davis to Donald Eugene Miller Jr. who reappeared last week and sought to overturn a 1994 ruling which declared him dead after he had disappeared. (The judge refused to change the ruling because the three-year legal limit for changing a death ruling already expired.)

Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) to IRS official Sarah Hall Ingram, in an effort to mock Republicans, during an October 9th House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing examining the IRS role in Implementing Obamacare:

Hemorrhoids, toenail fungus, dog poop, and cockroaches all might be a little bit gross—but they’re all more popular than Congress. Hemorrhoids beat out Congress 53/31 with bipartisan support. On the other three there’s a partisan split—Republican voters go for Congress while Democrats take the alternative but overall it’s a 47/40 victory for dog poop, a 44/41 one for toenail fungus, and a 44/42 triumph for cockroaches. - From an official October 8th release by Public Policy Polling, in which they claim to have polled numerous dubious things against Congress

REP. CONNOLLY: Are reports that you can fly accurate?

[Not running for the Illinois Senate seat in 2004 was the] biggest mistake I’ve ever made. Not that I would have won, but I probably would have and [Obama] wouldn’t be in the White House. - Former NFL coach Mike Ditka

REP. CONNOLLY: Have you been consorting with the devil? MS. INGRAM: Not to my knowledge, sir.

MS. INGRAM: Greatly exaggerated, sir. REP. CONNOLLY: Have you been involved in any way in trying to pervert our youth in Salem or anywhere else? MS. INGRAM: I’d certainly hope not, sir.

I don’t think I blame Hitler. - One of numerous antiSemitic comments made by a videographer at a Jewish wedding in London which can be heard in the unedited wedding video that he mistakenly sent to the newly married couple

President Obama said he thinks the Washington Redskins should consider changing their name. He didn’t stop there. He also said the New York Giants should consider changing their sport. - Jay Leno

I think it’s hatred. I don’t think it’s politics. - MSNBC host Chris Matthews accusing conservatives of being motivated by animus toward President Barack Obama [Sen. Ted Cruz] is Ted bin Laden — the guy who hands out suicide vests and then goes to lunch. - Kathleen Parker, The Washington Post Question: If Ted Cruz and John Boehner were both on a sinking ship, who would be saved? Answer: America. Harsh? Look around you at what is happening to America and you will see harsh. I am not talking about closed parks and monuments. I am talking about the funds cut to nearly 9 million mothers and young children for food, breastfeeding support and infant formula. That is harsh. Making a war against babies is harsh. - Politico’s chief political columnist Roger Simon I haven’t heard Republicans comparing the Democrats to suicide bombers or to kidnappers or to arsonists. But it’s possible that I’m not paying close enough attention. - CNN’s Jay Tapper discussing the level of President Obama’s rhetoric against Republicans

It’s very good news. If we get another chance, we will definitely kill her and that will make us feel proud. -Statement by the Taliban after 16-year-old activist Malala Yousafzai, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban, did not win the Nobel Peace prize

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The Nobel Prize for chemistry was announced this week. It was awarded to Senator Ted Cruz for mixing up that batch of Kool-Aid that the Republicans seem to be drinking on Capitol Hill. - Jay Leno

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Life Musings

Rozi Davis Davidowitz

A Spa Vacation

orty agreed to take me on a much-needed vacation to a spa up in the Berkshires. It was a tedious trip and I was really tired after the four hour drive but as we walked into the empty, but very charming lobby, a handsome young man behind the desk gave us a warm, wonderful greeting. “Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Davis. I hope you had a good trip and I’m sure you’re going to enjoy your stay with us.” “I’m sure I will,” I smiled happily. “Too bad,” he continued, “you weren’t here last week; the weather was perfect, and I understand this week is going to be a little cold and rainy and cloudy for the next few days.” Uch, I was so happy. “Thanks for sharing that information with me,” I said. But who cares? I’m here to do a little exercise and get into shape. So I’ll look out of the window and see the rain. It’s fine. “Now wait a minute,” he said. “What’s the matter? You have some more good news for me?” “You know, we expected you Sun-

The next class I find myself hanging from a bar, swinging back and forth. But I’m here for a purpose. So here I am! day night, so we had to give away your suite.” I said, “What do you mean you expected us Sunday? It is Sunday. I have a newspaper under my arms, The New York Times; it says July 20th. Isn’t that Sunday?” “Well,” he said, “I’m really sorry, it’s um, 12:07am, so we can’t give you the suite you were promised because it’s already Monday, and we’ve already assigned it to another party.” “What other party?” I said. “The lobby is deserted. Seven minutes, you already gave away the room? It’s just us—me, you and Morty. I don’t know, I’m so tired, maybe I just don’t see the crowd of people.”

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“Well, I’m really sorry, Mrs. Davis” he says sincerely, “but we have a policy. If you don’t arrive on the scheduled date, we can’t hold your suite. But I’ll get right to the computer, and I’m sure I’ll be able to satisfy you.” So he sits himself down and starts typing on the computer and shaking his head up and down and nodding, yes, no, oh yeah. He makes all these noises, tisk, tisk. “Wait, good news!” he says. “I have a room for you, just for the night, it’s in the northeast wing, and you can have it for tonight, and tomorrow we’ll move you. Would you like that?” “Look,” I tell him, “I’m really not a map maker. I don’t know northeast wing, I only know that north is up and east is to the right, but if there’s a bed and a bathroom, fine, we’ll take it for the night.” Then he calls me back and says, “By the way, would you mind if you have to go out of the building to get to the spa facilities?” “Give me a break,” I said. “I’m falling off my feet. Maybe I should just lay down here on the couch in the lobby, and when you get your computer to find something suitable wake me up!” Anyway, we were finally escorted to, I don’t know, either it was the northeast or the southwest wing, but the room had just been painted, and the odor was excruciatingly strong. But I said, “Look, it’s 2 o’clock in the morning, we’ll stay.” And in one minute, I passed out. Suddenly there was a ring, and a screeching piercing sound through the room and I don’t believe it, I’m on vacation, who could be calling? I put my hand out, and I’m searching around on the table. Finally I pick up the phone, and a voice filled with love and joy announces, “It’s 5:30 in the morning! Would you like to join us on the 6 o’clock walk?” I muttered something that even I don’t want to repeat and thankfully I fell back

to sleep. But then I say to myself. “I’m here at a spa, I shouldn’t be sleeping, I have to accomplish.” So I jump up and run over to the spa building to join the energy flex class. That’s a class that combines active flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. They say the emphasis is on alignment and breathing techniques. I really don’t know what I’m doing there, but I go through the motions and then run to the “muscle conditioning class,” which is the next class, where they teach you endurance exercises and techniques and resistance with hand weights. The next class I can’t give up because it’s “aqua aerobics,” and I love to be in the water. I’m still not finished. The next class I find myself hanging from a bar, swinging back and forth. But I’m here for a purpose. So here I am! Then I decide, wait a minute, there’s a great step class, how could I miss out on that cardio-vascular workout?! So, I find myself going up the step and down the step, sideways and around it, and then thank G-d it’s over. That’s it! I’m going for a massage. I’m halfway out of my clothes when I hear someone tell somebody else that there’s a guest instructor giving a dance class. Hey, when I hear dancing, OK! Back into my leotard, I go running into the exercise room to do some jazz and funk. So, here I am building up my biceps, enlarging my triceps, tightening my quads, strengthening my abs and defining my gluts. They say this place conditions you, challenges you, increases flexibility and promotes relaxation and good health. You know how I feel? Like I got hit by a truck! Everything aches, everything is sore; I’m charlie-horse from head to toe. Parts of the body—you name it—it hurts. But, I’m in shape. What kind of shape? Don’t ask. I can’t walk. I can’t sit. I can’t bend. I can hardly dress myself I’m in so much pain. And G-d forbid if I cough it feels like a volcano is racing through my body. I dream of building up enough strength to reach for my heating pad. If I could only stretch my arms enough to spread the Ben-Gay on my legs … If only I could lift my foot up to climb into a hot tub …. Ah, yes. Aren’t vacations great?!

71 Sensei Meir Breuer

Karate – Not Just Self-Defense

Physical Benefits of Karate In karate, the practitioner works on very controlled movements. The student has to pay close attention to the way he/she moves. For some, it is very difficult and frustrating. However, accomplishing the challenge can be very rewarding. One does not have to be in good shape nor have good coordination to enter a karate program. Karate students work on the following in karate classes: • Warm-up session and stretching prepare the muscles for the session

and improves muscle flexibility. • Strengthening exercises, done before and during the karate practice, include push-ups and maintaining proper postures. • Coordination refers to working lower and upper extremities separately and together. These coordination drills become more complex as the student

progresses. • Balance is mostly worked on when practicing kicking. Slow motion kicks are very important for the development of proper kicking and can potentially greatly increase balance. Students who work hard are rewarded simply by appreciating the skills they’ve accomplished. Along with the steps of accomplishment belts are awarded as a tangible reward and further enhance students’ self-esteem. In an authentic karate schools, these belts are not given automatically. They must be earned! The Mental and Cognitive Benefits of Karate In karate there are mental and cognitive benefits that karate can provide through exercises that relax and focus the mind. Improvement in performing these exercises is measured in a karate class by the student’s ability to break material such as wooden boards. That’s right—a common misconception is that breaking materials in karate primarily demonstrates physical strength. The following karate training is typically required for breaking wooden boards: Breathing: First one is taught to mentally relax and clear the mind from any distractions. In addition, one is taught how to increase one’s lung capacity and how to control the rate of their breathing. Of note, one’s breathing rate is related to the mind. In order to understand this relationship, stop what you are doing for a moment and listen carefully to the sounds in the room… Did you stop breathing during that moment? Most people do. This is just one example that shows breathing is connected to the mind. In fact, there is a unique breathing pattern for each mood, whether it is anger, sadness, happiness, fright, or excitement. Focusing: Focusing is taught through concentration exercises. For example, one is trained to close their eyes while holding an image in their mind, e.g., an image of a leaf floating

in a pond. When a karate practitioner is about to break boards, he/she uses their focusing skills to focus through the boards they are about to break. The benefits of acquiring these karate-related focusing skills can also apply to one’s daily activities. For example, they can be used before sitting down to study or before taking an exam in school. They can help improve one’s performance during sport activities. Further, focusing exercises can help one to relax during stress or when trying to fall asleep. Some of these exercises can be started as early as pre-school age. Not only can I testify from my own development that breathing/ focusing exercises helped me in school and in other ways; many of my students have told me how much the these exercises helped them during school –in general, and specifically before taking exams. So karate has more to offer than just physical benefits. There are great mental benefits as well that not only contribute to one’s karate performance, but can also be generalized to one’s daily activities.

havior is inappropriate for a stranger, and from whom to seek help if they are inappropriately approached by a stranger. The second danger is bullying, which is a serious matter. Alarmingly, one in six children is bullied every year. For this problem I teach Schoolyard Smarts. This teaches children techniques to avoid being bullied, as well as what to do if a bully starts to physically pick on him/her. Of note, Schoolyard Smarts teaches self-defense tactics that do not severely hurt the bully, but allow the “victim” to escape. In addition, children are taught to go to the proper authorities to report any bullying incident. In summary, karate has multiple areas for students to greatly benefit from, for both the body and mind. They become physically in better shape, have more mental focus and clarity, and learn high quality self defense skills which hopefully they will never have to use but will have in their back pockets for dangerous situations which may come up.

Karate and Self-Defense For many, the primary attraction of karate is that it teaches self-defense. The karate classes I instruct have a focus on age-appropriate self-defense. Adult self-defense emphasizes self-protection, for example if one is attacked – while in a car or a public place – with weapons, such as knives of guns. Adults are also taught how to protect children who might be with them. Recently we have become aware of two dangers that children face. The first is the danger posed by strangers, and for this danger I teach children Stranger Smarts. Stranger Smarts familiarizes children with the concept of who a stranger is, what kind of be-

Sensei Meir Breuer, OTR/L, a third degree black belt in Martial Arts has been, for almost 30 years, a student of Professor Haim Sober, head of the Tora Dojo system. In addition, Meir has been studying with Master Daniel Segarra, an expert in self-defense for children (“anti-bullying” and “Stranger-Smarts”). Meir has been teaching karate in the Five Towns since 2002 and has been treating special children as an occupational therapist in the NYC school system since 2003. Enrollment is now taking place for fall classes in Schoolyard Smarts, Stranger-Smarts, karate, and general self-defense. In addition, private lessons can be arranged in one’s home. Contact Sensei Meir at 516-582-5657, or at senseimeir@ gmail.com.

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ow that the Yom Tovim are behind us and school is in full swing, homework and studying are likely taking up the majority of your child’s evening. Many students do not have an outlet. Some might turn to video games or other entertainment for an outlet, but there are better alternatives, such as karate. While karate is not for everyone, its unique qualities can be beneficial for many. Why is that so? My answer is based on being a karate teacher for almost 25 years; the last ten have been here in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway area. In this article I would like to explain the two main benefits a good karate class should offer, as well as explain the important role self-defense has in a karate class.

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In the Kitchen Naomi Nachman

What’s for Supper? It’s Mexican Tonight!

on’t you just love Mexican food? It’s a real combination of flavors that have a little heat from jalapeños and the sweet taste of cilantro. With kosher Mexican restaurants popping up all over the place, I wanted to be able to also make it myself at home. The key is using fresh ingredients such as garlic, limes, lemons and herbs.

You can go either dairy or meat. For this recipe, you can make it dairy too by using soy chicken cutlets available at the local kosher supermarket and that way you can use real cream cheese; you should also add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese into the mixture of your dairy version.

Fiesta Chicken Enchiladas Ingredients 1 small onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 4 chicken breast cut into ½ inch pieces ½ cup corn ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained 2 diced jalapeno peppers

1 cup salsa, divided ¼ cup chopped cilantro 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper ¼ cup parve cream cheese 8 flour tortillas (6 inch)

Preparation Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat large skillet with 1 tablespoon canola oil on medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add chicken and cook until chicken is no longer pink inside. Add corn, beans and jalapeño peppers and sauté until soft for 2 minutes. Then add ¼ cup salsa, parve cream cheese, cilantro and cumin; mix well. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up. Place, seam-sides down, in 9x13-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining salsa. Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. Serve with guacamole and fresh salsa.

Fresh Tuna Tacos

Ingredients

3 8-ounce tuna steak, ¾ inch thick 3 tablespoon taco seasoning mix 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Dipping sauce 1/3 cup pareve sour cream 1/4 cup chopped red onion

3 tablespoons chopped cilantro (use can use parsley or dill if you have an aversion to cilantro) ½ fresh lime, squeezed 2 dashes hot sauce, optional 4 taco shells

Preparation Mix the ingredients for the dipping sauce and set aside. (I throw mine in a food processor for smoothness.) Place tuna in medium bowl; sprinkle with taco seasoning. Heat oil in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add tuna; sear to desired doneness, about 3 minutes for medium rare. Place tuna in taco shells, drizzle with dipping sauce mixture, guacamole and/ or salsa.

Perfect Guacamole Ingredients 2 ripe avocados ½ red onion, minced (about 1/2 cup) 2 cloves of garlic 1 jalapeño 1 handful cilantro leaves, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fresh lime or lemon juice ½ teaspoon coarse salt A dash of freshly grated black pepper 1 ripe tomato, diced (optional) Preparation In a food processor, add onions, garlic and jalapeño. Once it is smooth, add the rest of the ingredients. If you are using tomatoes, fold it in by hand.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website,www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

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Forgotten Heroes

Avi Heiligman

American Victory in the Battle of Fort Riviere

n the past centutactics. After exry, the world has ecuting hundreds seen the United of political prisonStates military as ers, an angry mob the global policelynched him. The man to protect its country was leaderpolitical and finanless again. The next cial interests. Some potential president call it imperialism was anti-American. while others think The U.S. had Painting of the action at the fort. of it as a world economic interests Gross is on the right, Smedly in the center and Iams on the left power extending its in Haiti especially long reach to make in the sugar plantathe world a safer place. Certain areas tions. In order to protect these interests, required the attention of the Amer- President Woodrow Wilson sent 330 icans more than once. Places like the marines to restore order. They landed Philippines, Somalia and Iraq have in the capital city, Port-Au-Prince, in seen American ground troops trying to July and established a government with stabilize these nations and reorganize several marines and sailors in tempothe local government. Haiti is another rary positions of power. Establishing one of these couna police force, the tries which first got marines then sought American attention to bring down the in 1915 right at the rebels with a group beginning of World called the GendarWar I. merie. The fight For five years, between the rebels, Haiti was in political also known as Caturmoil. Five presicos, and the governdents had come and ment’s Gendarmerie gone (a couple of force reinforced by them were assassithe Americans was nated), and General known as the Caco Vilbrun Sam took Wars. The first battle over establishing was at Fort Dipitie a dictatorship. As on October 24, and with the previous the Americans were Painting of Samuel Gross in action presidents, he faced quick to quell the uprisings and at400 rebels holding tempted coups. Determined to squelch the fort. the rebellions, he resorted to brutal The marines, led by Captain Smed-

ley Butler with the Gendarmerie in tion reads, “In company with members reserve, continued pushing the rebels of the 5th, 13th, 23d Companies and back but came upon the formidable the marine and sailor detachment from Fort Riviere. The fort was built by the the USS Connecticut, Gross participatFrench in the 1700s and was on top of ed in the attack on Fort Riviere, Haiti, a mountain with formidable defenses. November 17, 1915. Following a conHowever, the rebels had no artillery centrated drive, several different deand were known to be poor shots. The tachments of marines gradually closed 200 defenders only had a few rifles and in on the old French bastion fort in assorted medieval weapons like swords an effort to cut off all avenues of retreat for the Caco and knives. Still, bandits. ApproachButler was taking ing a breach in the no chances and prewall which was the pared to attack with only entrance to the three companies of fort, Gross was the 24 hand-picked masecond man to pass rines each. through the breach At about 7 PM in the face of conon November 17, the stant fire from the Americans moved Cacos and, thereafstealthily into positer, for a 10-minute tions around the fort. period, engaged the A half an hour later, enemy in desperate Butler blew a whishand-to-hand comtle and the attack bat until the basstarted. The way tion was captured into the fort from and Caco resistance the direction they Smedly Butler neutralized.” were attacking was a This battle ended the first Caco small tunnel. The first two men into the tunnel were Sergeant Ross Iams and War. A few years later, there was anPrivate Samuel Gross followed by But- other uprising against the American ler. They were under fire the entire time occupation known as the Second Caco but suffered no casualties at this point. War. That rebellion was also squelched As they came out of the tunnel, over 60 pretty easily even though it was bigger Cacos opened fire but the three Amer- than the first war. However, the Battle icans were soon reinforced by the ad- of Fort Riviere was the most widely vancing marines and in about 10 min- known battle of the American occuutes forced the Cacos to flee. About 50 pation which ended in 1934. Samuel Cacos were killed and only one Amer- Gross retired from the marines in 1918 ican was injured. The rebels weren’t and is believed to be the only Jewish trained to use their guns for short dis- marine to receive the Medal of Honor. The men who fought in Haiti were tances so they threw them away and picked up stones instead. One of these not only protecting American interests stones hit an American officer in the but were showing the world that the face. Aside from the lieutenant needing U.S. has the power to defeat anyone dental work, the Americans captured who threatens world peace. Indeed, a the fort while facing superior numbers. couple of years later, America entered What was interesting about the af- WWI and defeated the German military termath of this battle was the awarding juggernaut in just one year of fighting, the Congressional Medal of Honor to restoring peace to Europe. Butler, Iams and Gross. The medal is the highest decoration for an American in the military. Gross, who was one of only a handful of Jewish servicemen Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to to win the medal, was born in 1891 in The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comPhiladelphia. His real name was Samu- ments and suggestions.for future columns el Marguiles and was credited with sav- and can be reached at aviheiligman@ ing the life of Butler who was issued his gmail.com. second Medal of Honor. Gross’s cita-

Lola Lieber Schwartz

A World After This

A Memoir of Loss and Redemption

Part Seven: Spring At Last Chapter 22 Bucharest 1945

e left for Bucharest with hearts half-alight in hope and half-shadowed in darkness. My relatives gave us some cash for our trip as we were without any resources. We had the clothes on our backs and one fresh change for each. With nothing to burden us the trip was made easier. No more layers of clothing on our bodies or swaying carts dangerously overweight with household belongings. We had each other and a profound sense of gratitude. Danger remained with us as our now-constant companion. There was still the risk of air raids in Budapest and we were advised to clear the city limits as swiftly as we could. We walked for hours toward a railroad junction we had been told was our safest choice. On the way we encountered hundreds of refugees; many could barely walk because of what they had endured, yet they were still clinging to bundles of possessions. We understood this feeling. We had experienced it in earlier phases of our journey to survival. We were surprised to see refugees fleeing Budapest in horse-drawn carts and with proper suitcases and crates loaded in the back. Not everyone had suffered the same deprivation in the war, quite obviously. Occasionally we heard the echo of explosions, and I shuddered with the all-too-recent memory of what we had seen and experienced. I had no particular feeling about Bucharest, but I wanted to get out of Budapest.

We finally came to the railroad junction and saw several trains waiting there. We asked other refugees who were milling around if these were cars that would take us toward Bucharest. They all said we were in the right place. They were cattle cars,

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. sang along with them. The car we had boarded had two kinds of “accommodations” – one end of the car had straw on the floor and the other did not; it was standing room only. Mechel jokingly referred to it as “first- and second-class” sections. We found room in

It was beginning to infiltrate my brain that the war against the Jews had been thorough, country-by-country extermination, and almost successful.

although this meant nothing to me at this point. I was blind to the irony and meaning of the form of transport we were going to take. I would learn later that these were the cars that had been used to take Jews to slaughter. All I could think of was that I did not have to pretend to be someone I wasn’t and I no longer had the fear of being asked for papers. We were no longer afraid of deportation, railroad conductors, or SS officers. There were no conductors on these cars in any event. And there were no tickets. We climbed aboard with a group of peasants, a few remaining Gypsies who had not been murdered, and some Hungarian soldiers, along with masses of refugees of assorted nationalities and ethnicities. The clothing worn by the traditional peasants fascinated me. They all dressed in the same style. The men wore jackets with embroidery on their sleeves and lapels. The women were in long dresses, and all wore scarves. They sang songs with lovely melodies constantly, probably to calm their nerves. I picked up the tunes and

the straw area and lay down. The ride was uncomfortable in many ways, but there were no complaints from us. The train stopped for the night just outside a town called Koloshvar, which was in Romania. (Today it is Cluj-Napoca. In my childhood, I’d heard it referred to by its Yiddish name, Kloizenburg, and it 

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was noteworthy in our world because it was the home of the Kloizenburg Rebbe, Rabbi Yekusiel Halberstam, a cousin of the Bobover Rebbe.) We got off the train and found a family to take us in for the night. It was a Jewish family and there was much gaiety in their home. I don’t remember the rest of the family, but the young daughter impressed me. Her name was Gabi and she was pretty and sophisticated. She was excited because it was the evening of a major wedding in town. The Satmar Rebbe’s daughter was going to be married. Gabi asked me to help her get ready for the wedding. I helped Gabi and she loaned me a few pretty things as well. It was the first moment of true happiness I had in all those years. We were invited to the wedding and were delighted to be included. Naturally it brought back thoughts of my own miserable wedding, but it did not detract from my ability to share the joy that filled the air. The wedding was held in the Rebbe’s backyard on a beautiful night with a sky filled with stars. There was a fine tablecloth on the table, wellContinued on page 80

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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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Lola's Story

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cooked and delicious food, and gifts! And there was not a whisper of fear about gunfire or arrest, or an impending Aktion. What a beginning to our stay in Bucharest; I happily anticipated good days ahead. When we returned to the railroad tracks the next day, as we had been instructed by the other travelers, we found a different cattle train waiting there. The passengers were roaming around in the fields, some congregating in groups talking to one another, others just too weak to continue the trip. We boarded. The cattle cars swayed precariously from side to side. We rode on for another 300 miles to Bucharest, crossing the Carpathian Mountains on the way. At some point toward the end of our journey I met a young man called David Horn. He was from Upper Silesia near Katowice. He made a most favorable impression on me and I thought about the wedding we’d just attended, and how Gabi would make a fine bride and he, a fine bridegroom. I contacted her parents once we were in Bucharest, and sure enough, I made a shidduch (a match). I’ve made others since, but this one was very special for me because it affirmed that I was alive, and it restored

to me my own womanhood. The train slowly entered the center of Bucharest. I was startled because I liked what I saw, and of course my eyes saw things differently now. I looked out at Bucharest with the eyes of a person beginning a new life, not

what I did not: that its recent history was one of horror and death. More than 760,000 Jews had lived in Greater Romania before the war. Romania joined the Nazi alliance in late 1940. Jews by the thousands had been immediately mobilized for slave labor.

The tapestry of centuries of our life as a people had been ripped apart beyond recognition—but hopefully not beyond its ability to be rewoven.

as a terrified Jew waiting to be caught in the Nazi net. The city did not appear to have been bombed. Bucharest had been liberated about six months before Budapest, so conditions were far more settled. As we left the train, we saw it was market day. All around the central square, we observed the peasant farmers selling corn flour, a staple in Romania, and huge chunks of sheep cheese. I shared with Mechel my first impressions of Bucharest. Mechel was chilled by my remarks, for he knew

REGAL Mother of Pearl and Sterling Ataros

Romania was a fascist dictatorship run by local Nazis who were supported by the Germans. By 1941 there were 330,000 German troops, Wehrmacht Army divisions, inside the country. The Romanian fascist movement and its police enforcers started the seizure of Jewish homes and businesses as early as the winter of 1940–1941. In June 1941 Romania fought along with Germany to invade the Soviet Union. In return, Romania regained territory it had lost to the Soviets and a bit of the Ukraine known as

Transnistria. The Romanians deported 150,000 Jews into this zone, and by the time they were forced to relinquish it, 90,000 of them were dead. I was much sobered as we walked through Bucharest. It was beginning to infiltrate my brain that the war against the Jews had been thorough, country-by-country extermination, and almost successful, but for those of us still alive who defied by our existence the Final Solution. The next weeks would further my education, not as a Jewish woman but as a survivor. Bucharest was my first postwar, hard lesson. I had not imagined the dimensions of the reality until this moment. The Reich, aided by its enthusiastic supporters within the nations it overran, had ravaged Europe. European Jewry was in shreds. The tapestry of centuries of our life as a people had been ripped apart beyond recognition – but hopefully not beyond its ability to be rewoven. Continued next week 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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WELCoME i-SHINERS

O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

...and Thank You Emily!

As we begin our ninth year together, i-Shine has a special gift for all our newbies and veterans: a backpack filled with school supplies chosen and packed with love by Emily Zrihen and her Bat Mitzvah guests. These colorful, stuffed packs are just the thing to give i-Shiners a head start as they head back to school. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to a year filled with activities, fun, friendships â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and lots of smiles and laughter.

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My Israel Home

Gedaliah Borvick

Tax Reform and its Real Estate Implications

he Knesset recently approved Israel’s 2013-2014 budget which was guided by the newly passed “Changing National Priorities” law. I enlisted Avigail Slonim-Rothner, an exceptional real estate attorney, to educate us on the new law, as it has many tax implications for overseas buyers of real estate in Israel. The following is a synopsis of Avigail’s essay. Aim The aim of the bill is to equalize the taxation of real estate to the tax rates applicable to other investments, such as stocks and bonds. The government’s goal is to (1) increase its tax revenue from real estate transactions, and (2) lower real estate prices by imposing heavier taxes on luxury homes. New Rates For Israeli residents, the purchase tax on residential homes is calculated on a sliding scale. Purchasers of a first home are taxed at a significantly lower rate than owners of multiple homes.

For a first home, the tax rate starts at 0% and graduates up to 5% for a unit costing up to 4,500,000 NIS. However, the tax rate for a second home starts at 5% and graduates up to 7% up to 4,500,000 NIS. Above 4,500,000 NIS, the tax rate increases significantly for both first and second home buyers – basically, the government is charging a luxury home tax.

Non-Residents Here’s the unpleasant news: The new law charges non-residents the tax rate paid by Israelis who own multiple homes, even if the apartment is the only home that the overseas buyers own in Israel. For example, if Mr. and Mrs. Cohen

from Teaneck, New Jersey, want to buy an apartment priced at 1,470,000 NIS (around $400,000), they would be taxed over 5% while an Israeli first-home buyer would pay no purchase tax. Note that homebuyers making aliyah within two years of acquiring a home in Israel are considered Israeli residents and can receive a refund for the higher tax rate that they paid upon purchase. Capital Gains Tax Capital gains taxes are paid on profit made from the sale of real estate. The calculation of this tax is complex, as the rates vary depending on the length of time that the seller owned the property. The current law allows for many exemptions from payment of capital gains taxes, and most residential homes are sold without being subject to the tax. The most commonly applied exemption allows an individual to sell a home once every four years tax-free, regardless of how many homes he owns. The new law, which will come into effect as of January 1, 2014, offers fewer

exemptions. The main exemption will be given to a person selling his only home in Israel. Here, again, the law differentiates between Israeli residents and non-residents. Non-residents are considered to be owners of multiple homes even if the residential unit that they sold was their only property in Israel. Accordingly, they have to pay a higher capital gains rate unless they provide proof that they do not own a residence in their home country. To read Avigail Slonim-Rothner’s original article which provides a more detailed review of the issues, feel free to contact her at rothner@bezeqint.net or 02-999-2435.

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.my israelhome.com.

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov The Ruth & Hyman Simon High School 131 Washington Avenue Lawrence, NY 11559 T: (516)374 (516)374--6465 www.ateresyaakov.com

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Ask the Attorney Sol Z. Sokel, Esq.

Bicycles & the Rules of the Road My daughter was almost hit by a car while riding down Broadway from our home in Hewlett to Far Rockaway. Thank G-d, the driver swerved out of the way, but my daughter still fell off her bike. Later, x-rays proved that she broke her wrist. The most bothersome part of the ordeal was the concern displayed by the driver, a respected member of the community. He was considerably upset that my daughter was not driving on the right side of the road. However, I had heard that riding on the left side of the road, against traffic, is safer. A lawsuit is not in our plans whatsoever, but can you please advise us about who is right on this subject. The Attorney Responds: Although this topic would have been timelier in the spring or summer, as of this writing, the weather has been great and people are still out riding bicycles. With this in mind, I can provide some interesting laws regarding bicycles that may be both helpful and enlightening. You may be surprised to learn that

bicyclists are “subject to all of the duties applicable to drivers of motor vehicles under the law in New York State.”[1] This is generally true “except [as to] those provisions which, by their nature, can have no application.”[2] Cutting straight to your question, under New York State’s body of law known as the Vehicle & Traffic Law, a bicycle rider must operate the bicycle on the right side of the road (with limited exceptions for safety and circumstances not applicable here).[3] By comparison,

it is advisable that pedestrians walk on the side of the road facing traffic, which would usually be the left side of the road.[4]

-A child one or more years of age but less than five years of age must wear an approved helmet and be carried in a properly affixed child carrier.

Each bicycle rider and motorist has a duty to operate his bicycle or automobile with reasonable care.

It is worth mentioning here that each bicyclist has a broad duty to be aware of his surroundings and exercise due care, regardless of the situation, similar to vehicle operators. Each bicycle rider and motorist has a duty to operate his bicycle or automobile with reasonable care, having regard to the actual and potential hazards existing from weather, road, traffic and other conditions, and each bicycle rider and motorist must also use reasonable care to avoid an accident.[5] Stated another way, safety is key. The following list of laws may be particularly interesting to learn. This first group of laws below include various noteworthy New York State laws for bicycle riders in the road:[6]

-A bike can carry only the number of persons for which it is designed and equipped. -No more than two riders can ride abreast. -A rider must keep at least one hand on handlebars when carrying packages. -A white headlight and red taillight must be used from dusk to dawn. -The bike must have a bell or other audible signal (not a whistle). -Reflective tires and/or other reflective devices are required. -Bicyclists are required to use hand signals to turn left and right and to stop or decrease speed. -A rider can use either hand to signal a right turn.

- A bicyclist cannot wear more than one earphone attached to a radio, iPod, MP3 or other audio device while riding.

There are more rules in New York City, which includes Far Rockaway, of course. With regard to riding on the side of the road, bicyclists must still ride to the right, although an exception exists for one-way, 40 foot-wide roads. Various noteworthy New York City laws for bicycle riders in the road, include the following:[8]

-A child five or more years of age but less than fourteen years of age must wear an approved helmet. (Note, however, an adult assumes the risk of injury when failing to wear a helmet!)

- Bike riding is not allowed on sidewalks unless a sign allows it or the bike’s wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter and the rider is twelve years or younger.

-A child under age one is not permitted to ride on a bicycle.

-Bicycle riders must use an available bike path/lane, if provided.

-There is no parking, standing or stopping by vehicles within bike lanes. -Other vehicles shall not drive on or across bike lanes except for access to other roads, turns, and other safety needs, etc. -No person shall ride a bicycle in a park, except in places designated for bike riding; but persons may push bikes in single file to and from such places, except on beaches and boardwalks. For a future column next spring or summer, I might write about additional laws regarding bicycles used for commercial purposes, different laws regarding electric bicycles, and/or interesting laws on other relevant topics. Until then, I hope your daughter has a speedy recovery and gets ready for more safe riding! [1] Redcross v. State, 241 A.D.2d 787. [2] Vehicle & Traffic Law Sec. 1231 [3] Vehicle & Traffic Law Sec. 1234 [4] See NYS DMV Driver’s Manual. [5] Cole v. Swagler, 308 N.Y. 325; Baker v. Close, 204 N.Y. 92. [6] See VTL § 375(24-a) & Art. 12 [7] See NYC Traffic Rules § 4-12 (p). [8] See NYC Traffic Rules generally, incl. §4-07(c)(3)-§4-14(c). No column is a substitute for competent legal advice. Any additional or different facts could change or affect any legal analysis. Please consult with your legal professional of choice regarding any legal question you may have.

Sol Z. Sokel, Esq. (a/k/a Shlomo) is associated with the AV rated law firm, Kelly, Rode & Kelly, LLP based out of Mineola and Riverhead. He lives in Cedarhurst with his wife and their five children. He can be reached at szsokel@krklaw.com and (516) 739-0400.

Life Coach Allan J. Rolnick CPA

Try Looking in the Couch Cushions

Help is Not a Dirty Word Plan for the best…but be prepared am, of course, a wife! for the worst! Don’t think you know it all. To be - Am I hoping someone knocks my good at anything we need an expert to head off when I put on a helmet?! guide us. Every great athlete, singer, gym- Am I saying: “Just try hitting my nast and pianist has a coach or mentor. car—I’m ready for you” just because I If one person alone needs all this guidput on my seatbelt?! ance to be good at something, doesn’t it No, I’m perfectly happy to ski, bike, make sense that two together would need and drive and never have anyone come even more help?! After all, they have two within 3 feet of me. opinions operating, two different histoThese precautions are there for that ries they are working with, and two difoff, off, off chance ferent approaches someone loses focus to life—male and or control and winds female. Whether you are up invading my Did you ever space. notice even fightoperating as a So why are peoers have a referple so resistant to ee to break them team or battling a prenuptial agreeapart, and a trainit out, you need a ment? They think er waiting back it’s a bad way to start in their corner to coach or trainer a marriage! I think advise them when it’s like a seatbelt or they do break to help you get a helmet! You never apart? And teams the best advice want to have it get that are supposed tested, but if it does to be operating as to be the best you get tested, you’re one have a coach can be. glad it’s there! to keep them The divorce rate working together. among young couSo, whether you ples is out of conare operating as a trol. People need to try to get to know team or battling it out, you need a coach each other better before they get married. or trainer to help you get the best advice But even afterwards we have a right to to be the best you can be. see things differently. It’s how you work Look, we are all together in one big things out that matters. They should “sea” of experiences. make a great effort to work together afSo let’s talk swimming, for example. ter they get married. Couples should all The two times you need help are when take a Shalom Workshop, which is an you want to improve and learn to be betengaged couples’ communication train- ter continuously or when you are drowning course. It offers constructive tools ing! on how to interact with each other with When do you want to get your help?! greater respect and consideration. Just Help is not a four letter word; it’s a like a screwdriver, hammer or plunger is gift you give yourself and your spouse, essential to have around the house in case whether it be a rav, mentor, coach, counthings fall apart, so too are these tools im- selor, or advisor. The Ethics of our Faportant. thers says, “Ah-say lecha rav” and Ah Then it’s important to have a rav, say let someone teach you how to be a mentor, or marriage counselor to talk to. winner in the game of life—especially People are quicker to get a chemistry tu- your married life! tor to help them with a semester than a marriage counselor to help them with a lifetime. There’s no embarrassment in getting some helpful advice. Avraham, our Patriarch, asked G-d every time he didn’t know what to do in his marriage, and Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship guess what?-G-d answered, “Listen to counselor, and career and life coach. She can your wife”— that’s one very solid piece be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivki@ of advice. I, for one, advocate that but I rosenwalds.com.

O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

eople lose things all the time. Usually it’s no big deal. We misplace our phone, keys, or sunglasses — then they show up an hour or a day later, or we replace them. Sometimes it’s more serious. We lose money in a stock or a mutual fund — then we make it back over time. But every so often, someone loses big. We just hope it’s not our public officials doing the losing! Last month, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (“TIGTA”), an IRS watchdog, released mentation.” a report titled “Affordable Care Act: • Finally, the IRS didn’t even Tracking of Health Insurance Reform bother tracking indirect costs, like rent, Implementation Fund Costs Could Be communications, and information techImproved.” That report reveals that the nology support for employees involved IRS can’t account for $67 million set in implementing the new law. “For exaside to administer the law better known ample, while the IRS may have been as Obamacare. able to place most Now, we’re not new employees hired here to take sides for the ACA in existThat report in the ongoing deing leased space, it reveals that the bate over the new still had to pay rent law. But we think on this space, could IRS can’t account even those who not use the space for oppose the law other purposes, and for $67 million would agree that could not consider set aside to the agency rethe space for inclusponsible for adsion in its ongoing administer the ministering all the space reduction eflaw better known new taxes under forts.” that law should be TIGTA made as Obamacare. several specific able to track what recommendations. it spends to do Mind-blowing ideas, that job! One of Obamacare’s lesser-known too, like cross-checking travel records provisions established the Health against employee hours to make sure Insurance Reform Implementation the travel is related to the purpose of the Fund (“HIRIF”) to pay administrative fund, keeping better records to substanexpenses to carry out the law. From 2010 tiate direct labor costs, and including inthrough 2012, the IRS spent $488 mil- direct expenses in the total cost. The IRS lion from the fund to implement the Af- didn’t really have much of a defense, so fordable Care Act, hiring 1,272 full-time they agreed with all of those recommenequivalent employees. TIGTA audited dations. Unfortunately, the HIRIF monthat spending “to determine whether the ey is all gone, so that promise doesn’t IRS has an adequate process to accurate- mean much! If you’re fortunate enough to have ly account for and report selected ACA implementation costs charged to the $67 million in the first place, you’re going to want help keeping it. That’s where HIRIF.” And what did they find? • Some costs were inaccurate or we come in. An accountant can give you not tracked, and supporting documenta- the plan you need so you don’t lose anytion wasn’t always kept. “Specifically, thing to unnecessary taxes. the IRS did not account for or attempt to quantify approximately $67 million of indirect ACA costs incurred for FYs Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in 2010 through 2012.” • Charges to the HIRIF were some- practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He times inaccurate and “not always sub- welcomes your comments and can be reached stantiated by reliable supporting docu- at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

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Your Money

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89 The Jewish Home n O c t o b e r 1 7 , 2013

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov The Ruth & Hyman Simon High School

131 Washington Avenue Lawrence, NY 11559 T: (516)374 (516)374--6465 www.ateresyaakov.com

ek Open House e W 1 t s Ju y! Sunday, October a Aw

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Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Ph.D. Menahel Rabbi Yehuda Horowitz, shlitâ&#x20AC;?a Mashgiach Ruchani Rabbi Sam Rudansky, M.A., J.D. General Studies Principal Rabbi Yossi Bennett, M.S. Assistant Menahel/Assistant Principal

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From My Private Art Collection Rebbetzin Naomi N. Herzberg

The Artist Mary Cassatt (Part II)

n her famous painting known as “The Boating Party,” Mary Cassatt depicted an event that actually happened. This true-to-life scene is an example of optimism, happiness and delight in things the way they were. The study of light was of extreme importance in capturing a fleeting moment of a particular subject or happening. The intensity of light changed the colors that portray the mood. The water was created with the use of shading of both light and dark of the same color. The brushstrokes are flat and cover large areas. There is a sense of balance in the triangular composition from up close that is solid. The woman is at its apex, completely central in the composition. She is holding the child with a maternal instinct, while the man is rowing, showing how strong he is and in control. It was a true statement of the times, when it was in style for women to be feminine and maternal; men were to be strong and in control.

Many of Cassatt’s paintings portrayed women holding a baby or small child. She used patterns on the woman’s dress, which was a sure sign of her style. She placed a tremendous amount

of character in to her paintings. She hinted at the features by doing them in a subtle form, as well as the texture of the form through shading. A firm design form and a definite atmosphere

surround the group in the painting. The design of the picture from a universal viewing angle, high up, is painted in a way that brings the painting close up with a hint at the top of the dawn, with

the reality up front. The painting truly captures the feeling of nineteenth century Impressionist paintings. We can tell from this painting how much Mary related to the times that she lived in and

how much she did not enjoy the modern movement. In final analysis, I must say that there is no better way to understand and gain an appreciation of actual art than by studying them, seeing the brushstrokes, texture and the actual quality of the painting. For more information and to become familiar with this painting, do further research. You will find the study of this particular painting quite fascinating. We can gain so much by looking at reproductions but nothing compares to actually viewing the originals. 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.

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